Salmon fishing in Katmai National Park

When are Katmai’s Salmon Runs

Katmai’s salmon runs are a condensed version of what takes place across the state—starting in Mid-June with the return of Chinooks and ending with Silver Salmon arriving in August.

King Salmon or Chinook Salmon

They are typically the first to arrive around mid-June and will continue to return through the end of July when the Bristol bay region closes for the King season.

Kings are the largest Pacific Salmon, averaging 15-30 pounds, with larger fish up to 50-plus pounds. Kings are fished most effectively with spinning or casting tackle.

Sockeye Salmon

The Sockeye salmon that migrate back to the Katmai area thru the Naknek river begin to arrive around the last week of June, peaking around the 5th-15th of July and then tapering off.

Sockeye Salmon average 6-8 pounds, with larger fish up to 11-plus pounds. Sockeye are the most abundant of the salmon, with as many as 2.5 million returning to the Naknek river annually. Sockeye salmon are best caught on a fly, and pound-for-pound put up one of the best fights of all the salmon. (Peak dates July 3-July 15th)

Katmai’s Pink Salmon run

Pink Salmon or humpies are smaller than their other salmon cousins averaging around 3-5 lbs. Most anglers choose to release pinks as they do not freeze well, and the meat is somewhat mushy; they make excellent smoked salmon tho!

Pinks only return to Naknek in even-numbered years. We recommend visiting between June and August if you want a chance at the pink salmon run!

Chum or Dog Salmon is the least loved of all the salmon. Our distaste for chum salmon is probably misplaced or at least misguided. Check out this colossal chum! Chum salmon typically average between 7-15 Lbs.

Timing chums is easier than you think; they run alongside at least one other type of salmon, So visiting mid-July through August should allow you the opportunity to connect with these beautiful fish! I know chums are not very good to eat, but we shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss this fantastic fish.

Silver Salmon or Coho tend to be very aggressive when striking the bait and certainly don’t hold anything back after they are hooked. Silver salmon tend to average around 5-10 lbs.

Silver Salmon also makes excellent table fare with flaky pink meat. It is always great to have a few in the freezer. If you are considering visiting Katmai for the Silver Salmon run, we recommend the first week of August - Late August. (Peak dates August 1st-August 20th)

Check out our chart of the Katmai’s Salmon runs and when to visit. We are always here to help answer any questions you may have!