Fish Info
Kenai River fishing opportunities change depending on the season. Alaska River Adventures offers fishing from Spring to Fall to take advantage of all of the seasonal runs of various Salmon and catch and release trophy Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. Our highly experienced, friendly guides know exactly where the fish are biting and know of the best locations to experience the Alaskan Wilderness.
King Salmon
May 15th - July 31st
Red Salmon
June 11th - August 15th
Silver Salmon
August 15th - October 31st
Rainbow Trout
June 11th - October 31st
Keta Salmon
July 15th - August 30th
Dolly Varden
June 11th - October 31st
King
Salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Also called Chinook Salmon, King Salmon are the largest and most highly prized fish by sporting anglers around the world. These huge fish like the deepest, fastest part of the stream and can easily take all the line off any reel. They have a hard bony plate in their mouths, which requires a well-timed hook set to bring one in. Due to their difficulty, the vast majority of King Salmon captured on the Kenai River are by fishermen led by guides.
Red
Salmon
(Oncorhynchus nerka) Also called Sockeye Salmon, Red Salmon on the Kenai River are the most abundant of all the Salmon. You’ll need a good guide to coach you through the fight and help net the fish. Once you hook, they dart across the river and start jumping to shake your hook. The best thing about reds is that they just don’t give up. They are notorious fighters!
Silver
Salmon
(Oncorhynchus kisutch) Also called Coho Salmon, Silver Salmon are one of the most aggressive Salmon on the Kenai River. One of the best things about fishing for Silvers is that the peak times to fish them coincides with peak rainbow fishing. Many anglers plan their trips for late August through September to be able to fish for both Silvers and Rainbows.
Trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss) Rainbow Trout on the Kenai River are considered prize trophies for anglers. They fatten up on the flesh and eggs of spawning Salmon, and follow the late season run of Silver Salmon. They represent one of the most enjoyable fishing experiences around. (Salvelinus malma) Dolly Varden similarly follow the Salmon on the Kenai River. They are crafty fish that swim low in the water and are difficult to hook.
King Salmon
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Also called Chinook Salmon, King Salmon are the largest and most highly prized fish by sporting anglers around the world. These huge fish like the deepest, fastest part of the stream and can easily take all the line off any reel. They have a hard bony plate in their mouths, which requires a well-timed hook to bring one in. Due to their difficulty, the vast majority of King Salmon captured on the Kenai River are by fishermen led by guides.
Red Salmon
(Oncorhynchus nerka) Also called Sockeye Salmon, Red Salmon on the Kenai River are hard to hook as they are the least aggressive of all the Salmon. You’ll need a few hours with a good guide to learn how to swing a fly right across their nose to induce a strike. Once you hook, they dart across the river and start jumping to shake your hook. The best thing about reds is that they just don’t give up. They are notorious fighters.
Silver Salmon
(Oncorhynchus kisutch) Also called Coho Salmon, Silver Salmon are one of the most aggressive Salmon on the Kenai River. One of the best things about fishing for Silvers is that the peak times to fish them coincides with peak rainbow fishing. Many anglers plan their trips for late August through September to be able to fish for both Silvers and Rainbows. Early August silver runs often overlap Chum Salmon runs.
Trout
(Oncorhynchus mykiss) Rainbow Trout on the Kenai River are considered prize trophies for anglers. They fatten up on the flesh and eggs of spawning Salmon, and follow the late season run of Silver Salmon. They represent one of the most enjoyable fishing experiences around. (Salvelinus malma) Dolly Varden similarly follow the Salmon on the Kenai River. They are crafty fish that swim low in the water and are difficult to hook.