The best run of salmon in the Kenai River in 2024 was the red salmon run. Specifically, the late run of red salmon from mid July to early August. It was an incredible time to be fishing.
Let’s review the data.
The early red salmon run (Russian River) had an escapement goal of 22,000-42,000 fish. The final weir count was 34,677. This was an average run, but it felt worse than that. I know the days that I went fishing my timing was off and I struggled to catch many fish.
The late red salmon run had an escapement goal of 750,000-1,300,000. The final sonar count was 1,926,350. That was way above the top end of the goal and the success rates definitely reflected the high sonar counts.
The one takeaway I have about 2024 late red salmon run is the timing of it. The run was front heavy with huge numbers showing the third week of July. But, by early August the run slowed down quite a bit. That’s not what happened the previous 4 years.
During that period the late run of red salmon continued until mid August.
So that meant this year we were back in the boat fishing for pink and silver salmon sooner than expected.
What about next year?
The forecast for the 2025 Upper Cook Inlet red salmon run won’t be released until February.
I really anticipate a similar forecast to 2024. In other words, a bunch of reds will hit the river once again. How long the run will go is any one’s guess.
Come back next week I’ll recap the pink salmon run.
See you then.
2024 King Salmon Recap