Written by Sitka, Alaska is a perfect location for fishing, whether it be fresh or saltwater, fly fishing, or spin casting. The waters are abundant with several types of fish, including two national favorites, salmon, and halibut. It doesn’t take much to plan your Sitka fishing adventure to ensure a successful outing. Timing is important, but so is choosing a good Alaska fishing charter boat. We’ll share everything we know to make your trip a success – and remember to contact Action Alaska for an unforgettable guided saltwater tour.
Best Time
The best time for Sitka fishing is undoubtedly the months of May-September. Our beautiful waters are home to a variety of fish, including five species of salmon. As a result, some months are better than others, depending on what you want you to catch.
- May-July: this is a good time for king salmon
- June-August: try your hand at halibut
- May-September: you’re sure to find rockfish
Contact us to learn more about saltwater fishing during this season, or if you have any other questions, such as regulations for non-residents for that month.
Weather
May-September is summer, but don’t expect warm weather if you’re a non-resident. Temperatures here usually range between the mid-50s, upper 60s during this time of year. Rain is also a huge possibility, so we recommend preparing with rain gear, hats, jackets, and boots to keep relatively dry and comfortable while you’re on the water. An added bonus is, rain typically encourages more activity down below. So, bundle up and get ready for a successful outing.
Salmon Fishing Tips
There is a large quantity of baitfish in Sitka’s surrounding waters, which attracts a surge of salmon, particularly king and silver. During May-September, it’s not unlikely to come across all species of salmon, even in one outing. So, to make your fishing adventure more successful, and to avoid bumps along the way, we recommend learning and implementing the following tips:
- Obtain necessary licenses that are specific to the area you will be fishing.
- Contact Action Alaska for your Sitka fishing tour. If you need lodging, let us know. We can recommend great places to stay nearby.
- Remember that rain is a strong possibility, so rent or buy the necessary equipment to accommodate the weather – don’t forget to purchase the proper bait for the specific fish you want to catch.
- Before your outing, learn all about the limits for salmon fishing in Alaska – if you have additional questions, we’ll be happy to answer them.
Months for Salmon
There are several species of salmon, each with different migratory patterns. If you’re interested in a specific type, here is when you should visit between May through September.
Visit in May if you’re interested in:
- King
- Halibut
- Lingcod
- Black cod
- Rockfish
Visit in June if you’re interested in:
- King
- Halibut
- Black cod
- Rockfish
- Silver
As you can see, May and June are very similar, but you’ll find king salmon in a greater abundance during June. Additionally, silver salmon start to appear near the end of the month. There’s still time to book your reservation for a guided saltwater tour this month.
Visit in July if you’re interested in:
- King
- Silver
During this month, you’re more likely to catch all salmon species in one day. For some, July is considered one of the best months to go out on the water. We recommend booking now to go on the water for a saltwater outing in July.
Visit in August if you’re interested in:
- Silver
- King
In August, you will still come across king salmon, but their numbers begin to dwindle as silver salmon increases.
Visit in September if you’re interested in:
- Silver
Silver salmon are still in great abundance during this month. You may experience king salmon, but their numbers have reduced significantly by this time. Before going out, check out the Sitka fishing report for more accurate conditions.
Contact Action Alaska
No matter what month you come between May-September, you’ve picked an excellent season for Sitka fishing. Make your trip even more forgettable by booking our Alaska fishing charter boat, Kimshan. We proudly offer a personalized sportfishing experience, and our customers love us so much, 90% of our bookings are repeats. Book your reservation online or call (907)206-6946.