Ask the Pro's: Father / Son Fishing Trip

May is a tough month to accommodate all that you are looking for. Halibut should be good but you will be on the very front end of the Kings and Sockeye don't typically start showing up till second week of June. Weather wise in Alaska is always a crap shoot, like right now, this spring has started out cold and windy. Sometimes May can be really nice though.

I would probably recommend somewhere around June 11th for your timing honestly, all species you are looking for should be available. We have had a lof of King closures over the last few years, as these runs have been hurting, but this is always subject to each new year. June, typically is good weather.

As for location, flying in to Anchorage and basing yourself on the Kenai Peninsula (2.5 hrs South) will put you in the center of everything you are looking to catch. If you decide on a 9 day trip, I would recommend a glacier/wildlife tour on a boat out of Seward and I would also recommend heading North of Anchorage to visit Denali as well. There are lots of incredible activities in Denali National Park!

Anything we can do or lodge/guide recommendations, just let us know.

Thanks,
Mike

Bob,

I can't think of a better place for a father-son trip than Alaska! So glad you'll be up here! Traditionally, the Sockeye fishing doesn't begin until mid-June with general lulls towards the end of June and a second, much bigger run of fish peaking by late July. As far as King Salmon go, they traditionally begin their migration in mid-May and continue to run in much better numbers through June and July. Kings and Halibut can be targeted in the saltwater in May and it is often a really good time of year to fish for them. The weather this time of year can be unpredictable at times. Though it will be above freezing for the most part, it can turn quickly and range from the 30s up to mid-50s. For the best weather and options, fishing on the Kenai Peninsula will probably have the best odds of open rivers and fishable runs.

Generally speaking, you can have some great fishing experiences and seemingly have the fishing to yourselves this time of year as it doesn't get busy until June when a multitude of anglers begin to make Alaska their destination. You may also find some nice early season specials for a variety of activities. Whale watching and sight-seeing cruises are just starting to go out this time of year and there is a good chance of being some of the first to see humpback whales and killer whales in our Fjords. For travel within the state, the roads will be relatively open, but as you go further north towards denali or other destinations, you may find it can still be snowing, although the drives here on clear days are magnificent. I would suggest, for the best experience, to spend your time on the Kenai Peninsula exploring Cooper Landing, Whittier, Seward and Homer.

I hope this helps and welcome to Alaska in advance!!

First off, you probably won't encounter any Sockeye Salmon in May because those species usually don't appear until early June. King salmon are available in the Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage and on some rivers along the Alaska Parks Highway north of Anchorage, however. Halibut are available in all the waters outside of Homer, Seward and Kodiak Island. Be sure to get your KingStamp along with your license.

I recommend buying the "The Milepost" book to help you with other places you might want to stay or see as you travel around. You can get it on Google or in most of the bookstores in Anchorage. There are also very helpful pamphlets in the airport. Be sure to get your licenses and also toget connected with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, They're very helpful.

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