Best Time to Fish the Kenai River
The best time to fish the Kenai River depends on the species you’re targeting. Located on the Kenai Peninsula near Soldotna, Alaska, the river offers outstanding fishing from spring through fall.
Kenai River Salmon Seasons
- Sockeye salmon (red salmon): June 11 – August 15
This is the most popular salmon run on the Kenai River and provides consistent action throughout the summer months. With a liberal limit that fluctuates between 3-6 fish per angler per day, the sockeye salmon is the most targeted and most harvested fish on the Kenai river. The best alaskan salmon fishing usually falls between July 20-31st. - King salmon: Peak in early June
Anglers target these fish during a short window in May and June. With much lower populations, fishing for king salmon can be high risk-high reward fishery. - Silver salmon (coho): August-October
Silvers are aggressive and hard-fighting, making them a favorite for late-season Kenai River fishing. Averaging a little larger than the more numerous Sockeye salmon, Coho salmon offer more of a sporting challenge to hook & land than sockeye salmon - Pink salmon: August in even-numbered years
Pink salmon offer fast fishing and are great for families and first-time anglers. Its easy to catch 50-100 in a day of fishing.
Trout & Char Fishing
- River trout fishing: Best August – October
Trout feed heavily during the salmon spawn, creating some of the best trophy trout opportunities of the year. - Lake trout, Rainbow trout & Arctic char: best May – June
Spring offers excellent still-water fishing across the Kenai Peninsula before peak salmon season begins.
Whether you’re planning a guided trip or fishing on your own, the Kenai River is one of the best fishing destinations in Alaska.
