The Fish
Chinook/King Salmon
King Salmon on the Kenai Peninsula are world renowned. Out of the top 10 record holders, 7 have been caught on the Kenai River, and still the record at 98.6 lbs is held here. Kings are known to be the biggest, the baddest and the Mecca of all the salmon species. While being the toughest salmon to catch they are by far the most thrilling. When your time comes and you get the chance to hook into one of these magnificent creatures it is truly an experience of a lifetime. We fish both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers for Kings. Both of which still have fish 50-60+ lbs running up river every year. The average size these days tends to be between 20-40lbs, with a few 70+lbers landed each year.
Sockeye/ Red Salmon
Sockeye Salmon are the only salmon of the 5 species that do not bite or at least bite very rarely. They are called reds because of their beautiful red flesh which attracts many people around the world. They run up the river in large numbers and are generally an easier bag limit of 3-6 fish per person/per day depending on the year. For reds we stop at a nice bank where everybody can easily stand and line them through the mouth using fly rods, as they swim their way upstream along side the shore. Reds area a great fight, a great choice to fill the freezer and a lot of fun. They average anywhere from 5-12 lbs.
Coho/Silver Salmon
Silver salmon are the most aggressive salmon of the 5 species.. Ranging from 6-20 lbs on the Kenai Peninsula. These fish are known for their acrobatic abilities and willingness to attack and feed on a variety of lures and flies using various techniques. The limit is 2-3 fish per person/per day depending on the time of year. On both the Kenai and Kasilof there are 2 runs. The first run starts the beginning of August and goes until September. The second run begins in September and goes all the way through October.
Pink/ Humpy Salmon
Pink Salmon runs on the Kenai Peninsula happen every other year, and are always on even years. They are the most plentiful of salmon and are a ton of fun to catch. They come up river by the millions and are an aggressive biter which means a lot of catching and heavy action. They are the perfect species for the whole family to come out and have a blast. They range from 6-12 lbs . While not being known as the best salmon to eat, they are still tasty. They are very good smoked and cooked fresh on the grill. Pink salmon run thickest from the beginning of August until the end of September.
Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden
The Kenai Peninsula is known for its world class trout fishing. The trout on the Kenai are one of a kind as they are protein built and muscled up from their diet of salmon flesh and salmon roe. The average size tends to be around 16-25 inches, weighing 5 -8 lbs, but it is not uncommon to hook into a trout 30+ inches, nearing 15 lbs or more. Landing it is another thing all together though. Trout are strictly catch and release on the Kenai as they are protected and grow much slower than salmon. It is not uncommon for us to have 100+ fish days between August and October. Dolly Varden are also in the mix with the trout. They are apart of the Char family and provide a excellent and exciting experience as well.