What Anton Larsen Bay offers and how to get there

Anton Larsen Bay sits on the northeast side of Kodiak Island, roughly 40 miles from the town of Kodiak by water. The bay holds silver salmon, pink salmon, and halibut in the summer and fall months, with the strongest fishing typically from July through September. The water is cold and the weather can turn fast, so this is not a casual day trip—most anglers either charter a boat from Kodiak or arrive by floatplane.

The bay itself is a working fishing community with a small lodge, a few cabins, and a dock where charter boats tie up. There is no road access; you reach it by water or air. The remoteness is the point. You will see fewer anglers than you would at Kodiak's roadside streams, and the salmon runs are strong enough that you can fish productively even in mid-summer when other parts of the island are crowded.

Getting there costs money. A round-trip floatplane charter from Kodiak runs roughly $400 to $600 per person depending on the operator and how many people share the flight. A charter boat from Kodiak that includes lodging and meals typically runs $3,000 to $5,000 per person for three to five days. If you have your own boat, you can make the run yourself, though you need to know the tides and the weather patterns of the Kodiak Archipelago.

Key Takeaways

  • Anton Larsen Bay holds silver and pink salmon plus halibut from July through September, with peak fishing in August and early September.
  • Access is by floatplane or charter boat only; expect to pay $400 to $600 for a floatplane round trip or $3,000 to $5,000 for a multi-day charter with lodging.
  • The bay is a small working community with a lodge and cabins, not a developed resort, so bring realistic expectations about amenities.
  • Weather and tides move fast in this part of Kodiak; even experienced saltwater anglers should hire a local guide for their first trip.

Silver and pink salmon in the bay and nearby streams

Silver salmon enter Anton Larsen Bay starting in late July and run strong through September. They average 8 to 12 pounds and will take spoons, spinners, and small plugs in the bay itself. The best fishing is usually in the first two hours of the incoming tide, when the salmon move into the shallower water near the creek mouths. If you are fishing from a boat, you can cover more water than you would from shore, but the bay is not deep—most productive water runs 15 to 35 feet.

Pink salmon arrive earlier, typically in early to mid-July, and they are smaller (4 to 6 pounds) but more aggressive. They will hit almost anything that moves, which makes them good for anglers who want fast action or who are new to saltwater fishing. The downside is that pink salmon years alternate—odd-numbered years bring huge runs, even-numbered years bring few fish. Check the year before you book.

Several small streams flow into the bay, and you can fish them on foot if you have a guide or local knowledge. These streams hold both species and offer a break from saltwater fishing if the tide or weather turns against you. The streams are short and the runs are not huge, but they are productive enough to make a difference on a day when the bay is rough.

Halibut fishing and tackle choices

Halibut in Anton Larsen Bay run 20 to 60 pounds on average, with occasional fish over 100 pounds. They are bottom feeders, so you fish for them with heavy jigs (8 to 16 ounces depending on depth and current) tipped with fresh herring or squid. The technique is simple: drop to the bottom, jig up and down, and set hard when you feel weight. Most halibut fishing happens in 40 to 80 feet of water, and you need a depth finder to locate the productive ground.

Halibut bite best during the slack tide—the brief window when the current stops between the incoming and outgoing tide. Outside of slack, the current runs hard enough that you lose bottom contact and miss bites. This means your fishing schedule is dictated by the tide tables, not by your preference. A good guide knows the tide and will position you in the right place at the right time.

For salmon, bring 6- to 8-weight fly rods if you plan to fish with flies, or medium-action spinning rods with 12- to 20-pound line if you prefer conventional tackle. Spoons in silver and gold work year-round; small plugs and spinners are good in the summer. For halibut, you need a conventional boat rod rated for 20 to 30 pounds and a reel that holds at least 300 yards of line. The halibut will run hard, and you need the backbone to turn them before they reach the rocks.

Tides, weather, and when to fish

The tides in Anton Larsen Bay swing 8 to 12 feet depending on the lunar cycle, and they move fast. The current can exceed 2 knots during the peak of the incoming or outgoing tide, which makes fishing difficult and can be dangerous if you are in a small boat. Most guides fish the slack tide and the first two hours of the incoming tide, when the current is manageable and the salmon are active.

Weather in this part of Kodiak can change in an hour. The bay itself is somewhat protected, but the approach from Kodiak is exposed to the Gulf of Alaska. Floatplane operators will not fly in winds over 30 knots, and charter boats will not leave the dock if the forecast calls for sustained winds above 25 knots. This means you may lose a day or two to weather, especially in early July or late September. Build extra days into your trip if you can.

August and early September offer the most stable weather and the strongest salmon runs. July can be good for pink salmon, but the weather is less predictable. October and November bring fewer anglers and can be productive, but the days are short and the weather is deteriorating. Most commercial operations shut down by mid-October.

Lodging and services at Anton Larsen Bay

The Anton Larsen Bay Lodge operates seasonally (typically June through September) and offers rooms, meals, and boat access. The lodge is not luxurious—it is a working fishing lodge with basic but clean accommodations and good food. Rates typically run $200 to $300 per night for a room, plus $100 to $150 per day for meals. Some charter packages include lodging at the lodge; others use private cabins in the community.

There is a small store at the dock where you can buy basic supplies, but do not count on finding specialty items. Bring any medications, sunscreen, and fishing tackle you know you will need. The community has a fuel dock and a fish-cleaning station, but no restaurant, no bar, and no entertainment beyond fishing. This is a place to fish, eat, sleep, and fish again.

Cell service is spotty or nonexistent, depending on your carrier. Internet is available at the lodge but is slow. If you need to stay in touch with the outside world, plan accordingly. Most anglers treat this as a feature, not a bug.

Guides and charter operators

Several charter operators run boats out of Kodiak to Anton Larsen Bay. The main ones include Kodiak Charters, Salmon Cove Lodge, and independent guides who work through the Anton Larsen Bay Lodge. Prices vary, but a typical three-day charter with lodging, meals, and a guide runs $3,500 to $4,500 per person. Some operators offer day trips (you stay in Kodiak and commute by boat), which cost less but involve a long run each way and limit your fishing time.

Floatplane operators based in Kodiak (including Servant Air and Kodiak Air Service) can drop you at the bay and pick you up on a set date. This works well if you have your own lodging arranged or if you are staying at the lodge. The floatplane is faster than the boat (about 20 minutes versus 2 to 3 hours) but costs more per person if you are traveling alone.

Ask any operator or guide about their experience with the specific species and time of year you plan to fish. A guide who specializes in halibut may not be the best choice if you want to focus on salmon, and vice versa. Most lodges and charters can match you with a guide who fits your goals.

Regulations and what you need to know before you go

Alaska requires a fishing license for all anglers 16 and older. You can buy a non-resident license online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for roughly $145 for a 14-day license or $425 for an annual license. Most charter packages include the license in the price, but confirm this when you book.

Bag limits for salmon are typically 3 silver salmon and 10 pink salmon per day, though these can change year to year. Halibut has a daily bag limit of 1 fish per person (with a few exceptions for very large fish). Check the current regulations on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website before you travel, because limits and seasons can shift.

If you plan to keep fish, the lodge or charter will clean and fillet them for you. You can have them shipped to your home via mail, or you can pack them in a cooler and take them on the plane. Shipping is expensive (often $50 to $100 per box), so many anglers choose to eat their catch while they are there or donate it to the lodge kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to fish Anton Larsen Bay?

August and early September offer the strongest salmon runs and the most stable weather. July can be good for pink salmon, but the weather is less predictable. Late September is still productive but the days are getting short and the weather is deteriorating.

Can I fish Anton Larsen Bay on a day trip from Kodiak?

Yes, some charter operators offer day trips that depart Kodiak in the early morning and return in the evening. The downside is a long boat ride each way (2 to 3 hours) and limited fishing time. Most anglers find a multi-day trip more rewarding, but day trips work if your schedule or budget is tight.

Do I need my own boat to fish Anton Larsen Bay?

No. Most anglers hire a charter boat or floatplane from Kodiak. If you have your own boat and know the waters of the Kodiak Archipelago, you can make the run yourself, but the weather and tides demand respect and local knowledge.

What should I bring for weather?

Bring rain gear, a warm fleece or wool layer, and a wind-resistant jacket. The bay is somewhat protected, but the water is cold (45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in summer) and the wind can pick up fast. Waterproof gloves and a hat are also smart. Most lodges provide rain gear, but bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.

How much does a trip to Anton Larsen Bay cost?

A floatplane round trip runs $400 to $600 per person. A multi-day charter with lodging and meals typically costs $3,500 to $4,500 per person for three days. Day trips from Kodiak are cheaper (roughly $800 to $1,200 per person) but involve a long commute. Add the cost of your fishing license, airfare to Kodiak, and any fish shipping.