Alaska Fishing 2025: Kenai River King Salmon Shut Down for the Season

Big news for anglers planning an Alaska fishing trip in 2025:
The Kenai River King Salmon season is officially closed.
If you’re dreaming of hooking a trophy King on the Kenai this summer, you’ll need to shift your plans — but don’t worry, there are still world-class fishing opportunities waiting for you!


🚫 Kenai River King Salmon Closure for 2025

The Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) has announced that King Salmon fishing on the Kenai River is closed for the entire 2025 season.
This closure applies to both:

  • Retention (keeping fish)

  • Catch-and-release fishing

The decision aims to protect future King Salmon runs and ensure long-term sustainability of this iconic fishery.

Learn About Our Kenai River Fishing Trips


🛶 Kasilof River King Salmon: Open, With Restrictions

If you’re still hoping to target King Salmon, the nearby Kasilof River remains an option — but with special regulations:

  • Hatchery King Salmon only (marked fish)

  • Single-hook artificial lures only

  • Wild King Salmon must be released immediately

  • Daily and seasonal limits reduced

Explore Kasilof River Guided Trips


🌟 What’s the Best Fishing for Summer 2025?

With King Salmon off the table on the Kenai River, most anglers are pivoting to the species that make the Kenai Peninsula a bucket-list destination:

🟥 Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)

  • Peak run: July 10 – August 10

  • Hard-fighting fish, full daily limits common

  • Excellent fillets to take home

Book a Sockeye Salmon Trip


🟦 Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon)

  • Peak run: August 15 – September 10

  • Aggressive strikes, aerial acrobatics

  • Fun for fly or spin anglers

Plan a Silver Salmon Adventure


🌈 Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden

  • Trophy-sized fish behind spawning salmon

  • Best fishing: Late August through October

  • Drift boat trips through the scenic Middle Kenai River

See Our Trout and Combo Trips


📅 Why Book Now for 2025?

Because King Salmon is closed, prime dates for sockeye, silvers, and trout are filling faster than ever.
Booking now secures:

  • Better guide and boat options

  • Preferred trip dates

  • Access to the best fishing weeks

🔗 Contact Kenai Fishing Today
🔗 Meet Our Guides at Kenai Fly Fish


📣 Final Word: 2025 is Still an Amazing Year to Fish Alaska

The Kenai River is much more than just Kings.
From sockeye limits to trophy rainbows, 2025 is shaping up to be a legendary fishing season for those ready to pivot and make the most of it.

✅ Let’s plan your Alaska fishing adventure the right way — starting today.

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