Alaska · Southeast Alaska
CHINOOK SALMON FISHING
IN JUNEAU
Juneau is an excellent destination for chinook salmon fishing, with peak season in June, July and good catches in May. Book a charter and target chinook salmon with local experts.
About Chinook Salmon Fishing in Juneau
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 — Juneau
Month-by-month availability for chinook salmon in Juneau, AK.
How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Juneau
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 Juneau
Top spots where local captains target chinook salmon and other nearshore species.
Shelter Island
Shelter Island in Favorite Channel north of Juneau features rocky nearshore structure where king salmon, halibut, and rockfish hold in current-swept habitat. The island's position in the channel catches tidal currents that concentrate baitfish and attract quality fish.
Point Retreat
Point Retreat on Admiralty Island's northern tip is a rocky headland where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut concentrate in tidal current rips. The point's lighthouse and surrounding reefs create one of the most productive fishing areas accessible from Juneau.
Benjamin Island
Benjamin Island in Lynn Canal north of Juneau features rocky nearshore reefs where rockfish, lingcod, and halibut hold in current-swept habitat. The island's Steller sea lion haul-out indicates the productivity of the surrounding waters.
North Pass
North Pass between Shelter and Lincoln Islands creates a tidal funnel where king salmon, coho salmon, and halibut concentrate in powerful currents. The pass provides some of the most dynamic fishing in the Juneau area when tidal flow is running.
Other Species in Juneau
More fish you can target while visiting Juneau.
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Juneau — FAQ
The peak months for Chinook Salmon fishing in Juneau are June, July. During these months, Chinook Salmon are most active and abundant in the Juneau area.
Chinook Salmon fishing charters in Juneau 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 Juneau, 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 Juneau, you may also catch Rockfish, Pacific Halibut, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Lingcod. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
Ready to Catch Chinook Salmon in Juneau?
Compare verified charter captains, check availability, and book your chinook salmon fishing trip today.
Get Charter Quotes