Kenai Pinks at a Glance
Best Time: Late July – late August
Open Season: All Year
Fish Size: 4-6 lbs., up to 12 lbs.
Gear: Light-ultra-light rod/reel, 6-12 lb. line
Tackle: Spoons, spinners, plugs, attractors, flies
Techniques: Casting, drifting, wet fly swing
Hot Spots: Lower and Middle Kenai River
PINK SALMON IN THE KENAI RIVER
The Kenai receives one of the largest runs of pink salmon in the Southcentral region. Although the exact population size is not known, it is estimated that numbers are easily in multiple millions. Like most waters in Alaska, pink runs in the Kenai are cyclical with the heaviest runs appearing in even-numbered years (2018, 2020, 2022, etc.), while odd years produce significantly fewer fish.
There are two main populations of salmon in the river; tributary fish and mainstem Kenai fish. The former enters the river first, followed by the much larger mainstem run several weeks later. In addition, the late-running pinks are physically larger than their tributary counterparts. Their distribution within the system is fairly extensive, with fish spawning from the tidal zone to near headwaters, yet the vast majority of pinks only utilize areas downstream of Skilak Lake.
Description
Ocean Phase: Steel blue to blue green on back; silver on sides fading to white on the belly. Faint oval-shaped spots cover back and dorsal fin, more pronounced on both lobes of tail fin. Flesh color is light orange.
Spawning Phase: Dirty brown on back; sides are mottled yellowish green; belly creamy white. Males develop very distinct humped backs and elongated, hooked snouts. Females retain seagoing shape but color same as males. Large, black, oval spots are visible on back, dorsal fin, and both lobes of tail fin. Flesh color is white.
Timing: Arriving in July, the early run is bound for clearwater tributaries where spawning takes place during the month of August. The late run moves into the Kenai in August and spawns in the mainstem river in September.
Size: Common weight for early-run fish is 2 to 4 pounds with occasional specimens to 6 pounds. Late-run pinks are notably bigger, averaging 4 to 6 pounds, with some fish to 8 pounds. It is in this run that one may encounter trophy pinks in the 9- to 11-pound range. The state record pink salmon was caught in the Kenai River (Middle section) in 2016, measured 31 inches long, and weighed 13 pounds, 7 ounces.
FISHING FOR KENAI PINKS
The Kenai supports tremendous numbers of pinks in even-numbered years. It is mostly Alaskans that partake in this fishery yet a growing number of visitors have come to appreciate these littlest of salmon. Fishing is mainly from the bank but boaters do just as well.
With the sheer abundance of pinks, they are usually extremely easy to catch with the “fish-on-every-cast” notion certainly not an exception but the rule on the Kenai. Bag limits are very liberal and there is no closed season, further fueling anglers interest as they enjoy the light-gear opportunity as well as help stock the freezer. If you are interested in non-stop action and taking home pinks for canning, this is it.
When & Where
A few pinks begin to trickle in as early as June, build in numbers during July, peak in August, and tapers off through September. Outstanding sport may be had virtually anywhere between the outlet of Skilak Lake downstream to the river mouth at Cook Inlet. Most anglers that target pinks, however, do so in or near the tidal area of the river as they are assured peak numbers of chrome fish. Higher up in the drainage, around Sterling, expect to be more selective through catch-and-release if targeting edible fish. As a general rule, the farther upstream you go, the more colored salmon you will encounter. Pinks on the Upper Kenai are usually in or near the spawning phase, as well as significantly less abundant.
Timing
| Location (Area) | Rating | Best Time |
| Lower Kenai River | 1) Poor-fair | mid-July – late July |
| (Kenai/Soldotna) | 2) Excellent | mid-August – late August |
| Middle Kenai River | 1) Fair | mid-July – late July |
| (Sterling) | 2) Excellent | mid-August – late August |
| Upper Kenai River | 1) Poor | late July |
| (Cooper Landing) | 2) Poor | late August |
| 1) Early run; 2) Late run |
Structure
Not particularly strong swimmers, pinks prefer to hold in areas of the river with slow current. Zero in on the mouths or seams of sloughs and channels, the slackwater stretch immediately behind islands, and holes and pools of the mainstem river. Casting into the relaxed flow of an incoming or outgoing tide can yield phenomenal results.
Like reds and silvers, pinks travel close to shore when migrating through moderate to fast current, usually in two to four feet of water. For fast and consistent action, however, you should avoid areas with a strong current. In tributaries, pinks school up in the deepest section of water available.
What & How
The vast majority of anglers targeting pinks on the Kenai use a plain spinning rod of size that provides a challenge from a fish only weighing a few pounds. Although ultra-light gear provides more sport, a slightly heavier outfit may be more desirable. Keep in mind that when pinks are in thick, accidental snagging is common and nearly unavoidable due to the sheer volume of fish stacked in various holes. Prepare to release a lot of fish; thus, some anglers use only single hook lures. Fly-fishers frequently bend down the barbs.
Conventional Gear and Tackle
To enjoy these small salmon, think light. A small spinning rod rigged with a colorful lure is the most common setup. Pinks are typically not very fond of bait but will mouth a small cluster of salmon roe drifted along the bottom.
Spin-/Bait-Casting: 6 ½- to 8-foot, fast action salmon rod and matching high performance freshwater spinning-/bait-casting reel with150 yards of 6- to 12-pound test line.
Best Lures: Pinks are generally not finicky and anything with a silver flash in combination with fluorescent colors will produce fish. Spoons, spinners, plugs, and attractors all take their fair share of salmon. Most anglers keep it simple, using medium-sized spoons (1/2 oz.) and spinners (sz. 3-4). Pixie, Krocodile, Syclops, Vibrax, and G.I. Spinner are all popular brands. Top base colors include orange, pink, and chartreuse.
Fly Gear and Patterns
As with conventional gear, a 6-weight system will take you far and is the perfect choice anywhere on the river. Some anglers select even lighter gear in the quiet tidal section of the river for more sporting enjoyment.
Fly-Fishing: 5- to 6-weight, 8- to 9 ½-foot medium-fast action rod and salmon/trout class reel with 100 yards of 20-pound backing, WF full floating, intermediate, or sink tip II-IV lines, and 6- to 10-pound tippet.
Best Flies: Much along the same line as with lures, anything silver with orange, chartreuse, or pink will draw attention. Attractor and egg imitation flies (hook size 2-5) are top base choices for patterns. Flash Fly, Alaskabou, Everglow, Wiggletail, and Battle Creek and alike are proven effective.
Techniques and Presentations
Anglers do not concern themselves too much regarding proper techniques and methods as when targeting other salmon species as pinks, due to their sheer numbers and aggressiveness, are just as well caught by very simple and straightforward means. This makes for a more laidback outing and the perfect fishery for which to introduce children. Casting and drifting lures and flies in holding water is all it takes. Fish around the tides or be on the water at dawn to increase catch rate.
Casting: Use spoons, spinners, and flies with a slow but steady retrieve/strip. Being the aggressive fish that they are, pinks will more than likely give chase, sometimes even two or three fish at a once.
Drifting: Where there is enough current to carry a lure or fly downstream through the water columns, a simple drift is deadly. Pinks will mouth the offering as it floats by. Spoons, spinners, and flies are best.
Rules & Regulations
Lower Kenai River: Open season is January 1 through December 31. The daily bag limit is six (6) fish.
Upper Kenai River: Open season is June 11 through April 30. The daily bag limit is three (6) fish.
Consult the ADF&G Sport Fishing Regulations for more information.