Our fishing season is quite small compared to warmer states. We start in May and typically wrap up in September. The 'Peak' of the fishing season is in late July, when you can fish for both King Salmon and Sockeye Salmon on the Kenai River. Additionally, Silver Salmon and trout fishing picks up in August and September.
The Kenai River boasts four types of salmon - Chinook (King), Coho (Silver), Sockeye (Red) and Humpy (Pink). The runs on the Kenai River are as follows:
May-June - First Run of Kings
June - First Run of Sockeye
July - Second Run of Kings and Sockeye
August - Second Run of Sockeye and Silvers
September - Silvers
June-October - Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden
Warm Clothes - the mornings on the river are typically much colder than expected. Rain gear (jacket and pants) is also a must as is sunglasses (eye protection) and a hat.
Fishing License - a printed copy or a photo of it on your phone - both must be signed to be valid.
Food and drinks. Alcohol is permitted - no glass bottles.
We provide all tackle and gear. Fly fishing trips will be using a Redington Vice 10ft 7 weight rod with a 7/8 Behemoth reel. G.Loomis and TFO rods for King and Silver salmon fishing.
Dryft Waders and boots available at request. Let you guide know ahead of time what sizes your party will need.
Fillet and cleaning of all salmon that are kept.
Our guides will meet you at various boat launches and public docks - depending on the section of river that you will be fishing. Start time also varies, depending on what fish you are after - King and Silver Salmon, and trout fishing trips can start as early as 6 a.m., while sockeye salmon trips can start as early as 4 a.m.
On the Kenai River:
1 King Salmon is permitted per day, 2 per season.
3 Sockeye Salmon per day. Sockeye limits can increase, if escapement goals are reached.
2 Silver Salmon per day in August and 3 Silver Salmon per day in September.
We only do catch & release for rainbow trout and dolly varden.
On the Kasilof River:
2 King Salmon per day, 3 per season in May and June.
1 King Salmon per day, 3 per season in July.
3 Sockeye Salmon per day. Sockeye limits can increase, if escapement goals are reached.
Your guide will fillet and clean your salmon and place it in a bag. From there, you can take your filets to one of the many fish processors on the Kenai Peninsula. They will package, freeze and ship it to your final destination. Additionally, you can get the fish packaged and check it at the airport.