Ask the Pros - Best time for Salmon & Halibut Trip

• I would like to bring my family over for a couple days of fishing in 2026. I would like to know when the best time of year for a successful salmon and halibut trip? There would be 4-6 of us looking for a salmon/halibut fishing charter? Any other information you think is relevant is appreciated.

  Thanks!
  Chris

• Hello,

  Congrats on you and your family's trip to Alaska this summer! Salmon and halibut prime time is around mid July through the end of August. Halibut and some salmon are present outside that window as well but can be hit or miss. Ocean charters typically can fish 6 guests, though there are some outfitters that have bigger boats and can accommodate larger groups. In addition to ocean charters there are many outfitters (like myself) that specialize in targeting salmon in the river systems. Those prime dates are also mid July through about mid to late August. For most outfitters on rivers in our area our boats can hold 3 guests but we have many guides and boats and can accommodate large groups. All our guided fishing trips at FishHound Expeditions are private, it would just be your group and the appropriate number of guides. Good luck and enjoy your travels!

  Cheers - Adam

  Adam Cuthriell - Part owner of FishHound Expeditions. His wife Kathryn Cuthriell and business partner Dave "Reps" Repta make up the rest of the company as well as their dogs Hatch, Rado, and Pike. They fish, live, and guide in Alaska year-round. When not guiding on the rivers they guide ice fishing on Alaska's numerous lakes. Originally from Colorado, he began guiding at the age of 19 while receiving a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. Adam is also a current state of Alaska EMT.

• Hey Chris,

  At Kenai Drift Anglers, we recommend two prime salmon windows depending on the run you want to experience:

  1. Kasilof River – Early Run Sockeye
  June 16th – July 15th
  High-action fishing and an excellent time if you want to take home a lot of salmon. A week before and after this window can also fish well.

  2. Kenai River – Peak Sockeye Season
  July 15th – August 15th
  Our most popular and reliable salmon window of the summer. Success rates are typically excellent, and most families end up taking home a generous amount of salmon — often more value than the cost of the charter compared to buying fish retail.

  Halibut Fishing

  Halibut is consistently good from May through September, making it easy to pair with either salmon window.

  Group Size

  Salmon Trips: We can take up to 5 guests per drift boat. For 4–6 guests, we’ll run one or two boats depending on your preference.
  Halibut Charters: Boats can take up to 6 guests comfortably with our partnered captains.

  Tight lines
  Scott Daletas

  Scott Daletas - Owner/Guide for Kenai Drift Anglers. Kenai Drift Anglers isn’t a large, all-inclusive fishing lodge—we focus entirely on delivering the ultimate Alaska fishing experience, plain and simple. We guide trips on both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, offering flexibility that other operations can’t match. Our fleet includes some of the nicest Kasilof River drift boats and Kenai River power boats in the state because we believe your fishing trip starts with top-tier gear. Our experienced guides bring unmatched local knowledge of the Kenai Peninsula, ensuring you’re always in the right spot at the right time. Whether you're after trophy salmon or world-class trout, Kenai Drift Anglers is dedicated to making your trip unforgettable.

• Hi Chris,

  I would say the best time would probably be end of July first of August. They can get in to Silver Salmon and Halibut. I would recommend either Jimmy Akana with Alaska Saltwater Fly Fishing ( he will do gear as well) or The Fish House. Both out of Seward.

  Another option would be a river trip for Sockeye in that same time frame on the Kenai River. Here a couple guide options for that Alaska Troutfitters or Drifters Lodge.

  Anything ww can do to help, please let me know.

  Thanks - Mike

  Mike Brown - Owner of Mossy's Fly Shop in Anchorage, Alaska

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