Best Time To Salmon Fish
The Best Times to Fish for Pacific Salmon in Southeast Alaska
Southeast Alaska, with its pristine waters, rugged coastlines, and abundant marine life, is a world-renowned destination for anglers seeking Pacific salmon. The region, encompassing areas like Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Prince of Wales Island, is home to all five species of Pacific salmon: Chinook (king), Coho (silver), Sockeye (red), Chum (dog), and Pink (humpy). Each species has unique characteristics, spawning behaviors, and optimal fishing seasons. Understanding the best times to target these fish, along with the advantages of catching them in the ocean before their spawning runs, can elevate your fishing experience. This article explores the seasonal patterns for each species, the benefits of ocean fishing, and concludes with two delectable salmon recipes.
Best Times to Fish for Each Pacific Salmon Species
Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
Chinook salmon, the largest and most prized of the Pacific salmon, are a prime target for anglers in Southeast Alaska. Known for their rich, buttery flavor and impressive size (often exceeding 30 pounds), kings are available year-round but peak at specific times.
Best Time: May through July.
Details: Chinook salmon are most abundant in Southeast Alaska’s coastal waters during late spring to early summer. This period coincides with their migration toward spawning rivers, but many remain in the ocean, feeding heavily on herring, squid, and other prey. June is often considered the peak month, as large numbers of mature kings congregate nearshore. Anglers fishing around Sitka, Ketchikan, or the outer islands like Noyes and Dall have excellent chances of landing trophy-sized fish. Late-season kings (August) are still present but may be closer to river mouths, preparing for their spawning run.
Tips: Use trolling techniques with downriggers, flashers, and herring or hoochies to target kings at depths of 50–150 feet. Check local regulations, as Chinook quotas and size limits vary by area.
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)
Coho salmon are celebrated for their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes, making them a favorite among sport anglers. These fish average 8–15 pounds and are known for their bright silver sides in the ocean.
Best Time: July through September.
Details: Coho fishing heats up in mid-summer, with peak abundance in August. During this time, silvers school in large numbers along the coast, particularly near kelp beds and current lines. Areas like Icy Strait, Yakutat, and the waters around Prince of Wales Island are hotspots. Coho remain in the ocean longer than some other species, feeding voraciously before entering rivers in late summer or early fall. September can yield excellent catches, especially during stable weather.
Tips: Coho respond well to mooching or trolling with cut-plug herring or bright lures. Their aggressive nature makes them ideal for light tackle, and they often strike near the surface.
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
Sockeye salmon, prized for their deep red flesh and rich flavor, are less common in sport fisheries but highly sought after by anglers who know where to find them. They typically weigh 4–8 pounds.
Best Time: June through August.
Details: Sockeye are most accessible in July, when they stage near river mouths and estuaries before their spawning runs. In Southeast Alaska, places like the Taku River near Juneau or the Stikine River near Wrangell offer opportunities to intercept sockeye in saltwater or brackish waters. These fish are less likely to strike lures than Chinook or Coho, so anglers often target them closer to freshwater systems.
Tips: Use smaller lures or flies, as sockeye are finicky feeders in the ocean. Fishing near tidal zones or river deltas increases success rates. Be prepared for strong runs and delicate bites.
Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon)
Chum salmon, often overlooked due to their less palatable flesh when spawning, are a fun and abundant target in their ocean phase. They average 8–15 pounds and are known for their dogged fights.
Best Time: July through August.
Details: Chum salmon are plentiful in Southeast Alaska’s coastal waters during mid-summer, particularly around Petersburg, Wrangell, and the outer coast. They school in large numbers and are often caught incidentally while targeting other species. By late August, many chums begin entering rivers, but ocean fishing remains productive. Their bright, silvery appearance in saltwater makes them a viable target for both eating and sport.
Tips: Troll or cast with brightly colored lures, such as pink or chartreuse hoochies. Chums are less selective than other salmon, making them ideal for novice anglers.
Pink Salmon (Humpy Salmon)
Pink salmon, the smallest and most abundant Pacific salmon (averaging 3–6 pounds), are a staple of Southeast Alaska’s fisheries. They have a two-year life cycle, with strong runs occurring in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025).
Best Time: July through August (peak in odd years).
Details: Pink salmon flood Southeast Alaska’s waters in summer, particularly in areas like Cross Sound, Icy Strait, and near Ketchikan. Their sheer abundance makes them easy to catch, especially during peak runs in odd-numbered years. Pinks are aggressive biters and school tightly, offering fast-paced action for anglers. By late August, many begin entering streams, but ocean fishing remains excellent.
Tips: Use small, shiny lures or flies, and fish near the surface. Pinks are perfect for beginners due to their willingness to strike and high numbers.
Benefits of Catching Salmon in the Ocean
Catching Pacific salmon in the ocean, before they begin their spawning runs, offers several advantages for anglers, both in terms of fish quality and fishing experience:
Superior Flesh Quality:
Salmon caught in the ocean are in their prime, with firm, fatty flesh rich in omega-3s. As salmon approach freshwater for spawning, their bodies undergo physiological changes, diverting energy from fat reserves to reproductive development. This can result in softer, less flavorful flesh. Ocean-caught salmon, especially Chinook and Coho, have a buttery texture and vibrant color, making them ideal for culinary preparations.
Bright, Silvery Appearance:
In the ocean, salmon are “bright,” with shiny silver sides and robust health. As they enter rivers, they develop spawning colors (e.g., reds, greens, or humps for pinks), and their appearance and flesh quality decline. Ocean-caught fish are more aesthetically pleasing for photos and table presentation.
Aggressive Feeding Behavior:
Ocean salmon are actively feeding on baitfish, shrimp, and squid, making them more likely to strike lures or bait. This aggressive behavior leads to exciting fights and higher catch rates compared to river fishing, where salmon often stop feeding.
Larger Schools and Accessibility:
In Southeast Alaska’s coastal waters, salmon school in large numbers, increasing the likelihood of multiple hookups. The open ocean and nearshore areas are accessible by boat, and guided charters in places like Sitka or Ketchikan make it easy for anglers to target these fish without navigating complex river systems.
Extended Season:
Ocean fishing allows anglers to target salmon over a broader season compared to river fishing, which is often limited to specific spawning runs. For example, Chinook can be caught year-round, while Coho and pinks provide action through late summer.
Sporting Challenge:
Ocean salmon are strong and healthy, offering thrilling battles on rod and reel. Coho, in particular, are known for acrobatic leaps, while Chinook test an angler’s strength with deep runs. The open water environment adds an element of adventure, with the chance to encounter other marine life like whales or seals.
To celebrate your catch, here are two recipes that highlight the rich flavors of ocean-caught Pacific salmon:
Grilled Chinook Salmon with Lemon-Herb Sauce
Serves 4
Ingredients:
4 Chinook salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skin on
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F). Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, dill, parsley, and melted butter to make the sauce.
Grill salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, until the skin is crispy. Flip and grill for 2–3 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Remove from grill and drizzle with lemon-herb sauce. Serve with lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables or rice.
Why It Works: The rich, fatty flesh of Chinook salmon pairs perfectly with the bright, herbaceous sauce, highlighting its buttery texture.Coho Salmon Poke Bowl
Coho Salmon Poke
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 lb Coho salmon, skin removed, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp sesame seeds
1 avocado, diced
2 cups cooked sushi rice
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 sheet nori, crumbled
Sriracha (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame seeds.
Add cubed Coho salmon to the marinade and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
Divide sushi rice among four bowls. Top with marinated salmon, avocado, cucumber, green onions, and crumbled nori.
Drizzle with sriracha for a spicy kick, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why It Works: Coho’s firm texture and mild flavor shine in this fresh, Hawaiian-inspired dish, perfect for a light meal after a day on the water.
Fishing for Pacific salmon in Southeast Alaska is a bucket-list experience for anglers, offering the chance to catch five unique species in one of the world’s most stunning natural settings. By targeting Chinook in May–July, Coho in July–September, Sockeye and Chum in June–August, and Pinks in July–August (especially in odd years), anglers can maximize their success for whichever species they desire to target. Whether you’re trolling for trophy kings or casting for feisty pinks, Southeast Alaska delivers. Bring your catch to the table with recipes like grilled Chinook or Coho poke, and savor the fruits of your adventure in this angler’s paradise.