Flossing for salmon on the breathtaking Kenai River in Alaska takes practice, but it’s much easier with the right gear and know-how.
If you want to catch some salmon on the Kenai River by rod and reel this summer, you must know how to floss for these fish correctly to increase your chances of success.
10+ Tips on Flossing for Salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska
In this how-to guide on flossing salmon (also called the “Kenai flip”) on the Kenai River, I’ll tell you all you need to know to have a successful do-it-yourself Alaska fishing trip.
Topics include the best times to floss for salmon, where to go, what fishing gear to use, how to floss, fishing regulations, and other fishing tips. Flossing for salmon on the Kenai River in Alaska is a bucket-list experience not to be missed!
1. How to Get to the Kenai River
To floss for these sockeye salmon, first you must head to the epicenter of sockeye salmon action in Soldotna, Alaska. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, Soldotna offers numerous public access opportunities to the Kenai River and numerous fishing guides.
Soldotna, Alaska
Map of the Kenai River
The Kenai River runs 82 miles from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet and is designated into three sections: the lower, middle, and upper Kenai River.
2. Best Times to Floss for Salmon
Next, you’ll want to be in Soldotna when the fish are there or “running.” Alaska is home to the largest population of salmon in the U.S., and the Kenai River sees an annual migration of 1.5 to 3 million sockeye (red) salmon.
When the fish are in, people from all over the state and the world drop what they’re doing to participate in this two —to three-week harvest of red-fleshed salmon.
Late season Kenai River Salmon Run
The best time to catch sockeye salmon by flossing is from July 14 to July 31, when the late run peaks. If you are choosing one time frame to come to Alaska to fish for salmon, I recommend this time frame.
July 14 to July 31
The fish tend to be most abundant, and your chances of success are highest during this period. However, timing can vary, so check the Alaska Fish & Game Fish Counts for the latest information on the sockeye run.
3. Salmon Life Cycle
Successful flossing for salmon on the Kenai River helps to understand sockeye salmon’s life cycle and biology.
Understanding Salmon Biology
Once sockeye salmon enter the river to spawn, they stop feeding, meaning they won’t bite your hook intentionally. Instead, you catch them by flossing—drifting a hook between their open jaws.
4. Flossing Salmon Terminal Tackle
1. Lead Weights: Start with a 3/4-ounce weight; increase if needed by 1/4-ounce at a time.
2. Hooks: 6/0 hooks, sharp and firm.
3. Swivels: Brass triple swivels to connect components.
4. Line: 30 lb. test line for durability.
5. Attractors: Plastic beads or yarn
A triple swivel tied to a hook, reel line, and lead weight is a popular setup for fishing for salmon.
A 6/0 hook with a plastic bead is an acceptable setup for salmon fishing on the Kenai River.
5. How to Floss for Salmon
This technique requires patience and precision, but once you master it, you’ll quickly reel in sockeye salmon!
A step-by-step guide to flossing for salmon
1. Cast Your Line: Cast upstream at a 9 or 10 o’clock, allowing your line to drift downstream with the current.
2. Feel for the Bottom: Ensure your lead weight gently bounces along the riverbed as the line drifts. You should feel it hitting rocks.
3. Lift Your Rod: When your line reaches a 4 to 5 o’clock position, quickly lift the rod. The hook should pass in front of a salmon with its mouth open.
4. Set the Hook: Once you feel resistance, set the hook firmly and reel in your catch.
6. Flossing vs. Snagging
It’s essential to know that flossing and snagging are two different techniques, and snagging is illegal on the Kenai River. Here’s how they compare:
Flossing
Gentle hooking motions, aiming to hook the fish in the mouth.
Snagging
Aggressive, forceful movements to hook the fish anywhere on its body. You can snag in saltwater locations like Valdez, Seward, and Homer. Please read one of our other articles about snagging salmon in Seward.
To stay within legal guidelines, practice flossing on the Kenai River and avoid snagging or aggressive ripping motions when retrieving.
7. Where to Floss for Salmon
The Kenai River offers multiple public access points, perfect for families looking to try their luck at fishing for salmon:
• Centennial Park (River Mile 20.4)
• Soldotna River Walk (River Mile 21)
• Swiftwater Park (River Mile 23)
• Soldotna Creek Park (River Mile 22)
• Funny River Campground (River Mile 30.5)
• Bing’s Landing (River Mile 39.5)
The river can be accessed from Soldotna, Cooper Landing, and Sterling. The nearest airports are Kenai Airport or Anchorage, which are easily accessible by car via the Sterling Highway.
You can also catch sockeye salmon on the Kenai River by stopping on the shoreline by a drift boat.
8. Flossing Salmon Fishing Gear
Here’s everything you’ll need to ensure a successful flossing trip.
Rod & Reel for Flossing Salmon
- Rod: 9 to 10 weight, medium-heavy rod (8-10 feet). WE recommend the Kenai River Red rod sold at Soldotna Hardware.
- Reel: Fly-fishing, spinning, or baitcasting reel with a strong drag system. One of the best fly-fishing salmon reels is the Billy Pate anti-reverse reel.
Clothing for Salmon Fishing on the Kenai River
- Waders: To stay dry while wading in the river. We like Orvis
- Rain Gear: Be prepared for Alaska’s unpredictable weather
- Wading Boots: For safe footing in the river. Waders cannot have felt.
If you don’t have the gear, you can easily find fishing supplies at Soldotna Hardware. We like Orivis, Simms, and Patagonia rain and fishing gear.
9. Fishing Regulations
Alaska’s fishing regulations are strict, and following them for a sustainable fishing experience is crucial. Some key points to remember:
Know your Limits
The limit is often six fish per person per day, with a 12-day possession limit, but check current regulations and daily emergency orders, which impact regulations. You can sign up for emergency orders through the AKFG website.
Follow the rules
• Respect the environment: Responsibly dispose of fish carcasses, practice bear safety, and always pack your trash.
• No snagging on the Kenai River
• No felt boots
• You cannot fish for someone else without residency and proxy registration with AKFG
• No waste: Use what you keep
• Stay off banks: Fish in the water or from designated docks to protect the river bank from erosion
10. Salmon Processing
Equally important as catching a fish is knowing what to do with it. If you’re going to consume your salmon, process it quickly. Here are two exceptional operations, and I cannot recommend one.
Customs Seafood
35722 Kenai Spur Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669
Tanner’s Seafood
450 Centennial Park Rd, Soldotna, AK 99669
Note: We’ve found that a salmon produces about 3.5 lbs of fillets and bellies to freeze, and it takes around 15 to fill a 50-lb box of salmon. Most families can consume about 1 to 2 boxes of salmon in a year.
This information can help you plan your trip assuming you catch a limit of six fish per person daily.
Keep only what you will eat.
FAQ: Your Flossing Questions Answered
Here are some questions about flossing for salmon in Soldotna that you might not have known the answer to.
Do I Have to Use a Fly Reel for Flossing?
No, you can use conventional reels, such as spinning or baitcasting reels. A fly rod is recommended but not required.
Is an Attractor Necessary for Flossing?
Yes, the hook must have an attractor (bead or yarn) to comply with regulations.
Can I Take Photos with Salmon?
You can take photos of salmon that are hooked in the mouth and will be kept. Fish that are foul-hooked must remain in the water.
Can I Keep All the Fish I Catch?
You can keep all legally hooked fish, but know and follow daily limits. While you can keep the fillets, consider using the entire fish—head, collar, and bellies make great meals!
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to Soldotna during the peak salmon run takes advanced reservations so plan early!
Flossing Salmon Accommodations
- Best Western King Salmon Inn: Budget-friendly, clean rooms.
- Quality Inn Kenai: Another affordable choice.
- Aspen Hotel Soldotna: River access with freezer space for storing your catch.
Car Rental
- Budget
- Avis
Both car rental agencies are at the Kenai (ENA) Airport and offer convenient rental options for exploring the area.
A Family that Flosses Together Stays Together
Fishing on the Kenai River isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about creating lasting memories with your family. Imagine watching the sunset over the river, learning about salmon life cycles, and bonding with your children over a shared outdoor experience.
Life Lessons Learned on the Kenai
1. Fosters teamwork: Communication to net fish
2. Educational opportunity: Our kids learn about the life cycle of the salmon
3. Provides food for our family: Our family catches and processes our food
4. Appreciation for protecting natural resources: We do our best to leave no trace, and our kids are taught to pick up trash when they see it
5. Communication: Talking with other sportsmen or women, learning how to carry on conversations and being courteous to others in the water
Fishing fosters engagement with nature and appreciation for natural resources, providing endless learning opportunities. While your kids may forget their favorite video games, they’ll always remember the thrill of catching a fish on the Kenai River.
Have Fun Flossing for Salmon
The best tip for most adventures is to have fun. Fishing can be fun, and sometimes it can be frustrating, but only if you let it. Take your time and remember why you’re doing it, especially if you’re with your family.
Make connections, help your kids learn, and involve them in other activities that keep them interested in the outdoors.