When the fish are running

Knowing which species of fish you want to chase while you’re in Alaska is important so you can plan your vacation around the fish you are looking to catch. Below you will find information on the various runs and fish species. 

Salmon Runs

First Run King Salmon

This run begins in mid-May and continues through the month of June.

Second Run King Salmon

This run of king Salmon start upstream July 1 and continue through July 31st.

First Run Sockeye Salmon

These fish begin to make their way upriver about mid-June.

Second Run Sockeye Salmon

The second run Sockeyes start to enter the river mid-July and run through the first week of August.

Early Run Silver Salmon

These fish start arriving in late July and continue through August.

Late Run Silver Salmon

This run starts at the beginning of September and runs through the end of the month.

Other Species

Rainbow Trout

The hard-fighting Kenai River Rainbow Trout are in the river throughout the year. The prime times for fishing these Trout though is mid-August- the first week of October.

Cook Inlet Halibut

These Cook Inlet flatfish are readily available mid-May – September