Alaskan King Salmon Fishing
Tips on fishing for and catching Alaskan king salmon a.k.a. chinook
salmon
Also see
Alaska salmon fishing
and
fly fishing in Alaska
The King of Salmon is
one of the most sought after Alaskan fish.
 The
king salmon,
also known as the chinook salmon, outclasses all other salmon in
size and strength and that makes Alaskan king salmon fishing
some of the most thrilling fishing in the world.
The largest of Pacific salmon, its sheer size makes
this fish a big draw for sport fishermen.
Alaskan king
salmon are mostly prized for their flavorful meat and their size
(record catches go well over 100 pounds) but any angler who catches
one will soon discover the strength of the king salmon. Struggling with one of Alaska's great kings is an experience not to
be missed.
Fishing for Alaskan king
salmon will yield the most successful results if done during certain
hours.
The best times for fishing are generally between 9:00 p.m. and 1:00
a.m. and between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Due to the great
strength of chinook salmon, anglers should use a medium-action,
back-bounce or spinning heavyweight casting rod and a heavy
tournament quality reel. A variety of brightly colored spoons,
spinners, flies and drift bobbers is recommended when fishing for
king salmon in freshwater.
With rich and tasty
deep red flesh, king salmon make a fine meal. These fish can
be enjoyed whether smoked, grilled, or canned.
Identifying Alaskan King Salmon While
Fishing
Of all Pacific salmon
species, chinook salmon are the largest. The average weight
for king salmon is around 18 pounds, but it is common to find kings
that are 30 pounds or more and there are record breaking fish that
have weighed in at over 100 pounds. Chinook typically measure
30 inches or more in length.
King salmon have silver sides,
white bellies, a dark blue coloring on their backs and crossed
markings on the upper part of their sides and fins. The tail
is forked and broad with spotted lobes. Perhaps the most
significant characteristic for identifying king salmon is the
appearance of black gums on the lower jaw.
Spawning kings change in
color to be brownish-red, brown or copper, often with dark purple or
black markings. Chinook males are further transformed
with more dramatic coloration, hooked jaws and ridged backs.
Best Locations For Alaskan King Salmon
Fishing
South Central King
Salmon Fishing Spots
Kenai:
Kachemak Bay, Ninilchik, Kasilof, Anchor, Deep Creeks, Moose, Kenai
Rivers, Lower Cook Inlet
Lower Cook Inlet: Chakachatna, McArthur River Systems
Upper Cook Inlet: Chuitna, Lewis, Ivan, Theodore Rivers, Little Susitna
Wrangell Mountains: Tonsina, Klutina, Gulkana, Taslina River Systems
Chugach: Passage
Canal, Orca Inlet, Resurrection Bay, Valdez Arm
Kodiak: Chiniak Bay,
Red Rivers, Karluk
Susitna:
Willow, Sheep, Montana, Little Willow, Lake, Alexander Creeks, Talkeetna, Talachulitna Rivers
Places in
the Interior for King Salmon Fishing
Tanana: Chena, Salcha,
Chatankika Rivers
Locations for King
Salmon Fishing in
the Southeast
Petersburg:
Wrangell Narrows, Duncan Canal, Frederick Sound
Haines: Chilkoot, Chilkat Inlets
Klawock, Prince of
Wales: Gulf of Esquibel, Bucareli Bay
Juneau:
Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal, Chatham Straits, Cross Sound,
Favorite, Saginaw Channels
Skagway: Taiya Inlet
Wrangell: Stikine,
Sumner Straits, Eastern Passage, Zimovia
Yakutat: Akwe,
Situk Rivers, Yakutat Bay
Ketchikan:
Gravina Island, Behm Canal, Clarence Strait
Northwest King
Salmon Fishing
Spots
Norton Sound: Unalakleet, Inglutalik, Tubutulik, Shaktoolik Rivers
Places in
the Southwest for King Salmon Fishing
Alaska Peninsula:
King Salmon, Nelson Lagoon, Meshnik, Sand, Chignik Rivers
Lower Yukon: Anvik,
Andreafsky Rivers
Bristol Bay:
Wood, Togiak, Alagnak, Naknek
Kuskokwim:
Aniak, Goodnews, Arolik, Holitna River Systems
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