King Salmon start to arrive at our rivers around May 15 in two distinct runs of fish known as the early run and late run. The early run is from May 15 to June 30 and the late run is from July 1 to August 15. We fish both the Kenai River and Kasilof River for King Alaska King salmon as well as the salt waters of Cook Inlet. The Kenai River is known for having the largest genetics of nearly all species of salmon, including King Salmon. The Kenai River has held the world record for the largest king ever caught since 1987 weighing in at 97 1/4 lbs. It’s easy to see why this draws anglers from all over the world
Kenai River King Salmon Guided Fishing
Kasilof River King Salmon Guided Fishing
Kenai River King Salmon
Starting around May 15 the first King Salmon start to enter the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. It’s an amazing time because there’s still snow on the ground, but the days are warming and the river is beginning to swell.
Most of the early run Kenai River king salmon, from May 15 to June 30, are targeting the tributaries of the Kenai. The two main tributaries are the Killey River and Funny River. The Killey River’s confluence with the Kenai River is just a few miles downstream of Skilak Lake at river mile 42 and the Funny River confluence is located around river mile 32. Juveniles will spend the first year in the rivers migrating closer and closer to the ocean as they get bigger.
Late run Kenai River King salmon, July 1 – Aug 15, spawn primarily in the main parts of the Kenai River. It’s estimated that between 20%-40% of the late-run king salmon span between river mile 10 and river mile 21.
Kasilof River King Salmon
Starting around May 15 the first King Salmon start also start to enter the Kasilof River. The Kasilof is fed by Tustamena Lake, the 8th largest lake in Alaska. Like the Kenai River, the Kasilof River has two distinct runs of king salmon, hundreds of thousands of sockeye salmon, and a fall silver salmon run. This is all in addition to the year-round resident rainbow trout, dolly varden, and steelhead.
The Kasilof River king salmon run is comprised of both hatchery and wild king salmon. The crooked creek hatchery was established in the 1970s and currently releases around 140,000 king salmon each year.
The Kasilof River is not nearly as developed as the Kenai River and has a limited number of road access points. Also as a drift boat only fishery the peacefulness of this river and its undeveloped nature make it a beautiful alternative to the Kenai that we encourage all our guests to experience.
Kenai River King Salmon Run Timing
Starting around May 15 the first King Salmon start to enter the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. It’s an amazing time because there’s still snow on the ground, but the days are warming and the river is beginning to swell.
Most of the early run king salmon, from May 15 to June 30, of the Kenai River, are targeting tributaries of the Kenai. The two main tributaries are the Killey River and Funny River. The Killey River’s confluence with the Kenai River is just a few miles downstream of Skilak Lake at river mile 42 and the Funny River confluence is located around river mile 32. Juveniles will spend the first year in the rivers migrating closer and closer to the ocean as they get bigger.
Late run Kenai River King salmon, July 1 – Aug 15, spawn primarily in the main parts of the Kenai River. It’s estimated that between 20%-40% of the Kenai River late-run king salmon span between river mile 10 and river mile 21.
The early-run Kenai River king salmon peak dates are from June 3 to June 16 with around 200 king salmon entering the river daily in this period. The late-run Kenai River king salmon peak dates are from July 11 to August 8 with between 400 and 600 king salmon entering the river each day. It should be noted that king salmon fishing ends by regulation on July 31st.
How We Fish For King Salmon
Kenai River King Salmon fishing and Kasilof River King Salmon fishing is almost exclusively done from a boat. King Salmon prefer the deeper channels of the river which are typically just off the middle sections of the river.
We use a combination of artificial lures, bait, scents, and eggs, while back-trolling these lures 50-80 feet behind the boat.
On the Kenai River, we’ll do this using a powerboat and on the Kasilof River, we’ll use the exact same techniques but from a drift boat.
If you want to learn more about how we target these extremely large and powerful fish please check out our page on How We Fish For Kenai River King Salmon
We provide all the necessary gear and equipment you need for these trips. You only need to bring your fishing license, personal clothing items to keep warm, and any food, snacks, and drinks that you may wish to bring along. Adult beverages are allowed.
Let's Go Fishing!
Interested in booking a Kenai River King Salmon Fishing trip or a Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing Trip. Select from one of our dedicated King Salmon Fishing Trips below or select a combo/multi-species salmon fishing trip available on selected dates.