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.

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If you’re a regular reader of the blog you know that every fall I’ll share some of the notes that our guests will leave on the cabin whiteboards.

Here are a few from the 2026 season.

And, here are a couple of bonus comments. 

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On Thursday, my little sister, along with her colleagues at KAXE radio, were recognized by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association with two awards. The Morning Show received the Content Creator Award, which my sister has been involved with for over 20 years. And, Andrew Dziengel was awarded the 2026 Young Professional of the Year. 

Congrats Heidi, and to everyone associated with KAXE radio. It’s great that a small independent radio station in Northern Minnesota has been recognized for the quality work they do. 

An article about the awards ceremony can be found on KAXE’s website. 

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Thanks Beaver Creek Dock Crew!!! We miss you Dan.

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I spent time on the river swapping stories with friends, and the fish were biting too. A win/win.

Nobody understands being a fishing guide like the guy in the photo above. Kevin and I grew up in the same town in Minnesota where we both started guiding at the age of 14.

That’s where our stories diverge.

I guided occasionally at my parent’s resort while Kevin was a full time member of the famous Nisswa Guides League. At least 7 members of this fishing fraternity have been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.  

At an early age Kevin was one of the top guides and was always in demand. By the time he was 18 he was running over 200 trips a year. Guiding paid for college and after he graduated he started a career as an outdoor manufacturer rep. He didn’t give up fishing, just guiding.

Back to our Kenai River story.  

I didn’t sleep well the night before Kevin and I went fishing. I was nervous. It would be our first time fishing together. We got out before sun rise to get a good spot. As it got light enough to see, the first silver salmon of the day slammed his Kwikfish lure. 

Instant relief for me. The pressure was off.

About an hour later his limit was complete when he caught his second salmon.  

I’m glad I could be a small part of Kevin and his wife Ann’s 40th wedding anniversary trip to Alaska. Congrats to the both of you.

After a two year absence, my college roommate Don, and his friend Dave,  were back. I asked them if they wanted halibut or salmon to bring back home.

They wanted both.

Boo was available on Tuesday so it was off to Homer for a day of fishing on the ocean.  

It was an absolutely gorgeous day.

The added bonus was getting up close and personal with a pod of orcas.  

The next day we were back on the river chasing salmon. Here’s Don with a beauty.

Dave was the first to catch his limit.

Don caught his two fish as well. Excellent job, guys!

Well, that’s it for weekly fishing reports for the 2026 season. It’s sad that’s it over considering how well the weather and fishing has held up. 

Truly a grand river that owes us nothing.  

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Nick, Brittany, and Ken got the week started. A steady morning bite kept us just busy enough not to get distracted by the scenery. As always, I enjoyed my time in the boat with the three of you and look forward to the next time we do it all over again. Nick, by the way, your custom color lure will be out of the lineup until your return. It would be heartbreaking if it was lost to a snag, seal, or monster silver.

Jane and I were able to sneak out one day this week too. Again, Jane had the hot seat. 

When it was all said and done, Jane caught her limit. At least I was able to contribute one to the family freezer.  

I finished the week fishing with my old friend Gary and his high school buddy Dave. They had their limit before lunch. It was an exclamation point to a mighty fine week. 

See you next Sunday with a final fishing report from a grand river that owes us nothing.

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Roll to the fishing report…

Early in the week I was able to take Jane out for a few hours. It’s rare that she doesn’t catch a fish.

Also rare is a photo of me in the weekly fishing report. I caught a nice silver and Jane insisted on taking a photo.  

The Beaver Creek All Stars, consisting of Captain Bruce along with Anita and Gary, had a great couple of days on the river. Above is Captain Bruce with the haul from Day 1.

The rest of the crew after Day 2.  Nice job, guys!

It was so good to have Nick, Brittany, and Ken back in my boat. Not a bad Day 1.

The second day for the trio started with Ken catching a beauty. Optimism was abound…

Unfortunately, it was a long 6 hours before Nick caught the second silver of the day. Not exactly how I envisioned things would go but some days are like that.

I do have a third trip with Nick, Brittany, and Ken, and those results will appear on next week’s fishing report. I have a good feeling…

As always, come back next Sunday to see what this grand river that owes us nothing has given us.  

BONUS PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK.

*thanks Bruce for the use of your photos.

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Mike and Morgan started the week off on the right track. We were back to the dock before lunch with a limit of silver salmon (and a bonus red and pink salmon too!). Not a bad way for the two of them to begin their Alaskan adventure.  

Check out this scene in front of Beaver Creek. The last couple of weeks harbor seals have been everywhere. It’s good and bad seeing them in the river. If they are there that means salmon are around. That’s good. It’s also bad because they are after what we are after and they have no limit on how many they can take.

After I finished my day with Mike and Morgan, I was able to take Jane out. It didn’t take her long to catch her limit.

How about that? On the first day of September my boat seat covers were iced over. I was little worried that the Floridians I was fishing would be uncomfortable in freezing temperatures.   

Nope.

George and Ben were prepared and handled it fine.

George, Ben, and I sat in the dark and waited for the sun to rise. Before we knew it, we were treated to beautiful 60 degree day on the water.  

And a few fish were caught too. Ben had the hot seat and caught his limit. George, however, didn’t have the same luck. He said he’d get ‘em tomorrow.

You know what? He did.

When it was all said and done, on Day 2 both of them ended up with their limit. Ben may have caught more fish in two days, but George got the biggest. Both are winners!

I have to give a special shout out to my friend George. He’s been coming to Alaska since 2005 and is one of the Beaver Creek All Stars. I know I’ve aged since we first met, but George has defied Father Time. It’ll be good to see you and your family next year and hopefully Ben’s too.

Early limits with George and Ben meant Jane and I got to go out. The goal was dinner, but she clearly caught more than that.  

The following day I was off which meant more fishing for Jane and I. Jane got her limit thanks to a “phone call” bite with Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary Jo. At least I wasn’t completely shut out like the previous trips with Jane. 

Well, that’s about it for the fishing report. Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day weekend.

BONUS PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK.

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Gary Blinn and crew have been coming to Beaver Creek Cabins & Guide Service since 1996. Rain or shine, fish or no fish, it’s going to be a good time when they’re here.

The week started out with a bang.  Plenty of silvers and pinks kept the rods bending all morning. From right to left is Tristan, Jody, Alex, and Sam. Jody and Sam are veterans, but this was the first day of fishing for Tristan and Alex.  It was quite an introduction for a week fishing the river, the ocean, and a fly-out across the inlet.

Since we limited out early enough in the day, I was able to take Jane out fishing. That’s a Kenai trifecta she’s holding…a silver, red, and pink salmon. It’s hard to believe but this was the first time this summer we had the time to fish the river together in a boat. That will change soon. I’m not as busy in September so our fishing relationship will improve. I look forward to it.

The next day I was out with Ben, Buddy, and Anna. Quality silvers all weighing over 10lbs. A side note, the day before this trip Buddy caught a 175 halibut. Truly impressive.
Perfect morning, perfect group, perfect amount of silvers. From left to right is Renee, Sallie, and Ella.

The week ended with another fine morning with Sam, Alex, and Jody.  This was the last trip of Blinn Week. As Sam was leaving the boat he told me he’s been here 6 times and this is the most fish he’s brought back home. Glad I could be a part of it…

I’ll end the blog with this. A big thanks to Gary! It’s always enjoyable to spend time with you…I’ll see you down the road.

BONUS PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK. 

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The week started with Mackenzie and Mike. Mackenzie caught a limit of silvers and pinks while Mike fell one silver salmon short of filling out too.

Still, “not getting them all” made for a nice haul of fish heading back to Aberdeen, South Dakota. 

Mike and Mackenzie joined Chris and Brandy for Super Tuesday. Multiple fish on at multiple times kept all of us on our toes. A great way for Mike and Mackenzie to end their fishing adventures in Alaska, and for Chris and Brandy to begin theirs.

The next day was Day 2 for Brandy and Chris. I thought the early morning tide would bring in a lot of fish in to  the system but it didn’t. By noon we had our limits of pinks, but both were short one silver salmon. I suggested we should filet and process what we had and go back out in the afternoon to catch the final two silvers.

I love it when a plan comes together. In about a half hour of fishing, the daily silver limit was complete!

On Day 3, Chris and Brandy decided they had enough pink salmon to bring back home and wanted to focus on silver salmon. No problemo! I enjoyed our time together and look forward to seeing you guys next year.

The fishing week ended with a wonderful day with Chris and Nate. I’ve known Chris for 26 years, so it was fun sharing decades worth of Kenai River stories. 

I think Nate humored a couple of old guys talking about Guide 003, MP, the Half-Abascan, the Monkey Wharf, Gussie Lamore’s, and Charlie’s.  A very fun day for me and a great way to cap off the fishing week. 

So, I’ll see you next Sunday with a recap of fishing on a grand river that owes us nothing.  

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