When to fish the Kenai Peninsula rivers?
A guide to planning a fishing trip to the Kenai Peninsula.
Highlight month- JUNE
In Alaska the bulk of our fishing season takes place over the course of 4 months from June-September. Each month offers unique fishing opportunities in both the rivers and ocean. It can often be confusing and difficult for anglers to decide on the best time to come and fish the Kenai Peninsula. The goal of this blog is to provide anglers looking to fish the Kenai and Kasilof rivers with a timeline of the fish run timings to better help them plan their fishing trip.
Fishing opportunities in June
King Salmon
In late May salmon start to return home from the ocean, entering the river they left a few years prior as juveniles to make their journey to the spawning grounds. During the month of June there are several great fishing opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula. One of the most popular fisheries during the month of June is located on the Kasilof River targeting King Salmon. Located about 12 miles south of Soldotna is the Kasilof River. The Kasilof River, aka “the ditch” is a smaller glacial river about 20 miles long with its headwaters originating at Tustumena Lake. Fishing for King Salmon on the Kasilof is done from a drift boat and is typically the most productive from June 1st– 18th. With low abundance of King Salmon in the Kenai River over the last decade the Kasilof has often been the only opportunity to target and harvest the delicious King Salmon on the Kenai Peninsula. If you seek solitude this fishery is not for you but if you time it just right, you can have an incredible day catching King Salmon.
A bright King Salmon caught on the Kasilof River in early June.
Sockeye Salmon
Around June 20th Sockeye salmon fishing ramps up on the Kasilof and great fishing can be had fishing for Sockeye through late July.
Sockeye fishing peaks on the Kasilof River much earlier than the Kenai River providing incredible fishing before the Kenai Sockeye runs show up in full force. Over the last several years the Kasilof has held massive runs of Sockeye Salmon and fishing has been amazing and very consistent.
Another great opportunity during the month of June is to target early run Sockeye Salmon on the Kenai River. In early June Sockeye salmon bound for the upper Kenai, most of which are heading for the Russian River enter the Kenai River. You can intercept these fish anywhere along the river however the best success is often found at the confluence of the Russian River or in the Russian River itself. There are numerous access points, including a ferry that will take you across the river to access the mouth of the Russian River. This is a great opportunity for those looking to do a DIY trip for Sockeye Salmon.
Sockeye Salmon caught in late June on the Kasilof River.
Ocean Fishing
Ocean Fishing can be incredible in late May and June as the Halibut start entering shallower water and are much easier to find. Often times the weather is more stable than during the fall months and there is a higher likelihood that you will not be blown off the ocean and even a good possibility you will be fishing in the bright sunshine. Trolling for salmon in the salt water can also be very productive in the month of June.
Halibut, King Salmon and Cod caught on a nice sunny day in the salt.
Rainbow Trout
One last fishing opportunity that can be worthwhile in June is targeting Rainbow trout in the middle Kenai River. Fishing for Rainbow trout opens on June 12th and can be very productive if you can find the fish and show them the right fly/bead. Fresh off the spring spawn the trout can be highly concentrated and at time very eager to bite.
A nice Rainbow trout caught on the Kenai River fishing in late June.
June is a great time to fish on the Kenai Peninsula. The variety of different species, frequent nice weather and non-peak season crowds can make for a great experience. I hope this blog was able to help provide information to better plan your trip to the Kenai Peninsula.
If you are looking to book a fishing charter on the Kenai Peninsula reach out to us via phone or email and we will get you on the water and into fish!
1-907-912-0114
Kenaifishingcompany@gmail.com
