Updated August 28, 2026.

Here’s where things stand on the Kasilof and Kenai as of this week, based on the latest sockeye sonar data from Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Kasilof River

The Kasilof sockeye sonar posted 6,295 fish on August 7, the most recent count released by ADF&G, bringing this year’s cumulative total to 1,055,565 sockeye. That’s running just behind last year’s strong return (1,183,165 through the same date), but a touch ahead of 2024 (1,035,138) and well ahead of 2023 (795,504). Overall, a solid, on-pace season on the Kasilof.

Kenai River

The Kenai late-run sockeye sonar at river mile 19 counted 8,227 fish on August 10, its most recent posted date, putting the season total at 1,111,781. That’s noticeably behind the pace of the last several years — 2025 was an exceptional year on the Kenai (3,949,870 through this same date), and 2024 (1,926,350) and 2023 (1,740,702) were both running well ahead of where we sit now. The run did push hard through the sonar in late July, with daily counts topping 150,000 fish for several days around July 24–26, before tapering off quickly heading into August. It’s been a lighter late run on the Kenai compared to recent seasons, but fish are still moving through and anglers are still finding sockeye in the usual water.

Silver Salmon

Coho season is getting underway on both rivers. Silvers are starting to show up in good numbers as we move through late August, and we expect that action to build over the next few weeks. If silvers are on your list, now’s a good time to be in touch about availability.

Give us a call if you have questions about current conditions before you book — 907.971.1223.

— The RiverRise Crew