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Ol_coot's avatar
Ol_coot
Explorer
Apr 19, 2015

Alaska Fish Run Info

For those like me making their first adventure trip to Alaska and who are interested in fishing. Here's what I have found about the expected months for fish runs on the Kenai peninsula. Hope it helps.
Kenai River:
King Salmon----Mid May to early July; Second run early July to season closure on July 31.
Red Salmon---- Mid July to early August
Silver Salmon---- First run late July/late August; 2nd run early September season closure Oct 31.
Russian River (I think it's called combat fishing on this river)
Red Salmon---- First run mid-June to mid-July; second run mid-July to season closure on Aug 20
Kasilof River:
King Salmon---- late May to season closure July 31
Deep Creek Saltwater:
King Salmon---- First run early May to late June, second run late June to early Aug
Homer Spit:
King Salmon---- First run mid-May to early July.
Silver Salmon---- Early Aug to mid-Sept
Dolly Varden---- Mid-May to mid-June
Halibut Cove:
King Salmon---- Mid-May to early July

NONRESIDENT Fishing License cost: 1 day--$20, 3 day--$35, 7 day--$55, 14 day--$80, ANNUAL--$145.
NONRESIDENT KING SALMON TAGS: 1 day--$10, 3 day--$20, 7 day--$30, 14 day-- $50, ANNUAL--$100.

As always, check with locals on current runs and remember, regulations are known to change and Alaska waters are actively managed.
Hope this helps, Enjoy the time being there and be safe.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Apr 19, 2015
    Combat fishing video. I haven't been down there fishing in over 20 years because of all the people. Everyone should experience it once, but I'm not sure if you need to experience more than once. Go on down and have a good time.

    Clicky

    Make sure you have a license and obey the regs. The Fish Cops are out there.

    Bill
  • joe_b_'s avatar
    joe_b_
    Explorer II
    Apr 19, 2015
    I think the combat fishing needs to be looked at more as a social event rather than a fishing one. If you land a few fish, and you probably will, so much the better. Make sure you wear protective gear, wrap around safety glasses to protect from flying sinkers, hats and jackets to protect from the hooks flying through the air at times, etc.

    When living in Alaska, we owned a river front lot on the Kenai River just upstream from Soldotna but I still would go to the Russian combat event for a day or so most years. I met up with a guy from Germany that came over yearly to combat fish, we got together for 5 or 6 years to socialize. Only time of the year we saw each other.
    A good source of fishing info is www.alaskaoutdoorjournal.com many of the historic fish runs are listed. Skip that idea as it appears they have gone out of business. No reason given as to why.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Apr 19, 2015
    Yes, it might even fall under the definition of a "Contact Sport"....

    Bill
  • aces-n-eights's avatar
    aces-n-eights
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2015
    The EOs (Emergency Orders) were flying up here back in the middle of February. There have been several closures so it is a fisherman’s best interest to check the Alaska Fish and Game website for any updates to fishing in your area.

    Here are a few…

    Basically fishing for King salmon in the Kenai river is closed for the season:

    http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/index.cfm?ADFG=region.NR&NRID=2052


    King salmon in Kasilof River is limited to one:

    http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/index.cfm?ADFG=region.NR&NRID=2053


    …and clamming on the west coast of the Kenai Peninsula is closed for the season.

    http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/index.cfm?ADFG=region.NR&NRID=2059

    Be sure to fish legally!
  • AKsilvereagle's avatar
    AKsilvereagle
    Explorer II
    Apr 20, 2015
    As mentioned on emergency orders that become somewhat frequent at times (mainly pertaining to Kenai Peninsula and Chitina areas), do call the recorded toll free hotline or view the website for updated info so you know the immediate changes that occur, despite what the fishing regs will show.

    I am not a big combat fishing fan of sorts either and I have seen the overwhelming crowds lined along the Kenai River bank, although I have handled the crowds of Ship Creek Anchorage, Chitina and Valdez just fine (at least you have plenty of elbow room).....I have yet to take on the invite with my friend's boat that reside in Kenai.
  • tonymull's avatar
    tonymull
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    Those times are broad enough to make sure they cover the run, but the runs peak ant different times almost every year, and many times the bulk of the run passes upstream in just a few days. Good tool though.

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