There’s nothing quite like fishing in Alaska. The scenery is incredible, the fish are abundant, the light is endless, and nothing beats returning to a cozy lodge at the end of a full day on the water. It’s something everyone should experience in their lifetime.
Here at Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge, we enjoy a prime position in Old Harbor, on the remote island of Kodiak. Our fishing grounds are tucked away behind Sitkalidak Island, creating protected waters that are filthy rich in bait fish like candlefish and herring. This means it’s a very productive area for salmon, halibut, and ling cod. We own four of the six fishing boats that operate in this 30-mile stretch, so there’s no better spot to reel in a trophy king with your friends or family.
We’ve been offering fishing trips for about 20 years, which makes us the experts on Alaska fishing. Read on to find out our five top tips, or click here to book your trip.
Tip 1: Get a Local Guide
The best way to ensure you have a great time fishing in Alaska is to get a local guide. This will make your trip much easier, safer, and more productive than it would be if you go out on your own. There’s a lot to learn about fishing in Alaska, and just as much to learn about what to see and do while you’re here on Kodiak Island, and the wilderness is our business. There’s really nothing quite like a professional touch! Our guides will teach you everything you need to know, from bait and technique to location, so you can leave with the best possible memories.
Tip 2: Book an All-Inclusive Package
Sometimes, it’s worth booking every element of a trip yourself. Other times, it’s worth booking an all-inclusive package so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience. Fishing in Alaska definitely falls into the second category. Here at Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge, we provide everything from all the gear you need to local cuisine made by our Alaskan chefs. This includes a round-trip airfare from Kodiak City to Old Harbor, shuttle service when you land, lodging, meals and snacks, rain gear, fish processing, fishing licenses, and local taxes. It means you can focus on catching and eating a ling cod, without stressing about the logistics. We want you to have a great time.
Tip 3: Pick Your Season
Different fish run at different times, so if you have your eye on a particular catch, make sure you plan accordingly. The trophy king season, for example, runs from May through June. If you time it right, you may catch a fish weighing up to 90 lbs! July is great to catch a variety, including everything from king salmon to halibut, ling cod, gray cod, yellow eye, and black bass. Meanwhile, silver salmon will start running in August, with plenty of action in both saltwater and freshwater. We fish from four aluminum catamarans to make sure you’re always in the best spot.
Tip 4: Dress for Alaska
Summer in Alaska is beautiful, with lush greenery, active wildlife, and spectacular scenery. However, it does rain a lot, so make sure you’re dressed accordingly. We recommend layering clothing, with long johns, turtlenecks, and polar fleece. We’ll provide rain gear (up to 3x) and boots (up to size 14). When you pack, it’s best to bring only carry-on luggage, because you’ll need to keep your luggage allowance available for your return flight, so you can transport your fish!
Tip 5: Choose Your Dates Early
Alaska is a huge state, with pristine wilderness and remote lodges, but it’s very popular in summer. In fact, although the population is only about 730,000, we welcome more than 1.8 million visitors between May and September every year. You’ll still have a wonderful remote escape, however, it’s best to lock in your dates as early as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on quintessentially Alaskan experiences while you’re here.
Ready to plan your trip? Contact our office today.