Chinook (king) salmon Season: January 1 to July 31 in fresh water,year around in certain saltwaters. The annual bag limit of chinooks in Cook Inlet is five, with a daily limit of one fish. Only 2 of the 5 may be taken from the Kenai River.

Sockeye (red) salmon Season: Year around but primarily available in late June, July and August in the Kenai River. The daily bag limit is from 3 to 6 depending on the area with no annual limit.

Coho (silver) salmon Season: Year around but primarily available in the rivers beginning in August running through September. A second run of coho salmon enters the Kenai in September and is available until season's end in October. Saltwater availability varies with August usually the best time. The saltwater limit is 6 per day, and a daily limit of 3 from the rivers, but only 2 from the Kenai River.

Pink (Humpback) salmon Season: Available every other (even numbered) year. These fish enter the rivers in late July. Their numbers are tremendous to the extent that it can be frustrating trying to get down through them to the coho salmon. What a tough situation! Too many fish! The limit is from 3 to six depending on the area fished.

Chum (dog) salmon Season: While they are not commonly found in the two rivers are occasionally caught here as they pass by on their way to distant water homes. The limit is from 3 to six depending on the area fished.

Halibut Season: Open from March 1 to January 31 the limit is 2 per day with no seasonal limit.

Rainbow Trout Season: Opens June 15 and closes December 31, the limit varies according to area with 2 per day usually allowed. The Kenai River trophy trout area is catch and release only.

Dollie Varden Season: Opens June 15 on the Kenai and closes December 31, the limit is 2 per day. The Kenai River trophy trout area allows for one per day over 24" to be taken.

Alaska Fishing Licenses: Everyone must have a fishing license. Youngsters under 13 must have a punch card for recording their king salmon. Fishing licenses can be obtained over the World Wide Web by going to the State of Alaska's Web Site. They can be purchased on line and will be received in about 2 weeks. This is an easy way to be sure that you have your license with you. Here is a link: Buy Your Alaska Fishing License Here

Non-Resident Fishing License Fees: