Alaska fishing: Kodiak Island area

Species

Kodiak Island is -- without exaggeration -- an angler’s paradise. Every single salmon species that swim the Northern Pacific make their way to Kodiak. Runs of red, silver, and king salmon are often impressive. Seas that surround Kodiak produce excellent catches of halibut, rockfish, and lingcod. Stocked island lakes offer up opportunities for both rainbow trout and landlocked coho salmon. Dolly Varden are abundant. Steelhead and trophy rainbow trout can be remotely reached. This rich assortment of fishing opportunities awaits any angler who plans and journeys to Alaska’s “Emerald Isle.”

Area Sponsor

Port Lions Lodge sits next to some of the richest fishing waters on earth.  The Pacific Current brings nutrients into the area, and the fish follow.  Steve and Peggy Andresen have many years of experience guiding and serving anglers to some of Alaska's finest fishing for king and coho salmon, and Pacific halibut.  Then, after a day's fishing, you can relax in this beautiful lodge and enjoy some of Peggy's Alaska cooking. You can call Steve and Peggy at 1 (907) 454-2264 or toll free: 1-800-808-8447 (US and Canada only)  [ADV]

Geography

Kodiak is the second largest island in the USA. It is part of an archipelago that includes Afognak, Shuyak, and 20 smaller islands. The main island is 3,588 square miles of wild natural beauty. Its granite backbone was pushed up from the ocean floor eons ago into an environment of abundant moisture and volcanic ash. It is rich with life, and the contrast between land and sea is unforgettable. Two thirds of the island is national wildlife refuge, yet the city of Kodiak has all the amenities a commuting angler could ever wish for. We suggest you view fishing opportunities in two zones: the Road System and the Remote Zone.

Road System

Kodiak Sports and Tour specializes in high quality sportfishing charters with groups no larger than six persons per boat. KST fishes from Port Lions for halibut, rock fish, ling cod (like the big kahuna above), pacific cod, salmon, Dolly Varden trout and steelhead. Scott and Sonja Phelps can be contacted at (417) 272-1311 [ADV]

There are about 100 miles of roads that connect to the city of Kodiak. Most are hard-packed and well-maintained gravel roads. These pathways lead to superior fishing destinations of river, stream, ocean, and lake presentations.

All salmon species can be reached by these roads as well as Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and landlocked coho. These byways wind through forests, meander through meadows, and reach majestic shores. They comprise one of the least expensive and most productive roadside fisheries in all of Alaska.

Fishing from the Kodiak road system can be so easy you literally can park your car and cast. It’s a budget angler’s dream. 

Remote Zone

Fishing Kodiak’s remote zone offers superior opportunities for the angler who is willing to pay for remote services. Most packages are via float-plane and often include meals, guides, and boat opportunity. These destinations can put the angler on superlative fisheries in majestic surroundings.

The island is the home of the Kodiak brown bear, and if you go remote, the chances are good that bears will be part of your experience. This is your destination of choice if you seek trophy rainbow or steelhead trout. Salmon runs are often massive. Remote services available at Kodiak can include raft and camping excursions for the more adventure-minded angler.

Be aware that weather dictates everything on Kodiak Island. Always plan extra days in case the weather locks you in.
 

Best saltwater fishing times in the Kodiak area (ADF&G data)

Best freshwater fishing times in the Kodiak area (ADF&G data)

Transportation

Kodiak Island is about 250 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Numerous one-hour flights connect to and from the island daily. The Alaska marine highway also services this island, and visitors with a car or camper can travel this way, depending on time and cost. It is best to reserve space in advance on the ferry. The city of Kodiak has several vehicle leasing agencies if you decide to fish the Road System. 

Weather

Low-pressure systems constantly move through the area. It is wet here by nearly anyone’s standard. Fog can sometimes be a factor. The driest and sunniest times are in mid-summer.

The Kodiak Island Convention & Visitors Bureau publishes an excellent and comprehensive guide. You can request it through their website. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game also has excellent Kodiak fishing information resources. 

Above text by Bernard Rosenberg, author of Fishing Alaska on a Budget and Kodiak Fishing at Any Angle

Links

An Alaska Department of Fish and Game description of sport fishing on Kodiak. (PDF file 839 K)
Kodiak Stocked Lakes
Alaska Wildlife (including fish) Notebook Series

Current Kodiak fishing report from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (updated regularly during the summer months)

Articles about Kodiak fishing

Alaska steelhead fishing on Kodiak's wild Karluk River

The Alaska fishing forum is a good source of information about Kodiak fishing.

Kodiak Fishing at Any Angle author Bernard Rosenberg provides all the information you will need for planning a fishing trip to Alaska's "emerald isle."