Alaska Salmon 2025 – Why June Is the Best Time to Book Your Kenai River Fishing Trip

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The countdown is on.
Alaska’s 2025 salmon season is almost here, and if you’re planning to fish the Kenai River, June is your month.

With a massive sockeye run forecasted, perfect water conditions, and lighter crowds than mid-summer, June offers the sweet spot for anglers looking to hit it big — early.

At Kenai Fly Fish, our calendar is filling fast with sockeye-focused trips for June. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to fish Alaska — this is it.


📈 The Forecast: June 2025 Sockeye Run Looking Strong

🎯 The Alaska Department of Fish & Game is predicting a strong sockeye salmon return to the Kenai River in 2025 — with over 4.1 million fish expected to arrive starting mid-June.

That’s 25% higher than the recent 10-year average.
Translation? Faster limits. Bigger smiles. And full coolers.


Sockeye Salmon fishing on the Kenai River

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

📆 Why Book Your Alaska Salmon Trip for June?

✅ Peak Sockeye Timing

  • Second-run sockeye salmon begin flooding the Kenai by June 15

  • Most consistent action is from June 20 – July 10

  • These early fish are bright, strong, and fresh from the ocean

✅ Smaller Crowds = More Water

  • June sees fewer boats and bank anglers compared to July

  • That means more flexibility, better access, and quieter mornings

✅ Lower Airfare & Lodging Rates

  • Flights to Anchorage and lodging options are typically more affordable in early summer

  • Booking in June helps you save and fish more


🧭 What Species Are Running in June?

Species Status in June 2025 Notes
🟥 Sockeye Salmon ✅ Just starting, building fast Peak action begins mid-June
🌈 Rainbow Trout ✅ Great catch & release season Feeding behind early salmon
🐟 Dolly Varden ✅ Available in most sections Light gear fun

King salmon is closed on the Kenai River in 2025 (catch & release included), but sockeye and trout are on fire — and the only thing you’ll miss is the crowd.


🧰 What’s Included in Your June Trip with Kenai Fly Fish?

✔️ Expert guide with years of experience on the Kenai & Kasilof
✔️ Drift or power boat access to the hottest sockeye lanes
✔️ All gear provided – rods, reels, tackle, waders, boots
✔️ Fish filleting included – optional vac-sealing nearby
✔️ Flexible start times tailored to river conditions
✔️ Family-friendly + beginner-friendly trips

Whether you’re chasing your first sockeye or coming back for your fifth trip, we make it seamless.


📍 Locations We Fish in June

🛶 Kasilof River

  • Sockeye start early here — expect strong action by June 20

  • Drift boat only = peaceful, quiet, scenic

🚤 Kenai River

  • Second run sockeye arrive mid-June

  • Power boats allow access to deep, moving sockeye lanes

  • Ideal for high-volume salmon trips and fast limits


🎯 Who Should Book a June 2025 Trip?

  • ✅ First-time Alaska anglers

  • ✅ Couples and families

  • ✅ DIY fishermen looking for a guided edge

  • ✅ Anyone looking to fill the cooler before peak summer

June is the month for value, volume, and less pressure — and this season is stacking up to be unforgettable.


🎣 Don’t Miss Prime Time – Book Now

We only have so many boats, and peak sockeye weeks (June 20–July 10) sell out first every year.

If you’re ready to:

  • Catch bright red sockeye fresh from the ocean

  • Experience Alaska’s raw beauty before the summer rush

  • Bring home a freezer full of fresh fish…

👉 Book your June 2025 trip now with Kenai Fly Fish

📍 Let’s fish the Kenai before the crowds show up.
You won’t regret being early.

 
 

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