Red Salmon Fishing in Alaska
When anglers head to the Kalasif or Kenai rivers for a fishing trip, they usually have red salmon in mind. Also known as sockeye salmon, these fish are among the most coveted catches during Alaska’s summer season. June and July are the peak months for fishing sockeye, as they return to the rivers to spawn. During this time, the Kenai River alone can host up to a million sockeye salmon.
That makes fishing for red salmon a much more sustainable way for anglers to take advantage of opportunities in Alaska.
Fishing for Alaska Red Salmon
While King fishing is the predominant fishery on the rivers, the Kenai River has one of the largest Alaska Red Salmon runs in the world with around a million to a million and a half run up it every year. The first run of Alaska Red Salmon usually hits the river the last week of May and continues to the end of June. The second run of Alaska Red Salmon hits the river around the first week of July and continues through the middle of August. The red salmon fishery attracts people from around the World to target them and fill their freezers with some of the highest grade salmon around. The red salmon is not known to bite a lure so you have to learn the act of hooking them in the mouth. Some call it flossing, some call it tight lining, I call it food in the freezer.
Fishing for Reds on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers is one of the family’s favorite fisheries to do together. After taking clients out to fish these feisty salmon, it quickly becomes a favorite of theirs too. Imagine a fish on every cast, it’s common! When these fish enter the river they will sometimes come in thousands at a time making it easy to drift the line through their mouth. Timing is everything, so be sure to ask about when to try some of this awesome fishing that everyone is boasting about.
Where Should You Fish for Red Salmon in Alaska?
For the best red salmon fishing in Alaska, head to the Kenai, Russian, Copper, Kasilof, and Bristol Bay rivers. These locations are renowned for their abundant sockeye salmon runs, particularly from mid-June to late July. The Kenai River can host up to a million red salmon, while the Russian River offers clear waters and scenic views. The Copper River is famous for its delicious salmon, and the Kasilof River provides a quieter experience. Bristol Bay boasts one of the world’s largest sockeye runs. Our fishing guides are here to help you reel in the perfect catch.
How Do You Fish for Red Salmon?
The key to fishing for red salmon is to remember these fish are not aggressive biters. You have to lay your hook low in the water and set it up so it catches in the salmon’s mouth. This is when you attempt to draw the hook into the salmon’s mouth and get it hooked. From there, it’s a one-on-one fight that’s equal parts battle and dance. You have to work to get your salmon on the banks of the river and away from the bears.
Why Should You Book a Guided Fishing Charter With Alaska Halibut?
At Alaska Halibut, we know all there is to know about Alaska fishing. We take you to the right spots to try your luck with catching red salmon, whether you’re using the right hook, what regulations you need to know, and how effective your fishing tactics are. We can tell you which places you should avoid and point you to lesser-known spots where you might have a better chance of landing the big one. If you’re looking for experience when you come to fish salmon in Alaska, we’re here to offer our wisdom!
