This Kodiak fishing report provides an up-to-date look at the diverse and dynamic fishing opportunities around Kodiak Island. From early spring halibut action to summer salmon runs and bottomfish catches, we'll guide you through current conditions, highlights, and important regulations to help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're a local angler or visiting for the first time, this report has the insights you need for a successful fishing season.

Nice haul out of Larsen Bay with Kodiak Legends Lodge!

Pink Salmon Action & Solid Bottomfishing

August in Kodiak kicks off with pink salmon at their peak keeping rods bent for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Saltery Creek pink salmon counts on August 5th have fluctuated dramatically over the past five years, ranging from a low of just 633 in 2022 to this year's strong return of 8,540. While 2023 saw a modest bump, 2025 is shaping up to be a standout year by comparison.

The Buskin River saw a huge surge of pink salmon on August 5th with 37,900 coming through. Dolly Varden are close behind, feeding on eggs and keeping things interesting between salmon bites.

Meanwhile, the Ayakulik River continues to deliver an exceptional sockeye season. As of August 5, the count reached 386,345 fish, maintaining its lead as the strongest return in the past five years and well ahead of typical numbers for this point in the season.

Offshore, halibut and bottomfishing opportunities stay solid whenever the weather lets boats reach the reefs and shelves. A reminder to everyone: the rule in Kodiak and Afognak waters is five rockfish per day, but only two can be of any single species and you're allowed just one yelloweye per day. King salmon limits are unchanged. It's still one per day everywhere it's open.

Sockeye Surge and Pink Overload

July 26, 2025

Mid-to-late July brought a surge of sockeye activity across Kodiak. On the Buskin River, 9,599 sockeye had been counted by July 26, the highest total for that date in five years. Strong returns saw daily limits increased to ten fish on rivers like the Saltery and Buskin. Meanwhile, the Ayakulik River is having an exceptional season, with over 360,000 sockeye counted by the same date and tracking well ahead of recent years.

As water levels evened out, pink salmon moved in strong. The Karluk River leads the pack with 7,657 pinks by July 26, which is the highest early-season count there in five years. The Buskin and Saltery are seeing steady action too, and anglers across the island are reporting fast fishing on both tides and rivers.

The island still has a very cautious approach to king salmon: west side rivers remained off-limits for much of the month, and the one-king-per-day limit is here to stay elsewhere.

Halibut trips have been rewarding when folks can chase them offshore, and the cooler's usually got at least a couple species of rockfish and lingcod too.

Weather Swings, Fish On & Lingcod Opener

July 5th, 2025

Early July delivered its usual mix of clouds and sun, but fishing barely slowed. Buskin River's sockeye counts climbed high enough for ADF&G to bump up bag limits for part of the month, and pinks started showing up practically everywhere you'd think to fish. Dolly Varden are a frequent by-catch on light gear. Most king salmon encountered in local rivers are caught accidentally while chasing sockeye or pinks, since targeted effort for them is limited this year. If you're after rockfish, make sure to mind the daily species rule so your catch stays legal and varied.

The big news for bottomfish fans is the July 1 lingcod opener, adding new excitement to Kodiak saltwater trips and giving anglers a shot at these impressive fish through the rest of summer.

Salmon Runs Building and Saltwater Success

June 21, 2025

As June winds down, the salmon momentum is rising. The cumulative sockeye count on the Karluk River for 2025, as of today, is just over 57,700 and more are pouring into many streams on Kodiak's road system, at Pasagshak especially. The closure on west side king salmon continues until month's end.

Despite king restrictions, there is plenty of good news: beautiful conditions and solid sockeye runs have everyone enjoying a good harvest this year. Offshore, those who braved the deeper waters for halibut and rockfish often finished the day with a heavy cooler. Dolly Varden are plentiful and provide added fun for those using light tackle or fly gear.

Halibut Hauls and Salmon Season Starts

June 7th, 2025

Early June is when everything explodes into motion: sockeye push up the Buskin, Saltery, and Pasagshak, and pinks pop up in accessible streams. King salmon remain in tough shape, with bag limits strictly set at one fish per day across most open areas, and notable river sections stay entirely closed to king harvest. Many anglers focus on sockeye, pinks, and super-abundant Dolly Varden. Halibut trips are a top choice for boaters this month. Be savvy and check for current emergency changes on your target fish before heading out.

Halibut Kicks Off, Watch Those Kings

May 28, 2025

May on Kodiak is the true start of the fishery calendar. Boats go in, reels get dusted off, and anglers get to target halibut over deep reefs when seas are calm. Chasing early kings in the saltwater is still part of the spring ritual, but nearly all king harvests are limited: the one-per-day rule was in place since the opener, and king fishing on the west side remains closed until July. Rockfish limits are a new puzzle for many, since you have to pay attention to species and numbers in your daily take. Salmon runs are just getting underway, but anticipation is high for the big runs right around the corner.

For every outing, check ADF&G for recent rule changes and special emergency orders. King salmon still need our best stewardship, while sockeye and pinks are making for some of the most action-packed days you'll see all year. Enjoy Kodiak's summer bounty and good luck out there!

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Successful lingcod opener with Kodiak Legends Lodge!