World Record Chinook Salmon
For the most amazing and picturesque fishing experience of a lifetime, the choice is the Kenai Peninsula. The turquoise waters of the Kenai River are breathtaking. Kenai River King salmon fishing has produced some of the most noteworthy catches on record and produces more every year. The World Record King Salmon was caught on the Kenai River – 97 lb 4 oz!
Best King Salmon Fishing Times
King Salmon are usually running in the Kenai River in the second week of June with the strongest numbers in the third and fourth week of June. There have been Kings caught as late as August. Most Chinook Salmon are usually caught in the month of June.
Bank Fishing for King Salmon
I’ve also spent many days bank fishing for King Salmon. When bank fishing on the Kenai River, I use an ugly stick with a 50-pound test line on a sturdy spinning reel. I put about 18 inches of leader with a steel leader I recommended for the last few six inches or so. I found bouncing row (processed salmon eggs) off the bottom and drifting it downstream to be the most effective. Some of my favorite spots on the Kenai River are, of course, Joy’s Kenai River Cabins. I have had good luck at the convergent of the Kenai River and the Moose River. Six Mile Creek from Cooper Landing float has some of the greatest fishing anywhere on the Kenai Peninsula.
Flyout King Salmon Fishing
Flyout trips for King Salmon give you an opportunity to fish areas that most folks will never see.
Things to take with you King Salmon Fishing on the Kenai River
There is lots of daylight in Alaska when you will be King Salmon fishing. June 23 is the summer solstice with 20 hours of sunshine. A quality pair of sunglasses are must, polarized lenses are highly recommended for spotting fish.
Be certain that someone in your party has a camera. The most common problem we hear from visitors is they didn’t have enough space on their camera, so please bring some extra storage, you are going to need it. You will want to have a memento of your fishing day holding up your record Chinook Salmon.
Rain gear is another thing you don’t want to be without the weather changes without notice. Warm, layered clothes are good since you can put on or take off layers as needed. The morning temperatures will be in the 40s and afternoons in the 80s. Warm wool socks and an extra pair in your backpack is always a good idea. You’ll find wrestling a King Salmon on your pole is hard work and you can work up a sweat landing your King Salmon. Find some more tips on what to bring here.
After the Fishing the Kenai River
When the day is done and you are back at Joy’s Kenai River Cabins, you’ll be telling stories at dinner of the outstanding day all the wildlife, and how you really caught the biggest fish and the ONE THAT GOT AWAY.
You’ll enjoy a filet from your daily catch. Plan to have some of your salmon packaged at the professional processor and shipped home. The cost is about $2.00 per pound to have it packaged, boxed, and shipped. The actual price will vary depending on transportation costs. We have three or four professional services we can refer you to that we have dealt with for years. They have treated our clients fairly and professionally.
You will enjoy memories of your Kenai River King Salmon fishing all year when sharing filets with your friends.
