Alaska’s famous summer salmon runs attract crowds of both fishermen and wildlife, all in search of red and king salmon. While the summer season is renowned for fishing, fall offers a quieter, equally rewarding opportunity. With fewer crowds, stunning fall foliage, and still plentiful fish, autumn becomes a hidden gem for anglers.
By September, major salmon runs on rivers like the Russian, Kenai, and Copper begin to dwindle. However, Alaska’s vast landscape offers many other species and regions to explore. Fall presents a chance to target silvers and steelheads on the Kenai Peninsula, halibut and rockfish in Homer, lake fishing in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and rainbow trout fishing in the Bristol Bay drainage.
Kenai Peninsula: Silvers and Steelheads
For river fishing, the Kenai Peninsula offers some of the best opportunities in the world. Although most salmon runs taper off by fall, silver salmon and steelhead trout remain active. Silver salmon start their late run in late September, continuing through mid-October, while steelheads, anadromous trout that migrate to the ocean before returning to spawn, begin entering rivers in early September and can be found into November.
The Kasilof River, known for its spring king salmon, also has a strong steelhead presence. Deep Creek and Anchor River are other popular choices for steelhead fishing, with silver salmon and Dolly Varden also present in the fall. The region’s accessibility and variety make it a top spot for a fall fishing trip.
Homer: Halibut, Rockfish, and More
Homer, a quaint town with a big reputation as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” is a prime destination for fall fishing. Halibut over 100 pounds are often caught in the waters surrounding the Homer Spit, which juts into Kachemak Bay. These fast, aggressive fish provide a thrilling challenge, with larger specimens reaching over 300 pounds.
For those seeking variety, rockfish remain active into October. Feeder king salmon, a smaller, ocean-run variety, also frequent Kachemak Bay in fall, providing another exciting opportunity for anglers. The combination of species and the picturesque setting makes Homer an excellent destination for autumn fishing.
Mat-Su Valley: Grayling, Arctic Char, Trout, and More
The Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Valley, located an hour north of Anchorage, is home to over 90 lakes, many of which are stocked by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. As temperatures drop in the fall, the fish become more active, feeding in the shallows, which offers excellent opportunities for anglers to catch Arctic char, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling.
For those who prefer river fishing, the Susitna River and its clearwater tributaries, such as the Deshka and Little Susitna, are ideal for targeting trout and grayling. The Mat-Su Valley’s accessibility and diverse fish species make it a great location for anglers looking to explore both lake and river fishing in the fall.
Bristol Bay Drainage: Rainbow Trout
Alaska is famous for its massive rainbow trout, often measuring 25 to 30 inches with beautiful dark colors and leopard spots. The Bristol Bay drainage is home to some of the best rainbow trout fishing in the world, with rivers such as the Kvichak, Alagnak, and Iliamna offering prime conditions in the fall.
While the red salmon season winds down by autumn, the Bristol Bay rivers become a haven for rainbow trout and char. These fish feed on the remnants of the summer salmon runs, growing fat and aggressive as they prepare for winter.
Bristol Bay is one of the more remote regions on this list, requiring a flight from Anchorage to King Salmon. The expansive area and the opportunity to catch trophy-sized trout make it a must-visit destination for serious anglers. However, due to its remote nature, it is recommended to use a guiding outfitter or stay at one of the many fishing lodges in the area.
Image/Source: WOS
