From Sockeye to Silvers: Everything You Need to Know
📍 The Kenai River is Alaska’s most iconic salmon fishery—and for good reason. With multiple salmon species running through its turquoise waters each summer and fall, anglers from around the world flock here for the thrill of fighting strong, fresh-from-the-ocean fish in a setting that feels like a postcard.
If you’re planning to fish for salmon in Alaska, this is the river you want. Here’s how to make the most of your Kenai River salmon fishing trip.
🎣 Salmon Species in the Kenai River
Here are the five salmon species that run in the Kenai (though King Salmon is closed in 2025 for conservation):
🟥 Sockeye Salmon (June–Mid August)
The workhorse of the Kenai. Known for their strength, aggressive runs, and outstanding table fare, sockeye salmon flood the river by the millions.
📌 Learn more about Sockeye Salmon Trips
🟧 Coho (Silver) Salmon (August–October)
Hard-charging, acrobatic fighters that smash spinners and flies. These are client favorites in late summer and early fall.
📌 Explore our Coho-Targeted Trips
🟪 Pink Salmon (Even Years Only, August)
Fun and fast action—especially great for kids and first-timers. 2025 is not a pink salmon year.
⚠️ King Salmon (Chinook) – Closed on the Kenai in 2025
Due to conservation, the Kenai River is closed to King Salmon fishing in 2025. We support this closure to protect future runs. For updates, check ADF&G Emergency Orders.
🛥️ Fishing Styles: Drift vs Jet Boat
We fish from both drift boats and jet boats depending on the section of river, species targeted, and conditions. Learn more about:
🗓️ When to Come: Kenai Salmon Run Timing
We’ve built our Alaska Fishing Seasons calendar to help you plan your trip around the strongest salmon runs.
Typical Run Timing for 2025:
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Sockeye Salmon: June 11 – August 15
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Coho (Silver) Salmon: August 1 – October 30
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Pink Salmon: August 1 – September 1 (next in 2026)
👀 Track sonar numbers via ADF&G Fish Counts
✅ What’s Included in Your Trip
All Kenai River Trips include:
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Premium rods, reels & terminal tackle
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Waders & boots
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Full safety gear
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On-river transport and licensed guide
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Fish cleaning at the end of your day
📦 Read our full What’s Included checklist.
🧢 What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)
We’ve made it easy with a quick guide:
🎟️ Don’t forget your ADF&G Fishing License
👥 Group Options: Private or Mixed Boat
We offer both private salmon fishing charters and mixed groups depending on availability. Check out:
⭐ Reviews from Happy Anglers
Don’t take our word for it. Read testimonials from past guests who fished salmon with us on the Kenai.
📍 Book Your Kenai Salmon Adventure Today
Whether you’re chasing sockeye limits in July or landing coho in September, Kenai-Fishing.com offers unforgettable days on Alaska’s most famous river. We’re local, experienced, and dialed in to the run timing, tackle, and tactics that produce.
📆 Visit the Book Now Page to submit your request!
