What’s Running, When
The Kenai and Kasilof both fish all season long, but what you’re targeting shifts as the summer goes on. Here’s how it lays out month by month, so you can plan around the run — or runs — you’re after.
June — Kings Get Going
The Kasilof’s early run of king salmon opens June 1st — mostly hatchery fish, generally harvestable, in the 8 to 40 pound range. Mid-June brings the Kenai’s late run of larger wild kings into play, and by June 15th sockeye season opens on both rivers.
July — Peak Season
The busiest month on the water. Late-run king salmon fishing on the Kenai continues through July 31st, and sockeye fishing is in full swing through the end of the month on both rivers. If you want a shot at two king runs on the same trip, late June into early July is the window.
August — Silvers and Trout Turn On
Silver salmon season opens August 1st and runs through September 15th. Mid-August is also when we start targeting trophy rainbow trout on the Kenai — the trout key in on drifting eggs and flesh below spawning salmon, and the fishing gets progressively better as the month goes on.
September — Closing Out the Season
Silver salmon and trophy rainbow trout fishing both run through September 15th, the last day of our season. Trout fishing peaks late August into early September, and it’s some of the best water of the year if you don’t mind cooler mornings.
Quick Reference
- King Salmon — Kasilof early run: June 1–30. Kenai late run: mid-June–July 31.
- Sockeye Salmon — June 15–July 31
- Silver Salmon — August 1–September 15
- Trophy Rainbow Trout — mid-August–September 15, peak late August/early September
Want help figuring out which run lines up with your travel dates? Reach out and we’ll help you plan it, or check availability and book your trip.
