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:
Smart Planning and the Right Mindset
Trout fishing the Kenai River in fall delivers big rewards for anglers who show up with the right mindset and a solid plan. With fewer crowds, vibrant scenery, and trophy-sized rainbows, it’s a prime Read More...
6-Year Quest for a 30-inch Rainbow
Kenai River trout fishing in September means big rainbows and unforgettable moments. Read about the hunt for giant Kenai trout and the anglers who came north chasing the fish of a lifetime. Story by Read More...
Mind Versus Trout: Navigating Fact, Fiction, and Fish Behavior
Fishing strategy is influenced by how our brains process information. Cognitive biases can shape decisions on the water, sometimes leading to success, other times causing us to stick with the wrong plan. Recognizing these Read More...
20 Lessons in 20 Years: A Guide’s Journey of Kenai Trout Fishing
Story by Jeremy Anderson & Photos by Alaska Drift Away Fishing In 2002, Nick Ohlrich and I found our way to Alaska, landing jobs at the Russian River campground in Cooper Landing. That summer Read More...
Trout fishing tips
Every fall, thousands of anglers flock to the Kenai River, hoping to join the prestigious "30-inch trout club." This is often one of the ultimate fishing achievements for fly anglers—kneeling in the cold, Read More...
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...
Ready to hit the Kenai River? Check out our recommended fishing guides, lodges and more.