July 2026 Alaska Fishing Reports

 This young man  caught his first ocean-fresh coho salmon from Little Susitna River on a July 10 charter.

July is the month when our guests catch all 5 species of Alaska salmon.   It is rare for a person to catch all 5 species on the same trip, but it is possible — and especially around mid-July.   King salmon fishing and harvest reman open year round at the Knik River side-channel (although king salmon catching usually slows down considerably in July).  For 2026 king salmon fishing has been closed on both the Little Susitna River and Deshka River, however, there should be solid numbers of other salmon to catch at both of these location during July.   Bait fishing is open all year in the Knik River drainage and opens on July 14 in the Susitna River drainage, so we have those bait options available for anglers who prefer using bait for salmon.   Little Susitna River is restricted to artificial lures through August 5, but the cooler water temperatures of Little Susitna River, during July, and the presence of all 5 salmon species often make it a top choice for salmon catching the  entire month.

During July, king salmon are in largest abundance early in the month, although the only location we are allowed to fish for king salmon this year is the Eklutna Tailrace / Knik River side-channel fishery.  Sockeye salmon are available during the entire month of July at Little Susitna River and Knik River, but often with greater availability during the later half of the month.   Chum salmon  can be available during the entire month of July at Little Susitna River — with larger abundances of chum salmon starting about July 20.  Pink salmon can show up in large numbers early in July — and particularly at Deshka River (where the bonus pink salmon limit is 6 per day) — on Little Susitna River the greatest pink salmon abundance is often during the last 10 days of July. Our guests have also caught a few pink salmon at the Knik River side-channel.  Our guests have caught a few early coho on Little Susitna in late June and on the Deshka River during the first week of July, and while coh may be caught at any time in July, the best coho catches usually occur after July 20 and run throughout August.    Note: any ocean-run king salmon inadvertently caught  while fishing Mat-Su Valley locations other than Eklutna Tailrace / Knik River side-channel during the 2026 season may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately. 

Significant Date: July 14 – Bait fishing opens for salmon at Deshka River, other Susitna River locations.

Scroll Down for the most recent July 2026 Fishing Report Update (starting approximately July 1):