May Fishing in Alaska – What to Expect on the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers

Posted May 1, 2025 · Add Comment

Is May a good time to fish in Alaska?
The answer: yes — if you know what to target.

While the peak salmon runs on the Kenai River don’t start until June, May offers a unique experience for anglers looking to explore early-season water, enjoy peaceful floats, and chase hungry, post-winter trout in one of the most scenic settings Alaska has to offer.

If you’re planning an early Alaska adventure, here’s what you can expect from fishing the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers in May.

🐟 What You Can Fish for in May

🌈 Rainbow Trout

📅 Season Opens: June 11
➡️ Catch-and-release only begins in June, but pre-season scouting and planning for June trout trips starts now. May is prime time to book your June opener.

🐟 Dolly Varden (Pre-Season)

May is still pre-season for dollies in most parts of the river system, but similar to rainbows, this is a scouting and booking month.

❄️ What About Salmon?

There is no sockeye or silver fishing in May on the Kenai or Kasilof.
🎯 King salmon fishing is closed on the Kenai in 2025.
Some anglers may fish early kings on the Kasilof, but Kenai Fly Fish does not target kings this season.

🛶 Why Fish in May?

🐾 Less Boat Traffic: You’ll likely have the river to yourself
📷 Wildlife Viewing: Bears, eagles, moose, and nesting birds are very active
🏞️ Pristine Conditions: Snow is melting, water is rising, and the river looks magical
🧭 Perfect Time to Scout, Explore, and Get Ready for June-July Trips

✅ Think of May as the calm before the salmon storm.

🔥 May Trip Recommendations

While fishing is limited this month, Kenai Fly Fish offers:

Scenic float trips with wildlife and river education
Gear tutorials and casting instruction to prep for summer
Photography floats with a local guide
Custom early-season drift boat floats for trout lovers and wilderness seekers (weather/water dependent)

📅 Booking now for June 11–July 31 sockeye and trout combos?
May is when you want to lock that in.

🧰 What to Bring for a May Fishing Trip

✔️ Warm base layers (mornings can be freezing)
✔️ Rain gear and waterproof gloves
✔️ Polarized sunglasses
✔️ Camera + binoculars
✔️ Thermos or hot drink
✔️ Fishing license (if you want to cast or scout)

🎣 We provide all boots, waders, rods, and tackle — even if you’re just testing it out.