Alaska offers many different angling opportunities. The Kenai is arguably Alaska's most famous fishing river and best known for its runs of giant King Salmon (Chinook). The world record King was taken here in 1985 and weighed over 97 pounds. While the Kings draw many anglers to the Lower Kenai, fly-fishers typically focus on the Upper Kenai and the numerous rainbow trout. Fish over five pounds are common. Larger rainbows to twenty pounds or more have been taken. In addition to the rainbows, Dolly Varden are plentiful with many caught weighing four to six pounds. Sockeye (Red) Salmon arrive in huge numbers in mid June and from mid July through August. During large runs, the Sockeye (Reds) have returned to the Kenai in numbers exceeding one million fish. Silver (Coho) Salmon join the fray from early August into the winter season. Silvers are considered by many to be the best of the salmon species to target with a fly.

Flowing from 20-mile long Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet, the Kenai River drops 430 feet on its 82-mile course to the ocean. The 17 miles of river between Kenai Lake and 15-mile long Skilak Lake is known as the “Upper Kenai”. This section is where most of the fly-fishing takes place. Alaska State Parks manages a boat landing right off the Sterling Hwy where the river flows from Kenai Lake. The Upper Kenai is drift only (no power boats). This adds immeasurably to the quality of the experience.

Joining the Upper Kenai at river mile seven is the world-renowned Russian River. This is perhaps the most famous salmon fishing location in the world. Many sockeye salmon swimming up the Kenai enter the Russian River and spawn throughout its system. Access to the Kenai/Russian River Confluence can be easily attained through the “Russian River Campground” or by taking the “Russian River Ferry” across the Kenai. When the sockeye are running strong during mid summer, expect to see hundreds of anglers trying to nab these tasty salmon at the Kenai/Russian confluence.

Adjacent to the confluence and just off the Sterling Hwy is “Sportsman’s Landing”. This is the most popular launch site where anglers often begin drifts to Jim’s landing. The reason is simple. The next five miles of river are usually full of fish. After converging with the Russian, the Kenai braids into several easily fished side channels. Although the flows are deep and swift in the main channel, gravel bars can provide easy wading. Almost the entire river throughout this stretch contains prime spawning habit for salmon and food for trout.

After "Jim’s Landing", the river drops into "The Canyon." This three-mile stretch of Class 2-3 whitewater has some interesting fly-fishing opportunities and holds some huge fish. The last two miles of the upper river above Skilak Lake provide some of the best fly-fishing water in the state. Here the river again braids into several channels and sloughs. The main channel contains many partially submerged gravel bars. Rainbows and Dolly Varden will move in and out of Skilak Lake to binge on salmon fry or sockeye spawn.

The Lower Kenai River flows from Skilak Lake for fifty miles before emptying into Cook Inlet. It starts out wide and slow providing excellent summer habitat for loons, nesting swans and juvenile salmon. As the river picks up speed, so does the fishing. Powerboats can be run throughout the Lower River with a maximum rating of 35hp. The most common boats are specialized 20’ open river sleds and semi V’s. Drifting the Lower River is less common, but is an excellent option for low water times and in some of the less crowded stretches.

The first ten miles below Skilak Lake contains excellent spawning gravel and holds many Rainbows and Dolly Varden. This stretch is popular at peak times for salmon and trout. The next twenty miles contain numerous rocks and small rapids. Partly due to these challenges, this Middle River stretch sees less powerboat activity. Portions of the Middle River offer excellent fishing at the right times. The last twenty river miles are known locally as “The Lower”. The Lower is adjacent to the towns of Soldotna and Kenai. This is where the most concentrated fishing activity takes place. When the Kings are running, the river is typically very crowded with boats and eager anglers. We liken it to the “Super Bowl” of King Salmon fishing.

A RIVER FOR EVERYONE

The Kenai is a wonderful river. Fishing the “Upper River” in the Cooper Landing area with the spectacular backdrop of the Chugach Mountains is what Alaska is all about. Considering the rising costs of destination fly-in lodges and outpost camps, it is no wonder the Kenai is a popular river. The Upper Kenai draws anglers because it is accessible (100 easy miles from Anchorage), holds sizable fish, and has a relatively long fishing season. Much of the river parallels the road as it travels through the “Chugach National Forest” and the “Kenai National Wildlife Refuge”. For those wishing to get away from the road, the five miles above Skilak Lake wind through a canyon gorge and offer a remote wilderness trip into the heart of the refuge.

The “Lower Kenai” adjacent to the towns of Soldotna and Kenai continues to draw the majority of salmon fisherman. They seek out record sized King Salmon on guided powerboat trips. For those wishing to catch these giants, the “Lower Kenai” is the place to fish. Fly-fishers and anglers wishing for a little more solitude and scenery can find their place on the Upper Kenai. The plentiful Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Sockeye and Silver Salmon keep things interesting.

The fish of Kenai River

RAINBOW TROUT (Catch and Release Only) Range in size from 10" to over 30" Average sizes are 14" to 22" with bigger fish most common later in the season The longest released by one of my guests was 36" Available June 11- October.

DOLLY VARDEN (Catch and Release Only) What the heck are they? They are Char. In fishing terms, they are like trout. Average sizes slightly smaller than rainbows. The biggest caught by one of my guests was 32". Available June 11- October.

SOCKEYE (RED) SALMON (Limits from 3-6 per day) There are two runs of Reds that we fish. The first run Reds are bound for the Russian River. We catch them starting June 11 for about 3 weeks in the Kenai River before they move up the Russian to their spawning areas. The second run Reds are primarily spawners in the main stem Kenai River. They run from mid July-mid August and are spawning in the Kenai into October. Sockeye are silver when they arrive from the ocean (good to eat) and then transform to red (not good to eat) as they near spawning. They range from 4-12lbs with the average running about 8lbs.

SILVER (COHO) SALMON (Limit 2 per day) There are two runs of silvers but for fishing purposes, they are available from early August-Sept 30. They range from 6-20lbs with the average size being about 10lbs.

PINK (HUMPBACK) SALMON (Limit 6 per Day) While Pink Salmon are not known as a favorite angling species, when they run, they can provide fast action. When they are silver, they are good eating. Otherwise, we release them. Pinks run every other year (even numbers) in the Kenai. They are available late July-early September.

KING (CHINOOK) SALMON - Lower Kenai and Kasilof River Only (Limit 1 per day) There are two runs of kings, but for fishing purposes, they are available from mid May-July 31. There may be an extension into the first week of August, but it will not be announced until the last week of July. Kings range from 10-90lbs, with Kenai averages of 30-45lbs and Kasilof averages of 15-25lbs.

This article was rewritten by permission by Mystic Waters Fly Fishing. Visit their website for more information about Alaska fishing.