Alaska Vacation / fishing trip

[bpeay4]

Family wants to vacation in Alaska next summer sometime between June and August. Plan would be to stay at an Airbnb or similar and book 1 or 2 days with a fishing charter and then other sightseeing/touristy activities the rest of the time.

Mostly just trying to narrow down a general location that would allow for good fishing and also some good sights and or activities so that everyone in the family is happy (not everyone is crazy about fishing). Not much preference on the fishing but seems like a day of halibut/rock fish and then a day of salmon would be perfect. We are considering the Homer/Kenai area or more SE like Ketchikan or Juneau.

If you've done a similar trip with some fishing and some touristy activities mixed in I'd love to hear your experience or suggestions on which part of Alaska would fit the bill.

 

[jdf]

I would suggest Valdez in August. Lots of fishing opportunity for charters or just fishing from shoreline. Salmon Gulch Hatchery is real neat to visit with all the Pinks returning to Hatchery. May get to see a bear or lots of sea lions there.
Beautiful scenery. Whale watching opportunities. Beautiful water falls just up the road and glacier opportunities from Valdez. Good food around too.

 

[ocdstang117]

Family wants to vacation in Alaska next summer sometime between June and August. Plan would be to stay at an Airbnb or similar and book 1 or 2 days with a fishing charter and then other sightseeing/touristy activities the rest of the time.

Mostly just trying to narrow down a general location that would allow for good fishing and also some good sights and or activities so that everyone in the family is happy (not everyone is crazy about fishing). Not much preference on the fishing but seems like a day of halibut/rock fish and then a day of salmon would be perfect. We are considering the Homer/Kenai area or more SE like Ketchikan or Juneau.

If you've done a similar trip with some fishing and some touristy activities mixed in I'd love to hear your experience or suggestions on which part of Alaska would fit the bill.

I’d go with the Kenai Peninsula Homer/Seward area. Great fishing for halibut and salmon, plus lots of sightseeing and easy hikes for non-fishers. Really beautiful scenery and pretty family-friendly

 

[Salmonchaser]

Typically the weather is better in August but it is Alaska. Kings are in trouble over most of Alaska and even in south east there were significant restrictions or closures are occurring regularly. From late July up thru August you’ll find silvers available in fresh as well as out in the salt. Halibut are generally available through out the summer in the salt. If you’re planning to take fish home I’d schedule your two days of fishing at the end of the trip to simplify the logistics with your frozen fish.
It’s a huge state with a limited road system. I’ve been able to see most of it from Barrow to Sitka but I started in 1959.
It’s expensive but I always recommend serious fisherman and sightseers go out to Katmai National Park. I spent 20 years guiding in South West, so I am biased.
Pick a region, most pick the road system, regardless, it’s easy to spend a short week in any region and not come close to seeing everything you wanted.

 

[Gellar]

How long are you going for? I’d suggest the kenai pen for fishing and a day or 2 of sightseeing then move base camps for a few days.

 

[bpeay4]

Probably about a week so not super long. Being that it may be a quicker trip kind of leaning toward Ketchikan simply because of easier logistics.

My understanding is getting to homer/seward requires a 4-5 hr drive from Anchorage by rental or shuttle/taxi. It may be a bit much to coordinate with multiple families all flying in from different parts of the country.

 

[reallyoldman]

If you go to the Ketchikan area check out Sam Dalin at Dalin Charters. Cedar Lodge or their sister lodge Clover Pass resort, neither are top 5 star but they are convenient. I know that Dalin is filling up now.

 

[Salmonchaser]

You can probably find a charter last minute, but I would get booked right now. Now that I’m done guiding in Bristol Bay I take a family trip to Sitka every year, well the last three. I’ve been booked a year out.
Last year the state closed retention on Kings in early July. Of course we had to release a bunch. We got lucky in there were quite a few Silvers showing so we caught plenty. If you really want salmon I wouldn’t gamble on Kings if you go later than about the 10th of July. That’ll be about when the state will shut it down. August there will be plenty of silvers and Halibut and rock fish are always there.
Talk to your charters about Sable Fish AKA Black Cod. Best eating fish there is. You have to go out a ways for them, but it’s worth it.
I’ve never fished for them out of Ketchikan but in Sitka we went’ out 30 miles, basically you’re sacrificing most of a day. Fish butts on the way in.
South east is beautiful you’ll have a great trip. Lot of touristy things to do in any of the towns along the cruise ship route.

 

[Salmonchaser]

If you go to the Ketchikan area check out Sam Dalin at Dalin Charters. Cedar Lodge or their sister lodge Clover Pass resort, neither are top 5 star but they are convenient. I know that Dalin is filling up now.

Dallin is Skookum. He’ll take care of you.

 

[bpeay4]

You can probably find a charter last minute, but I would get booked right now. Now that I’m done guiding in Bristol Bay I take a family trip to Sitka every year, well the last three. I’ve been booked a year out.
Last year the state closed retention on Kings in early July. Of course we had to release a bunch. We got lucky in there were quite a few Silvers showing so we caught plenty. If you really want salmon I wouldn’t gamble on Kings if you go later than about the 10th of July. That’ll be about when the state will shut it down. August there will be plenty of silvers and Halibut and rock fish are always there.
Talk to your charters about Sable Fish AKA Black Cod. Best eating fish there is. You have to go out a ways for them, but it’s worth it.
I’ve never fished for them out of Ketchikan but in Sitka we went’ out 30 miles, basically you’re sacrificing most of a day. Fish butts on the way in.
South east is beautiful you’ll have a great trip. Lot of touristy things to do in any of the towns along the cruise ship route.

Thank you much!! Sounds Like I'm on the right track. I think our focus will be silvers and halibut maybe early-mid august.

 

[belshawelk]

I have five it many times. Going back in August. Lots to consider. Mostly lodging and experience vs better fishing. You’ll catch fish anywhere. But the accommodation makes the trip.

 

[Nuts]

If you are not the crowd person like me I suggest you do it on your own. Here is my typical fishing trip. I have taken my family as well as other families and there is a little something for everyone. Here is how I would lay out a trip next summer for fishing:

6/26/26 fly into Anchorage as early as possible

• Rent from Alaska 4x4 or similar that allow unrestricted rd use
• Stay at Best Western Wasilla. Beautiful lake side place. More of a lodge then a hotel.
• Get groceries at Walmart

6/27 Drive to Copper Center. Take your time

• Check out the glaciers and views along the way
• Check in at either
  • Campgrounds along Klutina River
  • Princess lodge. Great place for family. Beautiful veiws. Food onsite. $$
  • air bnb

6/28-7/1

• Fish the Klutina for Sockeye. Lots of good guided options if you dont know how. do that 1 day then your are set to go. WAY less of a crowd then the Kenia area. Most campgrounds have freezer space. You can also have them processed and frozen till you leave at the fish processor
• Fish the Gulkana for King. Starting 7/1 the Klutina may open for king or it may be closed
• Fish lots of small creeks for Dolly Varden and ponds for rainbow
• Fish the silver lake area lakes for silvers and big rainbows
• Day trip: Drive to Mcarthy (cannot take most rental vehicles. Can take Alaska 4x4)
  • Check out Liberty Falls State park and the falls
  • Check out the fish wheels and dip netters at the Chitna bridge
  • Drive slow. Look for wildlife. Glass mountains for goats
  • You will pay to park and then may pay for a ride to town. I have ridden for tip only and been charged. Seams like a free for all. Basically you pay to park before the bridge. Walk across the man bridge. And get a ride there the mile to town
  • Hike to the glacier. Only a mile or 2. Beautiful with blue ice
  • Check out the Kennecott Mine and Museum
  • Eat at the potato
• Day trip: Do a fish and raft on the Gulkana river. Its on your own with Gulkana Raft rentals. I think we paid like $50 a person or so. Beautiful

7/1-7/3 Valdez

• Lots of beautiful scenery including Keystone Canyon on the way there
• Glacier lake, kayaking back by airport
• If clear glass hills for goats and bear
• Eat at the potato or the fat mermaid
• Hotels sell out quick. I would book now
• We rent a boat from Valdez Outfitters or go on a charter with them
• Museums
• Fish Hatchery

7/3-7/4 Make your way back to Glacier view and attend the 7/4 car launch at glacier view. Tickets are now prepurchase. It is a great 4th of July party. Lots of fund and very patriotic. Not sure about very young kids. Lots of drunk people. And a far walk if you don't get there early. But a great time and I am not a partier

Tips: Alaskan airline cards are the key to cheap flights. With the card a companion is $99. I don't use that I use my points. My flights are booked for next year and I paid $24

Free time in Anchorage. Try fishing Ships creek. Eat at Fancy Moose Lounge on Lake Hood. Good food. Lots of cool mounts. Float planes coming and going

It will be light 24hrs a day

Bugs will be next level. Not as bad at water with breeze

Klutina water is lower earlier in June. Easier to fish

Hotels and vehicles go early. I book in January typically

Food is expensive everywhere you go. Can be hours in between food. Gas is expensive as well. We hit Kenny Lake store on the way to Mcarthy and fill up. Get snacks. If you are camping this store as well as most campgrounds offer showers for a reasonable fee

Alaska standards are different. We stay at an airbnb in Kenny Lake. I love it. My family loves it. None of them would accept that anywhere in PA



There is views everywhere. take your time. I likely missed a things. If you want no crowds and on your own let me know. I can answer any and all questions

 

[ArcherBobAlaska]

I have a lot going on this summer, but if you get to Valdez for a day and I'm down there fishing id take you for a day trip. The drive to Homer is amazing too, but with multifamily group you are right, a lot of logistics.

 

[lexfurther]

Beautiful photos! An Alaska fishing trip sounds like one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The scenery alone makes it worth it. Add in the fishing and it’s even better. Planning something like that takes a bit of effort, but it pays off. You’ll probably remember it for years. Travel like that always comes with a bit of logistics too. It’s kind of like booking through egyptair —you want everything lined up right.