Alaska Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024

Think of Alaska. What adjectives immediately come to mind? Breathtaking, mighty, and magical? Yes, this is exactly what the biggest state in the US promises. With the longest coastline in the country, the largest national park, tallest mountain on the continent, and the world’s longest interior valley glacier, the Land of the Midnight Sun is the land of superlatives. It’s a place you’ve always wanted to visit and experience its wonders. And fishing in Alaska is surely one of them.

No words do Alaska’s fishing justice. It has over 12,000 rivers, over 3 million lakes, and gorgeous fjords brimming with fish – all at your fingertips. The Last Frontier has so many fishing opportunities a rod’s length away… you just need to know where to start. 

So let’s take a closer look at Alaska’s immense fishing potential and what you can expect when casting a line here. The truth is that the sky is the limit. Whether you’d like to explore its freshwater or saltwater riches, you’ll be wowed not only by Alaska’s astounding beauty but also by angling action that matches the sights. Let’s get started.

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Best Fish to Catch in Alaska

If you’re an avid angler and are always on the lookout for a memorable fishing adventure, Alaska needs to be on your bucket list. Away from chattering cities and bright lights that drown out starlight, you’ll find some of the best fisheries in the world. Both freshwater and saltwater action here is incredible, and the number one catch just happens to be Alaska’s state fish – the mighty Chinook (aka “King”) Salmon. But there’s so much more to look forward to here!

Best Saltwater Catches in Alaska

We’re starting in the saltwater realm because that’s where Alaska’s stellar fishing reputation comes from. When you want to go after all five species of Pacific Salmon, the Last Frontier is the place to be. If that’s not enough, how about “barndoor” Halibut that can easily outweigh a human? Or maybe you’re in for catching some delicious fish you can take home, so you’re targeting bottom fish? The sky really is the limit!

• Salmon: The main reason thousands of anglers come to Alaska is Salmon. There’s no other place in the US where you can fish for Chinook, Coho, Pink, Sockeye, and Chum Salmon – that unique opportunity shouldn’t be missed. At the beginning of summer, the first Chinook show up in Alaska’s streams and, with that, the fun begins! Bear in mind that each of the subspecies has a slightly different seasonality, so make sure you talk to your guide to figure out the best time for you to come.
• Halibut: Another Alaskan classic, Halibut have been among the favorite catches for a long time and they have a big place in the state’s history. Similar to Salmon, the best time to get one is in the summer, though they’re around all year. “Chicken” Halibut usually weigh up to 40 pounds, and they’re the most delicious. But there’s a fair share of “barndoor” Halis out there that are up to 8 feet long, with their weight in triple digits. Getting one of these beasts into the boat isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the bragging rights you get from it are well worth the effort. And Seward is just about one of the best places in the world to find one.
• Lingcod: Beloved bottom dwellers with needle-sharp teeth, Lingcod are an Alaskan staple. They can grow to be over 50 pounds, and while they’re not much to look at, they make up for it with their size and delicious meat. Lingcod are most present in Alaska’s saltwater fishing in summer and fall when you can target them along with Rockfish and Halibut. These fellas might not be the feistiest fish out there, but getting them from the bottom into the boat will take work, but it promises to be a thrill!
• Rockfish: There are over 30 species of Rockfish in the rich waters of Alaska, and they’re all up for grabs. Orange and Black varieties are most commonly caught on fishing trips, often when you’re targeting Halibut and Lingcod. There are quite a lot of them near the bottom, and reeling them in takes time and strength. While Rockfish aren’t the prettiest fish to look at, they’re definitely among the tastiest, which is why people like catching them. Come to Alaska anytime from May to October for the best chance to hook into one.

Best Freshwater Catches in Alaska

Alaskan freshwater fishing is second to none. You can pick a remote lodge, hit a local stream, or book a fly-in adventure to seldom-fished rivers. From June to September, the rivers and streams ripple with all sorts of interesting targets. The incredibly beautiful Alaskan nature is matched only by the diversity of the freshwater fish.

• Trout: The biggest star of Alaska’s freshwater fisheries is Trout. Rainbow Trout and their ocean-run cousins, Steelhead, are the most coveted catch by traditional and fly anglers alike. Not only are ‘Bows supreme fighters and just as good as table fare, but they grow strong and bulky in the untouched remote wilderness. These gorgeous streams are also the playground of Lake and Cutthroat Trout. Together, these fantastic game fish create a haven for freshwater aficionados. You’ll want to fish for them in late summer and early fall when the action is at its peak.
• Dolly Varden: Named after a coquette who dressed in colorful clothes in a Charles Dickens novel, these colorful Trout lookalikes are actually members of the Char family. They can be found in Alaska’s interior and north of the Alaskan Peninsula. Dollies are usually smaller than Trout, though they can weigh upwards of 20 pounds. You can start fishing for them around Prince William Sound and Bristol Bay as early as June, and move on to Kodiak Island, Juneau, and Anchorage as the summer progresses.
• Arctic Char: These guys look like a mix of Salmon and Trout, and they’ve got the immense fighting abilities of both. Just like their name suggests, Arctic Char don’t mind the frigid temperatures of Alaska’s streams and lakes, so they’re the first to show up hungry. Char can show up as early as May, roaming the lakes around Bristol Bay in search of food. They don’t grow as big as King Salmon, but catches up to 10 pounds are common. Char are incredible fighters – among the best you’ll find here – which is the main reason so many anglers want them on the line!

When to Go Fishing in Alaska

As you might have guessed by now, peak fishing season in Alaska starts at the beginning of summer. That doesn’t mean you can’t catch anything before that, but rather you should be prepared for the colder weather.

If you find yourself in Alaska in the winter, you can hook into Grayling, Arctic Char, and yes, maybe even some Rainbow Trout. But when the weather becomes your friend again, it’s time to go out and cast your line – be it in freshwater or saltwater.

In June, the first Chinook and Sockeye Salmon arrive, ready to bulk up in preparation for spawning. As the short summer progresses, Trout are biting left and right further inland, and Coho, Chum, and Pink (on even years) varieties join the games. On the saltwater front, you can also expect great action in the summer, whether you’re after the biggest Halibut of your life or other bottom feeders like Lingcod and Rockfish.

The fall boasts phenomenal Trout fishing, as long as you don’t underestimate the cold weather that’s coming in fast. You might get some of the chunkiest Trout during fall, especially in remote destinations. But if you’re planning a fishing trip for a specific fish, take a look at our seasonal calendar to know when to go fishing in Alaska.

Alaska Fishing Spots

Where to fish in Alaska? Everywhere! You can start by picking one of Alaska’s Department of Fish and Wildlife’s five regions – the Southwest, Southcentral, Inside Passage, Interior, and the Arctic. The Alaska Highway alone has access to some amazing fishing spots, and you can stop along the way and see what you can catch. Whether you’re wondering which destination to discover first, what the best Halibut fishing spots are, or where you can get a trophy Trout, here are a few places that might interest you.

How to Go Fishing in Alaska

A fishing trip in Alaska is unlike any other. The state’s lakes are teeming with huge Salmon and Trout, while its oceans are home to arguably the best Halibut fishing in the world. There are so many ways to satisfy your angling needs, be it in complete solitude on a remote beach or by fighting for Salmon with a brown bear. Let’s take a look at how you can make your Alaska fishing adventure one to remember.

• Fly fishing: Alaska’s fly fishing opportunities will easily spoil you during the summer months. Fly anglers who are also outdoor enthusiasts come to the remote fishing lodges and spend days, battling wild Trout on the fly. June through August is the best time for Salmon fishing, while Trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Char can be caught up until October. You can cast your line in countless rivers, including the Kenai, Cooper, and more. For the most productive fly fishing in Alaska, it’s a good idea to go out with a guide – you don’t want to roam the wilderness alone.
• Deep sea fishing: When we say deep sea fishing, we don’t necessarily mean you have to travel far from shore. In fact, the water gets pretty deep not too far from land, which lets you target all the best game fish – most of all Halibut, Salmon, Rockfish, and Lingcod. Depending on the time of year you come, your charter captain will know how far they need to take you to put you on the fish. Still, the good old rule applies – the deeper the waters, the bigger the chances of a legendary catch. Deep sea fishing in Alaska is available throughout the summer months, otherwise, the waters can get too volatile.
• River fishing: When a state has over 12,000 rivers, you know that the fishing action will be outstanding. One of the biggest reasons thousands of anglers swarm the banks of the Kenai, Copper, Kasilof, and many other rivers is the opportunity to test their mettle against huge Salmon and Trout. If you want to get a bragworthy Chinook or enjoy the finest Rainbow Trout battle of your life, you pick an Alaskan river to do it in.
• Ice fishing: Not to much surprise, ice fishing in Alaska can be very good, as long as you don’t mind the cold. Between November and March, the best fishing happens under the ice. Winter anglers have hundreds of lakes at their disposal to target Trout, Char, and even Salmon. The Birch and Quartz Lakes in Alaska’s Interior, Matanuska-Susitna Valley with over 80 lakes in the region, and Anchorage with its Chinook ice fishing opportunities mean you’re never far away from a prime spot. Keep in mind that the safest way to enjoy ice fishing is by booking a trip with a knowledgeable guide.

Fishing Trips in Alaska

As we said earlier, many of Alaska’s remote locations are not easily accessible. Hiring a guide and booking an Alaska fishing charter will not only simplify the logistics but also provide you with a hassle-free experience. Most guides start their tours in summer, though there are some that will get out as early as May. Just remember to book well in advance because trips sell out quickly.

Speaking of trips, what can you expect? Like with most popular angling destinations, there are different options for every budget and appetite. Half day and 3/4 day trips are most popular for quick, but productive jaunts that could reward you with a delicious Salmon, Rockfish, or Halibut. Full day expeditions let you stay out for longer (usually 8 hours) and are mostly focused on Halibut and Salmon fishing. You can take your pick between shared, more affordable trips and private ones if you’d like to have the whole vessel and the crew to yourself.

If you’re a hardcore angler and want to take things up a few notches, we recommend booking your spot in a remote fishing lodge. This arrangement allows you to spend however many days you’d like fishing the far reaches of Alaska, all under the guidance of professionals. Your accommodation, gear, meals, and guides are usually included in the price, and you can even fly to the best spots deep in the wilderness.

Alaska Fishing Regulations

Now that you know what to expect from your Alaskan fishing adventure, it’s time to think about local regulations. Fishing charters don’t usually provide licenses for their anglers, so you’ll have to get one yourself. Note that every region has its own rules and regulations.

Both freshwater and saltwater licenses are available online for residents who are 18 and older. All non-residents who are 16 and older and would like to fish in Alaska need to get a fishing license as well.

If you’re planning to fish for Salmon, you’ll need to get a special stamp in addition to your permit. Some species are not always open to harvest, so make sure to check everything before you cast your line. You can learn all about the regulations in our dedicated article about Alaska fishing licenses.

The best thing about fishing in Alaska is that you can always come back for more. Explore a remote river or try to land all species of Salmon in Bristol Bay. Catch the biggest Halibut in the world or learn everything about the fishing culture in Ketchikan. You can’t go wrong with Alaska! 

Fishing in Alaska FAQs

Andriana

Andriana has been in love with nature since before she could walk, and she lives to explore the great outdoors whenever she has the chance. Be it traveling to far-off lands, hiking, or mountain climbing, Andriana loves discovering new places and writing about them. The first time she went fishing with her dad she insisted on returning all the catch into the water. Dad was not pleased. Her curiosity about fishing only grew from there, and she’s been writing and learning about it for years. Andriana’s favorite fish to catch is Mahi Mahi.