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:
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...
Sockeye Salmon Fishing
Sockeye salmon fishing is an extremely exciting sport. Many anglers consider them the pound-for-pound strongest fish that swims in Alaska. It’s not uncommon for a 7-pound sockeye to make a mockery of the fisherman Read More...
Kenai River Fishing Guides
Kenai River fishing guide choices abound. It’s no wonder, considering that the Kenai is one of the most awesome and most popular rivers in the state of Alaska. Home to four species of salmon Read More...
Kenai River King Counts: Mischief Mismanaged
Kenai Late-run King Mismanagement. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has the monumental job of managing the fisheries of the largest state—by far—in the country. They do this in a place with very Read More...
Kenai River Fishing for Silvers
Kenai River fishing for silvers (AKA coho) salmon is hard to beat in southcentral Alaska. The multitude of river access points, boat launches, lodging, camping, dining, local breweries and more make it an easy fishing destination for Alaskans as well as folks who come to visit from outside Alaska. With a bounty of options, it’s the perfect home base for a Kenai Peninsula-wide experience.
Ready to hit the Kenai River? Check out our recommended fishing guides, lodges and more.