Fly In Fishing and Bear Viewing
To Crescent Lake
We offer trips to Crescent Lake throughout the summer, and these begin in June and extend well into late September. Run timing for Crescent Lake sockeye and silvers is later than many of the other West Cook Inlet fly in fishing locations. In addition to sockeye and silver salmon, Crescent Lake also supports a healthy population of resident dolly varden as well as lake trout. The lake is also a very well known for its incredible bear viewing opportunities.
Crescent Lake Bear Viewing
Crescent Lake is one of the most consistent and breathtaking bear-viewing locations we fly to. Nestled within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, the area supports a stable and thriving bear population, free from hunting pressure.
The steady supply of salmon throughout the summer—and especially during the fall—draws bears to the lake and surrounding river, making sightings a frequent and unforgettable part of your trip. Whether you're fishing or simply exploring the shoreline, bear encounters are common.
Fortunately, the bears at Crescent Lake are highly habituated to human presence, and aggressive behavior is exceptionally rare. Your experienced guides are well-versed in bear behavior and will ensure your experience is not only safe, but also one you'll never forget.
Crescent Lake Sockeye Salmon, Silver Salmon, Dolly Varden and Lake Trout Limits
The limit for both sockeye and silvers salmon is three fish per person, per day. The limit for lake trout is 2 per, day per person and the dolly varden limit is 5 per day, per person with only one fish allowed to exceed 12 inches. We regularly practice catch and release for both dolly varden and lake trout.
About Crescent Lake Fishing
• Location: West Side Cook Inlet
• Flight Time: 40 minutes
• Trip Duration: 6-8 hours
• Target Species: Sockeye Salmon, Silver Salmon, Lake Trout and Dolly Varden
• Limit:
Silvers & Sockeye: Three fish (currently closed)
Trout: Catch and Release
Trout: Catch and Release
• Run Timing:
Sockeye: July 10 – Aug 10
Silvers: Aug 15 – Sept 15
Trout: July-Sept
• Cost: $850 per person
More Information About Fly In Fishing
After several years of falling short of minimum escapement objectives, the 2025 late run of Kenai River king salmon narrowly met the recovery threshold of 14,250 large kings (greater than 34 inches). By the final day of counting, the cumulative sonar estimate stood at 15,015 fish. This benchmark was established under the Kenai River Late …
In a year that saw record sockeye returns to the Kenai River, the Kasilof River delivered an equally impressive showing. By August 9, a total of 1,197,471 sockeye had passed the sonar at river mile 8, surpassing the previous record of 971,604 set in 2022. Peak run timing occurred between June 30 and July 26, …
The 2025 silver salmon run on the Kenai River has been noticeably stronger than in 2024. Last year, anglers faced bait closures and reduced limits, but this season brought a robust return that provided excellent fishing opportunities. Key highlights: Bait opened Aug. 16, right as fishing pressure shifted from sockeye to silvers, with fresh coho …
The summer of 2025 produced the largest return of sockeye salmon to the Kenai River since modern sonar counting began in 1987. By August 19, a staggering 4,252,497 sockeye had passed the Alaska Department of Fish & Game sonar station at river mile 19. The surge began on July 16 with a daily count of …
Summary of actions at the 2024 Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fisheries Meeting as it pertains to the sportfishing angler visiting the Kenai Peninsula for the next three seasons. The most significant action taken at Upper Cook Inlet Finfish Meeting: Feb 23-March 5, 2024 is in response to the stock of concern status for Kenai …
2023 was a standout season for a number of reasons but most notably for lots and lots of sockeye and lots and lots of rain. I have said it before and will say it again, each and every season seems to have its own distinct personality and flavor and no two seasons ever seem to …