July/August Salmon Charter - Resurrection Bay
Shared Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Silver and Pink Salmon in scenic Resurrection Bay watersFivehour shared charter with six fish limit per anglerProfessional guide service from experienced Saltwater Safari Company
There's nothing quite like the pull of a feisty Coho salmon on your line when you're surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery of Resurrection Bay. This half-day shared charter gives you five solid hours to chase after Alaska's famous Silver and Pink salmon during the peak summer run. You'll be fishing some of the most productive waters in Southcentral Alaska, where the salmon are thick and the action can go from steady to absolutely wild in a heartbeat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Alaska year after year.
We'll launch from Seward and head out into Resurrection Bay, where the glacier-fed waters create perfect conditions for salmon staging before their spawning runs. The bay stretches for miles with deep channels, rocky points, and current breaks that hold fish throughout the summer months. You're looking at a generous six-fish limit per person, and when the bite is on, you'll have no trouble filling that quota. The shared charter format means you'll be fishing alongside other anglers, creating that classic Alaska fishing camp atmosphere where everyone's rooting for each other's success. Pack your own lunch and drinks because five hours on the water works up an appetite, and don't forget that Alaska sport fishing license - you can grab one online and print it at home. Rain gear is non-negotiable up here; even on sunny days, spray from the boat and sudden weather changes are part of the Alaska experience.
We'll be trolling the productive zones using downriggers and diving planers to get our baits down to where the salmon are cruising. The captain will have you rigged up with fresh herring, spoons, and hoochies in the colors that have been producing. Pink salmon often hit smaller presentations in bright colors, while the Coho tend to prefer larger baits with more flash and action. You'll learn to read your rod tip for the subtle taps of a Pink salmon versus the aggressive strike of a Silver. The boat's electronics help us locate bait schools and thermoclines where salmon concentrate, but reading the water and understanding tidal movements is what separates a good day from an epic one. The crew handles all the technical stuff - setting the spread, adjusting depths, and coaching you through the fight. Your job is to hang on when that rod starts bouncing and work the fish to the boat with steady pressure.
Pink salmon, also called "humpies" for the distinctive hump males develop during spawning, are the most abundant Pacific salmon species and they show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years. These scrappy fighters typically run 3-5 pounds and hit fast, making multiple jumps once hooked. They're perfect for anglers who want constant action since schools can number in the thousands. Pinks have a two-year life cycle, so the runs alternate between heavy and light years - but when they're running strong, you can expect non-stop fishing. They're excellent eating when caught fresh from salt water, with firm pink flesh that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Coho salmon are the stars of the show for most sport anglers, and for good reason. These silver bullets average 8-12 pounds in Resurrection Bay and fight like fish twice their size. They're known for their aerial displays, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight, tail-walking across the surface in spectacular fashion. Coho are incredibly aggressive feeders and will chase down fast-moving lures, making them a blast to catch on lighter tackle. July and August represent prime time for Silver salmon fishing in Alaska, when they're at peak condition before entering the rivers to spawn. The meat is rich and flavorful with that deep red color that Alaska salmon are famous for.
Summer salmon fishing in Resurrection Bay represents some of the best value fishing Alaska has to offer. You're getting world-class salmon fishing in one of the most beautiful settings on earth, all within a half-day timeframe that leaves you plenty of time to explore Seward or prep your catch for dinner. The shared charter format keeps costs reasonable while still providing top-notch guiding and local knowledge. Peak season fills up fast, especially during strong Pink salmon years when word gets out about the hot fishing. Smart anglers book early to secure their preferred dates, then spend the weeks leading up to their trip watching fishing reports and getting more excited by the day. This isn't just another fishing trip - it's your chance to experience Alaska salmon fishing at its finest.
This beautifully restored 53-foot Delta Marine Cruiser cuts through Resurrection Bay's waters with twin 600HP Caterpillar engines, giving you the power to reach prime salmon spots quickly. Built in 1992 and refreshed in 2020, she comfortably handles up to 16 anglers while you target Silver and Pink salmon during peak summer runs. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS and radar keep you on course in Alaska's changing conditions. With a toilet onboard and room to move around, you can focus on landing your limit of 6 Coho per person. The 22-knot cruising speed means more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and harbor updates throughout your 5-hour shared charter.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are the acrobats of Alaska waters. These 8-12 pound fighters cruise Resurrection Bay's deeper channels and near-shore structure, and they'll absolutely light up your rod with jumps that can clear 6 feet. Their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs make them beautiful fish, and the orange-red meat is outstanding table fare. July and August are prime time when they're feeding heavily on herring and smaller baitfish before heading to spawn. They like calm areas around debris and drop-offs where bait congregates. What guests love most is the fight - these fish don't give up easy and will test your drag system. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. That speed change often triggers strikes from following fish.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon, or "humpies," are the smaller, scrappier cousins in the salmon family, averaging 4-5 pounds but making up for size with sheer numbers. They love the cold waters of Resurrection Bay and show up in massive schools during their two-year life cycle. You'll spot them by the distinctive hump that develops on spawning males and those big black oval spots on their backs and tails. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive feeding on small baitfish and the fact that beginners can really dial in their technique. The meat has a nice pink color from all the crustaceans they eat. My tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies - they seem to trigger strikes when these fish are schooled up and competitive.
Seward, AK