Kenai Fishing Season & Species

© Nick Ohlrich
Fishing Season on the Kenai
You can fish year round on the Kenai, but the peak fishing season is during the summer. After the snow melts in May fishing on the Kenai River heats up peaking in the summer months of June and July into August, things slow down again in September and October until anglers switch gears to winter fishing.
Popular Kenai River Species
King Salmon
The name alone commands respect: King! But call it Chinook, tyee, blackmouth or any other, there is no doubt that it is the biggest and baddest of all salmon! And at the top of this list is the Kenai River king! Read more.
Silver Salmon
Kenai River silvers arrive in the nick of time: just about the time that one is completely burned out or turned off by the huge crowds, intense nature and necessary patience of king fishing, the wonderful silver salmon begins to show in the lower river. Read more.
Sockeye Salmon
Until one actually hooks their first sockeye salmon, it is hard to imagine such strength and speed is possible from such a compact fish. Likewise, it is unlikely that anyone can imagine how delicious these fish are until they sample that deep, firm flesh. Read more.
Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden
Chile. New Zealand. Katmai. Destinations that quickly bring visions of giant trout when mentioned amongst trophy anglers. Add to this elite list the Kenai River, a place that comes alive with gorging rainbows and aggressive Dolly Varden char every late summer and fall. Read more.
Kenai River Sport Fishing Regulations
Alaska Department of Fish and Game updates regulations each year. It is important to always check the latest regulations and emergency orders before you head out. Find the latest regulations from ADF&G.
More Kenai River reading from Fish Alaska:
High-Pressure Trout Tactics for the Kenai
Trout tactics for standing out among other anglers on the crowded Kenai River in the fall shared by Nigel Fox, co-owner/guide at Alaska Drift Away Fishing. Everyone seems to fish the Kenai Read More...
Something about Beginners Luck and Big ‘Bows
Kenai rainbow trout are prized by anglers for their size and vibrant colors. Join Trout Unlimited for this Armed Forces fishing trip! Story and photos by Alexa Millward Travis Price with Fish Read More...
The Quest for a Better Way – Future Kenai Late-Run King Management
Sustainable fisheries require taking care of fish and their homes so they can keep thriving. It's about making sure we don't catch too many, protect the environment, and support the communities that depend on Read More...
Kenai Fishing Charters
Kenai fishing charter companies offer anglers the chance to tangle with some of the fish species swimming in the Kenai River. This world-famous angling mecca is well known for its salmon and trout. The Read More...
Fall Fishing: Late-Fall Rainbows on the Middle Kenai
Fall fishing on the Kenai Peninsula is an exciting challenge for anglers. The fall brings a chill to the air, but there are still trophy size fish looking for a bite. Late September Read More...
Flesh Flies: To Flesh or Not to Flesh
When is it the right time to use flesh flies? Some years it seems you can use flesh from opening day in June and continue to use it all the way Read More...
Ready to hit the Kenai River? Check out our recommended fishing guides, lodges and more.