Kenai River Sockeye Salmon Run Forecast 2025
The Kenai River sockeye salmon forecast is approximately 4.19 million fish for the 2025 Season. In recent years the Sockeye Salmon returns on the Kenai River have been very strong. This is partially due to commercial fishing being closed for most if not all of the season in an effort to try to allow the dwindling run of Kenai River King Salmon a chance to rebound from its drastic decline.
A limit of big and bright Kenai River SOckeye Salmon
Needless to say, with strong forecasts and the likelihood of commercial fishing closures again in 2025, fishing for Sockeye Salmon on the Kenai River should be incredible.
There is a small run of Sockeye Salmon that run up the Kenai River in late May- mid June, and are bound for upper tributaries, most of which are heading to the Russian River. However, the bulk of the 4.19 million Sockeye Salmon on the Kenai River will be entering the river from early July – mid August. The peak timeframe to intercept the “late run” Kenai River Sockeye Salmon is the 3rd week of July thru the first week of August. It’s very common for fishing to be very productive of Sockeye Salmon on the Kenai River during this peak window of the annual migration.
Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Run Forecast 2025
Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon limits!
The Kasilof River sockeye salmon run forecast is approximately 1.24 million fish for the 2025 season. The Kasilof River has grown in popularity over the past decade for Sockeye Salmon fishing and for good reason, the fish numbers have been incredible. For the size of the river, the Kasilof River has been producing phenomenal fishing for Sockeye Salmon for quite some time. Many anglers prefer Sockeye salmon fishing on the Kasilof River compared to the Kenai River for many reasons.
The Kasilof River, a drift boat fishery, is a much different experience. With over 10 miles of river to float down and dozens of high quality gravel bars ripe for exploiting Sockeye salmon swimming near shore, the Kasilof River has become the hidden gem of the Kenai Peninsula. Not to mention the wading is much easier than the Kenai River, allowing users of all age and wading abilities to access the fishery.
Due to the lack of loud outboards running up and down the river, the Kasilof tends to yield more wildlife encounters. It’s much more common to see moose, eagles, otter and other wildlife on the Kasilof River while fishing for Sockeye Salmon. Both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers are offer incredible fishing experiences although they are very different. I highly recommended that when visiting the Kenai Peninsula, you take a couple days and experience what each river has to offer for yourself. I am confident you won’t be disappointed.
