Guided Fishing for Silver (coho) Salmon on the Lower Kenai River with Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
Silver salmon fishing on the Lower Kenai River in August and September offers some of the most exciting action in Alaska. As a guide with Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service, I’ve helped countless anglers—from first-timers to seasoned pros—hook into these hard-fighting fish. Our guided trips are customizable to match each client’s needs, providing a convenient and enjoyable experience for families, groups, and solo anglers alike. Best of all, you typically don’t have to wade into the river—our boat-based approach keeps you comfortable while maximizing your chances of success. This means it’s a great option for groups with young children or elderly or disabled anglers.
Why Fish for Silver Salmon on the Lower Kenai?
The Lower Kenai River, stretching from the Soldotna Bridge down to the river mouth, is home to two strong runs of silver salmon. It is in this stretch of river where we catch the brightest, freshest and hardest fighting cohos. The first run arrives in early August, while the second run arrives in late August through October. This extended season provides ample opportunity to land silvers using a variety of techniques. Whether you prefer casting spinners, fly fishing, or fishing with a more relaxing method, Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service can tailor the trip to your preferred style.
Family-Friendly Fishing Techniques
Silver salmon fishing is perfect for families and beginners, thanks to the high success rate and exciting fights these fish provide. Here are some of the best techniques we use to put our clients on fish:
- Bobber and Bait Fishing: At times of the year, this is a very productive method of catching silver salmon. By using cured salmon eggs under a bobber, anglers can easily detect bites and set the hook. Silver salmon can be notoriously picky, and we often carry 5-8 different “cures” or “flavors” of eggs in the boat at any given time.
- Casting Spinners and Jigs: Silver salmon are aggressive biters, and retrieving a spinner like a Blue Fox Vibrax or twitching a jig can trigger explosive strikes. This is a great technique for intermediate to expert-level anglers.
- More Relaxing Approach: Fishing off anchor is a highly effective way to entice aggressive strikes. Kwikfish or a diver and salmon eggs are deployed while anchored in runs and pockets where silvers congregate. This is the most beginner-friendly method of fishing the Kenai for silver salmon and is often the most effective.
- Back-bouncing: This technique involves bouncing baited hooks along the riverbed, enticing silvers to bite as the bait moves naturally in the current. While this method sounds simple, it is actually one of the most challenging techniques for visiting anglers to master.
- Fly Fishing for Silvers: For the fly angler using 8- to 9-weight fly rods, you can typically expect to target silvers with 3″-4″ pink, purple, and black streamers. Watching a coho explode on a fly is an unforgettable experience! While silver salmon LOVE chasing flies, actually connecting with one does not often come easily. These fish can be spooky, so it is important that you make your first cast count. If you want to try your hand at fly fishing for these feisty fish, we strongly recommend you practice your fly casting techniques before your arrival in Alaska, as it is necessary to be able to consistently deliver a fly 60-80 feet to maximize your chances of hooking up. You can read more about fly fishing for silver salmon here.
Why Choose Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service?
Booking a guided trip with Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service means enjoying a hassle-free fishing experience. We provide all necessary gear, including top-quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Our spacious boat allows anglers to fish comfortably, and we take care of all the details—so all you have to do is reel in fish!
Book Your Soldotna Salmon Fishing Trip Today!
If you’re ready for an unforgettable silver salmon fishing adventure, Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service is here to help. August and September are prime months for Kenai River fishing, so don’t wait—secure your trip today!
Contact us at (907) 312-0039 to book your trip and experience world-class silver salmon fishing on the Lower Kenai River!
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