Alaska King Salmon. Chinook salmon, more commonly known as kings, are the largest of the Pacific salmon, with the world record weighing in at 97 pounds 4 ounces. The average size Alaska king weighs 25 to 30 pounds. Kings generally spend four to eighteen months in fresh water, followed by three to five years in saltwater before returning to their origins to spawn. One of the most important king catching success factors involves run timing. During most of the year there will be very few, if any, adult kings in rivers. King runs can last over two months in a particular river, but there are usually only two or three weeks when the bulk of the fish are moving up the river system. This is the time to experience the best fish catching; in other words, this is the peak of the run. Alaska Fish and Game's website and a few of the better Alaska fishing books attempt to provide general information about timing king runs across Alaska. Our Ultimate River Guides, included free when you purchase one of our Alaska Adventure Series DVDs, identifies the specific dates for the peak of the king run for each of the related rivers.

Catching Alaska king salmon can be accomplished using a variety of methods. Depending on the river and even the particular fishing hole, anyone of the following methods can prove to be the most effective method for catching kings: Traditional drift fishing (Lil' Corky's and Yarn); modified drift fishing using double Lil' Corky's without yarn; using field tied flies that we make by tying yarn directly into an egg loop knot; traditional flies; and even lures such as Pixies, Mepps Aglia spinners, and Kwikfish can at certain locations be the most effective method to catch king salmon. See our Alaska Fly Fishing Information (Coming Soon), Alaska Lure Fishing Information (Coming Soon), Alaska Drift Fishing Information (Coming Soon), and our Tying the Egg Loop Knot pages for more specific information on each of the above mentioned methods.

Best Locations to Catch Alaska King Salmon Unguided. Places to catch king salmon in Alaska are virtually unlimited, especially if you can afford and choose to fish with a reputable guide. We prefer the do it yourself, unguided experiences based on both lower cost and overall experience - so much of the information we share lends more to that type of experience. Also to be noted, our preference is to catch at least 20 kings per day per fishermen. To be rated among our best locations - that kind of fish catching had to occur.

Unguided, remote float trips have been by far our best unguided king salmon fishing experiences! We have not yet floated a remote wilderness river where it was not possible to catch 20 kings per day. In addition to the fantastic fish catching opportunites, remote float trips in Alaska always end up being "the trip of a lifetime." The scenery, wildlife, solitude, and overall experience of such a trip is unbelievable. The following are four trips we would recommend for consideration: Aniak River, Holitna River, Talachulitna River, and Lake Creek.

The Aniak River in southwest Alaska. The Aniak is one of our favorite king salmon fishing rivers. The Aniak not only offers outstanding king salmon fishing, but is also one of the best overall mixed bag fishing rivers we have ever fished! At the same time as you can catch unbelievable numbers of kings, you can also catch monster rainbow, dolly vardon, char, grayling, northern pike, sheefish, chum, sockeye, and even a few pinks and silvers if you time it right! We were thrilled to catch an Alaska Pacific Salmon Grand Slam on this river system. Another reason the Aniak ranks as a favorite of ours is because of the variety of fishing methods that can be used quite effectively to fish this river - flies, traditional drift gear, or lures can be used equally effective. The overall mountain scenery on the entire float is impressive to say the least. Add to that the relatively light use on the river (it's possible, even likely, to not see another person between Aniak Lake and the Kipchuk) and that is a general summary of why this river will always be ranked among our favorite destinations. I should also mention that we caught many monster kings weighing between 40 and 50 pounds on this river. More information on the Aniak can be found on our Floating and Fishing Alaska's Aniak River Information Page.

The Holitna River in southwest Alaska. The Holitna is a good choice for kings if you are looking for an easy river to float with excellent camping just about everywhere and total solitude. King fishing is excellent in the tributaries that form the Holitna - the Chukowan, Kogrukluk and Shotgun Rivers This river is loaded with char and their size is impressive. You will not find a better river for catching unlimited numbers of monster char! The Holitna is another river where you have the opportunity to catch all 5 species of Pacific salmon on the same trip (Grand Slam). Chum and sockeye runs are strong at the same time as the kings. Northern pike and sheefish can also be caught in the Holitna. Traditional drift fishing and fly fishing works well for kings in the upper river tributaries. From the start point of the Holitna on down, lure fishing is the most effective method at the major tributaries, but drifting flies or Lil' Corky and yarn set-ups also work for sight fishing along islands with shallow swift water. Contrary to much of the published information, we did catch quite a few monster kings weighing in the 40 to 50 pound class. More information on the Holitna can be found on our Floating and Fishing Alaska's Holitna River Information Page.

Lake Creek in Southcentral Alaska. One of southcentral Alaska's most scenic king salmon rivers. Lake Creek has strong runs of kings and good rainbow trout fishing. This river system also has the other four Pacific salmon species (chum, coho, sockey, and pink), but since the season closes in mid-July, it is not likely to catch the other salmon while targeting kings. Since it starts near the base of the Alaska Range, you will have amazing views of Mt. McKinley as well as Mt. Foraker. Lake Creek itself has a glacial blue tint, but offers a number of named as well as unnamed clearwater tributaries. King fishing is good at most of these tributaries - Sunflower Creek, Camp Creek, Home Creek, Yenlo Creek and some of the unnamed tributaries. The water is swift and exciting from the start to the end making for excellent fly and drift fishing. For diehard drift fishermen, you will want to consider drifting flies on the section of river between Camp Creek and Yenlo Creek. Lil' Corkys and yarn work at Sunflower Creek and below Yenlo Creek on the lower river. Good camping spots can be found at the major tributaries and on some gravel bar islands. This river has Class I, II, III, and two sections of Class IV (Cut-Off and Canyon Rapids) water on it making for some interesting and exciting rowing. More information on Lake Creek can be found on our Alaska's Lake Creek King Salmon Float Trip Information Page.

Talachulitna Creek and River in southcentral Alaska. The Tal is one of southcenrtal Alaska's best king salmon float trip options. It has strong runs of big king salmon and the kings on the Talachulitna spend as much time in the air when they have been hooked as a large mouth bass! This river also has the other four Pacific salmon species (chum, coho, sockey, and pink), but since the season closes in mid-July, it is not likely to catch the other salmon while targeting kings. Decent numbers of rainbow are also available for catch and release fishing. The creek and river are both clearwater and there are x clearwater salmon spawing tributaries on the float from Judd Lake to the confluence at the Skwentna River - Chicken Creek, The Forks (Talachulitna Creek and Talachulitna River confluence), Grayling Creek, Friday Creek, Deep Creek, and Thursday Creek. Overall the Talachulitna Creek and River is a pretty tame float, but it does have Class I, II, III, and several rapids that can reach Class IV status (Hell's Gate and Flipper Rapids). Many of the kings we caught on this river topped the scales between 50 and 60 pounds. More information on the Talachulitna River and Creek can be found on our Alaska's Talachulitna River King Salmon Float Trip Information Page.

Unguided Road side Alaska King Salmon Fishing Opportunities. Many resources will tell you it is very difficult to catch king salmon on Alaska's road systems. We are here to tell you that it is possible to catch good numbers of king salmon along Alaska's road system. Good fishing for kings along Alaska's road system usually does not equate to 20 plus kings per person per day however. We consider 10 kings per day per person good fishing and if we catch more, that's bonus. The locations we mention are spots we have fished and have had good experiences.

Our latest DVD and Ultimate Guidebook insert that will be the premier resource for king salmon fishing between Anchorage and Denali National Park (Alaska Roadside King Salmon Fishing DVD and Ultimate Guide). Click Here for more information on our latest product designed to help do it yourself fishermen have the best information available to help plan a successful, unguided Alaska fishing adventure.

Additional Roadside Fishing Information:

The Kasilof River on the Kenia Peninsula offers decent roadside fishing for king salmon in mid-June. Please remember to check the Alaska Fish and Game Regulations for fishing rules and dates the fishery is open. Below the mouth of Crooked Creek is the best location to fish for king salmon. There is camping at Crooked Creek along the Kasilof River. Take Cohoe Loop Road off of the Sterling Highway at mile marker 111, or mile 114.6. Both will take you to the recreation site and the best choice will depend on if you are travelling from the north or south. Sockeye salmon fishing can also be fair during this same time period. Two of the better locations to fish are right below the mouth of Crooked Creek as well as just below the S curve in the river. To reach the mouth of Crooked Creek, you will have a short walk up river on a trail that goes along the river. As you approach the river from the campsites, you will head to the right. If you walk straight down from the campground toward the river, you will be approaching the S curve in the river. Follow it down and to the left and you will be at a prime fishing hole. The current is swift in both locations and deep below the S curve. Traditional drift fishing Lil' Corkys or with weighted flies is the most effective method to fish this area. If you plan to fish with spin and glows or spinners, you will do well to walk further down river where you won't tangle with people.

Parks Highway Streams are another good place to catch king salmon along the Alaska road system. There are a number of other places to fish along this highway, but we are going to focus in on the easiest to find that produce good results. Please remember to check the Alaska Fish and Game Regulations for fishing rules and dates the fishery is open. These streams are typically weekend only (Sat, Sun, Mon) from about the third week in June through the season close.

Willow Creek is a place where anyone can catch king salmon. You will find skill levels from many people who are trying to hook their first fish period, to highly experienced king fishermen. From the Parks Highway at mile maker 70.8, take Willow Creek Parkway approximately four miles to the large paved camping or dirt day use area. The area from where Willow Creek joins the Susitna River upstream for approximately 150 yards is the primary area people fish for kings. At the access point farthest from the Sustitna, people where hip waders and cast spinners or spoons into the slough and reel the lures in slowly. As you move downstream from the slough toward the confluence with the Susitna, drift fishing becomes the method used. To minimize untangling time with other fishermen, the most popular rigs include fishing one or two Lil' Corkies ahead of single or double egg loop knot tied hooks without yarn. See our How To Tie An Egg Loop Knot Information page to learn how to tie the knot. Unless you want to experience cross words associated with serious tangles, Do Not fish with spin and glows, spinners, or corky and yarn set-ups with yarn in this area. Also, unlike the normal drift fishing technique of keeping your rod tip high and the line tight, the practice in this area is to keep the rod tip down when drifting through the hole to allow other people to fish. Last advice, say "fish on" when you hook a king so others will wind their lines in to avoid tangling you. Do the same for them when they hook a fish. Kings in this area average 10 to 20 pounds with the larger fish being 20 plus pounds.

Sheep Creek Slough is another place where you can catch king salmon along the highway. From the Parks Highway at mile marker 86, turn on Resolute Drive, and go approximately one mile to a large gravel parking lot to fish the Sheep Creek Slough. It is an easy hike down to the fishing hole (suppose to be wheelchair accessible). When you reach the fishing hole, the best fishing will be just down stream a little to where the Sheep Creek Slough is mixing with the Susitna River. Lure fishing is the best technique to catch kings at this hole. Cast a Pixie or a Mepps Aglia spinner most of the way across the slough and reel the lure in slowly. Many kings in this area will be in the 20 pound range, but occassionally larger fish are hooked.

Montana Creek is another good road side stream to catch a king salmon. Camping exists on both sides of Montana Creek just off the Parks Highway at mile marker 96.5. You can fish along the creek, but most of the fish are caught about 1/4 mile down stream of where Montana Creek joins the Susitna River. From the campground, you are looking at close to a mile hike to the confluence. The river is deep an slow in the area where most fish are hooked which creates considerable log debris at the bottom of the fishing hole. Slip bobber and jig fishing ("Float Fishing") will prove the most effective technique for being able to get your lure to the fish while avoiding the snags. It is also a great way to get to enjoy a full drift through the entire fishing hole. If you plan to keep fish, have a plan to pack the kings back to the camping area. Many kings in this area are 20 - 40 pounders.