If you thought the Land of 10,000 Lakes was impressive, move on over Minnesota, Alaska will give you a run for your money with its 3 million lakes. Alaska blows other states out of the water with the most volcanoes, highest mountain peaks, and thousands of rivers. An estimated 2.25 million visitors travel to Alaska every year, many seeking diverse experiences. We asked a fellow traveler, Brian, about his salmon fishing trip this past July, and he gave us a comprehensive list of their fishing plans. From logistics to camping necessities to budget, this blog should give you a great idea on how to plan for a similar trip in the future and quite possibly bring home 50 pounds of freshly caught Alaskan salmon!

The Salmon Run

What is a salmon run? A salmon run is a natural phenomenon not completely understood, but each year, millions of salmon travel back to the rivers and streams they were first born, swimming against the current from the Pacific Ocean to reproduce. The overall run is an incredible sighting and makes for the best king salmon fishing season. Brian’s group planned their trip to fall during this time which annually happens in July & August. 

Packing for a fishing trip to Alaska: 

Packing for this type of trip isn’t easy, but the companies linked throughout this blog do offer a list of what they provide, whether it is bedding for the RV or hip waders for the fishing charters. But make sure to reserve your Alaskan Fishing License before you go at this link. 

Great Alaskan Holidays was the RV company that the group used. The RV company provided basic necessities for up to two people, but they charge a small fee per additional person, and there are additional products such as coffee machines, rice cooker, BBQ burner, etc. available for additional fee as well. 

Trip Itinerary:

July 16th-23rd 

8 days & 7 nights

Goal: Fish King Salmon and reds

Day 1: Fly into Anchorage & rent RV - then drive to Copper Center (link). The group planned to stay at the campground Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground - located next to Klutina River and fish king salmon and red salmon for the first 2-5 days. 

Days 2: Klutina Salmon Charters & Campground

The group decided to hire a king salmon charter for one of the first days (ideally day 2 on their itinerary) to help dial in the group on what they should be doing as far as fishing goes for the rest of their trip. It takes a lot of time figuring out the type of water to fish and how to fish it, so why not go to the professionals in the area to get acquainted! Below are the charter options they offer. 

#1 Klutina River King Salmon Raft Trip: ($339)

This is an 8 hour trip down the Klutina River to fish for King Salmon. All fishing is done from the bank, not from the raft. We supply all fly rods and tackle. Our expert guides will teach you the best technique for each hole and help you to land your limit of King Salmon. King season starts July 1st and ends August 10th on the Klutina. 

#2 Klutina River Multi-Species Raft Trip: ($339)

Our most popular trip! Get ready for a full day of fishing, this is a 10 hour trip down the Klutina River. On this trip, our experienced guides will get you in the best King Holes and Sockeye Holes on the river! If available, our guides will also help you catch rainbows and grayling. 

#3 Gulkana River King Salmon Raft Trip: ($299)

The Gulkana River is known for its slow moving pace and beautiful scenery. This 6 hour trip is designed to help you catch your giant King Salmon. Enjoy a day on the river with your friends and family! King season on the Gulkana runs from June 1st to July 19th. 

Day 3 & 4:  Self-guided fishing on the Klutina River and Gulkana (depending on run timing). Camped in Copper Center. Campfire meals are the way to go at the end of a day full of fishing! Here are some easy, affordable meals the group planned for: Zatarans with kielbasa, Brats, Halibut/RockFish, cowboy steaks, sandwiches, and Rice-a-roni with salmon.

Day 5: The group drove down to Valdez (link)(how far from where they were?) and stayed the night at Bayside RV Park (link). They decided they would cast for pink and chum salmon in the harbor that afternoon/evening. 

Day 6: Halibut Charter using Valdez Outfitters (link). This is a 12 hour fishing charter with other tours along the way. Expect to also see whales, porpoise, sea lions, seals, bears, eagles and other bird species, and it all takes place in Prince William Sound - surrounded by hanging glaciers & endless waterfalls, google it, insanely gorgeous! 

Day 7: - Self-guided fishing day - *For the campers out there - roadside camping is perfectly acceptable in most areas of Alaska. Due to the remoteness and the state size, sleeping along the side of the road is encouraged when tired to avoid accidents. 

Day 8: Return to Anchorage and fly home

Bringing the fish home (header): 

The charters will provide, at an extra cost, fish processing. They will cut, clean, vacuum seal, and freeze your catch and place it in a freezer box that keeps the fish cold for 24 hours. As long as it is at 50lbs, the airline will only charge you a $35 fee for additional luggage. 

Overall Trip Cost - Summer 2022

3 people

RV Rental (includes bedding for up to 2 people, basic kitchen necessities, hygiene & cleaning products, some tools  - $3,923.37

Copper Center Campground - $50

Klutina River Salmon Charter - $1,152

Valdez Campground (Bayside RV Park) $35

Halibut Charter (Valdez Outfitters) - $1,151

Groceries - $346.49

Liquor Store - $163

Bear Spray - $70

Fish Processing (EZ Freeze Valdez) - $53.48

Fish Cleaning (Valdez Harbor) - $30

Fish Freezing (Copper Center) - $118.65

Gas for RV - $146.20

Total: $7,239.29

Total per person: $2,413.10