What do you do when you go to NYC for the first time? You go see the Statue of Liberty, right? Well, just like the Big Apple, Alaska has a signature attraction you don’t want to miss. The Great Land is home to the very best King Salmon fishery in the world, and as such, it’s been making anglers’ dreams a reality for decades. The biggest Chinook on record was caught in these waters, so it makes sense that the mightiest of the Salmon gets to be the Alaska state fish.
Arguably one of the best game fish out there, King Salmon are a bucket-lister for countless anglers. Strong and spirited, Kings will put up a fight like almost no other fish their size. Not only that, Chinooks are some of the best eating fish in existence! Let’s see why Alaska is the best place to catch these monsters.
World Record Chinook Salmon
It happened early in the morning on May 17, 1985. A Soldotna car salesman named Les Anderson went out with a friend to try to catch some “early-season” Chinook Salmon. The season was only heating up, and Les didn’t dream that he was about to catch the fish of his life.
The mammoth Chinook was almost 5 feet long, and by the time Les put it on the scale, it weighed a whopping 97 pounds, 4 ounces! People have said that Les didn’t come to shore with his record-breaker right away. He fished for a good few hours before heading back to weigh his Chinook, all the while letting it lose its body fluids. If the story is true, there’s no telling how much bigger the fish actually was when Les caught it – possibly over 100 pounds!
The record stands to this day, but as remarkable as it is, it’s not unbreakable. Chinooks in the 80 lb range are regular catches in Alaska, especially around Kenai River. In recent years, there have even been a few potential record breakers that were released!
When and Where to Catch King Salmon
King Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning that they spend a portion of their life in saltwater. Here, Chinooks feast on crustaceans and smaller fish, all the while growing to become the biggest of all the Salmon species. Chinooks take their time doing this: they can spend anywhere from two to eight years in saltwater!
When the time comes for them to spawn, the Chinooks return to their natal rivers and streams. What does this mean for you? You can catch King Salmon all over Alaska, and almost throughout the whole year!
Here are some of the best Chinook Salmon fishing spots in Alaska:
Kenai River – probably the best Chinook fishing spot in the world. Excellent fishing from late May through August.
Seward – large 40+ lb Chinooks right outside Seward Harbor, best targeted in March and June.
Homer – the best place to catch saltwater Chinook, biting year-round.
Sitka – abundant in saltwater Chinook, usually in the 25–30 lb range. Best targeted between mid-May and mid-August. Good opportunities for Halibut fishing, too.
Before you head out, make sure to check the local fishing regulations, as they can vary from location to location. Once you’re aware of the size and bag limits, you’ll just need an Alaskan fishing license, and you’ll be all set!
Saltwater vs. Freshwater King Salmon
Saltwater King Salmon go through a radical physical change as they move towards their spawning grounds. Chinook change their body colors from bluish-green on the back with silvery sides and white bellies, to copper-red (males) and reddish-gray (females). The males develop a hooked nose and upper jaw, whereas the females become more stout and blunt-nosed.
If you didn’t know better, you’d hardly know that it’s the same fish!
One Fish to Rule Them All
Chinook Salmon didn’t become the Alaska state fish by accident. This remarkable fish offers unparalleled game qualities and a taste that rivals pretty much anything else that makes it to your plate. Yes, this fish is awesome. And Alaska happens to be the best place to catch one.
