Wildlife & Fishing in June – Why Alaska’s Kenai River is the Ultimate Outdoor Experience

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Fishing in Alaska is about more than just catching fish—it’s about experiencing nature in its rawest, most beautiful form. And there’s no better time to do that than June.

At Kenai Fly Fish, we know our guests come for the salmon and trout—but they leave talking just as much about the moose, eagles, and breathtaking views they encountered along the way. If you’re the kind of angler who loves nature just as much as the fish, this one’s for you.


🎣 The June Fishing Experience – Full of Life, On and Off the Water

By mid-June, Alaska’s landscape is in full bloom. The rivers swell with glacial runoff. The skies stay bright well past 10pm. And the forests and riverbanks are bursting with life.

Here’s what you can expect on a June fishing trip with us:

🐟 Fish in Season:

  • Sockeye Salmon: First run starts around June 11 – powerful, plentiful, and perfect for harvest

  • Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden: Also open June 11, with world-class catch-and-release action

These species are active, aggressive, and abundant—but the fish are only half the show.


🐾 Common Wildlife Sightings While Fishing

You don’t need to go on a separate wildlife tour in Alaska—just fish with us and keep your eyes open.

🦅 Bald Eagles

  • Almost guaranteed to be spotted

  • Often perched above the river or swooping down for fish

  • Majestic and photogenic—bring your camera!

🦌 Moose

  • Frequently spotted grazing near the river

  • Especially common on Kasilof River drift trips, where it’s quieter

  • Calves are often seen in early summer!

🐻 Bears (from a safe distance!)

  • Rare, but possible, especially in sockeye-heavy areas

  • We know how to fish smart and safe around wildlife

🐦 Waterfowl, Beavers, Otters & More

  • Trumpeter swans, ducks, loons

  • Beavers working dams

  • Curious river otters cruising by the boat

The Kasilof River especially shines for nature lovers—it’s motor-free, peaceful, and loaded with wildlife. Many guests call it a “floating nature documentary.”


🚤 Two Rivers, Two Unique Wildlife Experiences

🛶 Kasilof River (Drift Boat)

  • No motors = less noise = more wildlife

  • Great for slow floats, close-up encounters, and photography

  • Sockeye-focused, peaceful, and scenic

Kenai River (Power Boat)

  • Access to more fishing zones

  • Great eagle and moose viewing

  • Best for anglers wanting a fast-paced fishing focus with scenic backdrops

No matter which trip you choose, we’ll make sure you have a chance to soak in the views, photograph the wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful, wild rhythm of Alaska.


📷 Bring Your Camera – This Is the Real Alaska

We’ve seen it time and time again—guests come for the fish, but the moment they see a bald eagle perched in the fog or a moose stepping into the river at sunrise, something changes. It’s the kind of memory you keep forever.

Our guides know how to position the boat for great photos without disturbing wildlife. We’ve even helped guests capture magazine-worthy moments from the deck of a drift boat.

Want to fish and build your nature photography portfolio? Let us know—we love combining both.


🧭 Planning a June Adventure for Wildlife & Fishing

This type of trip is perfect for:

  • Families with kids

  • Couples looking for a peaceful day

  • Photographers and outdoor enthusiasts

  • Travelers who want to experience more than just fishing

We keep our groups small and our vibe relaxed. Whether it’s your first time in Alaska or your tenth, June is the best time to see it come to life.


📞 Book Your June Wildlife + Fishing Trip Now

June dates are booking quickly, especially with the sockeye salmon run starting June 11 and wildlife viewing at its peak.

📅 Best dates: June 11–30
🎣 Half-day, full-day, and combo photo/fish trips available
📍 Launching on Kenai and Kasilof Rivers

📞 Call or text Ian McDonald at (907) 301-6957
🌐 Book online: kenaiflyfish.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @kenaiflyfish


🌲 Alaska’s Wild Side, One Cast at a Time

You can fish anywhere. But how often do you catch a salmon while an eagle watches from above?

June is your chance to experience everything that makes Alaska magical—all in one incredible trip.

 
 

Kenai River Fish Species

Rainbow Trout

Kenai River rainbows can be well over 30 inches and up to 20lbs!

Dolly Varden Char

Dollies range of all sizes and can reach up to about 12 lbs.

Steelhead

Steelhead are very uniform in shape and average around 28 inches. These amazing, acrobatic fish are often a fly fisherman’s favorite to target.

King Salmon

The Kenai River is open to motorized boats, allowing us chase the bite, and stay on the fish!

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon (also called red salmon) are the most popular salmon to catch on the Kenai Peninsula.

Coho Salmon

Ranging anywhere from 5-20lbs, coho are acrobatic and are probably the most aggressive salmon out there.

Pink Salmon

Pinks are completely underrated, they are extremely aggressive to catch and come in by the millions!

Halibut

Guided ocean fishing on the world-famous Kenai Peninsula