The mere name—KODIAK ISLAND – conjures up images of rivers choked with gleaming salmon amid towering rain forests, all surrounded by fog enshrouded mountains and tumbling rivers. It is a dream for many, a destination yearned for by many. But the fishing lodges are not cheap and costs can strain many budgets. We at Fish Nation decided to try and turn that yearning into reality. We have put together a program through one of our long time friends who is a Kodiak fishing captain, aimed at making Kodiak salmon fishing affordable!!
LODGING AND TRANSPORT: That Captain has acquired a ranch style home for your use. You get a clean and reasonably equipped home to stay in, complete with full kitchen, laundry, hot showers and more. We like
the double washer and dryer setup, which is wonderful for keeping clothes dry and warm. You buy your own groceries right there in Kodiak (or bring some of them with you from the mainland). You prepare your meals when and however you want them; or if you prefer, drive to one of the many eateries in Kodiak. We say Drive- because he also allows you unlimited use of a suitable vehicle. You buy the gas and oil, and simply leave it filled when you finally depart the island. During your stay you use it as transport to fish the many streams and bays that run from the mountains down into the ocean. And for sightseeing and shopping in Kodiak.
We at Fish Nation have personally done exactly that type of fishing on Kodiak. Butch and Joan and friends and a grandchild, all flew to Kodiak and fished for a week, on a DIY adventure, They explored the Island, caught salmon galore, even taking pictures of casting and fighting salmon, with brown bears in the distant background! Bears paid them no attention, they were too busy catching and eating salmon! They even took a plane ride to a remote river to see a couple dozen brown bears catching salmon at a weir. Photos galore. Good restaurants, fun shopping locally too, even took a party boat with 20 other people out to fish for halibut! A fun week.
2026 SPECIAL PRICING: ONLY $1,995 PER PERSON! Min of 3 people.
INCLUDES:
• LODGING FOR 6 NIGHTS AND 5 DAYS (minimum group size is 2)
• UNLIMITED VEHICLE USE
• PRIME LOCATION
• FREEZER FOR FISH
• VACUUM SEALING USE
• FISH CLEANING STATION
• COMPLETE KITCHEN AND UTENSILS, PLATES, IMPLEMENTS
• LOCAL MAPS AND DIRECTIONS TO SUGGESTED FISHING SPOTS
• USE OF FISHING TACKLE IF YOU DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN
Please realize this is the first year for this operation. While we have tried to think of everything- we probably missed a thing or two. There will be local assistance if you have any serious problems or issues.
EXCLUDES: Fishing licenses and permits; gas and oil; damages to vehicles or parts thereof; damages to rental property of all types; airfares to Island and back; tips for maintenance staff. You will need to sign waivers for personal injury and vehicle usage on arrival. A non-resident 7 day fishing license is $45 on line at Alaska Fish and Game Dept. If you intend to fish for king salmon you need a king salmon stamp which is $15/day of $45 for 7 days. PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL APPLICABLE FISHING REGULATIONS, THEY ARE STRICT ON THAT!
TIMING: Various species run the streams at various times. Every year is different, depending on rain temperatures and other factors. The following is a guideline only.
King Salmon (Chinook) Early June – Late July Stocked heavily in the Road Zone (American River, Olds River, Salonie Creek). Peak in June.
Sockeye Salmon (Reds) Late May – Mid-August Buskin, Pasagshak, and Saltery rivers. Peak typically hits in late June.
Pink Salmon (Humpies) Mid-July – Mid-August Excellent Road Zone access. Buskin and Saltery creeks see huge surges.
Chum Salmon (Dogs) July – August -Distributed widely in both remote and local island streams.
Silver Salmon (Coho) Mid-August – Early October Strong runs in Monashka and Pillar creeks, Mill Bay, and Mission Beach.
Steelhead Trout Late April – May & October Native steelhead runs peak mid-October in remote systems like Karluk, Ayakulik, Dog Salmon.
Dolly Varden Year-round (Peaks in Aug.) Often caught while targeting salmon or in early spring/fall in freshwater systems.
Halibut & Bottomfish May – December Saltwater fishing is excellent throughout the summer, peaking in June/July.
EQUIPMENT: FISH NATION HAS EQUIPMENT AND TACKLE LISTS YOU CAN REQUEST. You will absolutely need waders (chest or hip); quality rain gear; warm clothing in layers (no blue jeans or cotton unless you enjoy being cold). Medium size spin and fly tackle unless fishing for Kings, then you need heavier gear.
TRAVEL: Normally most clients will fly to Anchorage and then take a one hour shuttle flight from there to the city of Kodiak. Alaska Air is probably the most common carrier, but there are others including Delta and American. We at Fish Nation use Alaska Air often as they cater to sportsmen and women, and they have an awesome credit card system that can get you a companion ticket for around $99.
TRIP INSURANCE
Travel Insurance Fish Nation strongly recommends that you protect yourself and the cost of your next adventure by learning more about Redpoint Travel Insurance. Check the types of coverage comparisons.
Please visit: https://redpointtravelprotection.com/partner/fishnation/
FISH-NATION – WE ARE YOUR FISHING ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS!
PHONE: 307-637-5495 email: info@fish-nation.com
Website: www.fish-nation.com