Many people don’t know this, but Alaska has salmon galore! Sure, everyone hears of the salmon runs every year. They probably imagine huge, two-foot long salmon weighing up to 15 pounds as they surge out of white-capped rapids on their way upstream. They think of the grizzly bears waiting patiently on rocks or in the midst of the water with their gaping mouths open, just waiting for one of those lucky fish to jump right in. But did you know that Alaska salmon fishing provides anglers with the opportunity to catch several varieties of this spectacular fish?
Silvers, or cohos, as they are more commonly known by sports fishermen and women, are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest, especially British Columbia and Alaska. This salmon species grows up to two feet long and can weigh in at a whopping 15-20 pounds. Just as an aside, the male is unable to close his mouth while mating, and watch out for those teeth, because they’re sharp! Adult cohos swim in the Pacific and coastal tributaries, and then head upstream around July, August and September to spawn.
Spawning for silvers, or cohos, takes place at any time between September and December, based on location. Female cohos will lay roughly 2,500 eggs and guard them closely until she dies several days later. Cohos are known to be aggressive and anglers are put to their mettle to catch these powerful fish and more than one comes away from Alaska with a “The fish that got away” tale!
Another common Alaskan salmon is known as the king salmon. If you think the silvers can grow, wait until you see some of these. Some weigh in at over 90 pounds, though most average between 30 and 80 pounds. Still, that’s a lot of fish. Alaska salmon fishing, especially for kings, provides fishermen with enough adventures and stories to last a lifetime. Alaska offers thousands of lakes, rivers, streams and other waterways where fish are plentiful, and that means more than salmon. There’s trout and halibut as well as other varieties that will keep fishermen well occupied during any fishing vacation.
Fishing for king salmon is best from around May to July in most sections of the state. Your method for nabbing those red beauties is as varied as the styles and equipment of the men and women who flock to Alaska every year to catch them. Anglers from around the world can also fish in ocean waters for salmon, or in tributaries or rivers, both along the coast and inland.
For one of the greatest fishing adventures ever, consider taking a fishing trip to Alaska to try your rod and reel against Alaska’s famous salmon. The weather is mild most of the year, and if you don’t mind a little water or snow, you can even opt to go ice fishing in the winter and Alaska provides opportunities for year round fishing as well as other outdoor activities that will keep you and your family entertained for weeks.
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