When to fish the Kenai Peninsula rivers? Part 2 -JULY
A guide to planning a fishing trip to the Kenai Peninsula.
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.
Feauture MOnth: July
Without a doubt July is the most popular time to fish on the Kenai Peninsula. Anglers and tourists pour into town from all across the world to visit local destinations such as Homer, Seward, and the world-famous Kenai River. July typically provides the warmest weather of the year. Both ocean and river fishing opportunities are prime all month.
Sockeye Salmon
Every year the peak of Sockeye Salmon fishing occurs in the month of July. The Kasilof River peaks a couple weeks earlier and the best fishing is typically found during the first two weeks of July. As the Sockeye numbers in the Kasilof River start to wind down the 2nd run Kenai River Sockeye ramp up to full speed, usually around mid-July and will stay strong until Aug.10th. On banner years Sockeye fishing can even remain strong until the 3rd week of August. Last year we had over 2.4 million Sockeye Salmon return to the Kenai River, needless to say the fishing was lights out.
A family with a nice limit of Kenai River Sockeye in July.
Ocean Fishing
Halibut, Cod, Rockfish, Ling Cod and Salmon fishing is as good as it gets in July. Homer, Seward, Deep Creek, Ninilchik and Anchor Point are all popular destinations for ocean fishing, and they all offer a unique experience. Homer is my favorite destination and I think has the best overall quality experience and fishing. I also really enjoy checking out all the shops on the Homer spit, visiting the world-famous Salty Dog Saloon for a quick drink and eating at my favorite restaurant The Fat Olive. I would highly recommend spending a day or two in Homer. A few of my favorite ocean fishing charter companies in Homer are:
Homer Fishing Adventures 907-435-7816
D and G Charters 907-435-4019
Alaska Ocean Pros 907-299-7498
Tight Lines Charters 907-947-2659
A halibut caught in July out of Anchor Point.
King Salmon
Back in the day July was the most coveted time of the year on the Kenai River to fish for the largest King Salmon in the world. In 1985, Les Anderson hooked and landed a 97-pound King Salmon and currently holds the world record. The Kenai River was once home to a healthy run of these behemoth King Salmon, but its runs have seen a massive decline in the last few decades. There is an effort underway supported by the sport fishing community and state fish managers to help rebuild the King Salmon runs. Currently fishing for King Salmon on the Kenai River is closed as is commercial fishing in certain areas to help give the Kenai King Salmon a chance at rebounding to a healthy run again. It looks to be a long, uphill, and bumpy road ahead for the Kenai King Salmon. I truly hope that we will someday be able to target this magnificent fish that are unlike any other King Salmon on earth.
A dandy King Salmon caught on the last day of July a few hours before the season ended.
July is a very special month on the Kenai Peninsula. There is no better time to experience Alaska with good weather and diverse fishing opportunities.
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!
