Avid anglers and fishing enthusiasts are always looking for new destinations and exciting fishing experiences. If you’re wondering when it is the best time to visit Alaska, the answer depends on your objective. The Kenai Peninsula and its waters provide an extraordinary experience from late May through September, but you need to decide what you are targeting.

Around early May, the river becomes shallow and extremely clear. It is around this time that the salmon runs start delivering catchable numbers. This run is smaller than the July run, but it is a more enjoyable experience for those who want to be around fewer anglers and boats.

During this time, the salmon tend to assemble in a few deep holes, and each tide brings in a fresh crop into the river Kenai.

The king salmon is a favorite for fishing enthusiasts in the Kasilof River, a glacier-fed waterway that leads to the Cook Inlet. It also provides a brilliant opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged grace of this flawless environment. Since the water is low on the Kasilof, drift boats are the most effective way to fish. Multiple hook-ups are common, and kids love the seemingly endless action.

Sockeye, or reds, are usually considered Alaska’s best-tasting fish. They become catchable in mid-June through early August. Beginning in the upper-Kenai, Russian River reds are often the first of many. By mid-July, the second run will get going at a tremendous rate when up to a million sockeyes begin entering the river for about four weeks. They are the most popular and attract thousands of anglers every year.

While the Kenai is home to several king salmon fisheries, keen anglers love the many world-class rainbows and Dolly Varden fisheries it holds.

The upper-Kenai (above Skilak lake) has an extraordinary catch-and-release trout fishery. Trout fishing on the Kenai is undoubtedly great all summer, but the action gathers momentum as salmon begin to spawn and invite several hungry rainbows and Dollies.

No Alaskan fishing experience would be complete without chasing the halibut! Specimens range from 10 to 400 pounds. However, weather conditions may affect what is available.

The Cook Inlet is productive from May to September. You can catch various species depending on the time of year, and low tides offer the best shot at rod-bending excitement.

Regardless of the time you choose to visit, the entire summer is the best time to visit Alaska.

If you are looking for the best fishing guide trips and charters in Alaska, check out www.Dupeafish.com.

Author: Christian Bacasa

Dupe a Fish, LLC.

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