Alaska Salmon Run 2025: Sterling’s Front-Row Seat on the Kenai & Kasilof
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Sterling and the Salmon: A Summer Spectacle
The Alaska salmon run turns the Kenai Peninsula into a living river of silvers and reds every summer. Salmon by the thousands push inland from Cook Inlet, driven by the ancient urge to return to the exact gravel beds where they were born. In Sterling, Alaska, we don’t just mark the seasons by the weather — we mark them by the runs. First the sockeyes blaze up the Kenai, then the cohos arrive with their flash of silver, and in certain years, the rivers come alive with the spotted backs of pink salmon, here in numbers so staggering they seem to turn the current itself into a living thing.
2025 is one of those years. It’s an odd-numbered year, which means the pink salmon run is set to surge, filling our rivers with one of the most impressive natural migrations on the planet. Whether you’re here to fish, to watch, or just to soak in the atmosphere of a true Alaskan summer, Sterling is perfectly placed to give you a front-row seat to the Alaska salmon run.
The Rhythm of the Alaska Salmon Run
The salmon’s journey is more than a fishing story — it’s the heartbeat of the Kenai Peninsula. In Sterling, we’re lucky to sit right between the legendary Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, each with its own timing and flavor.
Sockeye (Red Salmon) – July is their month, and they come in strong. These are the fish that make the Kenai famous for both sport and dip netting. Their deep red flesh is rich, flavorful, and prized on dinner plates across Alaska.
Coho (Silver Salmon) – August and early fall bring the acrobatic fighters of the salmon world. Cohos are aggressive, flashy, and a favorite for anglers who love a challenge.
Pink Salmon (Humpies) – Every odd-numbered year, they arrive in unmatched numbers. Smaller than sockeye but feisty and fun to catch, pinks are a great option for kids, beginners, and anyone who just wants to see a river full of fish.
2025 promises to be a bumper year for pinks, with biologists expecting millions to return to Southcentral Alaska waters. You’ll see them in nearly every clear-water stream connected to the Kenai system — and you don’t even need to be fishing to enjoy the sight.
Where to See the Salmon in Sterling’s Backyard
One of the joys of being in Sterling is that you don’t have to travel far to witness the runs. Here are a few of our favorite nearby spots:
Bing’s Landing
Just minutes from our door, this popular Kenai River access point lets you stand above or right at the water’s edge, watching salmon slip past in the emerald current. During the pink surge, the water will seem alive.
Morgan’s Landing
A little quieter than Bing’s, Morgan’s Landing offers both fishing access and peaceful spots to watch salmon rest in the eddies. Bring a picnic and enjoy the show.
Russian River Falls
If you’re up for a short hike north toward Cooper Landing, the Russian River Falls overlook gives you a rare chance to watch salmon leap waterfalls as they push toward their spawning grounds. During a pink year, the falls boil with activity.
Kasilof River
South of Sterling, the Kasilof offers a smaller, more intimate salmon-watching experience. Its gentler current makes it a favorite for families and those looking for a little less hustle than the Kenai.
Tips for Experiencing the Salmon Run
Bring Binoculars – Watching salmon from a bluff or trail is even better when you can zoom in on the action.
Time Your Visit – Peak runs vary by species, so check local fish reports. In 2025, expect strong pink numbers in July and August.
Respect the Fish – Whether fishing or just watching, give spawning salmon their space and follow local regulations.
Dress for the Day – Rivers can be breezy and cool even in summer. Layer up so you can linger comfortably.
Bring the Kids – Salmon-watching is an unforgettable family activity, especially during a pink run when the water seems alive.
Why This Year is Special
While Alaska enjoys salmon every summer, pink salmon operate on a quirky two-year cycle. Odd years bring dramatically larger runs, and 2025 is shaping up to be a showstopper. For families, new anglers, and even seasoned fishers, the abundance makes for a forgiving and thrilling fishing season — or just a once-every-two-years spectacle worth seeing.
Fueling Your Salmon Season at Cook’s Corner
At Cook’s Corner in Sterling, we’ve seen the smiles, the wet waders, and the cameras full of fish photos roll through all summer long. Whether you’ve been fishing all day, hiking to see the salmon leap, or just road-tripping the Kenai Peninsula, we’re your hometown stop for real food and a warm welcome.
Our hot, juicy smash burgers hit the spot after a long day on the river. Breakfast burritos keep early risers moving toward the tide. Soft-serve cones celebrate a kid’s first salmon catch, and our coffee keeps anglers awake for one more cast. We’ve got ice for your coolers, snacks for the road, and a local’s perspective on where the salmon are biting today.
When you’re chasing Alaska’s great salmon return, we’re right where you need us — between the rivers, in the heart of Sterling, ready to keep you fueled for the run.