KENAI RIVER FISH SPECIES
Rainbow Trout
JUNE 11 to NOVEMBER 30
The Kenai River is a well-known fishing hot spot for Rainbow trout. It supports one of the healthiest and most robust populations in Alaska, making it an excellent place to catch these fish! Kenai River rainbows can be well over 30 inches and up to 20lbs!
Dolly Varden Char
JUNE 11 to NOVEMBER 30
Dolly Varden is a small, delicate fish with the ability to jump out of the water and onto your fly. They are fun to catch because they can be difficult for beginners but easy once you get used to them! Dollies range of all sizes and can reach up to about 12 lbs.
Steelhead
AUGUST 20 to NOVEMBER 1
Alaska is the last frontier for fishing enthusiasts, and if you’re looking to take your skills up a notch or just want an adventure this fall then steelhead fishing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula should be at top of the list. Steelheads 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
MAY 20 to JULY 31
The most famous salmon in all of America is, without question or dispute…the Kings Of The Kenai! That’s right folks; it takes a lot to get your name on this list and earn yourself an 80-pounder.
Sockeye Salmon
JUNE 11 to AUGUST 15
Sockeye salmon (also called red salmon) are the most popular salmon to catch on the Kenai Peninsula. The most famous and best-eating salmon in the world starts coming to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula around June. These sockeye are noted for their sweet flavor, which can’t be beat anywhere!
Coho (Silver) Salmon
AUGUST 1 to OCTOBER 30
Coho “Silver” Salmon is a great fish for fly fishermen to target. Ranging in weight from 5-20 pounds, these salmon can be found jumping up and down near the bank of Kenai River’s waters where they were first born years ago!
Pink Salmon
AUGUST 1 to SEPTEMBER 1
Here at Kenai Fly Fish we think that Pink Salmon are the best fish for younger ages and family fun fishing trips. Pinks are completely underrated, they are extremely aggressive to catch and come in by the millions!
Halibut
YEAR ROUND
Halibut fishing is a thrill all year round. You can easily find Halibuts in June, July, and August when the weather becomes more stable with temperatures not changing too much from day to night or hour-to-hour
What to expect on your Kenai Fly Fish trip
Boat Launch & Fishing License
I’ll contact you a couple of days before your trip and we will decide what boat launch and what time we’ll be meeting in the morning. Depending on the species of fish we’re targeting, the best fishing can be early in the morning, so be prepared for an early start. Make sure to arrive at the launch early and give yourself time to pay boat launch fees. Be sure to purchase an accurate Fishing License before your arrival. If you are fishing for King Salmon you will need a King stamp in addition to the regular license. The King stamp can be purchased from the same link provided above. The regulations for fishing can change constantly and I will educate the group pre-trip.
Food & Water
Unless we have other arrangements, please bring lunch, snacks, and specialty drinks for every day that you are on the water. Hydrating is extremely important so I will be providing enough water for everyone on the boat.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Please eat before you arrive or grab something to eat on the boat. Cooks Corner is a convenient place to stop for breakfast in the morning. They have breakfast burritos and sandwiches and it’s about a five-minute drive to Bing’s Landing (one of the main boat launches). Keep in mind, early morning start times are often earlier than open hours for most restaurants, so plan meals the night before.
Weather & Gear
The weather is always changing in Alaska, so when you arrive make sure that you have layers and warm enough clothes for the worst conditions. Always bring a rain jacket even if the forecast doesn’t call for it. Try not to wear cotton unless it’s one of those hot sunny July days. Bring sunscreen for the really hot days. I will have some extra layers in case of an emergency but feel free to bring a dry bag with your extra basic layers. Be strategic about what you bring if you are fishing on the drift boat because the space is limited. You will most likely be on a powerboat, on the powerboat I have plenty of room for everything you would like to bring.
Fishing Techniques
I will go over the gear and techniques that we will be using throughout the day. Fly-fishing is a passion of mine and can be a very successful way to catch fish. That being said, being open to trying new techniques can make for a better fishing day. I am very happy to teach you! These techniques are very easy to learn and I often teach people that are completely new to fishing. For the most part, salmon fishing will be done on conventional gear. Feel free to ask questions at any time.
Catch & Release
Catch and release is a common practice here in Alaska. Our fisheries are some of the best in the world and we still have almost 100 percent native fish. Alaska Department of Fish & Game does a great job managing the runs. There are limits in place to make the future of our runs sustainable. I prefer to release trout, but when the salmon are fresh and running strong there will be a great opportunity to take home your limit. If you are interested in taking salmon home make sure you have a good plan to get them home. It can be very expensive and time sensitive to get your daily limits home, especially if you live out of state. At the end of the charter I will filet your fish and put them in bags. Please have a cooler ready with ice so the fish doesn’t spoil; it can’t sit without ice for very long. Below is a list of a few local processors that can vacuum seal and FedEx your freshly caught salmon. This is the best way to get your fish home safely if you will be traveling around Alaska after your fishing trip.
INSTAGRAM @KENAIFLYFISH
FISHING PACKAGES
Kenai Fly Fish specializes in full and half day guided fishing trips on the Kenai River. We’ll provide you with a top-of-the-line fishing experience and the highest quality gear.
BOOK YOUR TRIP
We at Kenai Fly Fish take pride in providing our clients with high-quality services customized just to suit their needs. Whether you’re looking for a half-day trip or a multi-day adventure, we have the perfect package that will be sure not only to meet but exceed all expectations!
CONTACT US
Located in Sterling, Alaska is Kenai Fly Fish. The company operates fly fishing trips throughout the region and offers special rates for groups of five or more! Feel free to contact us via email ([email protected]), phone call, or text at (907) 301-6957.