The Salmon Way | Fishing in Talkeetna Alaska

Wednesday -The Salmon Way

In a fishes tale- Alaska salmon have a most interesting life. One that takes them from the rivers and streams of Alaska's wild frontier, to the high seas of the Pacific Ocean, and back again. In fact, right back to the very place they were born. How they find their way back from the immensity of the Pacific Ocean is a small feat in itself.. Once they have fully matured, they will swim back to their original stream or river where they re-adapt to the fresh water and swim back up the stream to reach their spawning grounds. Sometimes this means swimming up rugged rivers with miles of rapids and even waterfalls to leap. Once they get back to their natal stream, they breed and lay their eggs. After spawning they generally die within a week, fertilizing the stream and creating a nutrient-rich environment for the new infant salmon that are about to hatch.

We enjoyed a fun morning of fishing with Phantom Tri-River Charters. This crew & trip is ideal for those experienced & beginners.

Although I reached the first catch many of mine were not fit to eat & released. To give Shane an even bigger grin- the guide said, “he was a pro & had divine salmon fishing skills.” So this was the subject of the remaining drive to Denali... I may not fit into our tent with this big head of such a professional outdoors man. We each kept 3 each which we had cleaned & are sending back home on ice.

for this adventure check out them at their webpage: Phantom Tri River Charters

Grab Your fishing license here : Alaska Fish & Game Site

Afterwards, we ate some greasy cheeseburgers at the Shirley’s burger barn in Talkeetna. Best Burgers in Alaska! They offer Grass fed beef burgers, Fresh made sockeye salmon burgers, halibut filet burgers, caribou burgers, and more! Family Friendly atmosphere with full casual menu and outdoor or covered seating. In addition to the best burgers, they also offer reindeer dogs, all beef dogs and corn dogs.

if you have time walk down right pass the post office to the Talkeetna gift shops across the street. It’s right by the welcome to Talkeetna sign.

Salmon Cultural Appropriation:

Salmon is the real gold rush in The Last Frontier. Alaskan salmon culture is a story of hope. Often represented in carved totem poles, it is a symbol of abundance, renewal, fertility and dependability. Northwest Native Americans have relied on the fish as a food source and spiritual representation for thousands of years. Despite a turbulent history, including near extinction, today, salmon are treated with the utmost respect.

Alaska fishing is different. The game warden holds strong to the laws of salmon fishing So don’t swerve. You cannot take the fish out of water unless you are keeping it. So use the net.

Traditionally, one ceremonial fish is caught early in the spring, blessed, eaten and every piece of the remaining carcass returned to the sea in the belief that the spirit will rise again completing the cycle of life. Only then can the official fishing season begin

Our salmon catch found their way home to Alabama the following week shipped overnight & vacuum sealed. We decided to respect the Native American Culture and share with our family & a few friends at home.

adventure Cost: $723 Charter: $380+ tip

S&H: $171

Charter Fish Handling: $62

Fishing License $60