Alaska is an avid angler's dream world. Active travelers with an appreciation for the outdoors rejoice in the thrill of world-renown fishing opportunities throughout the state. From four-hour shore excursions via cruise ships to multi-day private charters, Alaska boasts enough services and quality angling capable of suiting anyone's interests. Salmon and halibut fishing---though not the only fish available---are by far the most sought-after and the yields do not disappoint.
The Summer Months
Traveling to Alaska is best done during the summer months of late-May through early-October. Aside from the fact that this is when the best halibut and salmon fishing takes place, according to Alaska 411, it is also the most pleasant time of year, weather-wise. The sun shines with greater frequency and the daylight hours extend far longer than any other season in Alaska, making for a comfortable climate and copious halibut and salmon fishing opportunities.
Halibut
Local folklore claims that the halibut teeming the open waters of the Alaskan coast grow so large they are nicknamed "Barn Doors," states the Welcome to Alaska website. While halibut fishing is possible throughout various coastal regions, your best bet will be to hire a charter service or guide in the town of Homer, which has become known as the "halibut fishing capital of the world." The prime halibut season runs from May until September and generally takes place in deep waters---between 60 and 3,500 feet deep. While a common halibut catch will weigh in between 15 and 35 pounds, it is not rare that 100 pound halibut are caught.
Salmon
Alaska is home to all five species of Pacific salmon and is world-renown for its record-breaking king salmon catches. Though the months will vary slightly depending on the specific type of salmon you are interested in hooking, the summer months of late-May through early-October are the best times to catch salmon. The king salmon season generally concludes in early July while the silver and coho salmon season does not really begin until early-August, but will extend until October. According to the Alaska Channel, Sitka has "the shortest rod-hour to catch ratio for king salmon in the entire state."
Locations
Charter services and guides are available for both public and private hire at all of the major fishing destinations in Alaska. The cruise ships that make their way through southeastern Alaska will commonly stop in either Sitka or Ketchikan and both offer fishing that made the Alaska Channel's "Best Alaska Shore Excursions" list. Other locations include Homer, Seward, Juneau, Nome and Dillingham.
Licenses
While charter services and guides cover the cost and paperwork of fishing licenses, planning a trip on your own requires that you obtain a fishing permit. All non-residents 16 years of age and older must have a license to fish in Alaskan waters. The duration of the license, your age as well as your residency and military status all plays a role in the cost of the license. To apply for a fishing license, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
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