Wondering where to fish in Alaska? We’ve got the top spots covered!
Alaska is Huge!
When you realize the actual size of our state and combine that with the number of opportunities for good fishing, narrowing down where to fish in Alaska can be a chore. If you are completely unsure where to start you may want to jump back to some basics questions to ask yourself and start here. Save yourself some time and use our Free Trip Planning Service. We will let some of our trusted affiliates know you are looking for a specific trip. Then they will be in touch with you to answer questions and offer tips.
Did you know?
Alaska is the largest of all the states—larger than Texas, California and Montana combined. It is 2400 miles wide at the widest point by 1420 miles long at the longest point.
River Fishing in Alaska
When it comes to where to fish in Alaska the options are endless, with some of the best rivers and ocean ports offering world-class fishing experiences. For river fishing, the Kenai River, Situk River, and Nushagak River are among some of Alaska’s most popular, with runs of salmon and trout that attract anglers from around the globe. There are countless rivers and lakes in Alaska and they all can offer a good time when you time it right.
Ocean Fishing in Alaska
For ocean charters, ports like Seward, Homer, and Kodiak are prime launching points for saltwater adventures. These locations offer incredible opportunities for catching halibut, lingcod, and a variety of rockfish. Halibut fishing is best from May to September, but if you also want to fish lingcod you may want to plan for after they open on July 1.
Alaska Fish Species
Salmon fishing peaks during the summer months, with June and July being the prime season for king salmon as well as sockeye salmon in most regions of the state where they are found. Silver salmon follow in August and September and they can be a bit earlier and later in certain parts.
Trout fishing is excellent in late summer through fall. For the diehard trout angler, into early October can be some of the best rainbow fishing for big trout on the Naknek or the Kenai.
Through the Ice
And for those who want to fish year-round, ice fishing in the Central Interior region opens up opportunities to target species like pike even during the cold months.
If you want to continue researching your options, but you know your target species and the type of fishing you’re looking for, the destinations listed here are some top choices to consider for some common trip wants and needs.
Looking for Ideas?
Figure out what calls to you. Is it the famous salmon runs and trout abundance in Bristol Bay? Maybe the scenic wild rivers of the Kenai Peninsula with some of your days spent on the seas near Homer for halibut and other days spent floating those famous rivers feeling tug after tug.
Perhaps the rugged coastlines in Kodiak and reeling in a load of beautiful saltwater fish destined for the freezer is your jam.
It could be the stunning coastal village of Valdez on your mind after hearing about their fishing derbies for a while.
The Mat-Su valley is known for trout and pike, while Fairbanks offers peaceful, remote fishing spots in the heart of Alaska’s interior for grayling and more. You could package those two together and make a vacation out of it.
They are all amazing Alaska destinations with quite the variety in fishing, things to do, and scenery. Most folks end up choosing what’s doable for a select trip than make sure to plan more trips in the future.
Whether this is your first trip, your 10th trip or you live here, these are some of the best areas in the state to fish and visit for a variety of reasons. We get to visit many phenomenal destinations around Alaska. It is our plan to keep expanding this section.
But if you don’t see details yet for where your interests lie, please feel free to email our Publishers at info@fishalaskamagazine.com. We are always willing to share what we know to help you plan your ultimate Alaska trip.
We encourage you to subscribe to our magazine and read through our many website articles to help you get ideas.