• 35085 Betty Lou Drive, Sterling, AK 99672
  • (907) 260-3377

Fishing on the Kenai

See our resort packages page for info on booking a fishing trip package.

Centrally located on the Kenai Peninsula you can begin your unguided or guided fishing adventures on the numerous rivers, lakes or ocean destinations. Fishing specific species is date sensitive and requires good trip planning. We can advise you and help plan a trip that will be productive for the dates of your visit. When making reservations, let us know your fishing interests and we’ll be happy to arrange fishing guide services for you or arrange a complete lodging and fishing package.

Although famous for its giant king salmon, the Kenai offers excellent fishing for the other salmon species, reds, silvers, and pinks in addition to rainbow trout, and dolly varden. We are only about 50 minutes drive from saltwater, and halibut fishing charters are easily arranged. On site river fishing from our river fishing ramps is excellent during the peak season and is available with our package programs. This is private fishing in a lodge style setting. Our fishing package program is designed to give our clients a full fishing experience with outstanding fishing success and value that exceeds the cost. Please review the “Fishing Page” for additional information.

FISHING SEASONS

Fishing seasons are generally as follows, but are subject to change without notice:

  • May 1 – September 30: Halibut
  • May 1 – June 30: Saltwater Kings
  • May 15 – July 31: Kenai/Kasilof Kings
  • June 10 – August 20: Sockeye Salmon
  • June 11 – October 31: Rainbow Trout
  • August 1 – October 31: Silver Salmon
  • August on even years: Pink Salmon

Fish Species

SOCKEYE SALMON (RED SALMON) 

Since the Sockeye tend to hug the bank, most fishing is done from the shore.

Methods include casting coho flies in a style found only on the Kenai River.

These silvery fighters average 6-12 lbs. and most of it is muscle.

The Sockeye Salmon begin to clog the Kenai River in late June and the run ends in mid August.

New regulations aimed at protecting these salmon allow nearly one million sockeye to return to the river every summer.

KING SALMON (CHINOOK SALMON)

The Kenai River is world famous for producing giant trophy King salmon.

The world record was taken in May of 1985 weighing 97 lbs. 4 oz. Every year sees thousands of kings weighing between 30 and 80, even 90 lbs.

Their fighting strength is legendary, and those that have battled these giants have memories that will last a lifetime.

We have two runs of Kings entering the local rivers and fishing is typically best late May to mid June and the last half of July.

Methods for taking Kings include back bouncing, back trolling, and drifting from boats, although they can also be taken from the river banks.

SILVER SALMON (COHO SALMON)

Many anglers think silvers are the most fun of all the salmon. These fighters are notorious for their acrobatics, burning up drags and snapping rods. Silvers average 10-14 lbs., with lunkers nearing 20 lbs. Season begins in early August and ends September 30th. Methods include casting spinners, back bouncing, and back trolling.

Ask about the Seward Silver Salmon Derby- this salt water fishery is in mid-August, has a six fish limit, non-stop action, and takes place in beautiful Resurrection Bay about 90 minutes from our cabins. Silver salmon can also be caught from our dock.

PACIFIC HALIBUT

Both sides of the Kenai Peninsula are home to some of the finest halibut fishing available anywhere. Limits of halibut weighing between 20 and 50 lbs. are the norm, with halibut between 100 and 300 lbs. coming in daily.

Charters leave from Ninilchik, Homer, and Seward, with every port having its unique advantages: boat size, trip length, travel time, and scenery.

Combination trips fishing for King salmon and Halibut are very popular saltwater trips in early spring. Halibut fishing runs from May through September with King-halibut combos having the greatest catch rates in late May and early June.