Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Fishing Alaska in August

The wife and I are considering a trip up north to do some salmon fishing. She has found some relatively cheap airline tickets to Anchorage for early August. Not sure where we would be staying, haven’t got that far yet. Probably within a few hours drive of Anchorage.

Are there better times to go rather than August?

Any suggestions as to when and where would be appreciated.

Early August is not a bad time. It is good for silvers and some reds should be available still.

Are there better times?

It depends on your target species. Salmon leaves it wide open.

What do you want to fish for and how do you like to fish? Self guided? Full guided? Salmon? trout? Halibut/cod/rockfish?

Second run of reds will be in full force the beginning of August on the Kenai and Russian.

They will be there, but well past the bright chrome of two weeks earlier.

Get a uhaul truck and drive up the Dalton Highway to the Sag. The sea run Arctic Char fishing during this time is off the chain.

We need to talk buddy

No, there is not a BETTER time. Maybe some as good, but not better. Your fun and success is only determined by the money you want to spend while there.

Had a helo connection for years in Prudhoe and that was spectacular timing... but not salmon...

Sivers (coho) are in down in Seward in early August. The Seward Silver Salmon derby kicks off about Aug 10, (12-20 or so) which I know because I've fought the traffic for the sheep/caribou/goat opener that date in years past.

Seward:"Silvers are present from mid-July through mid-September."

Kenai River: "The Kenai has two distinct runs, the early run which peaks in mid to late August and the late run which begins in early September and peaks in late September and early October. "

Line up a charter early if going that route.

I've fished se Alaska a lot. First part of August is prime season. Silvers should be strong. Halibut will be in from deeper water offshore. As many rockfish as you care to put in the cooler. If you are diy fishermen, go to Craig and look up DJs adventure rentals he will rent you a boat and help you get your bearings. Most of the charters will be booked for 24. You might consider planning for 25.