Sport fishing in Alaska is a fishing experience that you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Many species of fish inhabit the waters off the Alaskan coast, but catching a trophy fish is not an easy feat. Summertime, when many fish are making their way inland to spawn, is one of the best times to travel to Alaska for sport fishing.
Halibut
Halibut is one of the several prized trophy fish that swim the waters off the Alaskan coast. The best time to fish for halibut is in the summer, but they can be caught all year long. Cook Inlet is a great place to fish for halibut, as is Prince William Sound.
A very strong rig and a sturdy deep-sea rod is necessary for these fish, which can weigh up to 500 pounds. It takes an extremely experienced angler to catch one of these fish, so fishermen new to Alaskan sport fishing should consider going with a guide.
King Salmon
Alaska is a premier spot for all kinds of saltwater salmon fishing. King salmon return to spawn and die in the freshwater of Alaska where they were born, so the best time to fish for them is in late spring and early summer, when they are on their way inland. The Cook Inlet-Deep Creek fishery in Alaska is a popular spot for king salmon fishing.
Although king salmon are nowhere near the immense size of halibut, they are the largest salmon species in the world and many weigh up to 80 or 90 pounds. For these large salmon, you'll need heavyweight tackle and a sturdy rod.
Silver/Coho Salmon
Coho salmon is one of the most fished species in Alaska. On average, the coho weigh about 10 pounds and usually stay near the surface of the water. Coho salmon are known for their excellent flavor and also aggressive behavior. It is advisable to fish for coho salmon with an experienced local angler as these fish can be quite a struggle to catch.
A great place to fish for coho is Resurrection Bay, where salmon are traveling to freshwater to spawn. Silver salmon are known to jump and can be seen in massive numbers during August. The best time to fish for them is summer and early fall.
State Regulations
Though local areas will have more specific guidelines, the state of Alaska also regulates sport fishing. No one is allowed to sell sport-caught fish, but legally caught fish can be transported around the state. This excludes halibut; you should review federal laws before fishing for halibut. You may not waste sport-caught fish or use them for bait. These are just a few of the regulations, but you should know all of the regulations before taking a fishing trip to Alaska. (See Resources)
Chartered Tours
Many chartered saltwater sport-fishing boats are available to visitors in Alaska. Beginners and experienced anglers should consider going on a chartered trip, where experienced guides can teach and assist visitors in sport fishing. Also, in the summer, you might have a better chance of seeing the beautiful humpback whales while aboard a sport-fishing chartered boat.
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