Trophy King Salmon | Silver Salmon Fishing | Sockeye Salmon Fishing
Sockeye Salmon Fishing
The first sockeye ( reds ) of the season are headed to the fast moving tributary of the upper Kenai near Cooper Landing named the Russian River. The Russian River supports an early and late sockeye salmon return. The early run usually arrives by June 15th, with an average return of about 70,000 fish.
The second, or late run fish arrive in mid-July and average about 100,000 fish. These fish, usually a year younger than the first run, are usually a little smaller, about 5-6 pounds on average.
These wild runs support the second largest recreational fishery for this species in Alaska. The Kenai River also supports a relatively new (a significant harvest has occurred here since the mid-1980's) recreational sockeye salmon fishery. This fishery has expanded significantly in recent years and is now the largest sport fishery for this species in Alaska. These powerful fighters are mint bright, just out of the saltwater, and average 8 – 12 lbs. They are considered Alaska’s best-tasting salmon and are nearly everyone’s “meat & potatoes” when it comes to stocking up for the winter or filling a fish box to take home. The Kenai river run is huge with 600,000 – 1,000,000 reds entering the river during a four week period. They are incredible fighters on a flyrod or medium spin gear and will thrill you with their drag – burning runs and somersaults during the fight. St Theresas Lakeside Resort can place you in areas minutes away were fishing is very productive.
Kasil of Sockeye Salmon:
Season: June 25 – July 25
Regulations: Single hook, Limit three fish per day.
Peak time: June 25 – July 15
Russian River Sockeye Salmon:
Season: June 12 – July 20
Regulations: Single hook, fly-only. Limit three fish per day.
Peak time early run: June 12 – June 25
Peak time late run: Mid July
Kenai Sockeye Salmon:
Season: July 1 – Aug 10
Regulations: Single hook, Limit three fish per day.
Peak time: July 13 – July 25
Fly Out Sockeye Salmon:
Season: June 10 - July 31
Regulations: Single hook, Limit three fish per day.
Peak time: June 25 - July 15