Kenai River Alaska Fishing Trips

King Salmon are the largest of the salmon species. The Kenai River is home to the world record King Salmon weighing in at 97.4 pounds and measuring in at over 5 ft in length! On average these beasts weigh between 15-25lbs with fish over 30lbs hitting the nets regularly.

Our guides have come to prefer the calmer, quieter “drift only” waters of the Kasilof for King fishing. Additionally, the Kasilof is a hatchery enhanced river, providing anglers with more opportunities at these epic river Monsters. In recent years, fish returns have declined on the Kenai and in the interest of allowing the species to regenerate and hopefully make a comeback, we do not fish on the Kenai for King Salmon.

Every June heralds the annual migration of the Sockeye Salmon to the rivers and streams of Alaska. Better known as Reds, these fish are one of the most iconic and important to Alaska’s biodiversity. Reds are a blast to catch! They are born in the river normally very close to a lake. The newly born smolt then spend 2-3 years in the lake before migrating out to the ocean. 1-3 years later they return to the exact location of their birth, Amazing!

The first run of Sockeye Salmon begins to enter the Russian River in early-mid June and the season opens June 11th. Fish during this run average 4-6 pounds with 8-10 pounders being landed often. We are proud to offer anglers excellent opportunities for the best walk-in and drift fishing to be found. The second run of Sockeye Salmon begins to enter the Kenai River system mid-July and typically run strong into the first week of August. Sockeye during the second run typically average between 6-8 pounds with 12 pounders hitting the net regularly. Toward the end of August and into September you will see these fish in the rivers and creeks turning red with a green head indicating they are spawning. This is a great time to observe them spawning as well as a great time to observe the Alaskan bears that feed on them.

With over a million Sockeye returning to the Kenai River system annually they are an essential part of our ecosystem and provide a thrill to both anglers and sightseers alike.

Fall heralds the arrival of the Silver Salmon to the Kenai River and its tributaries. These hard-fighting fish typically start entering the river system in mid-August and run strong into October. Silver Salmon are one of the most aggressive of the salmon species and offer anglers a fine opportunity to cast streamers or lures in an attempt to hook into one of these fantastic fish. They are well known for their aggressive takes and acrobatic displays. Silvers typically average 6-8 pounds but fish over 15 pounds are frequently caught. Silver Salmon are often thought to have fireworks or motors attached to them but this is a common misconception; they just fight that hard!

Like all salmon species, they are born in the river before migrating out into the ocean to feed. They typically begin returning to the Kenai River in their fourth year of life; in August and are available through September.

We target Silver Salmon with both fly and conventional tackle. Fishing for Silver Salmon is a unique experience that is sure to leave you wishing for more. We have several options for our silver salmon fishermen; a guided two-mile hike into a small boulder studded stream where you will follow the stream bed down, fishing pockets of water along the way or our guides can take you by drift boat to the various sections of the Kenai River, throwing spinners and casting flies into the shallow holding waters.