4 Reasons Alaska Has the Best Summer Fishing

Millions of people have “fishing in Alaska” on their bucket list, and for good reason. The state has some of the most pristine ocean and freshwater fishing in the world. But what is it about Alaskan fishing that makes it so great? Let’s explore some of the reasons that the 49th state to be added to the United States is such an amazing destination for anglers.

Migration Runs Along the Pacific Northwest

Perhaps the most common reason that people think about Alaska as a premier fishing destination is simply the proliferation of species that migrate along the coast between the months of May and September.

The most famous summer migration is that of the salmon. These fish are anadromous, which means they can live in both the saltwater ocean and the freshwater rivers and streams. There are four main species of salmon that make their way up through the waters of the Pacific off the coast of Alaska:

• King (also known as Chinook salmon)
• Keta (Dog or chum salmon)
• Coho (Silver salmon)
• Pink (Humpy salmon)

At genetically-predetermined points in their lives these salmon (between 2 and 8 years after they are born), return to their ‘natal’ stream where they were first born. Every year millions of salmon make the journey that takes them straight through the waters off the Alaska coast.

For some, that journey could be as long as 3,000 miles or more. It’s a harrowing trek from their saltwater habitat back to their river where they were first born fighting against the elements and dodging predators. Only about one in 1,000 make it back to the river and successfully lay eggs. For the ones that do make it, they lay eggs and then eventually die, fertilizing the water and helping the next generation of salmon to grow and mature.

Lucky fishermen or women can find an abundance of salmon trying to make their way to their spawning grounds and catch a few of them along the way. Different species make their way north at different times, so if you have a preference you can plan your summer fishing trip to Alaska based on which species you hope to find:

• King (Chinook) salmon – early May through July
• Keta (dog) salmon – June through August
• Pink salmon – July through August
• Coho (silver) salmon – August through September

If you’re hoping to get the biggest variety, the last two weeks of July are going to be your best bet to find every salmon species at some point in their migration.

Colder Waters Welcome Fish (and Other Species)

When the water warms up down south, millions of fish—and other species that might want to feast on them, like whales and orca—head north where the colder waters are better for reproduction. At every stage of development, salmon need water that is:

• Cold
• Clean
• Oxygenated

Natural environments are always in flux, but salmon have learned that the rivers and streams in Alaska provide some of the best spawning ground to lay eggs for development.

Some species of fish live continually in and around Alaska, such as halibut. These fish don’t migrate much at all except maybe a few hundred miles down toward the Oregon coast or up toward the Arctic Ocean. But their primary habitat is in the colder waters of Alaska, where they can find abundant food all year long. It’s perfect for fishing because you can always find halibut in season in and around Alaska.

Rockfish are another species that live most of their lives in the same areas off the Alaskan coast, which means you can find them in season whenever you visit Alaska for fishing.

Long Days and Short Nights

Unlike many fishing excursions, when you head to Alaska in the summer you don’t just get to fish during normal daytime hours. With its location on the far northern side of the globe you get multiple hours of bonus daylight (what the locals call “twilight hours”) to get out longer. When you book a trip to Pybus Point Lodge you can head out for eight hours of fishing each day with one of our guides, and still have plenty of daylight left for things like whale watching, glacier trips, and kayaking in the serene Pybus Bay.

You Can “Choose Your Own Adventure”

Alaskan fishing destinations are also one of the best choices for anyone who wants to do more than just one type of fishing. At the all-inclusive Pybus Point Lodge you can head out for a day on the ocean to catch saltwater fish one day, then find out where some of the best stream and freshwater fishing is the next day. Our expert guides can tell you the best places and even take you there so you know you’re coming home with an amazing catch no matter where your adventure takes you.

Book Your Alaskan Fishing Trip Today

Start planning your next fishing trip at Pybus Point Lodge today. Learn more about our all-inclusive resort with five-star accommodations, gourmet food, and the best fishing guides in the business. Book today.