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The Best Places to SUP Fish in Alaska: A Guide to Breathtaking Adventures!

The Best Places to SUP Fish in Alaska: A Guide to Breathtaking Adventures!

Alaska, the last frontier of wilderness, holds an abundance of natural wonders, including its rich and diverse fishing opportunities. For those seeking unique experiences and the thrill of catching impressive fish, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) fishing in Alaska offers an unmatched adventure. With its serene landscapes, remote rivers, and pristine lakes, Alaska presents an ideal playground for paddleboard anglers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore twenty of the best places to SUP fish in Alaska in 2023, along with the types of lures or bait to use at each location, the target species of fish, and the best time of year to embark on your fishing expedition.

  1. Kenai River.

    Kenai River Fishing for Silvers - Fish Alaska Magazine

Located on the Kenai Peninsula, the Kenai River is a world-renowned destination for fishing enthusiasts. Offering both freshwater and saltwater opportunities, paddleboard anglers can experience exciting salmon runs, including the famous King (Chinook) and Sockeye (Red) salmon. The best lures to use for these salmon species are bright-colored spoons and spinners, as well as cured salmon eggs. The prime time for fishing here is from May to July when the salmon migrations peak. In 2020, a massive 58 lb King salmon was caught here in June.

  1. Resurrection Bay.

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Resurrection Bay near Seward is a picturesque location for SUP fishing. Known for its abundance of Halibut, anglers can use large jigs and live bait to lure these impressive flatfish. The best time to visit is from May to September. In 2019, a record-breaking 335 lb Halibut was caught here in July.

  1. Prince William Sound.

    The Best of Prince William Sound with Alaska Railroad Tours

Famous for its beautiful glaciers and rugged fjords, Prince William Sound offers a range of fish species. Lingcod and Rockfish are abundant here, and anglers can use artificial swimbaits and shrimp flies to attract them. The optimal months to SUP fish in Prince William Sound are from June to September. In 2022, a 50 lb Lingcod was caught here in August.

  1. Copper River.

    Copper Valley News and Info | Alaska | Facebook

The Copper River is known for its magnificent salmon runs, particularly the prized Copper River Reds. When SUP fishing here, anglers can have success with Vibrax spinners and cured salmon roe as bait. The best time to visit is from May to July. In 2021, a remarkable 12 lb Copper River Red salmon was caught here in June.

  1. Bristol Bay.

    Bristol Bay: Home to Alaska's Wild Salmon | TNC

Bristol Bay is a remote and stunning location that hosts the largest sockeye salmon run in the world. When fishing on your paddleboard here, using streamer flies and bright-colored spoons can be highly effective. The peak fishing season is from June to August. In 2020, a 14 lb Sockeye salmon was caught here in July.

  1. Yukon River.

    Yukon River | ALASKA.ORG

The Yukon River, stretching across Alaska's interior, offers unique fishing opportunities for SUP anglers. Target species include Northern Pike and Burbot, and using large swimbaits and cut bait is recommended. The best time to fish here is from June to August. In 2023, a massive 30 lb Northern Pike was caught here in July.

  1. Chena River.

    File:Chena River AK.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Flowing through Fairbanks, the Chena River provides a picturesque and accessible location for SUP fishing. Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling are popular catches here, and using dry flies and nymphs can yield great results. The optimal fishing window is from June to August. In 2021, a 26-inch Arctic Grayling was caught here in July.

  1. Kuskokwim River.

    An Alaskan village's sole school is 64 feet away from a river's edge. Inside Napakiak's struggle to avoid disaster. - The Washington Post

The Kuskokwim River offers a diverse range of fish species, including Northern Pike, Sheefish, and various salmon. Using large spoons and crankbaits is effective for Pike and Sheefish, while cured salmon eggs work well for salmon. The best time to visit is from June to August. In 2020, a 45 lb Sheefish was caught here in July.

  1. Russian River.

    Conflux of the Kenai and Russian River in Alaska [OC][5272 × 3546] : r/EarthPorn

The Russian River is another fantastic location for salmon fishing. King, Sockeye, and Coho salmon migrate through these waters, and using Vibrax spinners and egg imitations can entice them to bite. The peak fishing season is from June to August. In 2022, a 20 lb King salmon was caught here in July.

  1. Anchor River.

    Kasilof and Anchor River Watershed Fish Passage Projects | BEYOND THE POND

Located on the Kenai Peninsula, the Anchor River is known for its runs of King and Silver salmon. When SUP fishing here, using large streamer flies and bright-colored spoons can yield great results. The best time to visit is from May to July. In 2023, a 32 lb Silver salmon was caught here in June.

  1. Deep Creek.

Deep Creek is a popular location for Halibut fishing. Using large jigs and live bait is highly effective when SUP fishing for these massive flatfish. The prime time to visit is from May to September. In 2020, a 180 lb Halibut was caught here in July.

  1. Cook Inlet.

    Cook Inlet (Anchorage): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

The Cook Inlet offers a diverse range of fish species, including King and Silver salmon, as well as Halibut. Using spinners and large swimbaits can be effective for salmon, while live bait works well for Halibut. The best time to fish here is from May to August. In 2022, a 44 lb King salmon was caught here in June.

  1. Karluk River.

    Alaska Journal | Karluk Tribe keeps up fight over ownership of river

The Karluk River on Kodiak Island is famous for its large runs of salmon, including King and Sockeye salmon. Anglers can use Vibrax spinners and cured salmon eggs for success. The optimal fishing window is from June to August. In 2023, a 62 lb King salmon was caught here in July.

  1. Selawik Lake.

    File:Lake at junction of Selawik river and Ingruksuk river.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Selawik Lake in the Arctic region offers fantastic opportunities to catch Northern Pike and Arctic Grayling. Using large swimbaits and dry flies is recommended. The best time to visit is from June to August. In 2021, a 15 lb Northern Pike was caught here in July.

  1. Chilkoot Lake.

    Chilkoot State Park | Haines Alaska

Chilkoot Lake near Haines is renowned for its healthy population of Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout. When SUP fishing here, using streamer flies and spinners can yield great results. The peak fishing season is from May to September. In 2020, a 26-inch Cutthroat Trout was caught here in August.

  1. Twelvemile Creek.

    TWELVE MILE CREEK

Twelvemile Creek near Eagle River offers exciting opportunities for SUP anglers to catch Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and Rainbow Trout. Using dry flies and nymphs can attract these beautiful fish. The best time to fish here is from June to August. In 2022, a 16-inch Arctic Grayling was caught here in July.

  1. Egegik River.

    Egegik River - Wikipedia

The Egegik River is a prime location for catching King and Sockeye salmon. Vibrax spinners and cured salmon eggs are recommended for SUP fishing here. The optimal fishing window is from June to August. In 2023, a 48 lb King salmon was caught here in July.

  1. Naknek River.

    Naknek River Camp

Located near Bristol Bay, the Naknek River is renowned for its King and Sockeye salmon runs. When SUP fishing here, using bright-colored spoons and egg imitations can entice the salmon to bite. The best time to visit is from June to August. In 2020, a 30 lb Sockeye salmon was caught here in July.

  1. Togiak River.

    Togiak River | ALASKA.ORG

Togiak River is a hidden gem for paddleboard anglers, offering excellent fishing for King and Chum salmon. Using large streamer flies and cured salmon roe can yield impressive catches. The prime time to SUP fish here is from June to July. In 2021, a 36 lb Chum salmon was caught here in June.

  1. Unalakleet River.

    Unalakleet Wild and Scenic River | Bureau of Land Management

The Unalakleet River is situated in a remote and pristine wilderness, providing an unforgettable SUP fishing experience for anglers seeking Sheefish and Arctic Grayling. Large swimbaits and dry flies work well in attracting these species. The best time to fish here is from June to August. In 2023, a 24-inch Arctic Grayling was caught here in July.

Conclusion

Alaska's vast and breathtaking landscapes offer paddleboard anglers an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the best fishing in the world. From the iconic salmon runs of the Kenai River and Bristol Bay to the remote and untouched wilderness of the Yukon and Unalakleet Rivers, each location provides a unique and thrilling fishing adventure.

Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary permits before embarking on your SUP fishing trip. Respect the environment, practice catch-and-release whenever possible, and leave no trace of your presence to preserve the pristine beauty of Alaska's natural wonders for future generations of anglers.

As with any outdoor activity, safety should always be a priority. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a life jacket, and be aware of weather conditions and water currents. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as Alaska's climate can be unpredictable.

Whether you are an experienced SUP angler or a beginner looking for a new fishing adventure, exploring these twenty best places to SUP fish in Alaska in 2023 will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the splendor of nature.

So, pack your gear, ready your paddleboard, and set off on a journey of a lifetime to discover the best SUP fishing spots Alaska has to offer. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Glide Paddle Boards SUP Fishing Tips. 

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Welcome to our Comprehensive Guide on paddle board fishing! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, we have a wealth of tips and information to make your SUP fishing experience a success. Glide Paddle Boards offers a wide range of paddle boards suitable for all your needs.

If you're new to SUP fishing, don't worry! We have you covered with beginner tips from Glide. Learn about fishing from a SUP and discover the best techniques for landing fish while paddle board fishing. Our article on Fishing from a Paddle Board provides valuable tips, tricks, and insights to help you make the most of your fishing adventure.

Wondering what a fishing SUP is? We've got the answer! Find everything you need to start SUP fishing, from the equipment to the techniques. Our Beginner's Guide to Spring SUP Fishing will get you started on the right foot.

For wildlife enthusiasts, we have a blog with informative articles, including the Beginner's Guide to Bird Watching. If you enjoy stand-up paddle boarding and wildlife encounters, don't miss our article on Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Wildlife Encounters.

If you're looking for the best paddle boarding spots in the United States, we've got you covered! Take a state-by-state tour of where to paddle board with Glide Paddle Boards in our article, The Best Places to Paddle Board in the United States. Explore our recommended locations and make the most of your paddle boarding adventures.

For those seeking international paddle boarding spots, we have two articles to help you out. Check out our ultimate guide on finding places to paddle board near you, which provides tips and tricks for discovering exciting new locations. And for a global perspective, don't miss our article on Epic Spots Globally To Paddle Board.

No matter your experience level or interests, our comprehensive guide has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on unforgettable paddle board fishing adventures with Glide Paddle Boards by your side!