Sitka Saltwater Salmon

Explore Saltwater Salmon Fishing

Discover the five salmon species found in Alaska's waters. Gain insights and tips for an unforgettable fishing adventure in this pristine destination.

The chinook salmon, known for being the largest species of Pacific salmon, typically reaches an impressive length of 36 inches and can often weigh over 30 pounds. This remarkable species plays a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem and is highly valued in both commercial and recreational fishing. As they navigate their way through the oceans, they commonly stop by the waters of Sitka as part of their anadromous life cycle. They begin their journey in freshwater, where they hatch and spend their first year nurturing in the main-channel river areas. As spring arrives, these young fish undergo a transformation into smolt, preparing them for their migration to saltwater estuaries. Once in the ocean, Chinook salmon can spend between one to seven years feeding and growing before returning to their natal freshwater rivers to spawn. This remarkable journey highlights their unique adaptation to both freshwater and marine environments, showcasing their resilience and vital role in aquatic ecosystems.

Fast Facts

• Size
  Common Length = 28-36 inches (Record: 58 inches); Weight = 30 lbs (Record: 126 lbs).

• Lifespan
  3 to 7 years

• Distribution/Range
  North America "– Monterey Bay, CA' to the Chukchi Sea. Asia – Hokkaido, Japan to Anadyr River, Siberia

• Diet / Feeding Type
  Plankton, insects, amphipods, and fish

• Predators
  Birds and fish eat juveniles; marine mammals eat adults

• Reproduction
  Anadromous and semelparous

• Remarks
  On March 25th 1963, the Chinook salmon became the official state fish of Alaska

• Other Names
  Chinook, chins, king. quinnat, tyee, tule, blackmouth, and spring salmon.

• Catch Limit

  Varies from 1-3 annual for non residents

King Salmon Species Overview

Reeling in a king salmon is an exhilarating experience that every angler dreams of. As you feel the powerful tug on your line, adrenaline surges through your veins, and your heart races with anticipation. These magnificent fish are known for their strength, and when they take off, it's like a freight train pulling away from the station. The drag on your reel spins wildly as the salmon peels away from the boat, testing your skills and patience. Each moment is a test of willpower, as you strategically maneuver to keep the fish on your line while maintaining control. The struggle is intense, but the reward is unmatched—a thrilling rush that culminates in the joy of landing a magnificent king salmon, a true testament to the power of nature and the thrill of the catch.

Coho Fast Facts

• Common Size
  24-30 inches long, 8-12 pounds but up to 20!

• Range/Distribution
  The traditional range of the coho salmon runs from both sides of the North Pacific Ocean, from Japan and eastern Russian, around the Bering Sea to mainland Alaska, and south all the way to Monterey Bay, California. Coho salmon have also been introduced in all the Great Lakes, as well as many other landlocked reservoirs throughout the United States.

• Diet
  Aquatic insects, fish, squid

• Predators
  Whales, sharks, marine mammals, birds, mammals, humans

• Reproduction
  Deposit 2,400-4,500 eggs in freshwater from September-February

• Catch Limit
  6 per person per day

(Coho) Silver Salmon Species Profile

Adults typically weigh between 8 to 12 pounds and measure 24 to 30 inches in length, although some individuals have been recorded at 31 pounds. When found in saltwater or newly returned to freshwater, these fish exhibit a bright silver hue adorned with small black spots along their back and the upper lobe of their tail fin. They can be easily differentiated from chinook salmon, which display black spots on both lobes of their tail fin and possess black gums; in contrast, these fish have white gums and lack spots on the lower lobe of the tail. During spawning, adults of both sexes transform, showcasing dark backs and heads, while their sides shift to shades of maroon to reddish, making them visually striking in their natural habitat.

Throughout the course of your fishing adventure with Sitka Saltwater Charters, anglers may encounter three additional salmon species that add excitement to their trip. While our primary focus is not on these species, their abundance in the waters makes it likely that you’ll reel in some impressive catches. The vibrant Chum, known for their tiger stripes and snout noses, offers a thrilling experience for those looking for an adrenaline rush as they rip around the boat. Sockeye salmon are present in the Sitka waters, but somewhat uncommon. Meanwhile, the Pink salmon, with its smaller size and playful nature, adds variety to the fishing experience and makes for great fresh halibut bait. Though we do not specifically target these species, their presence enhances the richness of the fishing landscape in Sitka, ensuring an unforgettable adventure on the water.

Sockeye

• Size
  Length = 24 inches (Record: 31 inches); Weight = 6 lbs (Record: 16 lbs).

• Lifespan
  3 to 7 years

• Distribution/Range
  North America "– Klamath River, OR to the Chukchi Sea. Asia – Hokkaido, Japan to Anadyr River, Siberia

• Diet
  Zooplankton, small crustaceans, small fish

• Predators
  Marine mammals, bears

• Remarks
  The most economically important species of salmon in Alaska

• Other Names
  Red and blueback salmon, kokanee (landlocked form in lower 48 states and Canada)

• Stock Status
  3rd most abundant species of Pacific salmon. Populations currently healthy in Alaska. Human induced habitat loss and direct mortality has depressed populations in the lower 48 states.

Salmon Bycatch : (Sockeye, Chum, Pink)

Chum

• Size
  Average 24-28 inches and 10-13lb; males usually larger than females

• Range/Distribution
  Chum salmon range throughout Alaska, but are scarce north of Kotzebue Sound. While at sea, most of Alaska’s chum salmon remain in the eastern Chukchi and Bering seas and the Gulf of Alaska.

• Diet
  Insect larvae, copepods, tunicates, mollusks and a variety of fishes

• Predators
  Marine mammals, birds, bears, wolves, humans

• Reproduction
  Spawn only once before dying

• Other Names
  dog salmon, calico salmon

Pink

• Size
  18”- 25” long and between 3- 5.5 lbs

• Diet in saltwater
  Plankton, marine shrimp and krill, other smaller fish, squid, and the occasional aquatic insect.

• Predators
  Anything larger than them including killer whales, bears, birds, and humans just to name a few.

• Ocean-Phase Identifying Characteristics
  Mouth is white with a black gum line
  Very small or almost no teeth, and no “teeth” on the tongue
  Large oval spots on both lobes of tail
  Large black spots on back
  Pointed lower jaw
  No silver on tail
  Very small scales compared to other salmon that are of similar size

• Other names
  Humpback salmon, humpy