What are the chances of seeing Salmon Run

[ttjtmomma]

We will be in Alaska June 4-15 cruisetour. South out of Whittier. We would like to see the Salmon Run. Will we be too early? If not where would be the best place to see the run?

[zqvol]

We were there about that time last year and were too early. There is a chance you will see them but I don't think I would count on it.

[chipmaster]

Google, but memory suggest july on...

 

We will be in Alaska June 4-15 cruisetour. South out of Whittier. We would like to see the Salmon Run. Will we be too early? If not where would be the best place to see the run?

[AKman2495]

Ok, two problems. First June 4th is a little for the main Salmon runs.

 

Second, You really can't see them running except in a stream. Forget the TV shots of the Salmon umping wildly up big waterfalls. You won't find many of them in the area you will be in.

 

Even in a river like the Kenai , it is hard to actually see them running. That's because many Alaska streams are cloudy with glacial silt.

 

At sea, when they start to run they tend to cling close to the shore.

 

There are some places in Portage, for example where tou can see salmon spawing, but that is usually later in the summer.

[Coral]

Rare.

[karatemom2]

Likely a bit too early in the season base on our experience on previous cruises. Have never seen the salmon running before around mid-July.

[mapleleaves]

There's a really strong run in mid June, peaking around the solstice.

There is detailed info on the Alaska Fish and Game site, for the various locations. Will you have a car at some point to get around ? It would be worthwhile to drive Cooper Landing and walk to the Russian River Falls. You're a little early but there will be some fish there.

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewing.fish

[Budget Queen]

On a cruisetour you are already very limited, since you don't have your own transportation.

 

You are way too early on the inside passage.

 

Are you at the Kenai Princess- could likely see salmon in the Kenai Russian rivers?

[ttjtmomma]

That is what I had thought we would be too early. That will just give us another reason to go again.

[Mendenhall Ranger]

You may have an opportunity to see the earliest Steep Creek runs at Mendenhall Glacier, but that is pretty early in the season for best viewing.