Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Bristol Bay (Complete Guide)

The world-famous Bristol Bay is home to some of Alaska’s best freshwater and saltwater fishing. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.

The best times to fish in and around Bristol Bay are typically during the summer, particularly from late June to early September, when various salmon species, including sockeye, king, and coho, migrate through the region’s rivers and streams.

Month	Bristol Bay Fishing Location
January	The Nushagak River offers excellent winter fishing opportunities for steelhead and resident species such as Dolly Varden.
February	Naknek River’s lower section near Kvichak Bay provides productive ice fishing for rainbow trout and char.
March	Lake Aleknagik, with its abundance of rainbow trout and Arctic char, becomes a popular ice fishing destination this month.
April	The Igushik River is known for its early season king salmon runs, attracting anglers eager to catch these prized fish.
May	The Igushik River is known for its early-season king salmon runs, attracting anglers eager to catch these prized fish.
June	The famous Naknek River’s Middle and Lower sections continue to provide excellent fishing for sockeye salmon, and you might also encounter some massive king salmon.
July	The famous Naknek River’s Middle and Lower sections continue to provide excellent fishing for sockeye salmon, and you might encounter some massive king salmon as well.
August	The Bristol Bay region’s countless coastal spots, such as the Egegik Bay, are teeming with returning silver (coho) salmon.
September	The Kvichak River’s Talarik Creek sees a surge in silver (coho) salmon runs.
October	The Mulchatna River, particularly near its mouth, becomes a hotspot for trophy-sized rainbow trout and Dolly Varden as they follow the late-season salmon runs.
November	Lake Clark’s Silver Salmon Creek provides excellent surf fishing for silver (coho) salmon.
December	The Nushagak River’s lower section near the village of Portage Creek allows for winter fishing opportunities, with steelhead and resident species.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Bristol Bay. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish near Bristol Bay

Nushagak River (June to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Naknek River (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Kvichak River (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Wood River System (May to July) – Target: Trophy Rainbow Trout, Sockeye Salmon.

Igushik River (April to May) – Target: King Salmon.

Togiak River (July to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Chum Salmon.

Alagnak River (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Goodnews River (June to July) – Target: King Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon.

Chignik River (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon.

Ugashik River (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon.

Alakanuk River (July) – Target: King Salmon, Chum Salmon.

Egegik River (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon.

Mulchatna River (October) – Target: Trophy Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden.

Talarik Creek (September) – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon.

Alatna River (June to July) – Target: King Salmon, Chum Salmon.

Nakchamuk Creek (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Meshik River (June to July) – Target: King Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon.

Kulukak River (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon.

Upper Togiak River (July to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Chum Salmon.

Igushik Creek (April to May) – Target: King Salmon.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in the Bristol Bay

Naknek Bay (June to August) – Target: King Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Egegik Bay (August) – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Ugashik Bay (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Bristol Bay Offshore (June to August) – Target: King Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Kvichak Bay (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Halibut.

Igushik Bay (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Togiak Bay (July to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Chum Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Alagnak Bay (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Halibut, Rockfish.

Goodnews Bay (June to July) – Target: King Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Port Heiden Bay (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Chignik Bay (July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Port Moller (June to July) – Target: King Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Nelson Lagoon (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Cape Peirce (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Nushagak Bay (June to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Wood River Bay (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Igushik Lagoon (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Ugashik Lagoon (June to July) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Togiak Lagoon (July to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Chum Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish.

Nushagak Peninsula (June to August) – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Halibut, Rockfish.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Alaska

These Alaska-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Halibut Beach Fishing	Ninilchik, AK
Homer Fishing Adventures	Homer, AK
Jason’s Guide Service	Cooper Landing, AK
Outgoing Angling	Soldotna, AK
Peninsula Sportfishing – Kenai River	Soldotna, AK
ChasingTales Alaska	Sterling, AK
Hi Time Charters	Juneau, AK
Reel Alaska Fishing Charters	Ketchikan, AK
Alaskan Widespread Fishing	Soldotna, AK
Alaska Slammin Salmon Charters	Kenai, AK

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Halibut

The best time to fish for halibut in Bristol Bay is during the summer months, from June to September. Halibut fishing is often more successful in the early morning or late afternoon when these bottom-dwelling fish are more active. Some of the best locations for halibut fishing in Bristol Bay include Naknek Bay, Egegik Bay, Kvichak Bay, and Nushagak Bay, where the deep waters and sandy bottoms are ideal habitats for halibut.

Rockfish

The best time to fish for rockfish in Bristol Bay is during the summer months, from June to August. Rockfish can be caught throughout the day but are often more active during early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for rockfish fishing in Bristol Bay include Naknek Bay, Kvichak Bay, Nushagak Bay, and Port Heiden Bay, where rocky areas and underwater structures provide excellent habitat for rockfish.

Lingcod

Lingcod can be caught in Bristol Bay from June to September in the summer. They are typically more active during early morning or late afternoon feeding. Some of the best locations to catch lingcod in Bristol Bay include Naknek River, Kvichak Bay, and Port Heiden Bay, where rocky areas and underwater structures provide good habitat for lingcod.

Pacific Cod

The best time to fish for Pacific cod in Bristol Bay is during the summer months, from June to August. Pacific cod are usually more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for Pacific cod fishing in Bristol Bay include Naknek Bay, Kvichak Bay, Nushagak Bay, and Egegik Bay, where the cold waters provide a suitable environment for these fish.

Yelloweye Rockfish

Yelloweye rockfish can be caught in Bristol Bay throughout the year, but the best time is during the summer months, from June to September. They are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for yelloweye rockfish fishing in Bristol Bay include Naknek Bay, Kvichak Bay, Nushagak Bay, and Egegik Bay, where rocky structures and deeper waters provide a suitable habitat for these fish.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer and fall months, from June to November. These crabs are typically caught using traps and are more active during high tide. Some of the best locations for Dungeness crab fishing in Bristol Bay include Naknek Bay, Kvichak Bay, Egegik Bay, and Nushagak Bay, where the crabs are abundant in the shallower waters and near rocky areas.

Alaska Pollock

Alaska Pollock fishing in Bristol Bay is typically good year-round, but the best months are from April to October. These fish are often caught during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for Alaska Pollock fishing in Bristol Bay include Naknek Bay, Kvichak Bay, Nushagak Bay, and Egegik Bay, where they can be found in the deeper waters and near structures like reefs and drop-offs.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer, from June to August. These fish are most active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for sockeye salmon fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Nushagak River, and Egegik River.

Chinook (King) Salmon

King salmon fishing in Bristol Bay is best from June to August in the summer. These fish are often more active during early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for king salmon fishing in Bristol Bay include the Nushagak River, Naknek River, Kvichak River, and Alagnak River.

Coho (Silver) Salmon

Coho salmon fishing in Bristol Bay is best between late summer and early fall, from August to September. These fish are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for coho salmon fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Alagnak River, and Togiak River.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer months, from July to August. These fish are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for pink salmon fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Nushagak River, and Togiak River.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer and early fall, from July to September. These fish are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for chum salmon fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Togiak River, and Nushagak River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer, from June to August. These fish are often more active during early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for rainbow trout fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Nushagak River, and Alagnak River.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the winter and early spring months, from January to April. These fish are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for steelhead fishing in Bristol Bay include the Nushagak River, Naknek River, Kvichak River, and Alagnak River.

Arctic Char

Arctic char fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer and fall months, from June to October. These fish are often more active during early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for Arctic char fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Wood River, and Lake Aleknagik.

Arctic Grayling

Arctic grayling fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer, from June to August. These fish are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for Arctic grayling fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Alagnak River, and Mulchatna River.

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden fishing in Bristol Bay is best during the summer, from June to August. These fish are often more active during daylight hours. Some of the best locations for Dolly Varden fishing in Bristol Bay include the Naknek River, Kvichak River, Alagnak River, and Wood River.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Kasilof River, please check out my helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in the Kenai River, please check out my helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alaska, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best Fishing in the Bristol Bay on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Nushagak River – Target: Steelhead, Resident Species.
• Naknek River – Target: Rainbow Trout, Char.
• Igushik Creek – Target: King Salmon.
• Mulchatna River – Target: Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden.
• Lake Clark’s Silver Salmon Creek – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon (Surf Fishing).
• Portage Creek (Nushagak River) – Target: Steelhead, Resident Species (Winter Fishing).

Spring

• Naknek River – Target: King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Kvichak Bay – Target: King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Nushagak River – Target: King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Alagnak River – Target: King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Wood River – Target: Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden.
• Igushik River – Target: King Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Summer

• Naknek River – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Kvichak Bay – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Nushagak River – Target: Sockeye Salmon, King Salmon.
• Alagnak River – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Wood River – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Egegik Bay – Target: Sockeye Salmon, Silver (Coho) Salmon.

Fall

• Naknek River – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon.
• Kvichak Bay – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Nushagak River – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon, King Salmon.
• Alagnak River – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Wood River – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon, Rainbow Trout.
• Togiak River – Target: Silver (Coho) Salmon, Chum Salmon.