Alaska Salmon Fishing: King, Sockeye, and Silver Salmon Fishing

Alaska Salmon Fishing: King, Sockeye, and Silver Salmon Fishing

The southernmost tip of Alaska is located hundreds of miles north of Seattle. Craig and Klawok are two salmon fishing villages that welcome visitors from all over the world. Coho or King Salmon arrive off the coast of Noyes Island, bringing in the first salmon catch of the season. A week on Prince of Wales will usually include afternoon showers followed by sunshine. In April, the weather will be cool but not freezing.

Dungeness crab, Alaska shrimp, sockeye salmon, and halibut will be served. Salmon fishing in Alaska is a sports fisherman's dream come true.

The mere mention of Alaska and salmon fishing conjures up images of grandeur, pristine forest, snowy peaks, and a pole bent double while the line rips through the water. Alaska salmon fishing is closer than you think and more beautiful than all the pictures you've seen. This mysterious location is...

Salmon fishing in Alaska is closer than you think. The southernmost tip of Alaska is located hundreds of miles north of Seattle. Prince of Wales Island is North America's largest island and the closest Alaska salmon fishing grounds with exceptional success.

If you do not want to drive up the Alaska Highway, you can fly into Ketchikan, Alaska, and then take a ferry to Prince of Wales Island or a commercial float-plane to the island. Depending on your vacation budget, there are resorts, lodges, and guides who will accommodate you.

Craig and Klawok are two salmon fishing villages that welcome visitors from all over the world. Coho or King Salmon arrive off the coast of Noyes Island, bringing in the first salmon catch of the season. Without ever reaching the Pacific Ocean, there are thousands of miles of inland shores to fish. The majority of the king salmon fishing is done within a cast of the shore. To catch the early arriving king salmon, you must meet them on the Pacific's edge as they feed up to the inlets that flow into and around the Prince of Wales.

Expect the grandest fishing trips with the most visual treats. Gray whales, sea lions, sea otters, puffins, geese, bald eagles, loons, seals, majestic mountains, tranquil lagoons, bear, deer, cranes, killer whales, sea ducks, and other waterfowl. A week on Prince of Wales will usually include afternoon showers followed by sunshine. In April, the weather will be cool but not freezing. Bring a raincoat and a pair of pants. Oh, and there will be some fish! A 30 pound king salmon is not unusual. Every year, 60-pound kings arrive. Don't forget that Prince of Wales is one of the best places to catch barn door halibut.

Silver salmon weigh 8 to 12 pounds, fight fiercely, and appear in large numbers. The airlines allow you to bring a 70-pound "fish box" on your return flight. In 5 days, you'll be able to fill two of these boxes with cleaned frozen filets. Silver salmon will arrive at the party later. Plan a silver salmon trip in June. You can choose to have some of your salmon smoked. You haven't lived until you've tried fresh smoked salmon.

Sockeye salmon, which has the most red meat of any salmon, is the last to arrive in large schools in late June or July. Sockeye salmon are typically 4 years old and weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. Sockeye salmon fishing requires a local guide and boat. For the ultimate experience, try driving your RV up or staying in a log cabin resort. Dungeness crab, Alaska shrimp, sockeye salmon, and halibut will be served. If you've never fished in Alaska, you're in for a fishing adventure that will last a lifetime!

For Alaskans, salmon fishing has been a way of life. Salmon fishing in Alaska is a sports fisherman's dream come true. I've been there, and I promise you won't be disappointed!