Best time of year to fish for salmon in Ketchikan Alaska

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR SALMON FISHING IN KETCHIKAN ALASKA?

The best time of year for salmon fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska takes place in the months of June, July and August. With that being said it depends on what species of salmon you’re wishing to target! King salmon are the first fish to arrive in their home waters to spawn annually in the summer. Following the king salmon run are silver salmon and pink salmon which begin to arrive in late June through September. 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR KING SALMON FISHING IN KETCHIKAN, ALASKA

The best time of year to catch king salmon in Ketchikan, Alaska takes place from late May through mid July. In addition to this the peak runs take place from June through July. Knowing this we typically target King salmon on salmon fishing tours during this time of year. King salmon are the largest species of wild pacific salmon. Meaning they produce the largest yield per catch and hands down put up the largest fight once hooked. Ketchikan salmon fishing excursions allow visitors from cruise ships or staying in town to have their catch processed and shipped home. 

THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO FISH FOR SILVER SALMON TAKES PLACE JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 

Silver salmon are a smaller species when compared to the king salmon. But don’t let that fool you! What they lack in size compared to the king salmon they make up for in volume and ferociousness . Silver salmon start running in July and catches come in the high double digits. Knowing this allows for quick action and lots of fish in the cooler. Silver salmon love eating trolling gear running at 2-3k knots. They range in size from 6-14 pounds and commonly run in schools. Silver salmon meat is an Alaskan delicacy that’s sought after by anglers from around the world. Larger silver salmon often run in the latter weeks of August through September, with fish weighing upwards of 14 pounds. 

BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR PINK SALMON FISHING IN KETCHIKAN, ALASKA

The best time of year to catch pink salmon in Ketchikan, Alaska takes place from mid July through late August. Pink salmon returns are massive schools that infiltrate local waters during this time. Pink salmon are a smaller species of salmon when compared to the silver salmon and king salmon. Conversely they make up for their size in huge numbers with record catches being common in Ketchikan. When the pink salmon run takes place it’s fast action and fun for everyone. The beauty of the pink salmon run is the fact they aren’t picky eaters and feed on a variety of baits. Fishing for pink salmon in Ketchikan means lots of fish and a high pace experience! 

KETCHIKAN FISHING TOURS

Fishing tours in the port of Ketchikan, Alaska continue to excite! King salmon, halibut, cod and rockfish fill the fish boxes in the month of June. Furthermore the weather patterns allow for long runs and beautiful fishing conditions. For those visiting Ketchikan by cruise ship, salmon and halibut charters produce fresh Alaskan fish to be sent home.

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