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Alaska Salmon Run Counts
Alaska Salmon Run Counts
Salmon are incredibly important to the people of Alaska, the environment, visitors and the economy. Every year many residents and tourists anxiously await the Salmon Run, which is when salmon swim upstream to spawn from May through October. Each species has its own time to shine. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to experience, Alaska Fish On can ensure you have an unforgettable salmon fishing trip. Let’s talk more about available fishing trips you can take and what you need to know about the Salmon Run counts in Alaska.
When Are the Salmon Runs in Alaska?
Salmon Runs don’t happen all at the same time, although the “schedules” of the individual species tend to overlap. For example, King Salmon run from May until the end of July, and Chum Salmon and Pink Salmon run in July and August.
Alaska Fish On has many fishing packages available that can take you to the best locations, including the Kenai River and Fjords, at the ideal times. Some options include the First Time in Alaska Halibut and King Salmon Combo Package in May, the Not Enough Time Halibut and King Salmon Package in July and the Fall-time Picture Perfect Silver Salmon and Trophy Trout Package in September. Lodging is part of the cost. Fishing packages are available in May, June, July, August and September.
How Are Alaska’s Salmon Runs Counted?
There are a few ways the Salmon Runs are counted in Alaska: counting towers, fishing weirs and sonars. Each is carefully selected and strategically placed in several different areas in Alaska. Many projects are in the works to determine the numbers and compile the data.
One of the major reasons Salmon Runs are counted is to understand the current health of the fish population in Alaska. It’s a massive industry, and it’s also necessary to ensure that individuals and commercial fishermen don’t engage in overfishing, depleting the resource and causing harm to the environment.
How Do You Measure King Salmon in Alaska?
It’s important to understand how to properly measure King Salmon in Alaska to ensure you adhere to the legal measurements. Measuring from the very tip of the fish’s nose to the end of its tail will give you the length of the King Salmon.
How Much Salmon Can You Bring Back From Alaska?
How much salmon you can bring back from Alaska depends on several factors, including when you’re going and whether you’re a nonresident or a resident of Alaska.
Let’s say you’re not a resident and plan on doing sport fishing in the Juneau area in 2023. The overall bag and possession limit is 1 King Salmon with a length of at least 28 inches. Knowing the harvest limit is also essential. The harvest limit is three from January 1 to June 30, two from July 1 to July 15 and one from July 16 to December 31.
However, it’s important to note that these harvest limits don’t restart from one time frame to the next. For example, say you harvest three King Salmon in May; that means you met the quota for the rest of the year. However, if you catch only one in May, you can harvest another King Salmon on July 8 but can’t harvest any more in 2023. If you harvest one on July 15, you can’t go back the next day to harvest another. The length measurement of the fish remains the same 28+ inches, no matter when you fish in 2023 in the Juneau area.
Always check the rules and regulations for the specific area you’re going to Alaska and for the particular type of salmon you want to get. In some areas, you can’t catch and keep King Salmon at all.
You must note, upon landing, the date and species of salmon you caught and from where. It has to go on the harvest record or on the sport fishing license. The knowledgeable team at Alaska Fish On can ensure you do everything legally and will be happy to help you with the process and answer any of your questions.
Do You Need a License to Fish in Alaska?
If you’re a nonresident planning on sportfishing in Alaska, you’ll need a sport fishing license if you’re age 16+. You will also need to get a King Salmon stamp if that’s the type of fish you’d like to get. If you’re younger than 16 years old, you don’t need a sport fishing license or a King Salmon stamp.
Contact Alaska Fish On in Alaska
There’s nothing quite like enjoying the beauty of Alaska, sharing fishing stories with fellow anglers, catching fish and getting out on the water to create a memorable experience. Call Alaska Fish On in Alaska for more information about lodging, fishing trips and fishing packages that you can take with some of your favorite people. Options are available for every experience level.
