Best Times & Seasons to Catch Fish in Alaska (Full Guide)

Alaska offers some of the best fishing in the world. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Alaska are during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is milder, and the salmon runs are at their peak.

Month	Alaska Fishing Location
January	Ice fishing at Big Lake for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon.
February	Willow Creek for winter steelhead.
March	The Kenai River for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and steelhead.
April	The Copper River Delta for cutthroat and steelhead.
May	The Kanektok River for king salmon and rainbow trout.
June	The Naknek River for rainbow trout, king salmon, and sockeye salmon.
July	The Kvichak River for sockeye salmon.
August	The Alagnak River for silver salmon and rainbow trout.
September	The Nushagak River for king salmon and silver salmon.
October	The Situk River for coho salmon.
November	The Togiak River for silver salmon.
December	The Gulkana River for Arctic grayling.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Alaska. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Alaska

Kenai River (June-October): Chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout.

Russian River (June-August): Sockeye salmon, rainbow trout.

Willow Creek (June-September): Rainbow trout, arctic grayling.

Copper River (July-September): Sockeye salmon, coho salmon.

Gulkana River (June-August): King salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout.

Nushagak River (June-August): King salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char.

Karluk River (June-August): Sockeye salmon, king salmon, coho salmon.

Kvichak River (June-August): Sockeye salmon, rainbow trout.

Naknek River (June-August): Sockeye salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout.

Togiak River (July-September): Silver salmon, chum salmon, rainbow trout.

Situk River (April-November): Steelhead, coho salmon, cutthroat trout.

Unalakleet River (June-July): King salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon.

Kasilof River (June-July): King salmon, coho salmon, steelhead.

Talachulitna River (June-August): King salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout.

Koyukuk River (July-August): Chum salmon, king salmon, arctic grayling.

Chena River (June-August): Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, king salmon.

Upper Kenai River (June-September): Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden.

Big Su River (June-August): King salmon, silver salmon, rainbow trout.

Aniak River (June-August): King salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout.

Chilkat River (June-August): King salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon.

Best Sections of Lakes to Fish in Alaska

Kenai Lake – Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Kokanee Salmon – May to September

Eklutna Lake – Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to October

Lake Louise – Lake Trout, Grayling – May to September

Paxson Lake – Lake Trout, Grayling, Northern Pike – May to September

Hidden Lake – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – June to September

Tangle Lakes – Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, Northern Pike – May to September

Nancy Lake – Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Finger Lake – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Chelatna Lake – Lake Trout, Northern Pike – May to September

Skilak Lake – Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden – May to September

Lower Russian Lake – Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Sockeye Salmon – May to September

Resurrection Bay – Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Salmon – May to September

Harding Lake – Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Bradley Lake – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Trail Lakes – Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout – May to September

Clunie Lake – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Grayling – May to September

Big Lake – Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Sand Lake – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Swanson River Lakes – Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Red Shirt Lake – Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling – May to September

Recommended Fishing Guides in Alaska

These AK-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
King of the River – Powerboat	Kenai, AK
ChasingTales Alaska	Sterling, AK
Alaska Slammin Salmon Charters	Kenai, AK
Hi Time Charters	Juneau, AK
Outgoing Angling – Alaska	Soldotna, AK
Peninsula Sportfishing – Kenai River	Soldotna, AK
Kachemak King Fishing Charters	Homer, AK
Chum Fun Charters	Juneau, AK
Jason’s Guide Service	Cooper Landing, AK
Homer Fishing Adventures	Homer, AK

Best Coastal Sections to Fish in Alaska

Kodiak Island (June-September) – Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish

Sitka Sound (May-September) – King Salmon, Halibut, Lingcod

Prince William Sound (May-September) – Halibut, Lingcod, Salmon

Kachemak Bay (May-September) – Halibut, Rockfish, Salmon

Yakutat Bay (June-September) – Halibut, Salmon, Lingcod

Cook Inlet (May-September) – Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish

Resurrection Bay (May-September) – Halibut, Rockfish, Salmon

Craig (June-August) – Halibut, King Salmon, Lingcod

Seward (May-September) – Halibut, Rockfish, Salmon

Icy Strait (June-September) – Halibut, King Salmon, Lingcod

Chatham Strait (June-September) – Halibut, King Salmon, Lingcod

Petersburg (May-September) – Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish

Cordova (May-September) – Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish

Kenai Fjords (May-September) – Halibut, Rockfish, Salmon

Hoonah Sound (June-September) – Halibut, King Salmon, Lingcod

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Lingcod

Lingcod fishing in Alaska is usually best in the summer months, from June to August, when the waters are warmer. The best time of day to fish for lingcod is during high tide, when they tend to feed in shallow waters. Some of the best locations for lingcod fishing in Alaska include the Ketchikan area, Sitka, Kodiak Island, and Prince William Sound.

Rockfish

Rockfish can be caught year-round in Alaska, but the best time to catch them is during the summer months. The best time of day to fish for rockfish is during the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for rockfish in Alaska include Kodiak Island, Prince William Sound, Sitka, and the Kenai Fjords.

Yelloweye Rockfish

Yelloweye rockfish, also known as “red snapper,” are typically caught in deep water and can be found in Alaska year-round. However, the best time to catch them is during the summer months, from June to September. The optimal time of day to fish for yelloweye rockfish is during the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for yelloweye rockfish fishing in Alaska include Kodiak Island, Sitka, and the Prince William Sound.

Halibut

Halibut fishing in Alaska is best during the summer months, typically from mid-June to early September, when the fish are most active and plentiful. The best time of day to catch halibut is during the slack tide, which occurs when the tide changes direction. The top locations for halibut fishing in Alaska include Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound, Homer, Seward, and Sitka. Other popular spots include Kodiak Island, Valdez, and the Aleutian Islands.

Chinook Salmon

The best time to fish for chinook salmon in Alaska is generally from May to July, although it can vary depending on the location. Early morning and late evening tend to be the best time of day for fishing. Some of the best locations to fish for chinook salmon in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Kasilof River, the Copper River, the Susitna River, and the Yukon River. Other good spots include the Nushagak River, the Togiak River, and the Bristol Bay region.

Coho Salmon

The best time to fish for coho salmon in Alaska is during the late summer and early fall months, typically from August to September. The best time of day to catch coho salmon is during the early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations in Alaska to fish for coho salmon include the Kenai River, Copper River, and the Russian River. Additionally, Prince William Sound and the Resurrection Bay area are also popular spots for coho salmon fishing.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon fishing in Alaska is best during odd-numbered years when their populations peak. The prime time for fishing for pink salmon is typically in July and August, with peak fishing occurring in late July and early August. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish for pink salmon, with the most activity occurring during incoming tides. Some of the best locations for pink salmon fishing in Alaska include the Kenai River, Resurrection Bay, and Valdez Fisheries.

Chum “Dog” Salmon

Chum salmon can be caught in Alaska from late June through September, with the peak season typically being in July. The best time to fish for chum salmon is usually in the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for chum salmon in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Kuskokwim River, the Yukon River, and the Susitna River.

Sockeye Salmon

The best time to fish for sockeye salmon in Alaska is typically during the summer months, from late June through early August. During this time, the fish are returning to their spawning grounds and can be found in large numbers in many of the state’s rivers and streams. Some of the best locations to fish for sockeye salmon in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Copper River, the Kvichak River, and the Bristol Bay area, as well as several other rivers and streams throughout the state.

Rainbow Trout

The best time to fish for rainbow trout in Alaska is typically during the late spring and early summer months, when the water is warming up and the fish are most active. Rainbow trout are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations to fish for rainbow trout in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Naknek River, the Kvichak River, and the Talachulitna River, as well as several other rivers and streams throughout the state.

Steelhead

The best time to fish for steelhead in Alaska is generally from late summer to early fall, when the water is cooler and the fish are actively migrating upstream to spawn. Some of the best locations to fish for steelhead in Alaska include the Situk River, the Kenai River, the Russian River, and the Anchor River, as well as several other rivers and streams throughout the state.

Arctic Char

The best time to fish for arctic char in Alaska is generally from mid-summer to early fall, when the water is warmer and the fish are actively feeding. Some of the best locations to fish for char in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Kvichak River, the Naknek River, and the Brooks River, as well as several lakes and streams throughout the state.

Arctic Grayling

The best time to fish for arctic grayling in Alaska is generally from late spring to early fall, when the water is warmer and the fish are actively feeding. Grayling are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations to fish for grayling in Alaska include the Kenai River, the Tanana River, the Delta Clearwater River, and the Copper River, as well as several lakes and streams throughout the state.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for northern pike in Alaska is generally from late spring to early fall, when the water is warmer and the fish are actively feeding. Pike are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations to fish for pike in Alaska include the Yukon River, the Kuskokwim River, and the Kenai River, as well as several lakes and streams throughout the state.

Whitefish

The best time to fish for whitefish in Alaska is generally from late fall to early spring, when the water is cold and the fish are actively feeding. Whitefish are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the best locations to fish for whitefish in Alaska include the Kuskokwim River, the Susitna River, and the Kenai River, as well as several lakes and streams throughout the state.

Lake Trout

The best time to fish for lake trout in Alaska is generally from late May to early July, when the water is still cool and the fish are actively feeding. Some of the best locations to fish for lake trout in Alaska include Lake Iliamna, Lake Clark, and Kenai Lake, as well as the waters surrounding the Kenai Peninsula and the Bristol Bay region.

Dungeness Crabs

The best time to fish for crabs in Alaska is typically from June to September, when the weather is milder and the waters are calm. Some of the best locations to fish for crabs in Alaska include the towns of Ketchikan, Sitka, and Kodiak, as well as the waters surrounding the Aleutian Islands and Prince William Sound.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in British Columbia. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alaska. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Homer. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Juneau. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to catch halibut in Alaska. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bristol Bay, please check out this helpful article I wrote.

Best Fishing in Alaska on Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Resurrection Bay: This is a great spot to fish for halibut and black cod during winter. You can also find some rockfish in the area.
• Homer Spit: If you’re looking to catch some winter kings (also known as chinook salmon), Homer Spit is a great place to try. You can also find some halibut and rockfish here.
• Kenai River: The Kenai River is a popular spot for winter fishing, especially for steelhead and Dolly Varden trout.
• Matanuska Lake: Ice fishing is a popular activity during the winter months, and Matanuska Lake is a great spot to try your luck. You can catch a variety of fish here, including lake trout, Arctic char, and rainbow trout.

Spring

• Copper River: This is a popular spot to catch king salmon as they swim up the river during the spring season.
• Kenai River: Rainbow trout is abundant in this river during spring, and it is a great spot for fly fishing.
• Kachemak Bay: Arctic char can be caught here during the spring season, and it is a beautiful location to fish.
• Cook Inlet: Halibut fishing in Cook Inlet is excellent in the spring, and it is one of the best locations in Alaska to catch this fish species.

Summer

• Kenai River: This is a popular spot for fishing sockeye salmon in June and July. Anglers can also try for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
• Bristol Bay: This area is famous for its wild salmon runs, including sockeye, coho, and king salmon. Fishing is best from mid-June to mid-July.
• Kasilof River: Another great spot for sockeye salmon fishing, the Kasilof River is less crowded than the nearby Kenai River. The run usually starts in mid-July.
• Prince William Sound: This area is known for its halibut fishing, which is best from late May to early September. Rockfish and lingcod are also popular catches in this area.

Fall

• Kenai River for silver salmon: The Kenai River is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Alaska. In the fall, silver salmon are abundant in the river. The best time of day to fish is early morning or late evening.
• Kuskokwim River for king salmon: The Kuskokwim River is home to some of the largest king salmon in Alaska. The fall season is a great time to fish for kings as they are preparing to spawn. The best time of day to fish is during low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening.
• Resurrection Bay for halibut: Resurrection Bay near Seward is a great place to fish for halibut in the fall. The best time of day to fish is during slack tide.
• Russian River for rainbow trout: The Russian River is located on the Kenai Peninsula and is a great place to fish for rainbow trout in the fall. The best time of day to fish is early morning or late evening.

For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish in the Kasilof River, please check out this helpful guide.