Kenai River Fishing Guides
The Kenai River in South-central Alaska has long been the crown jewel of Alaska salmon & trout fishing. Easily accessible via a very scenic three-hour drive south from Anchorage, the Kenai River flows from the Kenai Mountain Range via Kenai and Skilak Lakes. Along its one hundred plus mile journey to the saltwater at Cook Inlet, the Kenai traverses some incredible landscapes and supports one of the most prolific sport fisheries in North America. Home to king, sockeye, silver & pink salmon along with native rainbow trout, dolly varden char, and steelhead, Kenai River fishing really has it all. Our Kenai River fishing guides know all the best spots on the river for you to have your best adventure!
Kenai River Run Timing
The Kenai River offers great sport fishing opportunities from mid May through October. Deciding when to visit really depends on what you want to catch.
All of the salmon species return at different times during the summer so when planning an Alaska fishing trip it is helpful to study the run timing and if possible plan your trip around peak dates for the species you wish to target. You could even talk to one of our Kenai River fishing guides about any questions you have.
The Kenai Peninsula receives four of the five pacific salmon species including kings, sockeye, silvers, and pinks as well as world famous rainbow trout and dolly varden.
From May through October there is always a worthwhile fishing adventure to pursue.
were caught on the Kenai and the 97 lb. World Record King was caught on the Kenai River in 1985.
KENAI RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON
have two distinct returns. Early run arrives in June, late run in July.
SILVER SALMON ARRIVE
in the Kenai River in late July and are in the river in catchable numbers by the 2nd week of August.
RAINBOW TROUT & DOLLY VARDEN
are found in abundance. Larger Kenai River Rainbows can exceed 30 inches.
Kenai River Species Runs & Peaks
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH THE KENAI RIVER FOR SALMON?
For many Alaska visitors, fishing may not be the number one priority. Perhaps you are touring several different areas of the state and are only here for one day. Or maybe you are here with family and not everyone wants to spend 24/7 on the water.
If just one or two days of fishing is all you are looking for, fishing with our Kenai River fishing guides is the perfect package for you! These Alaska fishing trips are both economical and diverse offering a wide variety of angling experiences throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Beginning in May and spanning well into October and even November, there is always something exciting to pursue. From the Kenai to the Kasilof Rivers, to floatplane destinations on the west side of Cook Inlet, to saltwater adventures from Homer, Seward, and Ninilchik, we are literally surrounded by angling opportunities.
May
Kings, Halibut
June
Kings, Sockeye, Halibut, Trout
July
Kings, Sockeye, Silvers, Pinks (even years) Trout, Halibut, Ling Cod, Rock Fish
August
Sockeye, Silvers, Pinks (even years), Trout & Halibut, Ling Cod, Rock Fish
September
Silvers, Trout, Steelhead & Halibut
October
Silvers, Trout, Steelhead, & Halibut
The Three Main Sections For Kenai River Fishing
The Kenai River is the longest river on the Kenai Peninsula. It originates from Kenai Lake in the Kenai Mountain Range near Cooper Landing.
Lower Kenai River
Soldotna to Cook Inlet
From the town of Soldotna to tide water is known as the “Lower Kenai River”, and this section sees the highest volume of boats angling for kings in May, June and July as well as silver salmon in August and September.
Middle Kenai River
Skilak Lake to Soldotna
The 20 miles below Skilak Lake to the city of Soldotna is referred to as the “Middle Kenai River”. The middle is very popular for rainbow trout and dolly varden but is also very good, at times, for kings, sockeye, silvers and pinks.
Upper Kenai River
Cooper Landing to Skilak Lake
From Cooper Landing, the river narrows and flows nearly 20 miles before emptying into Skilak Lake. This section is known as the “Upper Kenai River” and is primarily fished with drift boats, targeting rainbow trout and dolly varden.
FAQ’s
Can you fish the Kenai River without a guide
Where is the best fishing on the Kenai River?
What is the best time to fish the Kenai River in Alaska?
Trout Fishing is most productive in the fall months of August, September and October when the salmon are spawning as they are feeding on loose salmon eggs that did not make it into the gravel as well as deceased salmon carcasses.
What salmon are running in the Kenai River now?
What is the biggest fish caught in the Kenai River?
Can you use bait on the Kenai River?
What lures to use on the Kenai River?
How many salmon can you keep on the Kenai River?
How much is a fishing license in Alaska?
Why is the Kenai River so blue?
What is the best rod for sockeye fishing?
How to fish for sockeye on the Kenai?
Online Booking Options For Kenai Fishing Trips
Well, I have said it before and I will say it again, no one season in 33 years of guiding here on the Kenai Peninsula is ever the same and this year is certainly unique in several ways. Our season started like it always does on the Kasilof River in pursuit of king salmon. Due …
Alaska Fishing Report: September 5, 2021 As we turn the corner on the final couple months of our 2021 fishing season, it is time to look back on two of the busiest and most incredible two months we have seen in 31 years here on the Kenai River. After a less than normal but still …
As we approach summer solstice and start the inevitable slide back toward winter it is time to take a look back on a very busy start to our 2021 Alaska fishing season. As always we started the journey on the glacier fed Kasilof river; chasing fresh from the ocean king salmon. It was a very …
Fall is definitely in the air. The leaves are beginning their seasonal transformation and eventual demise. North winds are starting to blow, and millions of salmon of all species are filling the gravel with their prodigy before also perishing from their effort. Late season is always a very exciting time as you look back on …
And just like that, the 2019 season is in the books. And what a season it was. I have said it a million times but will say it again, every season has its own distinct personality and 2019 was indeed unique. Unfortunately, our 2019 king runs seemed to follow an all too familiar trend with …
After 28 seasons guiding on the Kenai River, you would think the summers would blur together. Remarkably, each season has proved to be surprisingly unique and 2018 was definitely no exception. Unfortunately, the 2018 season will not be remembered for remarkable returns of either king salmon or sockeye but it will go down as one …