How To Fish For Pink Salmon
Pink Salmon Fishing On The Kenai River
Did you know that pink salmon, often referred to as “humpies” due to the large hump that males develop during spawning season? Pink salmon have a unique cycle on the Kenai River, they only appear on the Kenai River on even-numbered years. Pink salmon have somewhat of a reputation as being a less desirable fish. Despite this reputation, pink salmon offer a lively challenge for anglers, making them a fun target for sport fishing. If you’d like to know more about humpy’s continue reading our How to Fish For Pink Salmon guide.
Rule #1 - Show up when the fish do
If you’ve read any of our other ‘how to’ pages you’ll know we always start ‘Show up when the fish do!’ Certainly no different here. Pink salmon only arrive on the Kenai River on even numbered years – 2024, 2026, 2028 etc.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game employs sonar counters for sockeye salmon on the Kenai, Kasilof, and Russian Rivers. These counters are crucial in understanding the annual salmon returns. Luckily, sport fishing anglers can use this same data to know with pretty high certainty which days each year are going to be the most productive. By employing sound waves to count the passing salmon, the sonar counter provides essential data on population trends and migration patterns, which are vital for sustainable fishery management. This information helps in ensuring that the Sockeye Salmon populations are maintained at healthy levels, balancing both ecological and recreational needs.
Pink salmon return to Alaska’s waters is such huge numbers they are not really counted by sonar. Simply show up on the expected years late in the fall and catching comes easy!
When to Fish The Kenai River For Pink Salmon
Pink Salmon arrive on the Kenai River starting in the last few days of July. Their numbers will continue to increase all the way through August until the river is absolutely teeming with them.
Most of the pink salmon are caught on the lower portion of the Kenai River below the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna. Pink salmon can be easily targeted from a boat by using back trolling methods of eggs or kwikfish. Pink Salmon can also very easily be targeted from banks by casting spinners into any of the slow moving water found in the lower part of the River. Eagle Rock boat launch, cunningham park, centennial campground are all great places to fish for Kenai River pink salmon.
Pink salmon Lures
Pink salmon fishing is often celebrated for its simplicity and accessibility, making it an ideal starting point for novice anglers. It’s also fantastic for young anglers.
One of the most striking characteristics of pink salmon is their lack of fussiness when it comes to bait. Pink salmon are known to strike at almost anything presented to them. Spoons, spinners, pixie lures, you name it, they’ll hit it, offering a high success rate for fishermen of all skill levels. These salmon are the smallest of the Pacific species, typically weigh in at around 3 to 5 pounds. They and are recognizable by their silver color and large, oval spots, and you can’t miss that hump.
Another intriguing fact about pink salmon is their two-year life cycle, the shortest of all Pacific salmon. This predictable lifecycle, coupled with their non-selective feeding habits, makes pink salmon fishing a delightfully straightforward and rewarding experience. Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or looking to enjoy a relaxed day on the water, pink salmon provide an excellent opportunity for a fulfilling fishing adventure.
Grab a typical spinning rod with almost any type of spinner and cast it out into the slower moving water on the lower part of the Kenai River starting around August 1st on even numbered years only and you should have almost no problems catching pink salmon
What to Bring
At Kenai Sportfishing, our guided pink salmon fishing trips come equipped with nearly everything you need for a successful day on the water. This includes top-quality fishing rods, reels, bait, nets, and all the essential gear. The only thing you must bring is a valid fishing license, appropriate clothing for the weather for the day, and any food & snack you might need.
To ensure you have a comfortable experience while fishing with us, here are some items you might consider packing:
- Your fishing license
- Clothing suited for the day’s weather. Alaskan weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack layers. Consider warmer clothes for the morning, lighter options like t-shirts for mid-afternoon, and rain gear for later in the day. Checking the weather forecast and planning your attire accordingly will keep you comfy throughout the day.
- Sunscreen to protect against UV rays.
- A hat and gloves, especially useful in the cooler hours.
- Sunglasses for eye protection and enhanced visibility.
- Your own lunch, snacks, and drinks. Feel free to bring adult beverages if you like.
- A waterproof case for your cellphone – not just for accidental dips in the water, but also for those rainy moments.
- And last but not least, bring a great attitude! We’re passionate about fishing and can’t wait to share this experience with you. We’re all in this together, aiming for an unforgettable day of fishing
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!