What first comes to mind when you hear of that place called Alaska? Some may answer “glaciers” or “ice and freezing temperatures up north,” or even “the only US state without any road access at all.” Whatever everyone else might say, there is one common denominator that everyone should know and probably have been made aware of due to its popularity: King Salmon. Besides being Alaska’s state fish, King Salmon has been fished for not only by locals, but also by tourists from all around the globe. These huge babies have become popular due to many of its interesting attributes and recipe uses that will definitely spice up what would have been an ordinary meal. The salmon fish species is known for devoting their lives to migration. They are born in fresh water then they migrate to the oceans, and then come back to other fresh water bodies to reproduce. Studies have shown that one unique attribute associated with salmon is how they remember the exact fresh water areas from where they were born, and they return to these places to spawn. With salmon proliferating in this region, Alaska salmon fishing has become an activity for both locals and tourists alike.

There are various salmon varieties and fish species aside from salmon that can be found in this state. These include the Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling, Sockeye Salmon, Chum Salmon, Pink Salmon, Steelhead, Sheefish, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden Char, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Yellowtail Rockfish, Black Rockfish, Burbot, and Copper Rockfish. With this kind of sea life diversity, Alaska is the fishing hub where you should be. For tourists, there are many tour guides and tour guide packages which you can avail of. Even board and lodging is provided for your comfort and convenience.

The Matanuska Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley is one area you might want to visit. Available here are service guides for trout and salmon fishing trips spanning the area of three rivers, namely the Deshka River, Talkeetna River, and the Little Susitna River. Fishing season begins on April and continues on until mid-October. Alaska Rainbow Trout season starts late April, and then is followed by Alaska King Salmon season in May. This closes mid-July, then all other salmon species come in: the Silver, Chum, Pink, and Sockeye Salmon varieties. When their show is done, in comes the trout season in September and then ends by mid-October.

Need a more sizeable catch? The largest salmon catches have been made at the most popular fishing area for King Salmon in Alaska: the Kenai River. It is also where record sizes have been achieved for Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout varieties. Major fishing guide services are based on the Kenai River, and they provide not only fishing assistance and tours, but also board and lodging. They offer packages for multiple day and night stays for groups.

Below is a list of salmon seasons for your reference:

• King Salmon – begins mid-July
• Silver Salmon – early August until late September, though September is the period best for catching the larger silver salmon sizes
• Red Salmon – late June and late July
• Pink Salmon – only on even-numbered years

Get to know these guides and choose the best and most affordable for your budget and preferences. Alaska salmon fishing is one activity or hobby you can pick up and enjoy with family and friends.

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