Alaska

Turnagan Arm, on the way to the Kenai River from Anchorage

May

May is a special time in Alaska.
Hungry King Salmon cruise along the peninsula’s coastline as they head north to the Kenai and surrounding rivers. We troll along the shore of the Cook Inlet during the incoming tides as the Kings are pushed up against the beach. At the switch of the tide we head out for Halibut. This is the best time of year for Halibut because they are following the Hooligan (smelt, a bait fish) up the Cook Inlet near the shore.

June – July

The Kenai River is like no place on earth.
It runs through the accommodating town of Soldotna, Alaska. Picturesque emerald colored glacier water flows swiftly but steadily out of the Kenai Mountains. The world’s largest King Salmon are entering the river with each tide. These behemoths can reach five feet long and tip the scales at over one hundred pounds! The Kenai River holds the record for seven of the top ten Kings ever caught on rod and reel. Two runs of Kings compliment this river, the first arrives in late May and builds through June, the second arrives throughout July.

The Kenai’s smaller sister river, the Kasilof, flows into the Cook Inlet twelve miles south of the Kenai. The Kasilof offers excellent fishing at similar times to that of the Kenai. The size of the Kasilof restricts it to a drift boat only river, making for a peaceful float trip.

Oregon

Crown Point, in the throat of Columbia River Gorge

August – September

Lower Columbia River Fishing
Nearly one million salmon enter the Columbia River this time of year and limits are common. Both Kings and Silvers are in season for a mixed bag! Crabbing is also excellent this time of year and is available upon request. As the season progresses, the Kings are moving further up the Columbia River. We target these upriver brights in the throat of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, just below Bonneville Dam, as the fish stack up before heading up the fish ladder.

October – December

Tillamook Bay and Nehalem Bay
Tillamook consistently produces some of the largest salmon in the state. Depending on ocean conditions and where the fish are, we could be on the ocean, trolling in the bay, or up in tide water on one of Tillamook’s five rivers.

January – April

Winter Steelhead and Spring Chinook
The Columbia River and tributaries such as the Clackamas, Sandy, Willamette, and Wind River are where we target these fish. Spring Chinook are known for their delicate flavor and chrome-colored skin. Fishing can be hot and heavy.