Alaska Fishing Guides

Every Fisherman's Lifelong Ambition: Catching Alaskan Salmon

The majority of anglers who go to Alaska to fish understandably go for the US state's famous salmon. Alaska has five species of salmon: king (chinook), chum (dog), silver (coho), pink (humpback) and red (sockeye). Of these, the king, silver and red salmon are the most popular for sport fishing. Alaska is also home to the Copper River and Yukon River salmon.

Salmon are born in freshwater and feed on small insects, plankton and crustaceans. After one to three years in freshwater, the adolescent salmon migrate into the ocean, remaining close to the shoreline until they become large enough to brave the open waters. Some species stay close to the shore while others migrate into the Bering Sea and the North Pacific. All salmon eventually return to freshwater to spawn, and then die after fertilizing or laying their eggs.

The salmon is a vital part of Alaska's food supply. Some 15,000 households reportedly rely on salmon as a staple food supply and prepare it in a variety of ways, including smoking, grilling, frying and broiling. In fact, depending on its freshness, saltwater salmon may even be eaten raw. Salmon also has significant nutritional value, since it is low in calories and saturated fat, while being high in nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins.

There are various seasons for catching the various types of salmon, which fishermen should note so they can time the booking of their Alaska fishing charter. The season for king salmon begins in May and ends in July, followed by sockeye through late July. Silver salmon season begins early August until early October.

The Kenai peninsula is a popular destination for fishermen-tourists, as it is home of the largest species of Alaska salmon, the king, whose size has been recorded in sport fishing records to have reached as much as 97 pounds. The king lives between five to seven years and weighs as much as 120 pounds. In appearance, it has light spots on its blue-green back. The king salmon is also the state fish of Alaska.

Those who are not up to the challenge of hooking a king salmon can opt to fish for the silver salmon. Silver salmon are known as hard fighters and are also challenging, but manageable, for novice anglers. They weigh up to fifteen pounds and their color is bright silver. The coho is one of the most valuable of commercial salmon species.

The sockeye is known as the red salmon because it can hold its bright red flesh color. It weighs up to seven pounds and lives four to five years. It is the most streamlined of the Alaskan salmon species.

Depending on the time of year, a typical Alaska fishing charter for king salmon could cost you between $200 to $240 for half day to nine hour tours; for silver salmon the rates reach from $150 for five hours to $550 for a three-day package; and for sockeye salmon, a half day cruise costs $200. Note that each of these prices for one person only. Fishermen also need to acquire fishing licenses at Alaska's Department of Fish and Game.

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