Kena River Combo Sockeye-Silver Salmon Fishing Charters

Two Amazing Salmon Species On The Same Charter
Only Available From August 10 - August 20

Kenai River Combo Sockeye Salmon & Silver Salmon Fishing Charter Dates

There are around 10 days each summer when we can offer our Kenai River Combo Sockeye-Silver Salmon Fishing Charters. The dates start around Aug 11th and go until Aug 20th. It may be possible to do these trips beyond Aug 20th but this has to be reviewed at the time of fishing. Some years the sockeye salmon run has stayed strong through the entirety of August but for planning purposes we plan our last day of this trip on August 20.

As you can see from the graph The Kenai River sockeye salmon still stays strong with a minimum of 25,000 fish entering the river around August 20th. Once the fish counts fall below 25,000 daily we will usually stop doing these combo trips for the year. 

Unfortunately, silver salmon are not counted on the Kenai River for a variety of reasons. Therefore we can only go by experience on when the best times for fish for silvers are. We will usually catch our first few silver salmon of the year in late July when we are targeting sockeye salmon. The numbers just aren’t high enough to warrant targeting them specifically. However, by about August 10th the numbers are usually high enough for silver salmon that we can specially search out these fish. We will continue to operate these combo fishing trips as long as the sockeye run stays strong enough to have a successful day of fishing sockeye. This is not a problem for the silver salmon as the Kenai River silver salmon run is only getting stronger the further we get into August.

 

Kenai River Combo Fishing Charters

Silver Salmon First Then Sockeye

On our Kenai River Combo Fishing Charters for silver salmon and sockeye salmon, we usually focus the first part of our effort on silver salmon. We will do this on the lower 21 miles of river picking our spots based on real-time fish counts from fish and game as well as the timing of the tides. Silver salmon usually enter the river on the incoming tidal swings and we’ll do our best to guess where the day’s push might be as we start our morning. We do all of this fishing directly from the boat. Usually anchored up which creates a very relaxing few hours of fishing.

After a few hours of fishing for silver salmon we’ll change tactics and head for sockeye salmon. For targeting sockeye we will find nice bank conditions with just the right amount of moving water and we’ll be wading in about knee deep water and using fly fishing rods and reels. Don’t worry, fly fishing experience is not required to be successful in this endeavor.

We’ll either finish the day fishing for sockeye or, if we get limits for everyone, whatever time is remaining we may go back to fishing for silver salmon. Our Kenai River combo fishing charters for silver salmon and sockeye salmon are 7 hours in duration.

Kenai River Combo Fishing Charters

Our Fishing Schedule

Salmon return to their native spawning rivers and streams with amazing consistency year after year. Because of this we can predict with pretty good accuracy what days will be available for our Kenai River combo fishing charters for silver salmon and sockeye salmon. We always assume that our guests would prefer these combo trips when they are available so we have set up our fishing schedule accordingly. If it’s possible to do a successful combo fishing trip that day – then we will! Otherwise, we focus on single species.

If your party would prefer to focus on either silver salmon or sockeye salmon specifically, that won’t be a problem and we’ll make that adjustment on our reservations calendar for your party.

Each of our daily fishing trips are listed simply as either “1/2-day Salmon Fishing” or “Full Day Salmon Fishing”. Then from the Kenai River Fishing schedule you can see which species we will be targeting on each day and which day our combo trips are available.

DatesKenai River Fishing Schedule
5/16 – 6/30King Salmon
7/1 – 7/31King & Sockeye Combo
8/1 – 8/10Sockeye Salmon
8/11 – 8/20Sockeye & Silver Combo
8/21 – 9/30Silver Salmon
8/15 – 9/30Rainbow Trout

Kenai River Combo Fishing Charters

Silver Salmon & Sockeye Salmon Limits and Regulations

Our Kenai River Combo Sockeye-Silver Salmon Fishing Charters come with different regulations and limits for each species. And, even though the limits and regulations are different for each species, there is also fishing limits that are related to the combination of the two species of salmon.

Silver salmon limits are two per person per day in August, then three per day starting September 1st. However, there’s growing discussion about keeping the limit at two per day through September. This is because gauging this fishery’s health is tough without in-season fish counts, unlike for king and sockeye salmon. Therefore, regulatory bodies aim to prioritize conservation and protect the fishery’s health.

Daily Fishing Limits

Silver salmon limits are in combination with sockeye salmon limits. The limit for sockeye salmon is 3 per person per day in combination with silver salmon limits. 

It might be best to use some examples. 

August Example 1: If the limit is 3 per person per day, then you could have any combination of 3 silver and sockeye salmon combined but you may no have more than 2 silver salmon of the 3

August Example 2: If the limit is 6 per person per day, then you could have any combination of 6 silver and sockeye salmon combined but you may no have more than 2 silver salmon.

September Example: If the limit is 6 per person per day, then you could have any combination of 6 silver and sockeye salmon combined but you may no have more than 3 silver salmon because the silver salmon limit is 3 silver salmon per person per day starting in September.

Kenai River Combo Fishing Charters

What To Bring

There is no need to panic or stress when planning what to bring on an Alaska fishign or vacation trip. For the most part summers in Alaska and warm and comfortable and your basic daily wear will absolutely get you through your trip. However, there are some things that will make your trip more enjoyable. 

Typical summer days on the Kenai Peninsula will warm to a very comfortable 65-70 degrees but it feels much warmer than this. Early mornings and evenings start off cooler. However, these warmer temperatures can swiftly shift, especially if rain or strong winds roll in. Dressing in layers is the key to comfort. Your packing list should include lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers to keep you dry, warm mid-layers for insulation, and waterproof outer layers to protect against rain and wind.

Beyond normal clothes, the key items are a rain jacket, rain pants, and rubber boots, though boots aren’t a requirement. They do take up much suitcase space. Also, bring hats, gloves, and a warm jacket. While summer can hit 80 degrees and feel very hot, it’s equally likely to drop to 50, needing a coat.However, should you forget something or find you need additional supplies, there are major retailers conveniently located within a few minutes’ drive. Sportsman’s Warehouse, Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Walmart are all accessible for any last-minute purchases or replacements. This proximity to stores allows for a bit of flexibility in your packing, ensuring that you won’t be left stranded without a crucial item.

Kenai Sportfishing charters

Kenai River Salmon Fishing

Kenai River Fishing

  • Available: 5/16 – 9/30
  • 7 Hour Fishing Trip full-day
  • 5 Hours Fishing 3/4-day 
  • Up to 4 anglers per boat
  • Large groups use multiple boats
  • All equipment provided
  • Combo Trips Available
  • Private Boat Options Available
Kasilof River Fishing

Kasilof River Fishing

  • Available: 5/16 – 9/30
  • 7 Hour Fishing Trip full-day
  • 3/4-day not offered on Kasilof
  • Up to 4 anglers per boat
  • Large groups use multiple boats
  • All equipment provided
  • Combo Trips Available
  • Private Boat Options Available
Bear Viewing and Fly-in Fishing

Bear & Fly-in Fishing

  • Big River Lake: 6/10 – 9/30
  • Crescent Lake:  6/20 – 9/30
  • Brooks Falls: 7/1 – 8/2
Homer Halibut Fishing

Homer Halibut Fishing

  • Available: 5/15 – 9/30
  • Lingcod Available Starting 7/1
  • Halibut, Combo, and Multi-species avaialble
  • Overnight Trips!
  • Private Boat Options Available

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!