June marks the beginning of Alaska’s most exciting time of year: salmon season. While the snow melts off the mountains and the rivers rise, the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers start to fill with early runs of sockeye, king salmon, and aggressive rainbow trout. If you’re looking for a balance of light crowds, hungry fish, and peak wildlife sightings, June is your month.
🔴 Sockeye Salmon – The First Push Begins
📅 Early to Mid-June – The first sockeye run begins to trickle into the Kenai River, building into a strong pre-July bite.
📍 Where We Fish:
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Kenai River near the Russian River confluence
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Upper Kenai float sections
🎣 Technique:
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Flossing sockeye with specialized setups
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Bank or boat-based casting depending on river flow
✅ Ideal for experienced anglers and those looking to beat the crowds before the July rush.
🟠 Hatchery King Salmon – Harvest-Only on the Kasilof
📅 All Month – The Kasilof River opens for hatchery kings, one of the last places in the region to harvest a king salmon legally.
📍 Where We Fish:
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Kasilof River drift-only zones
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Perfect for peaceful, scenic floats with low pressure
🎣 Technique:
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Back-bouncing, back-trolling, or bait fishing from drift boats
✅ Great for anglers chasing powerful fish and a take-home prize.
🎯 Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden – Hungry and Active
📅 All Month – Rainbows and dollies are fully awake after ice-out and feeding aggressively in the Kenai River.
📍 Where We Fish:
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Middle Kenai and Upper Kenai float trips
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Productive seams, back-eddies, and early salmon-related activity
🎣 Technique:
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Fly fishing with beads, streamers, and dry flies
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Spinning rods for kids and light gear anglers
✅ Perfect for fly fishers and those wanting a multi-species day.
🏔️ Bonus: June = Peak Alaska Wilderness
Aside from fishing, June delivers:
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🦅 Wildlife viewing (eagles, moose, bear sightings)
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🌲 Green-up across the Kenai Peninsula
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🧊 Long daylight hours and crisp mornings
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🧺 Fewer crowds and flexible start times
If you’re planning a trip with family, photographers, or first-timers, June is ideal for scenic float trips and relaxing days on the water.
📅 Pro Tip: Book Now for Prime June Dates
Our June charters fill early, especially for Father’s Day trips, early-season king hunters, and guests pairing fishing with glacier tours or sightseeing.
📞 Call Ian at (907) 301-6957
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 kenaiflyfish.com
📲 Follow @kenaiflyfish on Instagram & Facebook
