Why You Should Book Your Alaska Fishing Trip in May (Even if You’re Fishing in July or August)

Posted May 6, 2025 · Add Comment

You might not be fishing until July or August, but if you’re planning to fish the Kenai River this summer…
May is when you book it.

Why? Because peak salmon weeks fill up fast — and every season, we have to turn people away who wait too long.

If you’re dreaming about fishing sockeye, silvers, or trophy trout in Alaska, here’s why May is your golden window to lock in your best dates for 2025.

📅 July & August = Prime Fishing Season

Let’s start with a reminder of what’s coming:

🟥 Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)

Peak Dates: July 10 – August 10
Known For: Daily limits, aggressive runs, and the best-eating salmon in Alaska
Trip Style: Power boat trips for fast action and full coolers

🟦 Silver Salmon (Coho)

Peak Dates: August 15 – September 10
Known For: Acrobatic fights, great fly fishing, combo potential with trout
Trip Style: Drift or power boat options with casting gear or flies

🌈 Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden

Peak Dates: August – October
Known For: Trophy-sized rainbows behind spawning sockeye
Trip Style: Scenic drift trips through the Middle Kenai

✅ The season is short. The demand is high. Booking early = better choices.

🕰️ Why Book in May?

1. Best Date Selection
Want to fish the second week of July (when sockeye are pouring in)?
Or the last week of August for silvers and rainbows?
You need to book now — before those dates are gone.

2. Ideal Flight + Lodging Options
Planning in May gives you:

✈️ Better airfare to Anchorage
🛏️ More lodging choices near Soldotna, Sterling, or Cooper Landing
🚗 Easier time booking rental cars or RVs

3. Time to Prep
When you book in May, we help you:

🧳 Know what to pack
🎣 Choose your target fish
🛶 Pick the best river (Kenai or Kasilof)
📦 Decide if you want to ship fish home

🧭 May Booking = Full Customization

At Kenai Fly Fish, we build every trip around your needs:

Half-day, three-quarter, or full-day trips
Drift or power boat
Target species + experience level
Add-ons like shore lunch, fish processing, or extra gear

🎯 The earlier we hear from you, the more we can tailor your experience.

🧰 What’s Included When You Book Early

✔️ Flexible date options
✔️ Preferred boat or guide selection
✔️ All gear: rods, reels, tackle, waders, boots
✔️ Full trip planning support from a local expert
✔️ Email/text reminders as your trip approaches
✔️ Access to lodging recommendations, FAQs, and checklist guides