Alaska’s Fishing Seasons: What to Catch and When

Alaska’s Fishing Seasons: What to Catch and When

Alaska is home to some of the best fishing on the planet, and with inflatable boat rentals in Alaska, you can unlock remote waters and create your own fishing adventure. Whether you're after monster kings, silver salmon, or trophy trout, knowing when to fish and where to launch your rental boat is key to an unforgettable trip.

In this guide, we'll break down Alaska's fishing seasons, highlight the best rivers for DIY float fishing trips, and give you essential tips on launch locations, river conditions, and target species throughout the year.

Spring (May – Early June): Early Openers & Ice Breakers

Launch Points for Spring DIY Fishing:

  • Kenai River (Soldotna Launch) – Open by mid-May with accessible public boat launches.
  • Talkeetna River (Talkeetna Village Launch) – Dependent on ice breakup, often late May.
  • Gulkana River (Paxson Lake Launch) – Opens around Memorial Day weekend.

Spring River Conditions:

  • Cold water with variable flows from snowmelt.
  • High water, debris, and occasional ice on upper stretches.

Spring Fish to Target:

  • Rainbow Trout (Kenai & Talkeetna Rivers)
  • Dolly Varden
  • Arctic Grayling (Gulkana River)

Summer (Mid-June – August): Prime Time for Salmon

Launch Points for Summer DIY Fishing:

  • Kenai River (Cooper Landing to Jim's Landing) – Popular float for sockeye and trout.
  • Kasilof River (Tustumena Lake Launch) – Quieter alternative for king salmon.
  • Tanana River (Fairbanks area) – Remote floats with fewer crowds.

Summer River Conditions:

  • Stabilized flows with clearer water.
  • Warm days and nearly 24/7 daylight.

Summer Fish to Target:

  • King Salmon (Mid-June to mid-July on Kenai & Kasilof)
  • Sockeye Salmon (July on Kenai)
  • Chum & Pink Salmon (Late July-August on Talkeetna)
  • Trophy Rainbow Trout (Kenai in late summer)

Fall (September – October): Trophy Trout & Silver Salmon

Launch Points for Fall DIY Fishing:

  • Kenai River (Sportsman’s to Jim’s Landing) – Best time for big trout.
  • Nushagak River (Dillingham Fly-Out) – Legendary silver salmon runs.
  • Delta Clearwater River (Delta Junction Launch) – Prime Arctic Grayling waters.

Fall River Conditions:

  • Dropping water levels.
  • Crisp, cool mornings and fewer anglers.

Fall Fish to Target:

  • Silver Salmon (Coho) (August-September on Nushagak & Kenai)
  • Big Rainbow Trout (September on Kenai)
  • Arctic Grayling (All fall on Clearwater)

Winter (November – April): Ice Fishing Season

Our inflatable boat rentals pause during Alaska’s deep winter months, but ice fishing on interior lakes is still going strong. We'll be ready to gear you up again when the rivers thaw in spring!

Why Choose Alaska Wild Rentals?

We specialize in inflatable boat rentals in Alaska that are perfect for DIY fishing trips, remote floats, and wilderness adventures. Our rugged, packable boats make it easy to explore Alaska’s iconic rivers, from the Kenai to the Gulkana.

Back to blog