Salmon fishing in amazing locations

  • Discover the best salmon fishing destinations around the world for an unforgettable angling adventure.
  • Fully serviced
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Steamboat Bay Fishing Club in Alaska

  • United States, Alaska
  • Self-catering
  • Fully serviced

Norwegian Flyfishers Club (NFC), Gaula River

  • Norway, Trøndelag
  • Fully serviced

Rapids Camp Lodge, Bristol Bay Alaska

  • United States, Alaska
  • Fully serviced
  • Premium

Lower Dean River Lodge in British Columbia

  • Canada, British Columbia
  • Fully serviced

West Coast Fishing Club in Canada

  • Canada, British Columbia
  • Fully serviced
  • Premium

Olderø fly fishing Lodge in Norway

  • Norway, Troms og Finnmark

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The best Pacific salmon fishing destinations

Salmon fishing is one of the most rewarding challenges for experienced anglers. Whether you’re targeting one of the five common species of Pacific salmon or the elusive Atlantic salmon, success depends on understanding their behavior and refining your techniques to suit each species and its habitat.

Alaska, Pacific Northwest and British Columbia

  • Alaska is a dream destination for salmon fishing, with vast rivers, coastal waters, and all five of the common Pacific salmon species. Spots like the Kenai River and Bristol Bay are known for their large Chinook and Sockeye runs. Fly fishing in rivers or trolling near the coast offers great opportunities. The peak salmon runs are from May to September, although winter fishing can also be had if you are prepared to brave the cold.
  • British Columbia combines beautiful scenery with excellent salmon fishing. Rivers like the Fraser and coastal areas near Vancouver Island are hotspots. With big Chinook and active Coho, anglers are primarily fly fishing or trolling to match seasonal runs, which peak from late spring through fall.
  • In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and Washington feature diverse salmon habitats, including the Columbia River and Puget Sound. Chinook and Coho dominate, but Sockeye and Chum also draw anglers. Both freshwater river fishing and coastal trolling are popular, depending on the time of year.

Eastern Russia

Remote and unspoiled, Russia’s Kamchatka region is a hidden gem for Pacific salmon fishing. Rivers teem with Sockeye, Chinook, and Chum. Fly fishing here is especially rewarding, offering wild experiences during the summer salmon runs. Much like the renowned rivers in Western Russia known for Atlantic salmon fishing, current political instability and travel restrictions have made accessing these areas increasingly challenging.

Japan

Japan’s Hokkaido region offers a lesser-known yet rewarding Pacific salmon fishing experience, primarily in its coastal rivers. Anglers can target Pink, Chum, and the native Masu salmon, with Pink salmon being the most abundant. While Chum populations are smaller, they still provide exciting opportunities. In recent years, more international anglers have been drawn to Hokkaido’s rich waters, appreciating its unique location, culture and stunning landscapes.

The best Atlantic salmon fishing destinations

Northern Europe and Scandinavia

  • Iceland is a top destination for Atlantic salmon fishing, known for its crystal-clear rivers like the Ranga and Laxá. With strict catch-and-release policies, Iceland leads the way on conservation, with the positive results of this being seen every year in good catch numbers. The salmon season runs from June to September, consistently attracting fly-fishing anglers from all around the world to its stunning scenery.
  • Norway remains one of Europe’s top destinations for Atlantic salmon fishing, with iconic rivers like the Gaula and Orkla. Known for producing large salmon, these rivers attract anglers worldwide. The fishing season runs from June to August, with fly fishing being the preferred method. For those seeking adventure, fishing within the Arctic Circle offers access to remote waters, where fish catch numbers can be excellent and long summer days and wild landscapes create an unforgettable angling experience.
  • Scotland is famous for its historic salmon rivers, such as the Spey and Tay. With a long fishing tradition, it provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing. The season runs from February to October, with summer being the peak time to target Atlantic salmon. Although salmon catches have declined over the years like in much of Europe, great action can be had if you get the timing right when the water levels on the rivers are at optimal height.
  • Ireland is home to many rivers and lakes offering excellent Atlantic salmon fishing, such as the River Moy and Lough Currane. The season runs from February to September, with fly fishing and spinning both being popular methods.

Greenland

Greenland offers a rare opportunity to fish for wild Atlantic salmon in remote rivers. The short season in summer draws adventurous anglers to experience pristine conditions and abundant fish.

Canada

Eastern Canada, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, is home to thriving Atlantic salmon rivers like the Miramichi. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing for wild salmon in unspoiled natural surroundings. The season typically spans from early June to September.

Western Russia

The Kola Peninsula in Russia offers remote and pristine rivers like the Ponoi and Varzuga, ideal for Atlantic salmon fishing. Known for their high catch rates, these rivers are popular with fly fishers, with peak runs occurring from May to August.

However, current political instability and travel restrictions may pose challenges for international anglers planning trips to the region.

Salmon fishing offers unparalleled adventures across some of the most stunning locations worldwide, from Alaska’s icy rivers and British Columbia’s scenic coastlines to the historic waters of Northern Europe and the pristine rivers of Greenland. Each destination provides unique opportunities to target specific salmon species, whether through fly fishing, trolling, or spinning, with peak seasons varying by region. Despite challenges like travel restrictions in certain areas, anglers can find rewarding experiences in both remote and accessible fishing spots. For those seeking a premium experience, we also provide access to verified hosts offering luxury fishing lodges to enhance your adventure.