Here is your 2019 Alaska West Salmon Calendar! Alaska West typically has an incredibly consistent run of the various Pacific Salmon. Veteran guides up there can almost tell you what day of the year it is based on what fish are arriving into the river system. If you have a specific species of fish that you want to chase, we can help you predict when the best time to catch them will be. At Alaska West (and Rapids Camp for that matter) our time of year is based on what fish are in the river as opposed to a typical monthly calendar.
Our calendar year stars around the second week of June when the largest of the Pacific Salmon, the Chinook, make their first appearance. The King Salmon start our salmon migration calendar and offer us some of our favorite swing fishing on the planet. This goes on until the middle of July. Between June and July, we target the King’s with two handed rods, but can also chase them with single handed rods on smaller rivers, or even with conventional gear.
July is when the fisheries in Bristol Bay really get going. Sockeye Salmon swim in by the millions which is one of the greatest animal migrations on the planet. Chum and Pink Salmon are next on the list to enter our rivers and we must say, are both pretty under-appreciated targets on the fly. Chum Salmon especially, I know quite a few guides who would say the Chum are pound for pound the hardest fighting salmon. The chums and pink salmon always make sure to arrive to the party just before the first few Silver Salmon make their appearance.
Late July silver salmon are the target species..Well actually, you can target ALL the species of Pacific salmon. The last week of July starts a brief period where our guest can pursue the Salmon Grand Slam — all five species of Pacific salmon, all on flies, all on the same day. We are pretty spoiled up here, we know 😉
August is when we are in full blow Silver Salmon mania. We love the fast-paced fishing that comes along with silvers. We should also mention, these fish jump and will eat topwater flies! With all the salmon fishing, it is important not to forget that throughout the month of August, the Rainbows continue to get fatter before fall settles in. Then the Alaska West Lodge officially finishes it’s year at the end of the month. The calendar at Alaska West may not be 365 days but it is filled with fish!!
So what is your choice? When are you coming to visit? Or a better question, what fish do you want to target and we will tell you when to plan your trip!
More from Alaska West:
Leave a Reply