Kenai
Peninsula Fish Species and Seasons
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.
Season: May 1 - July 31.
Limit: 1 per day, 2 per year on the Kenai River.
Fishing Methods: Drifting, Backtrolling.
Sockeye
Salmon or red salmon, pound for pound, are the hardest
fighting salmon in the world. Fresh from the salt water, these
fish are like silver torpedoes and they are notorious for destroying
reels and breaking rods. They average between 8-12lbs. Since they
swim close to the shore on their journey upriver the sockeye are most
commonly caught from the bank. Without the right equipment and a little
skill they're very difficult to land. Don't worry, mother nature
gives persistent anglers plenty of second chances. Nearly 1 million
sockeye return to the Kenai every summer. Sockeye salmon is well
known for its superior meat quality and rich flavor, making it a favorite
among locals when filling their freezers for winter.
Season: June 1 - August 15.
Limit: 3 per day. Fishing
Methods: Drifting from shore.
Silver
Salmon
start entering the Kenai in early August. These aggressive biters
are known for their acrobatic fights. Once they arrive, action
is nonstop and limits are common. Kenai silvers average 10-12lbs,
with larger fish weighing close to 20lbs. These fish can be quite
a handful especially on light tackle and fishing usually stays good
through late September. Don't forget your jacket.
Season:
August 1 - September 30.
Limit: 2 per day.
Fishing Methods: Back-bouncing, Backtrolling, Casting Spinners.
Pink
Salmon or humback salmon are only available on even-numbered
years. Their semiannual returns are hard to miss as literally
millions of them arrive at once. They fill the river for about
three weeks and are really very easy to catch. Children love catching
them one after another and even adults have been known to join the chaos.
Pinks have a high oil content in their meat and are best for eating
when taken just out of the saltwater.
Season:
August 1 - September 15 (even years only).
Limit: 6 per day.
Fishing Methods: Back-Bouncing, Backtrolling, Casting Spinners.
Rainbow
Trout fishing on the Kenai River is among the finest in the
world. Since the majority of the anglers that visit the Kenai
are pursuing salmon, trout fishing is often overlooked. We recommend
at least one day of trout fishing. Kenai rainbows are extremely
plentiful and can reach 20lbs! The majority of these fish are
between two and five pounds. They are indeed the most wild and
beautiful fish you will ever see. Since the rainbow trout is one
the the river's year-round inhabitants, and not a harvest species, we
return them all to the river after photos.
Season:
June 14 - October 31.
Limit: Catch and release only.
Fishing Methods: Drift/Fly Fishing with egg imitations.
Halibut.
In Alaska, salt water fishing means Pacific halibut and neighboring
Cook Inlet is home to the finest halibut fishing in all the world.
We are proud to offer first class fishing trips for these bottom dwelling
giants. Aside from the excitement of hauling one of these mighty
creatures from the deep, their savory flesh is a delicacy second to
none. This full day trip is both tide and weather dependent and it is
not uncommon to encounter whales, sea otters and other marine life in
the prolific marine waters of Cook Inlet. Boats are spacious, powerful,
and capable of carrying six passengers, not including the captain and
his assistant. This is a highly recommended addition to any Alaskan
vacation.
Season:
May 1-Sept 15
Limit: Two fish
Methods: Bottom fishing with bait.
