Fishing in Alaska – Everything You Need to Know for the Ultimate River Adventure

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Fishing in Alaska is more than just a trip—it’s a rite of passage.
Towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and fish that fight like nothing else on Earth… this is where anglers come to live the dream.

And when it comes to experiencing the best of Alaska fishing, there’s no better place to start than the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers—two of the most productive, scenic, and accessible fisheries in the state.

At Kenai Fly Fish, we’ve guided visitors from all over the world for nearly 20 years, helping them check “Fishing in Alaska” off their bucket lists in the most unforgettable way possible.


🗓️ When Is the Best Time to Fish in Alaska?

The fishing season runs from mid-May through late October, with different species peaking at different times. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

Species Best Time Notes
🐟 Sockeye Salmon June 11 – August 15 Excellent harvest fish, very popular
🐟 Silver Salmon August 1 – October 30 Aggressive, fun to catch, perfect for fall
🐟 Rainbow Trout June 11 – November 30 Catch-and-release trophy-class fish
🐟 Dolly Varden June 11 – November 30 Colorful and strong, great on light gear
🐟 Pink Salmon August 1 – September 1 Even years only, tons of action
🐟 Steelhead Trout August 20 – November 1 Wild, elusive, and exciting

🎣 King Salmon Note: King salmon fishing is closed on the Kenai River in 2025, but legal hatchery kings may be available on the Kasilof River in early summer.


📍 Where to Fish – Kenai & Kasilof Rivers

🛶 Kasilof River (Drift Boat Only)

  • Motor-free = quiet and peaceful

  • Great sockeye and silver runs

  • Incredible for families and nature lovers

  • Wildlife galore: moose, eagles, and more

Kenai River (Power Boat Access)

  • Bigger water, bigger fish

  • Access to more locations in less time

  • Ideal for trout/salmon combo days

  • Perfect for all-day fishing missions

Whether you want action-packed adventure or a peaceful scenic float, we’ll help you pick the perfect river for your trip.


Sockeye Salmon fishing on the Kenai River

Group of people fishing on the Kenai River with lots of fish #KenaiFlyFish #EpicDay

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is Alaska Fishing Right for Everyone?

Absolutely. At Kenai Fly Fish, we welcome:

  • 🧒 First-time anglers and families with kids

  • 🧓 Seniors and multi-generation groups

  • 🎣 Hardcore salmon hunters and fly-fishing purists

  • 💍 Couples looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

You don’t need experience—just a desire to fish and explore. We provide all gear, waders, and expert guidance so you can focus on having fun and catching fish.


🧰 What’s Included?

✅ Rods, reels, tackle, and bait
✅ Waders and boots in all sizes
✅ Filleting of your catch (for harvest trips)
✅ Flexible start times
✅ Expert local guide (Ian McDonald – 19 years of experience)
✅ Tons of river knowledge and fish-handling tips
✅ A safe, fun, unforgettable day on the water


📸 What Makes Alaska Fishing So Special?

It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about where you catch them:

  • Glacial-fed rivers winding through snowcapped peaks

  • Bald eagles flying overhead

  • Moose grazing on the riverbanks

  • Quiet mornings and epic sunsets

  • Wildlife and wilderness around every bend

This is what “Fishing in Alaska” really means.


📞 Book Your Alaska Fishing Trip Now

Whether you’re planning for summer 2025 or dreaming about a future trip, we’re here to help make it happen. Fishing in Alaska is life-changing—and we’ll make sure it’s easy, exciting, and absolutely unforgettable.

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


🐟 Fishing in Alaska Starts Here

If you’re going to make the journey north, make it count.
With world-class salmon, legendary trout, and wild landscapes you’ll never forget, Alaska is where fishing becomes something more.

Let Kenai Fly Fish guide you through it. 🎣

 
 

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