Top Destinations To Catch the 5 Types of Pacific Salmon

We here at Sportquest Holidays offer a range of breathtaking fishing experiences for types of Salmon, we have created this wonderful list of our top destinations to target the 5 types of Pacific Salmon for you to look at and hopefully assist you with picking the perfect location for you.

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Canadian Destinations to target the 5 types of Pacific Salmon

Kalum River Lodge

If you are looking for an incredible fly fishing holiday for Steelhead, Salmon or Trout with the comfort of having your own single room with a private en suite bathroom our lodge on the banks of the Skeena River is the perfect destination. Our guided Steelhead and Salmon trips offer spectacular fishing for all levels of anglers.

Our lodges are located near Terrace in British Columbia, Canada. They are in the heart of some of the finest waters in the world. The original lodge called Kalum River Lodge is on the banks of the Kalum River, this Lodge is now the owner’s accommodation and used if we have additional private parties. However, to meet the high demand of the destination another lodge has been built. The new accommodation is called the Wild River Lodge. This accommodation is located right on the banks of the Skeena River and boasts stunning views of the world-renowned river and the surrounding mountains. With both the lodges’ perfect locations, you spend more time fishing and less time travelling.

Fishing in Canada will give you the opportunity to catch world record fish. One of the rivers you will fish is the Skeena River which is considered by many to be the best Steelhead and Salmon fishing in the world. The Skeena watershed holds the world record for both Steelhead on the fly and with conventional tackle. As well as having the world’s largest run of wild Steelhead, the Skeena also holds 2 world records for King Salmon.

The fishing season begins in April and goes through to early November. The spring season brings fresh runs of Steelhead, trout and early Chinook salmon into the rivers. This is a great time for fly fishermen to experience fishing on a variety of rivers. Fly fishing throughout the summer season is an action-packed time. The chance of catching Steelhead and the 5 types of Pacific Salmon during your trip is an amazing experience and brings many of our anglers back year after year. By early September the tributaries are filling up with Coho (Silver Salmon) and Steelhead providing excellent fishing as well as incredible wilderness scenery.

Although fishing is the main activity, there other things to do should you wish to take some time off from fishing or bring along your non-fishing partner. Apart from all the stunning scenery and wildlife the nearby town of Terrace offers lots of opportunities to explore local arts,  historical culture, visit several national parks, rock climbing, rafting, horse riding and there are lots of local shops/markets.

Nicholas Dean Trophy Coho Lodge

Often overshadowed by their Steelhead cousins, the Coho or Silver Salmon, as they’re also known, are powerful game fish, famed for their hard fighting qualities and aerial acrobatic displays. They get found in good numbers throughout the Skeena region from around the middle of August until the end of October, and our Nicholas Dean Trophy Coho package runs right through the peak summer and fall seasons. Travelling freshwater fly anglers wishing to catch these beautiful fish will cast their flies into various waterways, from the Skeena to the Kitimat to numerous intimate and scenic coastal rivers – some of the regions wildest.

Starting in early August, waves of fresh summer-run Coho ascend the Skeena and Kitimat rivers on each incoming tide. These bright silverfish are merely days from the ocean and are determined, explosive fighters, typically running anglers well into the backing. By mid-August through to mid-September, the Coho stack up off the mouths of coastal rivers waiting for the Fall rain to arrive and river levels to rise and then by the end of September, as the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, the real big ‘Northern Coho’ arrive. These giant ‘Northern’ fish are straight from the ocean and can push 30lb in weight, making them among the largest to be found in the Pacific Northwest.

When the rivers are full of these fish, they can offer some of the year’s most memorable fishing, set amongst some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the North Coast.

Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon Lodge

The Chinook Salmon, or King Salmon, are the most extensive and most aggressive of all the Pacific Salmon species and the Skeena watershed in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the best places to catch them. So if you’re a fly fishing angler looking for one of the ultimate freshwater experiences, then our Nicholas Dean Chinook Salmon package is perfect, providing the challenges of hooking and landing a big sea-run fish. It’s the closest you can get to Big game fly fishing in freshwater.

The rivers in the Skeena region, like the Kaluma and Kitimat, are full of these chrome giants. They’re super aggressive, extremely powerful, and in peak condition, fresh from the ocean. There are two main seasons to target them, spring and summer. At the start of the season, the Kalum River boasts are incredible ‘springer’ Chinook fishery and have an abundance of fish averaging between 15lb and 30lb, with a few giants of over 40lb or more. At this time of year, it’s also possible to target any late-running Steelhead, which is a welcome attraction, adding some nice variation to a typical fishing day.

In summer, most of the fishing gets done on the Skeena and the Kitimat and in these two waterways, the fish are even more significant, averaging between 20lb and 30lb. However, each and every season, they throw up some real giants and fish to over 80lb have fallen to anglers flies. At this time of year, bonus species also populate the rivers. The Kitimat has prolific Chum and Pink Salmon runs, while the lower Skeena is the main route for Chinook and Sockeye Salmon.

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Alaskan Destinations to target the 5 types of Pacific Salmon

Goodnews River Lodge

If you wish to enjoy Salmon fishing in Alaska as it was many years ago then the Goodnews River Lodge is the perfect location. There is no commercial fishing in the estuary or river allowing all 5 types of Pacific Salmon a free run. In addition to this, Goodnews River Lodge is the only full-service lodge on the entire river system.

The Goodnews River Lodge is located on the North Fork of the river, which is the main branch, right at the upper edge of tidewater. It is just 7 miles from Goodnews Bay. From there, the jet boats can easily access all 3 forks of the river, as well as the lower tidewater sections. There are over 490 miles of fishable streams, braids, creeks and river branches for you to enjoy. There are three options for the angler in search of trophy fish, you can choose one of the three river branches, fish the tidewaters, or wade the feeder creeks.

The river boasts outstanding runs of all 5 species of Pacific Salmon, sea-run Dolly Varden, and resident Leopard Rainbows and Grayling. Chrome bright Salmon, most still with sea lice, are the norm. These fish are fresh and feisty. They will challenge your angling skills. Resident Leopard Rainbows and Grayling live in all areas of the river, and follow the Salmon upriver, as they get ready for their spawning rituals.

Bristol Bay Lodge

If you want to experience the real Alaskan adventure and have access to all the prime pristine waters of the Bristol Bay with nothing more than just a bag of clothes it’s time to pay a visit to the legendary Bristol Bay Lodge

Bristol Bay Lodge take care of everything you need. If you would like to travel light you can take full advantage of all the provided fishing tackle, flies and waders which are included within the price. You can also bring your own rods and reels if you prefer. The lodge has you covered if you turn up short or forget anything as it has its own very well stocked fishing tackle shop.

The Bristol Bay watershed is a vast area which contains 14 major lakes and connecting river systems. The only way to have access to the entire watershed is by float plane and at Bristol Bay Lodge there are three in legendary DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes. These planes are used to ferry customers through the entire system, where with your guides our riverboats fitted with jet outboards will be waiting for easy accessibility to the most productive fishing spots.

Bristol Bay has two main home waters the Agulawok and Agulukpak Rivers which provide some of the region’s most productive and consistent fishing for Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Grayling, and Dolly Varden. The Agulawok River is just a short boat ride from the main lodge. The Agulukpak River, which flows between two lakes, is only a few minutes by float plane. These two main rivers also play host to the single largest Sockeye Salmon run anywhere in the world. On average, several million fish return to the Wood-TikChik lakes system and surrounding watershed every year. Other rivers you may fish through the week are the Kanektok, Goodnews, and Togiak rivers which are among the most productive in Alaska for Chinooks, Chum, Sockeye and Coho.

During your stay, you will also spend one night at each of the two famous Bristol Bay flyout camps, Birch and Rainbo. The lodge maintains exclusive leases on two of the most exceptional fisheries in all of Alaska and it’s on these very different rivers where you’ll experience what Alaska is really about.

Alaska Trophy Adventures

Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is the perfect wilderness fishing retreat. Boasting a world-famous run of all 5 types of Pacific Salmon, plus a host of resident fish, such as Leopard Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char and Grayling.

The Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge is located in the Bristol Bay region of Katmai National Park and sits on 160 acres of prime river frontage in an iconic section of the Alagnak River known as the Upper Braids. The only access to the Lodge is via a bush plane and is only a short 25 minute flight from King Salmon landing on a private airstrip located on the property. The complex is made of high-quality wooden cabins of various sizes, there is also the main lodge where all meals are served and welcome drinks after a great day spent on the river, basically the lodge has everything you will need to guarantee you a comfortable stay.

Just 6 miles upstream from the Lodge is where two rivers (Kukaklek and Nonvianuk) join to form the Alagnak. Because of the lodges prime location and fleet of jet boats you are able to access all 3 rivers and all the many species that swim through the rivers.

The Lodge itself is on 160 acres of prime river frontage in an iconic section of the Alagnak River known as the upper braids. The only access to the Lodge is via bush plane, landing on a private airstrip located on the property. Welcoming wooden cabins are equipped with running water, heating and power, that will guarantee you a comfortable stay. With an abundance of wildlife and stunning scenery, this trip is sure to live up to the image of Alaska that you have always dreamed of.

The lodge offers two riverfront cabin packages: deluxe cabins or the standard cabins. The deluxe cabins were built with two extra windows and have a private bath and shower for the two guests staying in the cabin. The standard cabins have two cabins sharing one larger bathroom and shower building with outside access nearby.

Mission Lodge

At Mission Lodge, you are never fixed to a set itinerary. Each night the head guide will sit down with you to discuss what you wish to fish for and how they will then explain all the different options. With over 40 boats stashed within fly distance from the lodge one thing for certain is you will not be short of places to fish. Another real advantage of a fishing trip at Mission Lodge is we take care of everything for you. Maybe this is your first Pacific Salmon trip so you do not have the right tackle, or maybe you just do not wish to carry everything all the way from home to the lodge. Whatever the reason as we have waders, rods & reels waiting for you when you arrive all you need to bring is just your clothes and lucky hat.

Mission Lodge is located on the shores of Lake Aleknagik in the heart of the world famous Bristol Bay region. This area offers unsurpassed trophy fishing for Salmon and Trout in a spectacular wilderness setting. This lodge is easily considered to be Alaska’s finest fly-out lodge operations.

The Bristol Bay region has the largest Salmon runs in the world. The sheer numbers of fish that this area supports is mind-boggling. Over the course of a standard week, you can expect to fish a great variety of waters, from small creeks and streams to large rivers.

The lodge operates a fleet of 3 DeHavilland Beavers and has over 40 boats stashed within flying distance of the lodge. Many destinations you’ll fly in and meet your guide who will be waiting for you with a boat. Other destinations you will fly with your guide and will have a boat at your destination. Some destinations will be accessible only by foot, others will have a kayak waiting for you or your guide will bring a raft. All logistics are expertly orchestrated by the guides, pilots and staff.

A typical day of fishing at the lodge consists of a departure around 8:00 AM and a return time around 6:00 PM. These times can change on either end, however, your schedule is completely up to you and your group.

No see um Lodge

No See Um Lodge is very unique from other lodges in Alaska due to is its ratio between customers and planes. This high proportion of customers and aircraft means it’s not a fly fishing lodge that drops you off and returns to pick you up at the end of the day.
Another advantage is that there is no waiting for your turn for the aeroplanes to fly you out to the rivers, which can be a pain and waste of valuable fishing time at other fly-out lodges. The final advantage is you are in control, as you’re able to fish where you want and when you want and are not forced into a rigid fishing schedule of destinations based on accommodating a large number of people. You discuss with your guides the night before what you want to do the following day, where you would like to go and what you would like to target as you have total control.
Another advantage of this remarkable fishing lodge is that the staff are the most exceptional guides and pilots available in Alaska. Many of them return to work at the lodge year after year, meaning it’s like their second home. Their willingness to provide the best for you has put No See Um lodge in Alaska in a class by itself. The freshwater fly fishing lodge strives to have one guide for every two anglers, ensuring you always receive the attention you deserve.

Rapids camp

Have you ever wanted to visit an easy to reach lodge with unbelievable fishing? How about a fishing lodge where you can turn up with a bag of clothes and nothing else. Somewhere that provides all the fishing tackle you could ever need. A fishing lodge that you have your own private room. If this is what you are looking for, then Rapids Camp is the perfect solution, and for these reasons, in our opinion, Rapids Camp fly fishing is one of Alaska’s best lodges.
Rapids Camp sits right on the famous Naknek Riverbank, only 7 miles upstream from King Salmon’s town, which is just a 15-minute drive from the airport.

The lodge sits on the Naknek River, with some excellent Salmon fishing and one of Alaska’s most prolific trophy Rainbow Trout systems. Most importantly, the fishing lodge has a very strategic location for accessing the enormous range of fishing opportunities you will have for your weeks fishing.
Salmon fishing is why most anglers come to Alaska, and at Rapids Camp, subject to the time of year, you can be fishing for all the 5 types of Pacific Salmon. The fishing for Rainbow Trout is also second to none, with some fantastic fish produced each year.

Alaska West Lodge

Alaska West Fly Fishing Lodge, owned and run by the famous Deneki Outdoors company. It is a centrally located camp with a short boat ride to excellent fishing for Rainbows, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and all five bright chrome Pacific Salmon species. Its location couldn’t be any better, only being 5.5 miles from the mouth of the world-famous Kanektok River. This river is locally known as the’ Fish Factory’, which offers anglers a wide variety of fishing opportunities for a large population of species. It is hard to believe that such a small river can hold such large biomass of fish.It usually is challenging to find a river-based operation in Alaska with big Rainbows and bright Salmon in world-class numbers but not on this river.

Alaska West is a tented lodge that operates a fixed, tented base located in the Togiak National Wildlife refuge approximately five miles upriver of the Alaskan native village of Quinhagak.

This exceptional fishing holiday offers anglers the chance to fish many different rivers using many other methods, from single-handed rods to double-handed rods. The rivers you will fish will keep the most competent angler busy while offering new challenges each day, from willow-lined back streams to wide-open pools.

Tight Lines,

Peter Collingsworth

Contact us

If you have any questions on any of the fishing trips we offer for the 5 types of Pacific Salmon, you can contact our experienced fly fishing team on 01603 407596 or by emailing them at info@sportquestholidays.com, and our experienced team will be happy to help you with any queries you have. If you would like to watch some of our fantastic videos chasing the 5 types of Pacific Salmon, you can do so here.