Possible fishing last week of May

Question

Hello! Thank you in advance for any local advice. We have tickets for Anchorage May 24-30th. Most likely we will spend a lot of our time in the Kenai Peninsula area. We have not booked our Airbnbs yet. We would like to fish but realize that this is "early season". We found a guide that offers river fishing on the Kasilof River during this time. I know that fishing is never a sure thing...but is salmon fishing ever done this early in the season? Any opinions on this specific river or other fishing suggestions (river or off shore) during this time would be so appreciated! Thank you!

Answer

Fishing in the Kenai Peninsula in late May can be a bit early for some species of salmon, but there are still good opportunities depending on the river, species, and type of fishing you are targeting.

The Kasilof River is known for early-season salmon fishing. In late May, it is possible to catch early runs of king salmon (Chinook), especially with a guided trip, though the peak of the salmon run usually comes later in June and July. Silver (Coho) and sockeye salmon generally arrive later in the season, so they are less likely to be abundant at that time.

Some points to consider for fishing in late May on the Kasilof River and nearby areas:

Early Season Advantages: Fewer crowds compared to mid-summer, so guided trips can be more personal and rivers are less busy.
Water Levels: Spring snowmelt can increase water levels, which sometimes makes fishing more challenging but also creates good conditions for salmon holding in deeper pools.
Other Species: In addition to salmon, you may catch rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and other resident fish that are active in May.

Other fishing suggestions around the Kenai Peninsula for late May include:

Kenai River: Early king salmon fishing is possible; river guides can provide the best spots based on flow and recent fish activity.
Homer Area (offshore): Halibut fishing opens in May, so if you are interested in saltwater fishing, a halibut charter from Homer can be productive and is a popular early-season option.
Russian River: Typically later in the season for sockeye, but some early runs of trout and salmon may be present.

Tips for planning:

Booking a guide is highly recommended, especially for early-season fishing when conditions can be variable.
Check local fishing reports or talk to the guide before booking, as they can provide the most up-to-date information on fish activity.
Consider splitting your time between river and saltwater fishing to maximize your chances of success in late May.

Overall, while it is slightly early for peak salmon fishing, guided trips on the Kasilof River or offshore halibut trips from Homer can still provide a productive and enjoyable experience in late May.