King Salmon (Chinook)

King Salmon fishing on the Kenai River is world renown and for good reason.The Kenai has the impressive distinction of producing the world's largest sport-caught king salmon at 97lbs! Every year these mammoth salmon tip the scales at 70, 80, and even 90 pounds. Their sheer strength is unmatched and those that have done battle with these big fish will tell you the experience is not soon forgotten. Due to ever changing conditions this fishery requires mobility and refined technique. Statistics have shown that 10% of the guides catch 90% of the King salmon taken on the Kenai River. Fishing with an experienced guide greatly increases your chances of landing one of these monster Kenai kings.

Two Kenai River Runs:

Two runs of wild Kenai River King salmon combine to support the largest recreational fishery for this species in Alaska. The first run of Kings enter the river from mid-May through June. The late run starts the first of July and ends when the season closes on July 31st. The early Kenai River run starting in May averages about 16,000 fish and the late run that begins on July 1 averages about 41,000 fish.

Kasilof River Runs:

Stocked and wild King salmon returns support the fisheries in the Kasilof River. The Kasilof has two runs of king salmon, the early run starting in May consisting mostly of hatchery fish and the second run starting in July of mostly native kings.

Mark Glassmaker hosts guided fishing on the Kasilof early in May before the large Kings begin entering the Kenai River. Fishing the Kasilof is a different experience than fishing the Kenai because motors are not allowed on this river during salmon season. Consequently, drift boats are required, making a trip down the Kasilof a very quiet yet exciting journey. It isn't unusual to catch and release a steelhead or a few dolly varden during a drift down the Kasilof.

Season: May 1 - July 31

• Alaska DFG Fish Species Notebook

Fishing Gear & Methods: Drifting, Backtrolling.

Regulations

King Salmon Conservation