Kenai River · Kasilof · Resurrection Bay
Silver salmon on the Kenai, the Kasilof and in Seward
Two massive silver runs in August and September make the fall the locals' favorite, and Seward silvers start biting July 1.
Chapter 01
August and September: about six weeks of silvers, and pinks in even years
August welcomes the locals’ favorite. Two massive silver salmon runs, in August and September, make this fall fishery on the Kenai Peninsula a popular time. From August 1 to mid September that is about six weeks on the Kenai and Kasilof, and in Seward the silver fishery begins July 1.
Silvers average 10 to 20 pounds, and when the fishing is hot you can expect limits to come fast. Whether you fish the Kenai, the Kasilof, Seward or a remote fly-out, expect acrobatic jumps and reel-screaming runs from these mint bright fish.
Remember pink salmon on even years. Expect millions of pinks in the month of August.
Guests on a boat deck above a catch of rockfish and salmon, with mountains behind
Anchored back bouncing on the river, cut-plug herring in Seward
On the Kenai and Kasilof we anchor the boats and either back bounce salmon egg clusters or fish plugs. At times we also throw spinners in idle water. The take-down, the bite, is the most exhilarating part of the battle, but remember not to set the hook too early. We use light action G-Loomis rods with Shimano reels, so the fishing is simple and relaxing and the catching is fast and furious.
Everyone loves a double header, two fish on at once, but aboard our 28 foot Madeira offshore cruisers in Seward, picture all six anglers with fish on at the same time. That is not rare, it is a daily occurrence. Mooching cut-plug herring as bait, our saltwater captains put you on a huge school of silvers, with ling cod, rockfish and yelloweye on the menu too.
If you fish on your own for pinks and silvers, bring bright colored Blue Fox and Mepps spinners.
Chapter 03
After the fish: limits, the fish house and the length of the day
Historical daily limits on the Kenai have been two silvers in August and three in September. In Seward, saltwater limits have been three silvers in July and August, plus one ling cod, one yelloweye and three rockfish a day. These limits are not set in stone: the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and NOAA can change them at any time.
Guided charters run up to 6 to 8 hours, weather permitting, and all fishing gear is provided. Seward is a two hour drive from the lodge and you drive yourself, so please be on time, because our guides like to be on the water early. Back at the resort the fish house fillets, vacuum seals, freezes and boxes your catch for the flight home.
All vessels and guides are insured and licensed. Call 1-800-625-2324.
Silvers: August 1 to mid September on the rivers
The last bar on the run chart, and the one the locals wait for
Two silver runs, in August and September, on the Kenai and Kasilof. Seward silvers begin July 1. In even years, millions of pinks come through in August.
- All the salmonSalmon fishingKings, sockeye and silvers laid out together.
- Late May to July 1King salmonKasilof drift boats and Cook Inlet trolling, if regulations allow.
- June and July runsSockeye salmonTwo sockeye runs, drifted and fished from the bank.
- From July 1Seward multi-speciesSilvers, ling cod and rockfish aboard 28 foot offshore cruisers.
- 2027 packagesRatesLodging and guided days on the June to September axis.
- Before you flyTrip planningThe spinner list, limits and the two hour drive to Seward.