June & July Fishing in Alaska – Start Your Salmon Season Right

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Summer in Alaska doesn’t just mean long days and wild views—it means nonstop fishing action. June and July are two of the busiest, most productive months on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, and it’s easy to see why.

Whether you’re chasing the first big sockeye run, drifting for harvestable king salmon, or looking for an unforgettable float through the Alaskan wilderness, this is the perfect time to fish.


🐟 What’s Running in June & July?

🔴 Sockeye Salmon (Kenai & Kasilof Rivers)

📅 June 15 – August 1 (Peak: Mid-July)
These fish are fast, strong, and aggressive. The second run of sockeye is one of the largest in the world—and it happens right here on the Kenai.
🎯 Limit potential, bright red fillets, perfect for freezer-filling trips.

🟠 Hatchery King Salmon (Kasilof River)

📅 June 1 – July 15
One of the last places in Southcentral Alaska where you can legally harvest king salmon.
🛶 Fished from drift boats only—no motors, just quiet water and powerful kings.

🐟 Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden (Kenai River)

📅 June – July
Hungry trout are active and aggressive pre-spawn, feeding on early salmon activity and hatches. Great fly fishing opportunities on the upper Kenai.


🛶 Jet Boats or Drift Boats – You Choose

We offer jet boat trips on the Kenai and drift boat floats on the Kasilof:

  • ✅ Access remote sockeye zones fast by jet boat

  • ✅ Drift peaceful king water on the Kasilof

  • ✅ All gear and waders included

  • ✅ Optional lunch upgrades and filleting included

You’ll get a personalized experience with a guide who knows the water and the timing better than anyone.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect for Families & First-Time Anglers

June and July are excellent for:

  • First-timers looking for consistent action

  • Families with kids or teens

  • Serious anglers chasing meat and sport

  • Multi-day combos and custom packages

We handle all the gear, safety, and setup—you just bring the energy.


📸 The Bonus? Peak Alaska Scenery

In addition to the fish, you’ll experience:

  • 🦅 Bald eagles soaring overhead

  • 🐻 Moose and wildlife sightings

  • 🌲 Lush green forests, snow-capped peaks, and long daylight hours

  • 📷 Gorgeous photo ops at every bend

Fishing in June and July means you’ll catch the season at its absolute best.


📞 Reserve Your Spot Before It’s Gone

📞 Call Ian at (907) 301-6957
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 kenaiflyfish.com
📲 Follow us: @kenaiflyfish on Instagram and Facebook

 
 

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