Sitka Salmon Fishing

New to Salmon Fishing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Salmon is a popular choice among fishers because of its taste and texture. Salmon is also dense, which makes it more like eating chicken than other fish. The distinct flavor of salmon gives it a remarkable taste, and it’s high in omega 3 fatty acids. 

No wonder salmon is among the most popular types of seafood in the U.S. 

You can enjoy salmon bought at the store or at a restaurant, but nothing quite compares to the taste of wild-caught salmon. 

To catch salmon, you’ll need patience, the right fishing gear, and a good location. Fortunately, when you book our Alaska salmon fishing charter in Sitka, Alaska, you can check “good location” off your list.

Important Information About Salmon 

Before you go Alaska salmon fishing, it’s good to be knowledgeable about salmon as well as proper fishing techniques. Some interesting information about salmon include:

  • They can live in freshwater and saltwater
  • There are six main species of salmon
    • Pink salmon
    • Sockeye salmon
    • Atlantic salmon
    • Chum salmon
    • Chinook salmon
    • Coho salmon
  • Pink salmon is most common in Sitka, Alaska (you might also catch Coho salmon)

The type of salmon you catch depends on what time of year you book your Alaska salmon fishing charter. In general, the best time of year to visit is summer. 

However, you’ll have many opportunities to catch salmon all year long just in case you can’t make it during the summer.

Choose a Location 

When salmon fishing, you want to choose a river, lake, or any body of water along their migratory route. This will significantly increase your chances of catching more salmon. By choosing Sitka, you have picked the right location for salmon fishing. 

For example, more people tend to catch King salmon in the saltwater of Sitka than anywhere in Alaska. You’re sure to find an abundance of other types of fish, including black cod, lingcod halibut, and rockfish which makes for a pretty nice trip.

Best Time of the Year to Catch Salmon

Another important factor to consider when you book our Alaska salmon fishing charter is which month to go fishing. Again, the summer months are the preferred option if you want to target salmon. 

You’ll experience better chances during the end of June and the beginning of July. August is also a good time for Alaska salmon fishing, as you’re more likely to catch five species of salmon during one outing.

Salmon Fishing Techniques 

There’s a lot more to fishing than casting a line. When it comes to salmon fishing, different techniques prove more successful depending on the type of salmon you wish to catch. One common technique is known as drifting.

Drifting is used when there is a strong current and a lot of salmon and can be used on all waters. Essentially, when drifting, you allow the current to carry you while your bait travels across the water. It’s a simple technique that even beginners can master. 

Drift fishing can be broken into types, depending on water conditions and other factors. Types of drift fishing include:

  • Mooching
  • Jigging
  • Fly fishing

Trolling is another fishing technique, commonly implemented when the water is too weak or too strong for drifting. This takes place on a moving boat, which moves with the current to ensure a better catch. Trolling is a good technique to apply when the salmon are scattered across the water.

Get a Permit 

It’s important to note that you will need a permit (or special stamp) to catch and keep salmon. This is different than your fishing license. Be sure to get this prior to booking your trip. This will help you plan for any delays. 

Pick Your Bait and Gear 

It probably goes without saying, but the right bait will ensure your chances of catching salmon. We recommend using live bait, which can be purchased at any tackle and bait shop. The alternative is artificial bait (lures). They do a good job of mimicking what salmon typically eat in the wild.

You’ll also need some basic fishing gear before you hit the water. When salmon fishing, we recommend the following:

  • 8.5  – 9 feet long fishing rod
  • A variety of fishing lines
  • Non-corrosive reel (when you book our Alaska fishing charter, you’ll be fishing in saltwater)

Contact Action Alaska 

Now that you know the best location, time of year, and a few techniques to catch Salmon, you’re ready to book a charter! The best part of all is that bait is included and so is all the gear you’ll be needing. 

Contact Action Alaska to gets started!