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Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Alaska

FishyAF

Fish to Catch in Alaska

pacific-halibut or heartbreak. Only the strong land giants.

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Alaska’s saltwater is pure muscle and mayhem. Pacific pacific-halibut and lingcod headline a lineup packed with hard hitters and wild cards. From rockfish to salmon, every drop here comes with a shot at something legit. There’s no room for tourists. Bring grit, not excuses.

Pacific Halibut

World Record 459 lb 0 oz
Jack Tragis / 1996
Unalaska Bay, Alaska

Signature Fact The IGFA all-tackle record hit 459 pounds-an 8-foot, refrigerator-door flatfish nicknamed a true "barn door.

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Lingcod

World Record Pending

Signature Fact Some lingcod have naturally blue-green flesh that cooks snow-white, thanks to the pigment biliverdin.

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Yelloweye Rockfish

World Record 39 lb 4 oz
David S. Nelson / 2017
Sitka, Alaska

Signature Fact A 30-inch yelloweye might be older than your grandpa-verified to 120 years by "tree rings" in ear bones.

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Black Rockfish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 23 lb 4 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Washington, USA

Signature Fact She can bank a mate's sperm for months, then unleash over a million live larvae in one birth.

Chinook Salmon

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 97 lb 4 oz
Les Anderson / 1985
Kenai River, Alaska

Signature Fact Laboratory magnets made juvenile Chinook aim as if 'teleported' north or south, proving they navigate by Earth's field.

Coho Salmon

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 33 lb 4 oz
Les Anderson / 1989
Skeena River, British Columbia

Signature Fact One of the few salmon that regularly crush topwater lures in saltwater-boils, cartwheels, absolute surface chaos.

Pacific cod

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record Pending

Signature Fact The species name macrocephalus literally means big head, and adults wear that oversized noggin proudly.

Sablefish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 39 lb 6 oz
Paul B. Johnson / 2001
Alaska, USA

Signature Fact Tags from Alaska later turning up in Japan-sablefish secretly commute across the Pacific, clocking thousands of miles.

Shortraker Rockfish

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 44 lb 1 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA

Signature Fact Radiocarbon dating pegged a shortraker at over 120 years old-older than your grandfather's favorite reel.

Pacific Ocean Perch

Learn More Here Verified Catch

World Record 8 lb 6 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA

Signature Fact Old-timer females can hit 98 years and blast out over half a million live larvae in one season.

FAQs

What fish can you catch in Alaska?

In Alaska’s saltwater, you’ll find pacific pacific-halibut, lingcod, various rockfish, chinook and coho salmon, pacific cod, and sablefish.

What is the best time of year to fish in Alaska?

Peak saltwater fishing in Alaska runs late spring through early fall, when most species are active.

Where are the best places to fish in Alaska?

Alaska offers killer saltwater fishing along its coastlines. Look for areas known for pacific-halibut, rockfish, and salmon action.

What gear do you need for fishing in Alaska?

Bring heavy rods, strong reels, and sturdy line for pacific-halibut and lingcod. Lighter tackle works for rockfish and salmon.

What are the easiest fish to catch in Alaska?

Black rockfish and pacific cod are among the more accessible saltwater catches in Alaska.

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