When Should You Plan Your Whaler’s Cove Trip?
If you’re wondering about the best time to fish in Southeast Alaska, the real answer is simple: it depends on what you want to experience.
At Whaler’s Cove, every part of our season offers something different — from early trophy opportunities to peak silver action and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Eco Tours – Available All Season
At Whaler’s Cove, fishing isn’t the only highlight.
Bear Viewing
We can often spot bears throughout the season along shorelines, bays, and river outflows — especially at low tide. Activity increases significantly during peak salmon runs in August and September.
Salmon Hatchery Visits
A fascinating experience all season, and even more active when salmon are running and bears are nearby.
Natural Hot Springs
Available throughout the entire season. A remote, relaxing experience that adds another dimension to your Alaska trip.
Note: Hatchery and hot spring visits are weather and vessel dependent.
Whale Watching
We see hundreds of humpbacks in our area each season, along with frequent orca sightings. Guests often fish while whales feed nearby — and we’ve even had humpbacks and orcas swim through our harbor.
July – Variety & Trophy Potential
July is where momentum builds.
King Salmon (Chinook)
We catch the tail end of the king run in early July, along with resident kings that stay in our area throughout the season (regulations permitting).
Looking for a trophy? We define trophy kings as 34” and above — and July is your best shot.
Rockfish
Early July is prime time for rockfish. While they’re a reliable bonus species all season, numbers are typically strongest early.
Halibut
Halibut fishing is strong from start to finish, and July sets the tone. If you want consistent opportunity at quality fish, this is a great time to come.
Whale Watching
July is also prime time for humpback whale activity. We regularly fish around bubble-net feeding humpbacks — one of the most spectacular wildlife displays in Alaska. Orcas are also frequent visitors to our waters.
August – Peak Action Month
If you want the most action-packed fishing of the year, August is hard to beat.
Silver Salmon (Coho)
Silvers typically begin showing up mid-July, but August is peak season. Aggressive, acrobatic, and plentiful — this is when the rods stay bent.
Freshwater Silver Fishing
The last two weeks of August are prime time to target silvers in freshwater rivers and lakes. It’s visual, fast-paced, and an entirely different experience from saltwater fishing.
Halibut
Early August offers excellent odds at giant halibut — including legitimate 200+ pound fish.
Lingcod (Typically Opens Around August 1)
Lingcod season opens August 1st. We have strong opportunities to catch them, though size restrictions can affect retention. They’re aggressive and incredibly fun to target.
Pink & Chum Salmon (Freshwater)
Pink salmon provide fast, high-energy freshwater action in August. While we often release them, they make excellent bait for large halibut.
Chum salmon are also available in freshwater and can be a powerful bonus fish while targeting other species.
Bear Viewing
As salmon runs increase, so does bear activity. August and early September provide excellent opportunities to see bears actively feeding near river systems and shorelines.
Early September – Freshwater & Wildlife
Freshwater Silver Fishing
Freshwater fishing in September is our specialty. The first week of September continues strong silver fishing in freshwater systems and provides a peaceful wilderness retreat.
Bear Viewing
Bear activity remains high as salmon continue to move through rivers.
It’s a phenomenal time for guests who enjoy the combination of fishing and wildlife viewing.
So… When Is the Best Time to Come?
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Want trophy kings and strong variety? → Early July
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Want peak silver action and big halibut potential? → August
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Want freshwater silvers and active bears? → Late August / Early September
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Want consistent halibut and multi-species opportunity? → Anytime
Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for.
Call us and tell us what kind of trip you’re looking for — we’ll help you pick the perfect one.
