Timing your affordable Alaska fishing trip

In previous articles we've discussed all you need to know about the different sport fish available in Alaska and you have probably decided on which one, two, or even three different species you’re going to target. The number of species you fish for will greatly be determined by the type of fisherman you are and by the length of your stay…Now it’s time to decide when you’ll actually make the trip.

If you’re a spin fisherman that loves a physical challenge, you may opt for a guided trip on the Kenai for king salmon. If you love a great salmon steak or fillet and aim to fill your cooler for the return trip home, you may attempt to time your trip for the first week of August and fish for reds and silvers. If you’re a tried and true fly fisherman that is looking for solitude and some nice trout fishing, you may come late August for a fall steelhead run or for rainbows.

Whatever decision you make, the best advice I can give you is to have a backup plan. Never plan a trip to target a single species or a single river or stream. The reason is that the timing charts are only close approximations of when the spawning runs will take place. They can change from year to year and are unpredictable as the weather plays a large part in that process.

The great thing about Alaska sport fishing is that you can arrive in Alaska anytime between May and October and there will be plenty of fish around. The bad thing is that you must know where these fish will be. As the days go by the availability of fish will shift between rivers. Rivers full of salmon one week can be ghost rivers the next. The success of your trip all depends on timing and your knowledge of the spawning runs. You’re about to learn all you need to know about the timing of the different salmon spawning runs.

Ok, so let’s look at the timing of the salmon runs. You simply cannot make a decision without that. Let's look at a few charts I’ve put together to show you the different rivers, the salmon that spawn in those rivers and an estimation as to when this blessed event normally occurs. Remember, these are only rivers that you can easily get to by the highway system.

Click on Run Timing Chart for Parks Highway to learn all about the timing of the salmon spawning runs in the rivers and creeks in the Northern Cook Inlet area.

Click on Run Timing Chart for Sterling Highway to learn all about the timing of the salmon spawning runs in the rivers and creeks on the Kenai Peninsula.

Click on Run Timing Chart for Seward Highway to learn all about the timing of the salmon spawning runs in the rivers and creeks on the Seward Highway between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.

Some more advice…if you are a fair weather fisherman, you probably should not plan your trip before June or past August. Unlike the lower 48, it’s not uncommon for the snow to start falling in late August or early September and ice out doesn’t occur in some areas until late May.

Ok, now let’s try to narrow it down. We’ve covered the types of fish so you should now have a handle on which one(s) you will target. We’ve seen the rivers and when the salmon will be visiting them. Now it should be fairly easy to make a decision as to when you will plan your Alaska fishing vacation.

Being a fly fisherman, my favorite time is the end of July or the beginning of August or both. This is the best opportunity to hit the sockeye and coho salmon while also having rainbows available for fly fishing. I will spin fish for salmon if I have too but my preference for all trout, Dolly Varden and grayling will always be the fly rod.

I’ve made two week trips before but typically can only get away on any vacation for one week. With that in mind, you’re probably asking right now, “So how long should I plan for?” The simple answer is “as long as you can”. But seriously, I would shoot for one week at a minimum. With one week you have one day to get there, one to return home and five days of fishing with some brief sightseeing along the way. If you can swing more than a week, that’s ideal. If you can only manage a 4 or 5 day trip, still go for it but you may want to consider a guided trip for a day or two. While you’ll pay a little extra for a guided trip, these guides spend their lives on the water and will give you the best chance to get into some fish in the shortest amount of time. During your time with a guide you can ask them about different locations and techniques that you can use on your own and they are usually happy to share with you while on the clock.

If you are a first timer, you’ll want to begin your planning at least a year in advance. Yes, you read that correctly. You’ll be doing a lot of online and offline research to prepare for your trip and a year will give you ample time to do your research and then to make your necessary airline, motel/lodge/campground and vehicle reservations at least 9-10 months in advance. This will allow you to take advantage of any discounts that may accompany early booking.

I’ve mentioned it before but I cannot stress this enough. Always have a backup plan and be flexible. Alaska fishing is unpredictable. Alaska weather is unpredictable. Having a backup plan and being flexible could be the difference between a successful and affordable Alaska fishing trip that will bring you back time and time again and/or a less than stellar fishing trip that will leave a bad taste in your mouth for the rest of your life.

Plan well. You’re being equipped right here.