Alaska is one of the best states for catching king salmon. These fish are very large and may weigh up to 50 or 60 lbs. It's easy to catch king salmon if you use strong gear and bright colored lures. Fishing guides and locals will often help make your king salmon fishing experience successful.
Description
The king salmon is the state fish of Alaska. It's the largest fish of the Pacific salmon and usually weighs 25 lbs or more. In most areas of Alaska the size limit to keep these fish is 28 inches long. Each area has different requirements for the amount limit. Adults can be identified by the irregular black spots on their back, dorsal fins and tale fin. They have a silver color on their sides and white bellies. Throw a salmon fish back in the water if it's very small and doesn't have a blue green back because it's not a king salmon. Some other names for king salmon are Blackmouth, Jack and Spring. King salmon are an important commercial fish in Alaska.
Locations
The Nushagak River in Alaska receives a large return of king salmon every June and July. Alaska's Kenai River has produced trophy size salmon for years. The Gulkana River is 300 miles starting at Copper Lake to Cordova. From June 1st to July 19th, you can catch king salmon in this river that weigh 15 to 45 lbs. The Chena River, which goes through Fairbanks, has a large supply of kings that often weigh more than 40 lbs. Many schools of king salmon can also be found in Alaskan rivers such as Susitna, Alsek and Stikina.
Rods and Reels
It's important to have good fishing gear for king salmon fishing because of their large size. One sort of rod you can use is a good quality 9 to 12 weight single-handled rod. These rods are strong and adaptable. Another type of rod is the two-handed 9 to 10 weight spey rod, which is beneficial for throwing big flies or heavy lures. Spey rods are best used for fishing in big bodies of water because of the long distance they cast. A high capacity and durable reel with a good drag system should be used to catch large fish like king salmon.
Types of Lures
Bright colored fishing spinners are one type of lure that work well for catching king salmon. It's best to use larger spinners because they cast further. Spinners should be used if river current is slow or less than 8 feet deep because it's a slower retrieve. Bright colored spoons are another type of lure you can use for king salmon. Use a spoon that comes with treble hooks because they have more hooking strength. Light colored wiggle warts can also be use to catch kings.
Techniques
Several techniques work well to catch King Salmon. Some techniques work better on certain days depending on the condition of the water. Back trolling is when you move your boat slower then the current and go backwards. Your lures or baits work in the current behind you. The back bouncing technique means your boat is slowly moved over a hole so the bait or lures are behind the boat and bounce off the bottom. With the free-drifting technique, you turn your boat sideways in the current. The weighted lures and baits are thrown upstream.
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