Is there a certain time of year to fish for salmon on the Kenai River? If not, let us quickly explain. This page tells you when and why to plan your trip to Alaska during the most important months. If you want to know when the best times are to fish for salmon in the Kenai River, please keep reading. Best time to go fishing in Alaska. May through September, something is always jumping in the Kenai.
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Alaska is home to some of the most spectacular salmon runs on earth Each year, millions of salmon migrate from the ocean back to the rivers and streams where they were born to spawn Witnessing these incredible fish power their way upstream is a breathtaking experience. But when exactly does this majestic event begin?
The timing of salmon runs in Alaska varies depending on the species, location and weather patterns But generally the salmon run starts sometime between late April and early July. Here’s a breakdown of when different salmon species begin their mighty journey in Alaska’s waters
King Salmon
- Runs: Mid May – Mid July
- Peak: Late May – Late June
Most of Alaska’s salmon run starts with the powerful chinook or king salmon. As early as the middle of May, these big, strong fish start moving from the ocean to freshwater streams.
Some major king salmon runs include:
- Kenai River – Late May
- Kasilof River – Mid May
- Nushagak River – Early June
- Copper River – June 1
Sockeye Salmon
- Runs: Early June – Late August
- Peak: Mid June – Mid August
In early June, the number of sockeye or red salmon quickly starts to rise. Bristol Bay, Prince William Sound, and Cook Inlet all have big sockeye runs.
Key sockeye run timing includes:
- Kvichak River – Mid June
- Naknek River – Late June
- Kenai River – Late June
- Kasilof River – Early July
- Copper River – Mid June
Pink Salmon
- Runs: June – August
- Peak: July – Early August
Pinks start running as early as late June in some parts of Alaska. Major even year pink salmon runs occur in Southeast, Prince William Sound and Kodiak regions.
Notable pink salmon runs include
- Sitka Sound – Late June
- Prince William Sound – Mid July
- Kenai River – Mid July
- Kachemak Bay – July
Chum Salmon
- Runs: June – November
- Peak: July – August
Chum or dog salmon runs start in early summer but peak later in July and August. Abundant chum runs occur in Southeast, Prince William Sound and Arctic regions.
Some key chum salmon runs:
- Chilkat River – Early July
- Copper River – Mid July
- Situk River – Late July
- Yukon River – Mid August
Coho Salmon
- Runs: July – November
- Peak: August – October
Silvers or coho are the latest salmon species to enter Alaskan rivers. Major runs occur later in the summer and into the fall.
Important coho salmon runs include:
- Kenai River – Late July
- Situk River – August
- Taku River – September
- Copper River – August
The majestic salmon runs bring life and nutrients that sustain both wildlife and human communities along Alaska’s rivers and coastlines. It is a powerful natural cycle that continues to amaze year after year.
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Kenai Salmon Fishing in June
June brings more spring king fishing as the runs get stronger and more trailers start to park in the lots. As spring transitions into summer the fishing slows while we wait for the second run to arrive. For a few days or even a week, people who missed the early run are always mixed in with people who got there early for the second run. In June, the Kenai River has both warm and cool spells, which makes your guide very important for knowing where and how to find the fish every time.
July is the month referred to as king fishing madness. The second run of Kings has arrived, and everything is set up for a great fishing trip. Warn weather, lot’s of fishing choices and long summer days that extend your time on the waters. Check our Kenai River salmon run timing chart below for more details.
Kenai Salmon Fishing in August
August on the Kenai is coho time. Schools of silver salmon really begin to pile up in the lower reaches of the Kenai River. The sea-run Dolly Varden (Char), which comes next, is also a good fish for light tackle fishing. It’s fun to fish for Silver Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden all at the same time in August and September. Check our Kenai River salmon run timing chart below for more details.
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FAQ
What month is best for salmon fishing in Alaska?
What date do salmon run in Alaska?
Where is the best place to see the salmon run in Alaska?
What months do salmon run?
When do Alaska salmon runs start?
Alaska salmon runs extend from May through October. Fresh water runs typcially begin in mid-May with the arrival of King (Chinook) Salmon, followed by Sockeye runs from June through August. As the season heats up, Pink and Chum salmon runs get into full swing in July and fishing remains strong through late August.
When is salmon season in Alaska?
If you’re visiting Alaska, you’ll mostly likely to arrive in summer. Peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major species spread across the season. King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November.
How is Alaska salmon run timing determined?
These factors are all dependent upon when you’re coming to Alaska and what your goals are. Determining the Alaska salmon run timing is actually pretty straight forward. Data is gathered every year down to the single fish. Furthermore, this is done for more than 100 rivers and species of salmon throughout the state.
When do salmon run?
Sockeye runs occur at the height of summer during July, but are not as abundant as other species of Pacific salmon. Coho, more commonly known as Silver Salmon, run July through early October. Coho runs are typically just heating up as King, Sockeye and Pink salmon runs are cooling down for the season.