Everyone knows Alaska is big. But how big? Let’s see, Alaska is 663,300 square miles. That is two and a half times bigger than the second largest state, Texas. Its coastline stretches 6,640 miles which is longer than all of the other U.S. states combined! Alaska is home to Mt. McKinley, which rises 20,310 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain peak in North America. Alaska also has wildlife, BIG wildlife. Two of the world’s largest bears live in Alaska. The Kodiak brown bear reaches weights up to 1,000 pounds, but the true king of Alaska resides north of Kodiak, way north. Polar bears are regarded as the largest bear in the world and can reach weights up to 1,500 pounds!
That’s not all, moose, which is the largest living species within the deer family weigh upwards of 1,500 pounds giving the bears a run for their money. So as you can see, size DOES matter in Alaska and it is no different when it comes to its fish. Alaska is famous for their annual salmon runs up freshwater rivers and the monster flat fish that thrive in the depths of the frigid waters surrounding Alaska. But there are many more fish in the sea.
Let’s take a look at some Alaska state records for fish caught within this monstrous state.
#1. Arctic Grayling.
These beautiful fish can be found throughout Alaska in cold, clear streams and lakes. They are characterized by the unusually long dorsal fin, similar to a sail.
State Record: 5lbs. 1 oz.
Location: Fish River
Angler: Peter Cockwill (2008)
#2. Lake Trout.
Lake trout are the largest of the char. These slow-growing fish inhabit cold, oxygen-rich waters. They are often found in depths of over 100 feet during the summer.
State Record: 47 lbs.
Location: Clarence Lake
Angler: Daniel Thorsness (1970)
#3. Northern Pike.
Northern Pike gets its name from its resemblance from a pole-weapon known as a pike. They are ambush predators and can be highly aggressive.
State Record: 38 lbs. 8 oz.
Location: Innoko River
Angler: Jack Wagner (1991)
#4. Steelhead Trout.
Steelheads are an ocean going version of the rainbow trout. They are considered one of the top 5 sport fish in North America and puts on an aerial display once hooked.
State Record: 42 lbs. 3 oz.
Location: Bell Island
Angler: David White (1970) #5.
#5 King Salmon.
Otherwise known as Chinook salmon, kings are the largest of the salmon species. Like all salmon, they return to their exact location of birth to spawn and then die.
State Record: 97 lbs. 4 oz.
Location: Kenai River
Angler: Lester Anderson (1985) #6.
#6 Red Salmon.
Otherwise known as Sockeye salmon, reds have a unique diet. Unlike the other species of salmon, sockeye salmon feed on zooplankton throughout their entire life, making them a bit tricky to catch.
State Record: 16 lbs.
Location: Kenai River
Angler: Chuck Leach (1974)
#7. Pacific Halibut.
The pacific halibut is the world’s largest of all the flatfish. Its name is derived from haly (holy) and butte (flat fish) for its popularity on Catholic holy days.
State Record: 459 lbs.
Location: Unalaska Bay
Angler: Jack Tragis (1996)
These are just a few giants from the great state of Alaska. There are plenty more fish swimming the Alaskan waters, so go take your shot at the next state record.