The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released their forecast for the 2021 early Kenai king salmon run (May/June). Details can be found here.
First, the good news. The run is projected to make the optimum escapement goal. The fishery will open to retention of king salmon under 34”.
Now, the not-so-good news. The forecast is near the bottom end of the goal. There is not a lot of wiggle room if the forecast is incorrect.
I’ve said this many times, but it bears repeating. If you’re looking for the quietest time to fish the Kenai River, May and June is the time to be here. It’s become a quiet time because the run is inconsistent. There are days when you can have double digit hookups, and then, a week can go by without a single bite. It’s definitely a gamble.
By the way, if you’re wondering who the people in the photo are, they are my neighbors and founding members of the Beaver Creek All Stars. On the left is Carol, and on the right is MJ. The two caught early, early, saltwater king salmon on January 27th out of Homer. Awesome fish ladies!
United We Fish