Alaska salmon runs extend from May through October. Fresh water runs typcially begin in mid-May with the arrival of King (Chinook) Salmon, followed by Sockeye runs from June through August. As the season heats up, Pink and Chum salmon runs get into full swing in July and fishing remains strong through late August. As Pink and Chum salmon runs begin to cool down, Coho (Silver ) salmon runs are just getting started. Coho runs begin in August and go clear through October.
Many of Alaska’s fresh water fisheries experience two salmon runs each year. The first run occurs in the Spring, followed by a second salmon run in early to late summer. The following tables provides the run and peak activity dates for all five species of Pacific salmon in Alaska. These dates reflect historic fresh water runs and peak salt water availability. Salmon runs can be highly variable. Contact the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation to request current salmon availability. We also recommend revieing the Alaska Fishing Seasons guide for general salmon run timing charts by region.
King Salmon Runs
King Salmon, commonly referred to as Chinook, run from mid-May through the end of July. Run dates and duration vary slightly from region to region. Three of the main King salmon runs occur on the Kenai, Nushagak and Alagnak Rivers. The tables below list the historic dates for the most popular King salmon runs in Alaska.
Anchorage Bowl Area Run Timing
| Ship Creek | Kings run from the last week in May through mid-July |
Kenai, Soldotna & Homer Run Timing
| Kenai River | First run is mid-May through late June. The late (and larger) run during the month of July. Most common technique is trolling by boat. |
| Kasilof | First run mid-May through June. the larger run is from July 1 through July 31st. Bait is allowed. |
| Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River | King salmon run from late May through mid-June. |
| Deep Creek (saltwater) | Early run is from early May through late June. The late run begins late June and extends through early August. |
| Homer Spit | Runs occur between mid-May and early July |
| Halibut Cove | Peak Availbility is from mid-May through early July |
| Russian River | King salmon are present in the Russian river but fishing for Kings is prohibited. |
| Ninilchik | First run from mid-May to early July. Second run from early July to season end on July 31 |
West Cook Inlet, Palmer, Wasilla, & Talkeetna Run Timing
| Deshka River | Fishing for Kings starts in mid May and extends through late June in Lower Deshka. Peak availability along Upper Deshka extends from early June through mid-July. |
| Parks Highway Streams: Willow, Little Willow, Caswell, Sheep, Goose, Montana, & Sunshine Creeks, and Kashwitna River | King salmon runs and peak availability along the Parks Highway Streams is from the last week in May through mid-July. |
| Susitna River | Peak run timing is from mid-June through the end of July (for American River, Olds River & Salonie Creek tributaries) |
| Little Susitna River | King salmon runs along the Lower Little Susitna River occur from mid-May through late June. Along the Upper Susitna River, Kings run from mid-June through mid-July. |
| Talkeetna River | Peak availability for King salmon along the Talkeetna River is from mid-June through mid-July. |
| Lake Creek (Yentna River) | Kings run Lake Creek from early June through the first week in July. |
| Talachulitna River | King salmon run the Lower Talachulitan River from mid-August through early October. They run the Upper Talachulitan River from mid-June through mid-July. |
Kodiak, Alaska Peninsula, & Aleutians Run Timing
| American River, Olds River & Salonie Creek (Road System Creeks) | King runs begin mid-June and run through the last few weeks of July |
| Alaska Peninsula Streams | King runs get started mid-June and run through the end of July |
Prince William Sound & North Gulf Coast Area Run Timing
| Copper River (including Gulkana, Klutina & Tonsina Rivers) | June 1 through August 10 is the fishing season for King salmon on Copper River. |
| Fleming Spit, Whittier & Lake Bay | Peak availability for King salmon is from late May through early July. |
| Saltwater (feeders) | Year around |
| Saltwater (returning) | Peak availability is mid-May through June |
| Freshwater | June 17 through June 30 (youth-only fishing) |
Bristol Bay Watershed Area Run Timing
| Bristol Bay | Saltwater fishing availability is mid-June through the end of July. |
| Nushagak/Mulchata Rivers and Drainaages (including Nuyakak, Stuyahok, Koktuli, and Tikchik Rivers) | Peak availability is mid-June running through early July. Largest King salmon run in Alaska. Bait and single hook lures allowed. Drifting salmon eggs is most effective. |
| Alagnak River | Peak availability is end of June running through July. Bait not allowed. Hook lure and fly only. Larger King salmon than Nushagak but smaller numbers of fish. |
| Kvichak River | Peak availability of King salmon is mid-June through the end of July. |
Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island-Run Timing
This region encompasses Southern Southeast Alaska south of the Frederick Sound including Ketchikan, Prince of Wales Island, and Petersburg. Some of the more popular spots for fishing King salmon include Mountain Point, Herring Cove, Dall Head, Cone Island, Helm Bay, Lucky Cove, Alava Point, and Mary Islands. Popular fishing spots north of Ketchikan include Survey Point, Vallenar Bay, Grant Island, Camano Point, and Pup Island to Tatoosh Rocks. Kings can be found in the waters of Ketchikan year round. Peak fishing availability is between May and August. Salmon runs in fresh water fisheries such as Ketchikan Creek are at their peak during the month of July. Salt water availability is best from mid-May through July. Many anglers will fish the shorelines near Ketchikan from mid-June through July.
Juneau/Sitka/Yakutat Area Run Timing
Each summer King salmon flock to the fresh water and salt water fisheries of Northern Southeast Alaska. This region encompassing Juneau, Sitka and Yakutat. It spans from Cape Suckling, east of Cordova, to Baranof Island at the southern end of Frederick Sound. King salmon runs occur in the fresh water fisheries of Northern Southeast Alaska during July. Peak availability in salt water fisheries is between May and July.
Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Run Area Timing
King salmon runs occur yearly in the Artic, Yukon and Kuskokwim region of Alaska. This area encompasses the the northwest half of Alaska. It includes the communities of Nome, Kotzebue, Bethel, Aniak, Arctic Village, Galena, Barrow and several other small towns and villages. Runs of King salmon take place during the month of July. Kings are available from mid-June through August.
Tanana River Area-Fairbanks/Delta/Tok Area Run Timing
Each year King salmon return to the fresh water streams and tributaries of the Tanana River drainage area which includes the communities of Fairbanks, Delta and Tok. This area extends from the Alaska Range to the Yukon River. Peak availability for King salmon is from mid-June through July.
Sockeye Salmon Runs
Sockeye, also known as Red Salmon, run from mid-June through the end of August. Sockeeye run dates and duration may vary from region to region, and from one fishery to the next. A few of the most popular Sockeye runs in Alaska occur on the in the Kvichak, Naknek, Ugashik, Egegik, and Nushagak Rivers. The tables below list the historic run dates and peak activity for Alaskan Sockeye salmon.
Kenai, Soldotna & Homer Run Timing
| Kenai River | The first sockey run is from late-May through early July. The second run is from mid-July to mid-August. |
| Russian River | The first run peaks from mid-June through mid-July. The late run begins mid-July and extends through August. |
| Kasilof | The first run is from late May through June. A second run begins in early July and goes through August. Peak availability is July 10-25. |
| Moose River | The confluence of the Moose River and Kenai river is a major holding area for Sockeye salmon during the later half of June through July. |
| Ninilchik River | Limited King run from late may through early July. |
West Cook Inlet, Palmer, Wasilla, & Talkeetna Run Timing
| Deshka River | Sockeye runs extend from the last week in June through the 3rd week in August. Peak availability is from mid-June through the first week in August. |
| Susitna River | Peak availablity for Sockeye is mid-July through mid-August. Sockeye are not abundant in the Susitna River. |
| Little Susitna River | Sockeye runs extend from the beginning of July through September through the first week of August. |
| Talkeetna River | Sockeye run the Talkeetna River from mid-June through July. Peak availability is from late June through mid-July. |
Kodiak, Alaska Peninsula, & Aleutians Run Timing
| Buskin River | Sockeye runs on Buskin River begin in mid-May and go through the last week of July |
| Pasagshak River | Pasagshak River has peak availability for Sockeye fishing from the last week of June through mid-August |
| Saltery Creek | Sockeye salmon runs begin the last week of June and extend through mid-August |
| Karluk and Ayakulik Rivers | Runs begin mid-May and extend through the last week of September |
| Unalaska Bay Streams | Runs the begin during the last week of June and run through early August |
Prince William Sound & North Gulf Coast Area Run Timing
| Copper River (including Gulkana, Klutina & Tonsina Rivers) | Runs start mid-May and runs through early August. |
| Coghill River & Cordova Road | Peak availability is from June through mid-July |
| Eshamy & PWS Lake Systems | Peak availability is from mid-July through late August |
| Long Bay | Peak availability is from the beginning of July through mid-July |
| Eyak River | Peak availability is from late May through late July |
| Main Bay | Peak availability is from June through mid-August |
| North Gulf Saltwater (inside Resurrection Bay) | Peak availability from mid-May through July |
| North Gulf Freshwater | Peak availability from mid-June through late July |
Bristol Bay Watershed Area Run Timing
| Bristol Bay | May through July with peak availability the last week of June through July for saltwater fishing. Fresh water availability extends into August. |
| Nushagak/Mulchata Rivers and Drainages (including Nuyakak, Stuyahok, Koktuli, and Tikchik Rivers) | Runs and peak activity occur between mid-June and mid-July. |
| Alagnak River | Sockeye run the Alagnak river from the last week in June through the first week in July. Peak availability is the first 3 weeks of July. |
| Kvichak River | Sockeye run the Kvichak river from mid-June through mid-July. |
| Ugashik, Egegik, Naknek, Wood, Igushik, Togiak Rivers at tributaries | Runs and peak activity take place from mid-June through mid-July. |
Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island-Run Timing
The Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island region encompasses all of Southern Southeast Alaska south of Frederick Sound Ketchikan, Prince of Wales Island, and Petersburg. Each year during the summer Sockeye salmon flock to Ketchikan salt water and fresh water fisheries. Sockeye are challenging to target in salt water, but they are can be found schooled up in the fresh water lakes and rivers throughout the region. Fresh water runs occur during August and July. Peak availability in salt water occurs from June to July but Sockeye numbers are relatively low. Popular salt water fisheries include Helm Bay, Wadding Cove area and Yes Bay.
Juneau/Sitka/Yakutat Area Run Timing
Sockeye salmon return to the fresh water and salt water fisheries of Northern Southeast Alaska. This region includes Juneau, Sitka and Yakutat, and spans from Cape Suckling, east of Cordova, to Baranof Island at the southern end of Frederick Sound. Fresh water Sockeye runs occur during the month July. Sockeye are available in the salt water fisheries off the shores of Juneau, Sitka and Yakutat from July through September, but they are not abundant.
Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Area Run Timing
Sockeye salmon runs occur each year in the Artic, Yukon and Kuskokwim region of Alaska. This area encompasses the the northwest half of Alaska. It includes the communities of Nome, Kotzeto, Aniak, Galena, Bethel, Artic Village and several small towns. Sockeye runs occur at the height of summer during July, but are not as abundant as other species of Pacific salmon.
Coho Salmon Runs
Coho, more commonly known as Silver Salmon, run July through early October. Coho runs are typically just heating up as King, Sockeye and Pink salmon runs are cooling down for the season. A couple of the best Coho runs occur each year on Ship Creek and Campbell Creek. The tables below show the historic dates and peak activity for several of Alaska’s more popular Coho salmon runs and salt water fisheries.
Anchorage Bowl Area Run Timing
| Ship Creek | Coho salmon runs begin in mid-July and go through the 3rd week in September |
| Campbell Creek | Runs begin in mid-July and extend through September |
| Bird Creek | Runs begin toward the end f July and extend through mid-August |
| Twentymile and Placer rivers, and Portage, Glacier, and Ingram Creeks | Coho run begins mid-August and goes through mid to late October |
Kenai, Soldotna & Homer Run Timing
| Kenai River | The first run is from late July through August. The Second run is from early September through mid-October. |
| Russian River | Coho availability is best from early August through the end of September. Coho runs are highly variable. |
| Kasilof River | Run occurs from late July through September. Peak fishing is during the second half of August. |
| Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River | Peak availability is fro early August through mid-September |
| Homer Spit | Early run occurs between early August and mid-September. Later run occurs beween early August and mid-September. |
| Moose River | Coho are available in the Moose River and Kenai confluence July through mid-August but are not as numerous as Sockeye. |
| Ninilchik River | Coho salmon runs on the Ninilchik begin the last week of July and extend through the first week in September. |
West Cook Inlet, Palmer, Wasilla, & Talkeetna Run Timing
| Deshka River | Coho runs along the Lower Deshka extend from mid-July through early August. Peaks availability along Upper Deshka is from late July through early September. |
| Alexander Creek | Coho salmon runs along Alexander Creek extend from mid-July through the end of August. |
| Parks Highway Streams: Willow, Little Willow, Caswell, Sheep, Goose, Montana, & Sunshine Creeks, and Kashwitna River | Coho salmon runs extend from early August through mid-September. |
| Susitna River | Coho runs on the Susitna River occur from late July through mid-August. |
| Little Susitna River | Coho salmon runs along the Lower Little Susitna River occur between mid-July and mid-August. Along the Upper Susitna River, peak Coho availability is from early August through early September. |
| Talkeetna River | Coho runs come after King and Sockeye runs beginning in mid-August continuing into mid-September. |
| Lake Creek (Yentna River) | Coho run Lake Creek from early August through the first week of September. |
| Talachulitna River | Coho salmon run the Lower Talachulitan River during the entire month of August. They run the Upper Talachulitan River from mid-August through mid-September. |
| West Cook Inlet: Chuitna, Beluga, Theodore, Lewis, McArthur, and Kustatan Rivers | Coho run the West Cook Inlet rivers from mid-July through the first week in September. |
Kodiak, Alaska Peninsula, & Aleutians Run Timing
| Buskin River | Coho runs begin during the first week of August and extend through the first week of October |
| Pasagshak River | Peak availability for Coho salmon extends from early August through early October. |
| Saltery Creek | Coho salmon runs along Saltery Creek extend from the first few weeks in August through early October. |
| American River, Olds River & Salonie Creek (Road System Creeks) | Runs begin the first couple weeks of Auguest and extend through the first week of October |
| Afognak and Raspberry Island Streams | Coho runs extend from the beginning of August through mid-September |
| Uganik River | Runs begin mid-August and extend through the first week of October |
| Karluk and Ayakulik Rivers | Runs begin mid-August and extend through early October |
| Unalaska Bay Streams | Runs begin around the first week or two of August and extend through early October |
Prince William Sound & North Gulf Coast Area Run Timing
| Copper River (including Gulkana, Klutina & Tonsina Rivers) | Runs start mid-July and run through September |
| Cordova Roadside Stream | Peak availability is August through September |
| Fleming Spit | Peak availability is August through mid-September |
| Lake Bay | Peak availability is August through early September |
| Port Valdez | Peak availability is mid-July through toward the end of August |
| Whittier Shoreline | Peak availability is August through September |
| Saltwater (inside Resurrection Bay) | Peak availability from mid-July through August |
| Saltwater (outside Resurrection Bay) | Peak availability from late June through August |
| Freshwater | Peak availability from late July through late September |
Bristol Bay Watershed Area Run Timing
| Bristol Bay | Saltwater fishery peak availability is August and September |
| Nushagak/Mulchata Rivers and Drainaages (including Nuyakak, Stuyahok, Koktuli, and Tikchik Rivers) | Runs commence beginning of August and extend through September |
| Alagnak and Egegik Rivers | Runs commence beginning of August and extend through September |
| Kvichak River | Beginning of August through September |
| Togiak and Ugashik Rivers | Peak availability is mid-August through mid-September |
Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island-Run Timing
The Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island region encompasses all of Southern Southeast Alaska south of Frederick Sound Ketchikan, Prince of Wales Island, and Petersburg. Coho salmon start appearing in Ketchikan fresh water fisheries toward the end of June and are abundant through the first week of July. They can be targeted in salt water fisheries from July through September.
Juneau/Sitka/Yakutat Area Run Timing
Coho salmon can be found in the fresh water and salt water fisheries of Northern Southeast Alaska which include the waters surrounding Juneau, Sitka and Yakutat. The Northern Southeast region of Alaska spans from Cape Suckling, east of Cordova, to Baranof Island at the southern end of Frederick Sound. Coho runs occur in the fresh water streans and rivers of Juneau, Sitka and Yakutat from September through October. Peak availability in saltwater fisheries is from August to September.
Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Area Run Timing
Coho salmon runs take place year year in the Artic, Yukon and Kuskokwim region of Alaska. This area encompasses the the northwest half of Alaska. It includes the communities of Nome, Bethel, Aniak, Arctic Village, Galena, Barrow and several other small townships. Coho can be found in the fresh water streams, rivers and tributaries of the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers from September through the beginning of November. Peak availability is from mid-September through October.
Tanana River Area-Fairbanks/Delta/Tok Area Run Timing
Coho salmon are found in the fresh water streams, rivers and tributaries of the Tanana River drainage area which includes the communities of Fairbanks, Delta and Tok, and extends from the Alaska Range to the Yukon River. Coho are available from September through November. Coho runs typically occur during peak availability in October.
Pink Salmon Runs
Pink salmon runs and peak availability occur during the months of July and August. Pink salmon can be found in most of Alaska’s fresh water and salt water fisheries. Kenai and Kasilof rivers have Pink salmon runs every other year between the end of July and mid-August. Alaska Pink salmon only run on even years. The following tables list the historic dates and peak activity for Pink salmon in Alaska.
Anchorage Bowl Area Run Timing
| Bird Creek | Begins early to mid-July and runs through mid-August. On even years Pink salomon are abundant. |
| Twentymile and Placer rivers, and Portage, Glacier, and Ingram Creeks | Early July through mid-August on even years. |
Kenai, Soldotna & Homer Run Timing
| Kenai River | Peak availability is from mid-July through August. Pink salmon runs only occur on even numbered years. |
| Kasilof River | Runs occur from mid-July through the end of August. |
| Russian River | Pinks may be caught here but are typically late in their spawning phase. They are released by most anglers. |
| Ninilchik River | Pink salmon start running mid-July and continue through mid-July. |
West Cook Inlet, Palmer, Wasilla, & Talkeetna Run Timing
| Deshka River | Availability for Pink salmon begins mid-June extending throught the 3rd week in July. Peak fishing occurs the last week of June and first two weeks of July. |
| Susitna River | Pink salmon are abundant along the Susitna River from early July through mid-August. |
| Little Susitna River | Pink Salmon are available in the Little Susitna River from mid-June through the 3rd week in July. Peak availability occurs the last week of June and first two weeks of July. |
| Talkeetna River | Pink enter the Talkeetna River on even-numbered years around mid-August and are available through September. |
Kodiak, Alaska Peninsula, & Aleutians Run Timing
| Buskin River | Pink salmon runs begin mid-July and run through mid-August |
| American River, Olds River & Salonie Creek (Road System Creeks) | Pinks run from mid-July and run through mid-August |
| Unalalaska Bay Streams | Runs in the bay streams of Unalaska begin mid-July and extend through early August |
Prince William Sound & North Gulf Coast Area Run Timing
| Lake Bay, Sawmill Bay & Unakwik Inlet | Peak availability is mid-June through late August |
| Port Valdez | Peak availability is mid-June through mid-September |
| Western Side of PWS, Whittier | Peak availability is mid-June through mid-September |
| Saltwater (inside Resurrection Bay) | Peak availability early July through early September |
| Freshwater | Peak availability July through August |
Bristol Bay Watershed Area Run Timing
| Bristol Bay | Saltwater and fresh water fishing peak availability from mid-July through August |
| Nushagak River | Runs start late July and extend through the first week of August |
| Various rivers throughout Bristol Bay Drainages | Runs start late July and extend through the first week of August |
Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island-Run Timing
Mid-July pink salmon migrate into the waters surrounding Ketchikan by the thousands. The best time to target Pinks, whether by boat or shoreline, is from July through early August. If you’re fishing for Pinks from shore we recommend Mountain Point and Thomas Basin using spinners, spoons and flies. You can also target Pink salmon in the fresh water rivers, streams and fisheries in Ketchikan during the month of July.
Juneau/Sitka/Yakutat Area Run Timing
Pink salmon can be found throughout Northern Southeast Alaska in the salt water and fresh water fisheries surrounding Sitka, Juneau and Yakutat. Peak availability of Pink salmon in fresh water fisheries is from July to mid-August. Peak availability in salt water fisheries is from the end of Jun through the beginning of August.
Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Area Run Timing
Pink salmon flock to the fresh water rivers, streams and fisheries in the Artic, Yukon and Kuskokwim region of Alaska. This area encompasses the the northwest half of Alaska. It includes the communities of Kotzebue, Nome, Bethel, Aniak, Arctic Village, Galena, Barrow and several other small towns and villages. While not as abundant as other salmon species, Pink salmon begin entering the fisheries and tributaries for the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers mid-June. Peak availability is end of June through July.
Chum Salmon Runs
Chum salmon make two runs every year, one in the summer and one in the fall. The second run is typically the larger. And since most salmon species run during the summer, the fall is a great time to target Chum salmon. Chum salmon are found in the fresh water rivers throughout Alaska’s northwest and Yukon drainage. The tables below provide the historic run dates and peak activity for Alaska’s Chum salmon.
Kenai, Soldotna & Homer Run Timing
| Chum salmon are distributed throughout the Kenai, Soldonta and Home freshwater fisheries. | Historically Chum run from July through August. |
West Cook Inlet, Palmer, Wasilla, & Talkeetna Run Timing
| Deshka River | Chum Salmon fishing begins the first week of July and extends through the 3rd week of August. Peak availability is from mid-July through mid-August. |
| Susitna River | Peak availablity for Sockeye is mid-July through mid-August. Sockeye are not abundant in the Susitna River. |
| Little Susitna River | Chum Salmon season for the Little Susitna River extends from the 1st week of July and through the 3rd week of August. Peak Chum runs are mid-July through mid-August. |
| Talkeetna River | Chum salmon enter the Talkeetna River in numbers mid-August and runs continue through the beginning of September. |
Prince William Sound & North Gulf Coast Area Run Timing
| Main Bay | Peak availability is mid-June |
| Lake Bay | Peak availability is from early June through early July |
North Gulf Coast Area Run Timing
| Saltwater | Peak availability from early July trhough early August |
| Freshwater | Peak availability from July through August |
Bristol Bay Watershed Area
Chum salmon are found throughout the Bristol Bay Watershed. The are particularly abundant in the Nushagak River drainage and its tributaries, as well as Naknek, Alagnak and Togiak Rivers. Chum salmon are available from June through August with peak availability and runs from mid-July through August.
Ketchikan/Prince of Wales Island-Run Timing
The best time to fish for Chum salmon in Ketchikan salt water fisheries is during the month of August and for fresh water fisheries late August through early September. Some of the more popular salt water fisheries in Ketchikan for targeting Chum include the Ship Island Area, Anchor Pass, Yes Bay and Caamano Point. Fresh water fisheries include Naha River, Mahoney Lake, Reflection Lake, Lake Creek, and Nakat Lake.
Juneau/Sitka/Yakutat Area Run Timing
Chum salmon are available in the salt water and fresh water fisheries of Northern Southeast Alaska which includes Sitka, Juneau and Yakutat and surrounding areas. This region extends from Cape Suckling, east of Cordova, to Baranof Island at the southern end of Frederick Sound. Peak availability for Chum salmon is for both fresh water and salt water fisheries is the month of July. Chum salmon are available in fewer numbers from the end of May through the beginning of October.
Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim Area Run Timing
Chum salmon are found throughout the fresh water fisheries of Alaska’s northwest, encompassing the Artic, Yukon and Kuskokwim regions. Chum salmon is the most abundant salmon species in the Yukon River tributaries including White, Steward, Porcupine, Pelly and Teslin rivers. Chum salmon are available starting in June and extending through November. Runs and peak availability is from July through mid-August.
Tanana River Area-Fairbanks/Delta/Tok Run Timing
Chum salmon are found through the fresh water tributaries of the Tanana River drainage systes which includes the areas surrounding Fairbanks, Delta and Tok. The Tanana River drainage extends from the Alaska Range to the Yukon River. Chum salmon are available from July through November. Peak availability is during the months of July and then again nearing November.
