Salmon fishing offers some of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences for anglers across America. From the rushing rivers of Alaska to the coastal waters of Oregon, the U.S. boasts incredible destinations where these magnificent fish make their annual runs.
Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, these prime locations provide unforgettable opportunities to catch various salmon species while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
1. Kenai River, Alaska
The legendary Kenai River glitters like a blue ribbon through Alaska’s wilderness, famous for its monster King salmon that can weigh over 80 pounds. Local guides often share stories of the “one that got away” while helping visitors navigate the best fishing spots.
Summer months bring the most action, with July typically offering peak salmon runs. The surrounding snow-capped mountains and dense forests create a postcard-perfect backdrop for your fishing adventure.
2. Columbia River, Washington/Oregon
Straddling two states, the mighty Columbia serves as a salmon superhighway during migration seasons. Native American tribes have fished these waters for thousands of years, developing techniques still used today.
Fall Chinook runs here can be spectacular, with September offering prime fishing opportunities. The river’s vastness might seem intimidating, but numerous access points and guide services make this fishery accessible to everyone from beginners to experts.
3. Puget Sound, Washington
Marine waters teeming with salmon make Puget Sound a year-round fishing paradise. Summer brings Silver salmon close to shore, while Blackmouth (resident Chinook) provide winter action when other fisheries slow down.
Island hopping while trolling between hotspots adds an element of adventure. The Seattle skyline creates a unique urban backdrop in certain areas, contrasting beautifully with the natural splendor of Mount Rainier looming in the distance on clear days.
4. Copper River, Alaska
World-renowned for producing the richest, most flavorful salmon on earth, the Copper River challenges anglers with its swift currents and remote location. Chefs across America eagerly await the first Copper River salmon each spring, willing to pay premium prices.
Fishing here requires skill and patience, but the rewards include not just excellent catches but also breathtaking wilderness experiences. The river cuts through dramatic landscapes of mountains and glaciers that few people ever get to see.
5. Sacramento River, California
California’s largest river offers surprisingly excellent salmon fishing, especially for King salmon during fall runs. October typically brings thousands of fish upstream, creating exciting fishing opportunities just hours from major cities.
Local fishing traditions here date back generations, with families passing down secret spots and techniques. The river winds through varied landscapes from mountain forests to valley farmlands, providing diverse scenery as you pursue these prized fish.
6. Rogue River, Oregon
Wild and scenic, the Rogue offers an intimate salmon fishing experience through canyon landscapes. Fall Chinook and summer Steelhead (ocean-going rainbow trout related to salmon) create multiple fishing seasons throughout the year.
Drift boats navigate between boulder-strewn rapids, allowing access to pools where salmon rest during their journey upstream. The river’s protected status means development remains minimal, preserving both the fishing quality and the natural beauty that makes this destination special.
7. Klamath River, California
Native American tribes have harvested salmon from the Klamath for millennia, considering these fish sacred. August through October brings impressive runs of Chinook salmon, creating a fishing bonanza in this northern California river.
The lower river offers the most consistent action, with fish fresh from the ocean still bright and energetic. Morning fog often blankets the river, creating magical conditions as the sun breaks through and illuminates jumping salmon, signaling their presence to excited anglers.
8. Salmon River, Idaho
Living up to its name, this river hosts the longest salmon migration in the continental United States. These remarkable fish swim nearly 900 miles inland and climb nearly 7,000 feet in elevation to reach their spawning grounds!
The journey through Idaho’s rugged wilderness offers not just fishing but also white-water rafting and spectacular scenery. Catch-and-release regulations for wild fish help preserve this fragile inland salmon run, ensuring future generations can experience this unique fishery.
9. Kodiak Island, Alaska
Surrounded by the productive waters of the North Pacific, Kodiak Island offers both river and ocean salmon fishing opportunities. Five species of Pacific salmon can be caught here, with each month from June through September featuring different runs.
Remote streams often require float plane access, creating true wilderness experiences. The island’s famous brown bears frequently fish alongside humans, adding an exciting wildlife element to your fishing adventure that you’ll never forget.
10. Chetco River, Oregon
Small but mighty, the Chetco produces some of the largest Chinook salmon on the West Coast. November through December brings trophy fish averaging 20-40 pounds, with 50+ pounders caught annually.
Crystal clear waters allow you to actually see the salmon holding in pools, creating heart-pounding sight fishing opportunities. The river flows through stunning old-growth forests before meeting the Pacific Ocean, with coastal fog frequently creating ethereal morning conditions perfect for photography between casts.
11. Bristol Bay, Alaska
Home to the largest sockeye salmon run on the planet, Bristol Bay welcomes millions of fish each summer. Remote lodges provide access to dozens of pristine rivers where you might land 100+ salmon in a single day during peak season.
The region remains largely undeveloped, offering a true Alaskan wilderness experience. Fly fishing is particularly popular here, with the bright red sockeye creating an unforgettable sight as they stack up in crystal clear streams surrounded by tundra landscapes.
12. Umpqua River, Oregon
Famous for its diverse fishing opportunities, the Umpqua hosts runs of Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead. The river changes character as it flows from mountains to sea, offering everything from intimate forest settings to wide coastal estuaries.
Fall brings the most productive salmon fishing, particularly for Chinook. Local traditions include cooking fresh-caught salmon on riverbank campfires, a practice dating back to the area’s original Native American inhabitants who considered these annual salmon runs essential to their survival.
13. Sitka, Alaska
Ocean trolling around Sitka produces some of Alaska’s most consistent salmon action throughout summer months. All five Pacific salmon species swim these waters, with King salmon available May through July and Silver salmon peaking in August.
The stunning backdrop of volcanic mountains rising from the sea creates unforgettable scenery. Eagles soar overhead while whales and sea lions frequently make appearances during fishing excursions, turning a simple fishing trip into a complete Alaska wildlife experience.
14. Lake Michigan Tributaries, Michigan/Wisconsin
Great Lakes salmon were introduced in the 1960s and now provide world-class fishing opportunities far from their native Pacific range. Fall brings massive runs up rivers like the Manistee, Pere Marquette, and Milwaukee, where thousands of Chinook and Coho salmon battle upstream.
These accessible Midwest fisheries allow anglers from America’s heartland to experience salmon fishing close to home. The contrast of colorful autumn foliage against the silver-sided salmon creates both excellent fishing and spectacular photo opportunities.