Item descriptionAt Friends by the Ocean, guests can experience the best of Kodiak, Alaska, where breathtaking landscapes meet adventure and culture. From world-class fishing along the shoreline or on a guided charter to hiking through 30+ acres of pristine wilderness, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore. Visitors can take to the water with rafting, canoeing, and kayaking tours across the ocean, lakes, and rivers or enjoy the winter season with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Kodiak’s unparalleled trails. For a truly unforgettable experience, guests can soar above the island on a flight-seeing tour or embark on a guided hunting expedition with world-renowned experts.

Beyond the outdoors, Kodiak offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, where travelers can explore local museums, art galleries, and Indigenous heritage through storytelling, craftsmanship, and traditional performances. Whether seeking thrilling adventure or rich cultural immersion, Friends by the Ocean provides the ultimate gateway to experience the wild beauty and unique spirit of Kodiak, Alaska.

Spring (March – May)

• King Salmon (Chinook) – Available year-round, but the action starts picking up in April and May.

• Halibut – Begins to move into shallower waters in April.

• Rockfish & Lingcod – Available, but Lingcod season officially opens on July 1.

Summer (June – August) – Peak Season

• King Salmon (Chinook) – Peak season is May through July, with the largest fish caught in June.

• Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon) – June to mid-July is prime time, especially in rivers like the Karluk and Ayakulik.

• Pink Salmon (Humpy Salmon) – Late July through August, with huge runs every odd-numbered year.

• Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon) – July through August, found in rivers and nearshore waters.

• Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon) – Starts appearing late July, peaking in August.

• Halibut – Prime fishing June through September.

• Rockfish – Available year-round, but best in summer.

• Dungeness Crab – July through September, mostly in bays and near shorelines.

Fall (September – November)

• Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon) – Peak August through September, especially in rivers.

• Halibut – Still great fishing through October, before heading to deeper waters.

• Rockfish & Lingcod – Continue to bite through fall.

• Steelhead Trout – Late September to November is the best time for this catch-and-release fishery in Kodiak’s rivers.

Winter (December – February)

• King Salmon (Chinook) – Available year-round, with winter trolling opportunities.

• Halibut – Harder to catch as they move deeper, but still possible.

• Rockfish & Lingcod – Available but less active in colder months.

• Dungeness Crab – Still available in sheltered areas.

Land Wildlife

Kodiak Brown Bears – The largest brown bears in the world, found primarily in the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Sightings are common from May to October near rivers and coastal areas.

Sitka Black-Tailed Deer – Introduced to Kodiak, these deer are commonly seen in forests and along hillsides, especially in fall and winter.

Red Fox – Both red and cross-colored foxes can be seen in open meadows and near beaches.

Beavers & River Otters – Often spotted near rivers and lakes, these aquatic mammals are fun to watch in the early morning or evening.

Snowshoe Hares & Ermine (Weasels) – Small but common, these critters are found in wooded and brushy areas.

Birds

Bald Eagles – Kodiak has one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the world, often seen soaring over the coastline or perched on treetops.

Puffins – Both horned puffins and tufted puffins nest on rocky cliffs, best seen in summer.

Sea Ducks & Shorebirds – Common species include harlequin ducks, murrelets, oystercatchers, and king eiders, especially in coastal estuaries.

Owls & Songbirds – Great horned owls, varied thrushes, and winter wrens inhabit Kodiak’s forests.

Marine Wildlife

Whales – Humpback, gray, fin, and killer (orca) whales migrate through Kodiak’s waters. Best seen from May to September.

Dall’s Porpoises & Harbor Porpoises – These playful porpoises often ride the bow waves of boats.

Harbor Seals & Steller Sea Lions – Common in harbors, rocky shores, and near fish-processing plants.

Sea Otters – Often seen floating in kelp beds or near harbors, these marine mammals are a favorite among visitors.

Crabs, Clams, & Starfish – Kodiak’s tidal pools and beaches are home to colorful marine invertebrates, including sea stars, anemones, and various crab species.

Spring (March – May)

• Temperatures: 30°F to 50°F

• Weather Conditions:

  • Early spring is chilly with lingering snow at higher elevations.

  • Rain showers become more frequent, and fog is common.

  • By May, temperatures rise, and days get longer with up to 17 hours of daylight.

• What to Expect:

  • Ideal time for early wildlife viewing as bears emerge from hibernation.

  • Rivers start thawing, and fishing begins picking up.

Summer (June – August) – Peak Season

• Temperatures: 45°F to 65°F

• Weather Conditions:

  • The warmest and driest season, though rain and fog are still common.

  • Long daylight hours, with up to 18 hours of daylight in June.

  • Some occasional storms, but generally good weather for outdoor activities.

• What to Expect:

  • Best time for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

  • Prime season for salmon runs and bear-watching.

  • Comfortable temperatures, though layers are still necessary.

Fall (September – November)

• Temperatures: 35°F to 55°F

• Weather Conditions:

  • Cooler temperatures return, and daylight hours begin to shorten.

  • Frequent storms and increased rainfall.

  • Snow may begin at higher elevations by late October.

• What to Expect:

  • Great fishing season for coho salmon and halibut.

  • Stunning fall colors in the tundra and forests.

  • Bears are still active but preparing for hibernation.

Winter (December – February)

• Temperatures: 20°F to 40°F

• Weather Conditions:

  • Rain, snow, and strong winds are common.

  • Shortest days of the year, with as little as 6 hours of daylight in December.

  • Temperatures are milder than much of Alaska but can feel colder due to wind chill.

• What to Expect:

  • Snow-covered landscapes, but coastal areas may have more rain than snow.

  • Limited outdoor activities, though winter fishing and wildlife tracking are possible.

  • A quiet and remote experience, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.

A valid Alaska sport fishing license is needed, potentially a king salmon stamp (depending on your age and residency), and a harvest record card for certain fisheries.