Chinook Salmon Fishing near Anchorage, Wasilla, Alaska
Knik River, Alaska – King or Chinook salmon are Alaska’s largest salmon, and run up the Knik River from late-May through mid-July. All of our 2026 trips targeting king salmon are scheduled for the Knik River as Eklutna Tailrace / including a couple-miles of the Knik River is the one Mat-Su Valley location open to fishing for ocean-run king salmon at this time. Knik River king salmon return at different ages / sizes. Larger Knik kings have spent more years in saltwater and may weigh from 15 – 30 pounds. Two-ocean kings may weigh about 8 -12 pounds. “Jack,” kings that have spent only one year in the ocean are less than 20 inches in length, and provide additional harvest opportunity. King salmon catches slow in July, however, in early-July anglers fishing the Knik River have also caught early-returning sockeye (red) and / or coho (silver) salmon.
We have both early morning (5 a.m. start) and later in the day tours available for this 5-hour guided fishing trip. Bait, multiple hooks, and king salmon harvest is allowed throughout the season, and this fishery is open 24 hours per day. We run this trip from a locally-built outboard-jet powered guide boat, with custom rods, quality spinning reels, tackle and bait provided. Salmon roe we’ve cured with Pautzke Bait Company cure and scent products, produces the vast majority of salmon our guests catch from this fishery. We keep a large cooler and ice onboard for fish storage, and near the end of your trip fish filleting / cleaning is included at no additional cost.
Although we may not be guiding king salmon trips at Little Susitna River, Deshka River, or Susitna River drainage tributaries this year, catching a large Chinook below beautiful Pioneer Peak on the Knik River continues a worthy challenge for beginners and expert anglers alike that defines Alaska fishing. This fun and easy day trip starts a scenic half-hour drive from Anchorage, Wasilla, or Palmer, Alaska.
I have been fishing with Fishtale River Guides for 7 or 8 years. The guides are always courteous and helpful. We fish for king and silver salmon and due to their knowledge and experience I have always come home with my limit. I would not hesitate to recommend them. They are the best!!” — Nora Hathhorn, Wasilla, Alaska
King Challenge — Power Fishing at its Best!
After hooking a king you may battle half an hour catching your monster. If you hook a big fish from the bank, and it torpedoes downriver, be prepared for a wild ride. A large king can strip all the line from your reel in seconds, so we’ll be jumping in the boat, chasing your salmon, and retrieving lots of line, before your trophy tires, and you can lead it to the net. This is power fishing at its best. Accept the challenge and let Fishtale help you catch Alaska’s largest salmon.
For 40 years Fishtale has given me and my family great fishing adventures no matter what the weather, water conditions, or fish availability. Andy Couch has always made it fun to be on the river.” — Gerard W. Brell, Anchorage, Alaska
Trip Planning and Reservations
For help planning your Alaska king salmon fishing trips see our Salmon Run Timing Chart, read our free Fishing Reports, and to reserve your guided Fishtale Trips see our Availability & Booking page. You can also make reservations by calling 907-746-2199. For your convenience we’ve compiled additional information about other fishing opportunities, lodging options, things to do, and things to see while visiting the Matanuska Susitna Valley and Southcentral Alaska. Visit our Trip Planning section.
