Sockeye Salmon—Alaska name “Red” salmon
This is the largest salmon run in the world. There will be 10,000 – 30,000 fish per hour swimming right past the lodge. It is truly amazing. Many people consider the red salmon the best tasting of all the salmon species. With a very large bag limit of 5 fish per day (you can catch-and-release as many as you wish), you will have a full fish box to take home with you at the end of your trip. These fish are very fresh as they make their way from the ocean to their spawning grounds in the tributaries of Lake Iliamna. They have been in fresh water a maximum of three days when they make their way past the lodge. These fish are not meat eater in the ocean, so they are not a real aggressive fish. But once you hook into one of these dime bright salmon, you better hang on for the fight of your life. These fish will make run after run trying to shake your hook. They will also make numerous jumps throughout they fight. An angler should expect to hook into 20—30 fish per day when the run is on.
Techniques for catching the Sockeye:
These fish use the riverbanks for their navigational aid. They will be swimming up river about 3 to 8 feet from the bank. Therefore, the less the angler wades into the stream the better. Our guests usually do not wade out more than knee deep from the bank. All of these fish are caught on a fly.
Best dates: June 28—July 20
Average Size: 4 to 8 pounds
Bag Limit is 5 fish per day per person. The lodge includes one 50-pound fish box per person to take home.
Other fish at this time: King Salmon June 15—July 31; Chum Salmon July 15—Aug 20; Pike, Arctic Grayling
Also a great time to go Bear Viewing!
