Ask the Pros - Fishing for Sockeye Salmon from Shore on the Kenai Peninsula

Email Sent

Posted by Pro's on February 15, 2025 Ask the Pros (99)

We will be in Seward late June and would like to do some shore fishing for Sockeye Salmon. I've heard and read mixed reviews about snagging them and if they'll be running at that time of the year. Can you give me any input? We are using a local company for a private tour of 8 people. I think he planned on staying local or should we head up to Kenai River, coopers landing?
Dawn
Hi Dawn,
Your timing into Seward will put you in the middle of their typical timing, they run from Mid-May to the end of July. With that being said, that is not always the case so it can vary. If the Kenai’s first run is on time, your timing will put you on the back end of that, but if they are a little behind (which was the case last year) you could hit in the sweet spot. Cooper Landing is only 45 min from Seward, so it is an easy transition to move if one is better than the other. The only problem would be getting a guide on short notice, possibly.
By the end of May/first of June, we will have a much better outlook on what is happening, which gives you some time to make a decision possibly.
Anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Thanks - Mike

Mike Brown - Owner of Mossy's Fly Shop in Anchorage, Alaska
Dawn,
Congrats on your upcoming trip to Alaska! Depending on the red run there may be some options for snagging in Seward in Resurrection Bay. It really just varies from season to season. The same thing applies to the Kenai River. Some years the 1st run is present in good numbers there, other years in smaller numbers. Regardless you will have fun fishing in Alaska! Good Luck!
Cheers,
Cheers - Adam

Adam Cuthriell - Part owner of FishHound Expeditions. His wife Kathryn Cuthriell and business partner Dave "Reps" Repta make up the rest of the company as well as their dogs Hatch, Rado, and Pike. They fish, live, and guide in Alaska year-round. When not guiding on the rivers they guide ice fishing on Alaska's numerous lakes. Originally from Colorado, he began guiding at the age of 19 while receiving a degree in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. Adam is also a current state of Alaska EMT.
Have a question of your own?

Ask The Pros

Popular Alaska Fishing Destinations

Alaska Parks Highway

A 358-mile adventure from Anchorage to Fairbanks - There are many fishing spots along the Parks Highway...most are smaller walk & wade streams but there are also some small lakes as well.

Kasilof River

Known as the "Little Brother of the Kenai River" - The Kasilof is a glacially fed river, approximately 17 miles long and the prime fishing targets are King, Sockeye & Silver Salmon as well as Steelhead.

Sitka

Fishing & Adventure on Baranof Island - Visit Sitka for great fishing for Halibut & Salmon, a good variety of lodges from luxury to afforable and a wealth of outdoor activities & wildlife viewing on Baranof Island.

Ketchikan

The Salmon Capital of the World - A great option to base your fishing trip out of or stop for an afternoon of fishing while on an Alaska cruise…A wide variety of options from daily charters to luxury resorts and everything in between.

Seward

Nestled Between the Kenai Mountains & the Ocean - Excellent Saltwater fishing for Halibut, Salmon & Lingcod in the Gulf of Alaska & Resurrection Bay

Homer

The Hailibut Capital of the World - Located at th Southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Offers easy access to excellent saltwater & freshwater fishing as well as a wealth of activities, restuarants & lodging options to choose from.