Alaska · Southeast Alaska
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN HAINES
Haines is a solid destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in June and good catches in May, July. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Haines
The king of salmon and the most prized sportfish on the Pacific coast. Chinook — also called king salmon — are the largest Pacific salmon species, with trophy fish exceeding 50 pounds in Alaska and Northern California rivers. Their powerful runs and acrobatic fights make them the ultimate West Coast gamefish from spring through fall.
Chinook Salmon — universally called King Salmon — are the largest and most prized Pacific salmon species. These magnificent fish can exceed 50 pounds in Alaskan rivers and 30+ pounds in California and Oregon waters. Kings are anadromous, born in freshwater rivers, migrating to the Pacific Ocean to feed and grow for 2-7 years, then returning to their natal streams to spawn and die. Their chrome-bright ocean phase features a dark blue-green back speckled with black spots, bright silver sides, and a white belly. Spawning fish turn dark olive to maroon. Males develop a pronounced hooked jaw ("kype") and humped back during the spawn.
Scientific name: Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Chinook Salmon Seasonal Calendar — Haines
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Haines, AK.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Haines
Techniques & Bait
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
Recommended Tackle
Ocean trolling: 8-9 ft medium-heavy downrigger rod, level-wind reel, 25-40 lb mono or 50 lb braid. River fishing: 8'6"-10'6" medium-heavy rod, spinning or level-wind reel, 15-30 lb main line, 12-20 lb fluorocarbon leader. In Alaska, heavier gear (30-50 lb) is common for 40+ lb fish.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Haines
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Lynn Canal (Haines)
Lynn Canal adjacent to Haines is the deepest fjord in North America, and its nutrient-rich nearshore waters hold king salmon, halibut, and rockfish. The canal's depth and tidal influence create productive fishing conditions close to shore.
Eldred Rock
Eldred Rock in Lynn Canal south of Haines is a lighthouse-marked rocky island where halibut, king salmon, and rockfish hold in current-swept nearshore structure. The rock's position in the canal catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish.
Battery Point
Battery Point near Haines features rocky nearshore structure where king salmon follow the shoreline during migration and halibut hold on the adjacent sandy bottom. The point's accessible trail provides shore-fishing opportunities.
Taiya Inlet
Taiya Inlet east of Haines toward Skagway provides nearshore fishing where coho salmon, pink salmon, and halibut hold in glacially-fed waters. The inlet's scenic Chilkoot Trail access area attracts fishing visitors from both Haines and Skagway.
Other Species in Haines
More fish you can target while visiting Haines.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Haines — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Haines are June. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Haines area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Haines are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Ocean trolling with downriggers is the primary technique, running herring or anchovy cut-plugs at 30-120 feet behind flashers or dodgers. Mooching (drifting with weighted herring or anchovy) is a classic Pacific Northwest method. In rivers, back-trolling with Kwikfish, Mag Lips, or bait-wrapped plugs is deadly. Bank anglers do well drifting cured salmon roe under a float through holding water. In Alaska, backbouncing eggs or casting spinners (Blue Fox, Rooster Tails) in river systems produces trophy kings.
No — when you book a charter in Haines, your captain provides all required Alaska fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Chinook Salmon regulations in Alaska include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Chinook Salmon in Haines, you may also catch Coho Salmon, Pacific Halibut, Sockeye Salmon, Rockfish, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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