Your Alaskan Fishing Adventure

An Alaska fishing adventure is perhaps the most iconic Alaskan experience you can have. There are so many different species, locations and ways to fish -- the options are endless.

Alaska is well known for its scenic fishing locations which range from off-the-road adventures to scenic secluded fly-ins. However, whether it’s your first time fishing and you’re just looking for breathtaking views, or you’re an experienced fisherman looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, booking a fishing charter is a surefire way to fulfill everyone’s Alaska wishlist. Most popular destinations are the Kenai Peninsula, Seward and Homer.

Before booking your charter, you need to narrow down your budget constraints compared with what kind of fishing experience you are looking for. Most charters will provide all the gear you need and guide you into getting a fishing license, which are the more technical parts of logistics. Many of our military clients turn to the Seward military resort. Before the pandemic they offered fishing charters; currently, as of summer 2022, due to staffing shortages they are no longer providing them. The resort itself is a great place to stay for a trip to Seward -- they offer camping, yurts and hotel rooms of various sizes. Being that the resort is specifically for military members and veterans, you will need to double check your eligibility.

For the most amazing fishing experiences you will be competing with tourists and locals alike, so it’s vital to plan ahead. Peak salmon fishing times will start approximately the 2nd week of June into the end of July. It’s not a bad idea to start looking for accommodations up to 6 months before in order to have the best options in terms of sizing and price, for camping, AirBNB’s and hotels.

Pro Tip: for real time information on fishing regulations download the Alaska Dept of Fish & Game (ADFG) app. You can upload your fishing license so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet, lost or left at home. The app also shows you the most up-to-date regulations on any specific area of water you are looking to fish at. For example, if you are not familiar with the term “snagging”, there are specific rules about where you can hook a salmon if you plan on keeping it. 

If you and your family are deciding to become Alaskan residents, there is an additional fishing perk called Dipnetting. Dipnetting is quite literally using a net to scoop Sockeye salmon (and sometimes King Salmon) out of the ocean. In order to be eligible to dipnet you will need a permit certifying that you are an Alaskan resident of over 12 consecutive months. Just remember to plan ahead if you would like to participate next year!