Kenai River Silver Salmon Fishing Charter
Kenai River Silver Salmon - Big, Acrobatic, & Abundant
The Kenai River Silver Salmon Run
Our Kenai River silver salmon fishing charters are some of the best fall fishing you’ll find anywhere in Alaska. The Kenai River Silver Salmon fishery features two distinct runs, giving anglers unique experiences each season. The first run, occurring in August, brings early-season Silver Salmon. We’ll usually catch the first silver salmon of the season in the last days of July while fishing for sockeye. This becomes thrilling as we use gear specially designed for sockeye. When an additional 4 to 6 pounds of line-peeling silver salmon joins in, you’re in for a real battle.
Starting around August 10th, silver salmon are arriving in big enough numbers that we can consider specifically targeting them rather than just getting lucky and catching one while we’re sockeye fishing. The first run will peak about the 3rd week of August. This is a great time to be fishing as the crowds have dwindled a bit and the days are still long and warm. Additionally, the fall colors are just starting to show.
The second run in September transforms the Kenai River Silver Salmon fishing experience. The fish during this run are typically even larger than the first run of Kenai River silver salmon. As autumn sets in, the riverbanks and surrounding wilderness burst into vibrant hues. The foliage turns into a rich tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp, cool air and shorter days make this natural show even better. It creates a serene and almost magical atmosphere. The fall colors along the Kenai River provide a breathtaking setting for outdoor activities, including fishing and wildlife viewing, making it a visually spectacular time to visit.
How We Fish For Silver Salmon
Our our Kenai River silver salmon fishing charter trips, we employ similar techniques to those used for King Salmon. Bait-wrapped Kwikfish, and eggs on Spin-n-Glo lures, or back-bouncing eggs are common techniques.
However, unlike Kings that dwell in the river’s deepest parts, Silver Salmon usually swim closer to the bank. The Kenai River silver salmon prefer slightly shallower, slower-moving waters.
One of the really nice changes that happens to the Kenai River is that starting on August 1st, we can anchor our boats on the Kenai River. Anchoring boats while fishing is not permitted in July on The Kenai River.
Sunrise in August is around 6:30AM and we’ll want to be on our fishing spot right at first light. We’ll get to our spot, put the lines in the water, rods in the rod holders, and relax. It’s an incredibly peaceful type of fishing compared to the constant back-trolling for king salmon or the constant flossing for sockeye salmon.
With the addition of a quick release buoy we can quickly detach from our anchor to chase the fish up and down the river. Once landed, we can simply tie back up to our anchor and buoy, and reset the gear.
Kenai River Silver Salmon Fishing Charter In August
Silver Salmon fishing on the Kenai River in August offers a unique and memorable experience for anglers. August on the Kenai River, especially early August, is characterized by warm weather and great fishing conditions.This pleasant climate, combined with the long daylight hours – up to 17 hours at the beginning of the month, decreasing to about 14 hours by the end – provides plenty of daylight for fishing and exploring our area. The river conditions are typically stable, supported by melting snow and glaciers, offering ideal conditions for anglers.
For a brief period in August we can also offer both sockeye fishing and silver salmon fishing on the same outing. These trips are available from approximate 8/10 to 8/20. However, they can start earlier or later depending upon how the silver salmon and sockeye salmon runs are doing.
August’s combination of warm weather, abundant fish, and relatively quieter riverbanks makes it an ideal time. Both novice and seasoned anglers can easily enjoy themselves in the rich fishing opportunities of the Kenai River. Whether targeting silver salmon, the last days of the sockeye run, or engaging in trout fishing it’s a great time of year to be fishing in Alaska.August on the Kenai River, particularly early in the month, brings warm weather and excellent fishing conditions. The nice weather and long daylight hours – up to 17 hours early in August, dropping to around 14 hours by month’s end – offer ample time for fishing and exploring our region.
Kenai River Silver Salmon Fishing Charter In September
September on the Kenai River is a prime time for Silver Salmon fishing. The September silver salmon fishery is typically very consistent and strong. September’s run of Silver Salmon is known for its larger fish. On our Kenai River silver salmon fishing charters we’ll employ various techniques such as backtrolling, casting spinners, and stripping streamers with fly rods, adapting to the varying water levels that September brings.
The weather in September on the Kenai Peninsula is characteristically variable. Fall temperatures set in and days are noticeably shortening. Anglers should be prepared for a range of conditions including rain, wind, and sunshine, sometimes experiencing all of these within a single day! This variability adds an element of unpredictability and adventure to the fishing experience.
Daylight hours in September also change significantly. The month starts with about 14 hours of daylight on the 1st, gradually decreasing to approximately 11 hours by the 30th. This reduction in daylight reflects the transition into fall, with sunrise on the first day of September in Kenai at around 6:45 AM and sunset at about 9:15 PM. This shifts to a later sunrise at 8:00 AM and an earlier sunset at 7:30 PM by the end of the month. Because of the sunrise getting later each day, by the time we reach mid-September, we usually start our Kenai River silver salmon fishing charters about an hour later than our start time during early August.
Kenai River Silver Salmon Fishing Charter Limits & Regulations
Kenai River daily fishing limits for Silver Salmon are subject to change based on ongoing conservation considerations. Usually, in August, the daily limit is set at 2 Silver Salmon per person. On September 1st, this limit is increased to 3 Silver Salmon per person per day. These limits are all set by regulation and have been at these levels for many years.
However, it’s important to note that Silver Salmon are not included in the sonar enabled fish count data that we get for Kenai River king salmon or Kenai River sockeye salmon.
This lack of specific fish count data makes it challenging to monitor the health of the fishery over time. Despite this, both runs of Silver Salmon (August Run & September Run) in the Kenai River are considered very healthy. Nonetheless, the absence of detailed data and concrete numbers has raised concerns and a preference to approach the situation cautiously.
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that by 2024 or shortly thereafter, the September limit for Silver Salmon on the Kenai River might be reduced from 3 to 2 per person per day. This would align September with the August limit, to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
Kenai Sportfishing charters
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
- 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 & 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
- 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!