Ninilchik River King Salmon Fish Counts
Best Fishing Times And Peak Dates
The Ninilchik River, located in the lower Kenai Peninsula, offers a diverse range of fish species and stunning natural beauty. Anglers can enjoy the serenity of nature while indulging in exciting fishing opportunities. The Ninilchik River king salmon fish counts are the best source of information regarding the best times to try and target king salmon on the Ninilchik River.
Notably, the Ninilchik River boasts significant runs of King (Chinook), Silver (Coho), and Pink Salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and Steelhead. Throughout the year, these species provide various fishing experiences. The King salmon run, the most popular, starts in late May and peaks in the second week of June, making it the ideal time for King Salmon enthusiasts.
Moreover, the river supports other species with different run timings. Pink Salmon, with larger runs in even-numbered years, embark on their journey in late-July and persist through August. Silver Salmon arrive at the end of July and continue until early September. For those interested in Steelhead, a prized and aggressive fish, the prime fishing time is from mid August to October, with fly-fishing being a highly effective method.
Ninilchik River fishing offers not just the thrill of the catch but also an immersive experience. The river features tea-colored streams running through steep bluffs and forested areas, creating a picturesque backdrop for fishing adventures. This environment is perfect for hike-in fishing trips, where anglers can explore riverbanks and trails, discovering prime fishing spots with the assistance of professional guides.
Ninilchik River Location
Ninilchik River, situated in Southcentral Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula, meanders through the charming, historic community of Ninilchik. This small town is approximately 188 miles southwest of Anchorage and 44 miles north of Homer. Its proximity to Cook Inlet enhances its natural beauty, offering breathtaking views on clear days of Mt. Redoubt. Mt. Iliamna, and Mt. Augustine are also usually visible.
The river’s significance lies primarily in its reputation as a premier fishing destination in Alaska. It is renowned for its thriving runs of various salmon species, including King (Chinook), Silver (Coho), and Pink Salmon. Additionally, it serves as a habitat for Dolly Varden and Steelhead. The Ninilchik River can easily satisfy anglers of all skill levels. The fishing season along Ninilchik River extends from late May to October. Fishing opportunities are available throughout the year, with specific periods dedicated to targeting each fish species.
Beyond its fishing allure, Ninilchik River is celebrated for its natural beauty and recreational possibilities. Flowing through a landscape characterized by steep bluffs and lush forests, it offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for outdoor activities. Nestled in the Kenai Peninsula, a region renowned for its stunning wilderness and wildlife, the river’s appeal extends to nature enthusiasts, photographers, and outdoor adventurers.
Ninilchik River King Salmon Fish Counts
The king salmon run along Alaska’s Ninilchik River commences at the end of May. It reaches its peak during the third week of June and around the 4th of July weekend. This run is characterized by intermittent surges of fish, resulting in daily variations in fishing conditions. One day, you may find yourself amidst a group of 200 king salmon ascending the river, and the next day, there may be none. Nonetheless, it’s an exciting location to cast your line and try your luck at hooking a magnificent wild Alaska king salmon.
The Ninilchik River is renowned for its potential to yield large king salmon catches. With the right timing, anglers have the chance to hook several of these prized fish in a single afternoon. The river is easily accessible by road, and the surrounding beach and wildlife offer an exceptional experience.
Traditionally, we’ve only displayed the three-year average on our pages when discussing fish counts. However, in light of recent concerns about king salmon stocks, we believe it’s worthwhile to compare the 2023 numbers to the three-year average to provide perspective.
In 2023, nearly all the rivers flowing into Cook Inlet were closed to king salmon fishing due to anticipated poor returns. The black line on the graph illustrates the actual returns for the 2023. The red line is the 3 year average. It’s evident that the decision by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to close this fishery for 2023 was well-founded.
Ninilchik River King Salmon Escapments
Similar to many rivers worldwide and in Alaska, king salmon stocks in the Ninilchik River are facing significant challenges.
In 2023, the situation was dire. Nearly all rivers on the Kenai Peninsula that flowed into Cook Inlet were closed to king salmon fishing. This included the Kenai River, Anchor River, Ninilchik River, Deep Creek, and others near Anchorage. These rivers were not just closed to retaining king salmon but were closed to targeting them at all. The only exception was the Kasilof River, thanks to its king salmon hatchery. Wild king salmon, identifiable by the presence of an adipose fin, had to be released and remain in the water. Hatchery king salmon on the Kasilof could be kept.
However, there is a glimmer of hope that the negative trend observed in Ninilchik River king salmon returns in 2023 might be an isolated event. As seen in the three-year average trend line, the overall trend for Ninilchik River king salmon returns has been fairly robust. They typically meet their minimum escapement goals by July 6th each year, and by July 17th, they exceed the optimum escapement goal. It’s important to note that these numbers are relatively small, totaling 750 king salmon for the entire year and 1,300 for the optimum escapement goal. With such limited numbers, significant yearly fluctuations may not be uncommon.
Best fishing Dates For Alaska's Most Popular Rivers & Species
See the table below for Alaska’s most popular rivers and species. For more specific information on each river, click on the link to be taken to that pages specific review of the fish counts.
| River | Species | Dates | Peak Dates |
| Kenai River | King Salmon Early Run | 5/15 – 6/30 | 6/1 – 6/16 |
| King Salmon Late Run | 7/1 – 8/15 | 7/11 – 7/31 | |
| Sockeye Salmon Run | 7/1 – 8/20 | 7/11 – 8/19 | |
| Silver Salmon Early Run | 8/1 – 8/30 | 8/11 – 8/25 | |
| Silver Salmon Late Run | 9/1 – 9/30 | 9/11 – 9/25 | |
| Kasilof River | King Salmon Early Run | 5/15 – 6/30 | 5/28 – 6/19 |
| King Salmon Late Run | 7/1 – 8/15 | 7/11 – 7/31 | |
| Sockeye Salmon Run | 6/11 – 8/20 | 6/22 – 8/11 | |
| Russian River | Sockeye Salmon Early Run | 6/4 – 7/14 | 6/14 – 7/8 |
| Sockeye Salmon Late Run | 7/15 – 9/10 | 7/28 – 8/24 | |
| Silver Salmon Late Run | 8/1- 9/10 | 8/27 – 9/9 | |
| Copper River | Sockeye Salmon | 5/8 – 7/28 | 5/29 – 7/19 |
| Anchor River | King Salmon | 5/5 – 8/31 | 5/30 – 7/22 |
| Ninilchik River | King Salmon | 5/21 – 8/21 | 6/28 – 7/24 |
| Deshka River | King Salmon | 5/19 – 8/27 | 6/11 – 6/29 |
| Nushagak River | King Salmon | 6/6 – 8/17 | 6/14 – 7/11 |
Ready to go Fishing?
Ready to cast your line into the stunning waters of the Kenai River? For more information or to book your unforgettable fishing adventure, visit our ‘Trips & Bookings’ page. Dive deeper into the Kenai River experience and secure your spot with Kenai Sportfishing today – where epic catches and breathtaking scenery await!