Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) salmon spend most their lives in the open ocean, south of the Aleutian Islands where they develop their rich flavor and bright red flesh that is characteristic of this species from a diet of krill. A blue-tinged silver in color, Sockeye salmon live four to five years and are the slimmest and most streamlined of the five species of Pacific salmon. It is the most sought-after salmon species due to it’s rich flavorful meat and acrobatics when their on the end of the line.

The Kenai River has two runs of sockeye salmon. The first run, is the Russian River salmon are best fished near the Russian River in the Cooper Landing area. Alaska sockeye salmon fishing starts June 11 and traditionally peaks June 25 and size 6-8 pounds. The second run on the Kenai River is the largest, traditionally entering the river at fishable quantity by July 17, and can be pursued up the river corridor as they migrate. The second run average 8-12 pounds.

We have great sockeye salmon fishing in Alaska. Contact us today for more information on our Alaska fishing trips.