ketchikan salmon run date

What month is best to see the salmon run in ketchikan? Thanks

What month is best to see the salmon run in ketchikan? Thanks

The dates of the runs of all 5 species of salmon are on the Ketchikan fishing calendar at http://www.explorenorth.com/library/communities/alaska/images/fishing_calendar-ketchikan.html

This last July (2008) we were in KTN on the 8th. We were eager to see the creek full of salmon but didn't see a single one. We finally asked a local who said "We're still waiting, pretty sad" in a dismayed tone.

The only wild salmon we finally saw were 2 or 3 in Ship Creek (downtown ANC) a few weeks later.

Overall, for viewing from Creek Street, August is a pretty sure bet.

This last July (2008) we were in KTN on the 8th. We were eager to see the creek full of salmon but didn't see a single one. We finally asked a local who said "We're still waiting, pretty sad" in a dismayed tone.

the runs were very late this year. and some, like pink salmon never did appear (but they alternate high run/low run everyother year).

everyone has a theory, but no one ever asks the fish........we had a very very late summer, okay, we didn't have a summer. late warming = late melting of the snowpack and glaciers so the stream temps stayed too cold for a longer calendar time than typical.

we were there in Sept & saw a few salmon in the creek (off Creek St) & another stop on the tour, only a few, but it was definitely a great thing to see. I guess we were lucky they were late. I forget which species they were, tour driver told us, but I can't remember.

Next year, there will be a big Pink run and you can rent fishing equipment and purchase a fishing licence ( under $20) at the creek and fish. 2 years ago I did that and caught more than 20 salmon in a couple of hours. Catch and release, but this one person from New York had to have his wife take a picture of each fish. He held the fish out of the water for over 5 minutes and most of the fish died. Myself and others were yelling at him to put the fish back in the water as soon as he caught it, but he was oblivious to what he was doing. Also when you are in Ketchikan in Sept, walk above the falls ( 1/2 mile) and you will see bears feeding on the spawning salmon.

Overall, for viewing from Creek Street, August is a pretty sure bet.

How far is the Creek Street from the main ship piers?

How far is the Creek Street from the main ship piers?

Within easy walking distance...just up the street from the pier...and...past all the jewelry stores.

It does have a tendency to rain in Ketchikan so be sure to have your rain gear handy.

Within easy walking distance...just up the street from the pier...and...past all the jewelry stores.

It does have a tendency to rain in Ketchikan so be sure to have your rain gear handy.

Thanks. I was not aware of this place when we went to Ketchikan last year. There is always so much learn on this board. That's why we are going back to Alaska again in 2009.

Creek St. is about 3 blocks from the main dock. Request their visitor guide, there usually is a map inside. Otherwise, request a walking tour map at the dock visitor center. http://www.visit-ketchikan.com