ALASKA SUMMER JOBS - FISHING REGIONS

Alaska fishing grounds can be broken down into five distinct regions, each with its own peak season, employment opportunities, and types of fish. Region 1 is Southeast Alaska, where the major fisheries are salmon, halibut, cod, crab, and herring. Region 2, covering Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula, is primarily fished by purse seiners and gillnetters in search of pink and sockeye salmon. Region 3, Kodiak Island, is home to eleven seafood processing plants, many of them operating year-round. Region 4 is the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands, which includes Dutch Harbor and is the center of the winter fisheries. Region 5, Bristol Bay, has one of the world's richest salmon runs. Though the season is very short—lasting just over six weeks—it is considered the most lucrative fishery in North America.

The chart below shows the peak months for each of the five fishery regions. This will give you a general idea as you read through this information where the most opportunities are for new workers. In City Profiles we list individual town profiles with employer information so you can narrow down your job search.

Though traditionally busiest in summer, much of the fishing industry now operates year-round. Some fisheries, like those in Kodiak, the Aleutian Islands, and the Alaska Peninsula, employ many workers during the winter months, and provide other opportunities for year-round employment. Also, floating processors, factory longliners, and crab catcher/procesors operate during winter. The fisheries active during the winter or on a year-round basis include crab and most species of groundfish.

Alaska Seasonal Jobs >>>