Ninilchik River
A small coastal stream with a weekend hatchery King Salmon run in May and June, and exceptional Fall Steelhead.
Live Escapement Data
Real-time ADF&G weir counts for the Ninilchik River King Salmon run.
The Ninilchik Fishery
Located in the historic village of Ninilchik — roughly an hour south of Soldotna — this small coastal stream produces a hatchery King Salmon return on the lower peninsula. When fall rains arrive, it transforms into a premier Steelhead destination.
The Ninilchik River early-run hatchery King Salmon fishery is open only during specific weekends in May and June, plus the June 3 youth fishery. Sport fishing for other species opens from July 16 through October 31. There is no July hatchery-king season on the Ninilchik.
May-June Weekend Openers
The hatchery King fishery is open during designated weekends in May and June, offering early-season harvest opportunities.
World-Class Fall Steelhead
September and October bring chrome-bright Steelhead into the Ninilchik — often overlooked, always explosive.
Historic Ninilchik Village
Russian Orthodox church on the bluff, commercial fishing harbor, and the best halibut beach launches on the inlet.
Peninsula Fishing Specialists
Add Ninilchik Steelhead
to Your Trip.
Ask us about combining a Ninilchik fall Steelhead day with your Kenai or Kasilof River booking.