Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon

Fish We Catch

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye Salmon Fishing In Alaska

Sockeye salmon are a salmon species that is easily distinguished by its brilliant red color. The bright color is acquired through a high-krill/plankton diet. Sockeye salmon are a thrill to catch!

What to Know About Sockeye Salmon in Alaska

Basic Description: The sockeye salmon is an anadromous species of Pacific salmon. It is primarily red during spawning and can grow up to 84 cm in length and weight 2.3 to 7 kg. Juveniles will live in freshwater until they are ready to migrate to the ocean, over long distances that can be as much as 1,600 km. Sockeye salmon mostly eat zooplankton. This type of salmon is semelparous, meaning that they die after they spawn.

Physical Description: Sockeye salmon are sometimes called red or blueback salmon, due to their color. They are typically silver with a blue tint while they live in the ocean, but they turn red once they return to their spawning grounds. They can be up to 84 centimeters in length and weigh up to 15 pounds. Other distinguishing features include their long, serrated gill rakers that range from 30 to 40 in number, and their lack of a spot on the back or tail.

Season: From early June to late July.

Sockeye Salmon Fishing Charters in Kenai

When it comes to sockeye salmon fishing in Alaska, there’s no better place to fish than the Kenai Peninsula, and there’s no better fishing charter in Kenai than Kenai Kingpin.

Whether you’re a fishing professional or a newcomer to the sport, Kenai Kingpin is here to provide you with the trip of your dreams. With over a decade of experience in the industry, our staff is ready to help you set out on the fishing expedition of your choice.

With charters through multiple rivers and some of the best fishing guides in Kenai, Alaska, you’re right in the middle of the pure Alaskan wilderness. The pristine fishing is unmatched, and it’s waiting there for you. Contact Kenai Kingpin today and experience some of the best fishing you could have, anywhere!

Did You Know?
Specialized For You
Trips & Rates

Kenai Kingpin specializes in family friendly trips for all species of salmon and trout on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. Trips last up to 6 hours or until limits of salmon have been caught. We can accommodate up to 5 anglers per group. Groups with 2-3 anglers may be mixed with other groups.

Fun & Professional Guides
Get To Know Us

Kenai KingPin offers the best fishing charter experience in Soldotna, Alaska. Our crew is family-run and offers local, experienced guides who know the Kenai Peninsula better than anyone. Kenai KingPin specializes in first-time fishers and seasoned veterans alike.

There's Nothing Like It
The Fishing Spots
a river with trees on the side of a mountain
Lower Kenai River

The Lower Kenai River offers fishermen a variety of fishing opportunities. The fish are so big because of the abundant food there, including rainbow trout, steelhead (ocean-run), and Dolly Varden. These fish gorge themselves on small fish, salmon eggs, and salmon carcasses reaching record sizes!  Don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime catches, and get on board with Kenai KingPin today!

a river with a lush green hillside
Middle Kenai River

The Middle Kenai River has become a popular fishing spot. The watershed holds plenty of rainbow trout and steelhead, and there are plenty of stocked salmon too. This section is not just for people who are drift fishing. If you want to use a motor, you can. This river is a great change of scenery, and it’s new territory to explore- after all, the Upper Kenai River is a popular fishing spot as well.

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Lower/Upper Kasilof River

The Kasilof River, meaning “mountain river” in Dena’ina, is a river on the western Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska. This cold, powerful river flows northwest to Cook Inlet near Kasilof. Its upper section is swift and classed as Class II whitewater. It’s not for the faint of heart, but those courageous enough to face its challenge will be rewarded with an adventure unlike any other!