UTERChinook (king) salmon fishing in Alaska freshwater
In Alaska freshwater, Chinook (king) salmon peak June–July and are around May–August, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: King salmon peak — many runs restricted or closed in recent years; check ADF&G.
Not in Alaska freshwater this month.
Chinook (king) salmon in Alaska freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArrivingKenai, Kasilof and the Susitna tributaries.
- JunePeakKing salmon peak — many runs restricted or closed in recent years; check ADF&G.
- JulyPeakLate-run kings on the Kenai — subject to emergency orders.
- AugustLeaving
- SeptemberNot here
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish Chinook (king) salmon near Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley
More running fresh water than the rest of the country put together: salmon rivers from the Kenai to Bristol Bay, rainbow and grayling streams, and thousands of interior lakes with lake trout, pike and burbot under ice half the year.
What to use for Chinook (king) salmon
- HerringCut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run.
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Salmon eggs (roe)A dime-sized spawn sac tied in mesh, or single eggs on a #10 to #6 egg hook, drifted along the bottom for steelhead, trout and salmon. Check the state's rule — bait is banned on many trout and salmon waters.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 44–60°F water, best at 50–56°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Chinook (king) salmon in Alaska freshwater?
Peak season is June–July. Chinook (king) salmon are in Alaska freshwater May–August. June: King salmon peak — many runs restricted or closed in recent years; check ADF&G.
Where do Chinook (king) salmon hold in Alaska freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake — around Kenai River, Russian River, Susitna valley, Bristol Bay rivers, Chena River, Copper River.
What is the best bait for Chinook (king) salmon in Alaska freshwater?
Live bait: herring, anchovies (pacific), salmon eggs (roe). Herring: Cut-plug for salmon: head off at an angle, guts out, two hooks in tandem so it spins slow behind a flasher or a banana weight. Whole and live on a circle hook for stripers where the herring run. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
What are the rules for Chinook (king) salmon in Alaska freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) and change — read the current rule at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.main before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main.
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All about Chinook (king) salmon · Alaska fresh water, the whole year