Now that the 2026 Kenai River salmon runs are in the review mirror, it’s time to reflect on the season of the grand river that owes us nothing.
KING SALMON
The forecast was for a poor return, which meant a summer long closure for the fishery. Unfortunately, the actual run turned out to be worse than projected.
The early king salmon run (May/June) has an optimal escapement goal of 3,900 to 6,000 fish. The final count was 1,499.
The late king salmon run (July/August) has an optimal escapement goal of 15,000 to 30,000 fish. The final count was 9,803 fish.
I wish I could say something positive about the future of this once iconic run of giant king salmon, but I can’t. It’s going to take time and aggressive leadership to turn the tide.
RED SALMON
The optimal escapement goal for Kenai River red salmon is 700,00 to 1.2 million. The final count was 1.11 million fish.
Last season’s record run of red salmon spoiled a lot of people. This year was an average to slightly below average run. There was a 4-5 day period where we had outstanding fishing. Before and after that window, a lot of work and luck was needed to catch fish.
PINK SALMON
Even though the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) does not have an escapement goal for pink salmon, it felt like a normal run this year. For a three week period in August, plenty of action could be found throughout the lower stretches of the river.
SILVER SALMON
Like the pink salmon, ADFG does not have an escapement goal for silver salmon. I would say it was an average or slightly below average run this year. Not everyone limited out, but fish were caught every trip in August and September.
All in all, except for king salmon, not a bad year on the grand river that owes us nothing.
The 2027 salmon forecast will be out some time this winter. I will post it when it’s released.
Platitudes