Sockeye Salmon - 'Reds'

Sockeye are a delicious and rewarding sport fish to target. Most of the sockeye salmon caught in Valdez are caught in the Robe River along a stretch of the stream that is fly-fishing only.

In saltwater reds display bluish-green tops and shiny silvery sides and bottoms. Males develop a hump back with a hook jaw as they return to freshwater. Sockeye develop green colors on their head while their bodies turn red when spawning. Sockeye can grow as long as 33 inches and weigh an average of 8 pounds.

To fish for them, you can use a 7 to 8-foot medium bait casting or spinning rod and reel combination with 150 yards of 10-20 pound test. In the freshwater 'Fly Fishing Only' area of the Robe River you can use a 7 to 8-weight rod that is 9 to 9½-foot with a matching reel size holding 100 yards of 30-pound backing, and a 10 to 15-pound leader from three to five feet long. Use hooks anywhere from size 3 to 7. Weights can be used as long as they are 18 inches or more away from the fly.

Sockeye meat has a firm texture and is considered to be very flavorful compared to other salmon.

Check local regulations prior to fishing for accurate and up to date information. To learn more about fishing each species in Valdez please visit the following pages: