Salmon & Halibut Seasons
When it comes to Alaska fishing, timing is essential. You may be aiming to haul in Salmon or Halibut, but if you don’t come at the right time of year, you’ll be out of luck. You have to plan your Alaska fishing trip carefully if you want to bring home the right fish (or any fish at all).
Alaska Salmon
In general, the peak times for Salmon run from late May to late September. However, Alaska Salmons come in many different shapes and forms, all of which appear during different times of the year.
King Salmon: May 20 – July 31
The King Salmon is one of the most popular types of Alaska Salmon, often found from May 20 to July 31. During the early part of the season, fish them from boats using plugs and spinners. Then, switch to back trolling, bank fishing, or sight fishing later in the season.
Red Salmon (Sockeye): June 15 – August 20
Red Salmon appear in large numbers starting mid-June till mid-August. These are a tough Salmon species, so prepare for a fight by equipping yourself with a fly rod.
Chum Salmon: June 15 – August 31
Around the same time as Red Salmon, the Chum Salmon appear. Lure them in with colored flies and lures.
Pink Salmon: July 20 – September 15
The smallest of the bunch, Pink Salmon appear only in even numbered years. Nevertheless, during those years they can be caught in large numbers using small spoons and spinners.
Silver Salmon: July 20 – September 30
Silver Salmons are the true fighters of the bunch. To haul in these aggressive fish, pair bait with spinners and flies.
Alaska Halibut
From May 1 through to September 30, Alaska’s waters are teeming with Halibut. Large and tenacious, they’re among the most sought-after fish species in Alaska. While their size and ferociousness can be intimidating to some, they’re not that difficult to catch. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Use a tough rod that can handle strain: Remember, these fish are large, sometimes coming in at over 100 pounds. Get a rod that can handle the strain of pulling them in.
- Get fresh, stinky bait: Halibuts use their sense of smell to track down prey. Take advantage of this by deploying fresh, stinky bait.
- Go nice and slow: Halibuts can put up a fight. The best way to reel them in is to go slow and wait for them to completely consume the bait. As this occurs, increase the tension of your rod in order to set the hook.
At Green Rocks Lodge, we offer self-guided Alaska Salmon and Halibut tours. To learn more, contact us today!
