Top 10 Saltwater Fish to Catch in Alaska
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Pacific Halibut
Verified
World Record
459 lb 0 oz
Jack Tragis / 1996
Unalaska Bay, Alaska
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.
2
Lingcod
Verified
World Record
Pending
Signature Fact
Some lingcod have naturally blue-green flesh that cooks snow-white, thanks to the pigment biliverdin.
3
Yelloweye Rockfish
Verified
World Record
39 lb 4 oz
David S. Nelson / 2017
Sitka, Alaska
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.
4
Black Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
23 lb 4 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Washington, USA
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.
5
Chinook Salmon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
97 lb 4 oz
Les Anderson / 1985
Kenai River, Alaska
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.
6
Coho Salmon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
33 lb 4 oz
Les Anderson / 1989
Skeena River, British Columbia
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.
7
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.
8
Sablefish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
39 lb 6 oz
Paul B. Johnson / 2001
Alaska, USA
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.
9
Shortraker Rockfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
44 lb 1 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA
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.
10
Pacific Ocean Perch
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
8 lb 6 oz
James R. Toth / 2001
Alaska, USA
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 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 halibut, rockfish, and salmon action.
What gear do you need for fishing in Alaska?
Bring heavy rods, strong reels, and sturdy line for 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.
