First Salmon Trip Advice Requested

[T. Chris]

I am planning my first Salmon fishing trip in Alaska and I will be flying into and out of Anchorage on August 3 and 8. I have done some on-line research and read Bernard Rosenberg's book (Alaska fishing on a budget) and am thinking of either going to the Russian river for the second run of reds or North to fish along the Parks highway. I am a DIY kind of guy so I don't plan on getting a guide, but instead will be fishing what I can acess from the roads. What would you do based on the time of year I will be in fishing? Thanks in advance for your hlep.

 

[Mashesta]

I'd say just be flexible. Check these forums and the fishing reports on the Fish and Game website just before your trip and decide where to go from there.
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSportFishingInfo.reports

Few options close to Anchorage would be Ship Creek (right here in town), Bird Creek, Eklutna Tailrace, and Jim Creek (though I wouldn't suggest taking a rental back to Jim).

 

[salmon_bone]

Stick to the streams along the Parks Highway, if heading North.
Silvers, reds, trout and dollies will be in them at that time along with pinks and chums.
Little Susitna opens up to bait on August 6, also.

 

[T. Chris]

I should have added that fishing is the main reason I am coming to Alaska. I am renting a camper van and am ready to drive where ever I need to in order to find good fishing.

Salmon Bone, I noticed your comment above mentioned pink salmon. Will they be in the rivers this year? I thought they only came on even years.

Mashesta, I was thinking the same thing about flexibility, but also want to make a reservation at a campground, so that is my delima. I would like to get away from Anchorage so that I can seem more of the country as well.

 

[Mashesta]

Think it's a pretty safe bet that you'll catch fish either direction. I don't have a lot of experience with the streams up the Parks so can't really speak on those streams/camp grounds. If you decided to stay at the Russian you can always head down to the lower Kenai as well and fish different locations.

 

[JediMasterSalmonSlayer]

With your flying days being 3 and 8 Aug that leaves 4 solid days for self guided fishing. If it were me, I would drive North and fish the Parks Hwy streams. You can catch pink, chum, silver and sockeye salmon / and also trout during that time frame. The crowds are not as bad as want you think and during the week it may even find a couple locations void of any other anglers. Lots of locations to choose from and with easy access, Mat-Su Valley Campground is central location in unit 2 fishing. If you would like more particulars shoot me a PM. I am not a professional guide, however I do catch lots of fish in the Valley every summer.

 

[Fishtheroad]

@TChris

If you're DIY, there are lots of "Hidden Gems" to be found in August. Silvers, Chums, and pinks (as well as trout) get in everywhere. About pinks, lots of sources say "even number years", but what they really mean is that there is a surge of pinks on even years. Pinks are plentiful and easy to catch every year. Chums, however, are where its at. They fight like kings, are bigger than silvers, and as easy to find as pinks. Got an Iphone? Download FISH FINDER, an app I'm working on (its free).

I personally would go south. There is more to do in a smaller vicinity (meaning less time wasted driving) Crowds only exist when you aren't willing to put in a tiny amount of effort. Send a PM or email ([email protected]) and I can give you some specifics.

 

[MTguy]

I suggest you listen to the Jedi. If you go north consider a boat ride up to Clear creek for a day. as Fishtheroad said, Chums are big and fun. However, there aren't very many down south to fish. If your goal is to bring home fish. Go to the Russian for Sockeye. What ever you do, have a great time!!!

 

[JediMasterSalmonSlayer]

If your goal is to bring home fish. Go to the Russian for Sockeye. What ever you do, have a great time!!!

I agree if you want to harvest fish to take home go south & of course have fun!!