2023 Alaska Fishing Reports

The 2023 Alaska Fishing Reports category is your comprehensive recap of one of the most memorable seasons on the Kenai Peninsula and surrounding waters. Highlighting expert coverage from professional guide Mark Glassmaker, this category captures the action-packed 2023 season from iconic fishing hubs like the Kenai River and Kasilof River, as well as remarkable fly-in destinations including Big River Lakes, Wolverine Creek, Crescent Lake, and the Kustatan River, plus saltwater access near Homer, AK and Seward, AK.

In 2023, the season opened with intense early-run king salmon action on the Kasilof River after closures on the Kenai put added focus on this fishery. Anglers encountered strong sockeye salmon returns throughout June and July, with the Kasilof producing some of its best sockeye action to date and consistent limits on many days.

The reports also highlight strategic fishing excursions to the Kenai’s Russian River sockeye run and trout opportunities along productive waters near Soldotna and Kenai, where wetter-than-average conditions shaped high water challenges and opportunities alike.

On the west side of Cook Inlet, fly-in reports from Big River Lakes and Wolverine Creek showcase excellent sockeye numbers that sustained into August, often paired with stunning wildlife viewing. Mid-summer brought late sockeye from the Kenai that extended into early September and productive silver salmon (coho) fishing on the Kustatan River and other coastal systems.

Whether you’re planning future trips or reliving the 2023 season, this category offers detailed fisheries analysis, seasonal trends, and firsthand accounts from top destinations across Alaska, helping anglers make informed choices for their next adventure.

Alaska Fishing Report: 2023 Year In Review

November 9, 2023|Mark Glassmaker

This 2023 season recap is part of Mark’s Alaska fishing reports — year-by-year coverage of Kenai Peninsula salmon, trout, and steelhead seasons going back over a decade. 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 …