The Fishing

Name: Sockeye Salmon, Red Salmon Latin: Oncorhynchus Nerka Avg. Size: 6–8 Lbs. Record: 12 Lbs. Location: Kenai River Many salmon snobs consider Reds to be the finest eating of all salmon. The Kenai River has two runs of Sockeye Salmon; The first run is around mid-June through early July, and the second run is around mid-July through mid-August. The timing of each run fluctuates from year to year.		Name: King Salmon Latin: Oncorhynchus Tshawytscha Avg. Size: 20–40 Lbs. Record: 97 Lbs. Location: Kenai River The mighty King Salmon—largest of the Pacific salmon—is the Alaska state fish. The world record of 97+ pounds was caught on the Kenai River! What makes the Kenai River Kings so special is that they stay in Saltwater for up to 6 years—instead of a more typical 2-4 years. The Kenai River King Salmon season starts in late May and runs through July.
Name: Rainbow Trout Latin: Oncorhynchus Mykiss Avg. Size: 2–4 Lbs. Record: 42 Lbs. Location: Kenai River The highly regarded Rainbow Trout is a favorite of many fishermen—spin and fly alike. The Kenai River is considered by many to be one of the finest Rainbow Trout fisheries in the world, and has proven that world class reputation time and time again. It is possible to catch a 30"+ fish weighing in excess of 10 pounds. Kenai River Rainbow Trout are fished from June through October.		Name: Silver Salmon, Coho Salmon Latin: Oncorhynchus Kisutch Avg. Size: 8–12 Lbs. Record: 26 Lbs. Location: Kenai River Silver Salmon are highly coveted by fly-fishermen, as their aggressive strikes and vigorous action will give any eight-weight a run for its money. Pacific Rim Outfitters has landed Kenai River Silvers as big as 18 pounds! You can expect to search these fish out in mid-August through September.
Name: Dolly Varden, Bull Trout Latin: Salvelinus Confluentus Avg. Size: 3–6 Lbs. Record: 18 Lbs. Location: Kenai River Often confused with Arctic Char, this species of Char is a strong fighter with impressive stamina. Named after a Charles Dickens character, these beautiful fish are adorned with pink spotting. Their distinctive markings can be quite brilliant during the spawn. As with Rainbows, it is possible to catch some good-sized specimens on the Kenai—some reaching 10+ pounds. We fish for Dolly Varden from June through October.

Fishing with Pacific Rim Outfitters

When you travel Alaska's rivers with Pacific Rim Outfitters, you will find the experience truly fulfilling. There is much to discuss during the course of a day; safety, river etiquette, fish handling, fish harvesting, fishing techniques, and so on. We want you, the guest, to be informed and educated about the whole experience, so you can better enjoy your trip.

Safety is number one. Educating you on the importance of proper clothing, wading, boat etiquette, and the harsh Alaskan environment will help to ensure your safe return. The Kenai River is a glacially-fed system known for extreme water temperatures year-round. Hypothermia can take hold in fewer than five minutes, and death not long after. Proper clothing is crucial to your survival as well as your comfort.

The type of fish that are being targeted will dictate where and how you will fish. Sometimes the water levels and weather can change drastically, and various trip options will dictate the pace and time spent in the boat. Lunch can be served on board or riverside.

Weather almost never cancels a trip (excluding October). It may, however, dictate what sections of river are available to float.

River etiquette means being a better fisherman, and a steward to the bodies of water that you frequent. It involves knowing when and where to use the latrine, and showing humans and wildlife the respect they deserve. River bed and bank preservation are essential for maintaining Alaska's remaining fisheries, and represent just a few of the concepts that help keep our waterways special places.

Fish handling is easy for some, and very difficult for others. If it is not easy for you, our guides are happy to do the handling. Catch and Release is a technique that helps to preserve the fishery for many generations to come. It is a process that is very hard on the fish, so it is imperative that all of the steps are carried out carefully and methodically.

Fish harvesting is a privilege usually associated with salmon. In addition to legal limits imposed by the State of Alaska, there are other factors to consider: How much fish will be needed? Will you eat it all? How much is too much? Are you prepared to pay the costs of processing and shipping? Your guide will help you make an informed decision.

Fishing techniques are important whether you are spin fishing, back trolling, or fly fishing. Our guides live on and fish the Kenai and other Alaskan rivers year-round, and can often provide helpful techniques to enhance your experience based on water level, local weather, seasonal changes, and your particular style. This can ensure that your money and time are well spent—and your vacation a success.