Fishing

Overview

Fishing on the Kenai River is a Summer time event shared by many a resident and visitors to this great state for good reason. Not only does it have all species of but holds more records than most rivers in the state combined. The Kenai River is one of the most road accessible fisheries in the state and is conveniently located just South of anchorage. The first river town you enter driving south from Anchorage is the head water town of Cooper Landing. This is ground zero for guided fishing on the Kenai River with fishing guides of the Kenai River abound. The 5 main attractions of the fishery in Cooper Landing include salmon, trout and char fishing from the bridge to the confluence, fishing through the Kenai River Wildlife Refuge to Jim’s Landing for salmon, trout and char and Fishing the “Canyon” from Jim’s Landing to . Each one of these areas has their timing for the variety of species mentioned and a good knowledgeable source of information such as the Kenai Cache Outfitters, and other seasoned and experienced guides can put you in the right section of the river for the target species. The town of Sterling is the next town down the road which is home to the “Middle” section of the Kenai River. This is the section where Skilak lake pours back into the Kenai River and is known for Phenomenal trout fishing along with superb Silver fishing. Fishing the Kenai River in this section is also time dependent and we will fish this area in the Spring, Late Summer and Early Fall. This section is also the main spawning area for our which return in the millions on even years. Pink salmon years are often referred to as Magnum years as this significant, every other year event, concentrates all the big boys (Rainbows & Dollies) into this area. More Magnum Rainbows are caught here during this event than at any other time. As such guided fishing on the Kenai River is at a fever pitch as anglers jostled for prime water in the hopes of hooking into one of these fish of a lifetime. The Middle River is also one of the main all the way down to Soldotna also plays host during the last 2 weeks of July for the epic 2 nd run of Sockeye which typically average around 1.2 million “in river” fish for our Sportsmen and women to enjoy. Soldotna is the next main town and is the most populated and developed of all our peninsula towns. Eary and late Summer play host to the Kenai River King Salmon. But, the main event is the 2 nd run of Sockeye during the last 2 weeks of July. The lower from Soldotna to the mouth is also one of the main areas for Silver fishing starting around the 15 th of August.

Kenai River Fishing:

The Fishing the Kenai River for Sockeye Salmon offer our anglers 2 opportunities for catching and enjoying this ever popular species. The 1 st run of Sockeye is a Cooper Landing show almost exclusively. Because this is a smaller run, concentrations of fish provide the angler the best opportunity to catch the consistently. The majority of the fish are destined for the Russian River in Cooper Landing which is a tributary to the Kenai River. Here the Sockeye concentrate at the mouth of the Russian and just below the mouth in the Wildlife Refuge of the Kenai River and are already storming the Russian River in force. For those pressed for time and on a tight schedule, a Guided Fishing Trip on the Kenai River or a Guided Fishing Trip to the Russian River is the way to go. Most Kenai River Guides and Russian River Guides provide all of the tackle, equipment, waders and processing of your catch as part of their operation. During the 2 nd part of the 1 st run, and towards the end of June, the Sockeye will also have reached the area from the Kenai Lake down and also presents a great 1 st run Sockeye fishing opportunity.

The 2 nd run of Sockeye usually peaks around the middle of July and runs strong through the end of July. This run is in the millions and is one of the major event of the Kenai River every year. This run permeates the entire river and fishing can be phenomenal from the mouth all the way up to Cooper Landing as many of these 2 nd run Sockeye are also headed for the Russian River. The Russian River Ferry fishing area is one of the most popular in the state of Alaska for good reason as this fishery is conveniently accessed for both the 1 st and 2 nd run providing Anglers with one of the best fishing opportunities on the Kenai River.

Kenai River Fishing: King Salmon

There are 2 runs of King salmon into the Kenai River with the 1 st run showing up in May through June and the 2 nd run from July through August each year. Fishing the Kenai River during these time can be very rewarding as these are big hard fighting fish and is what the Kenai River is one of the main fishing draws. The world record was caught on the Kenai River in May 1985 by Les Anderson. The world record King Salmon weighed in at 97.5 even after laying around for more than 2 hours before hitting the scale.

Many of the anglers along with fishing guides of the Kenai River employ a variety of techniques to capture these prized fish. Two of the most popular techniques include back trolling with Kwikfish wrapped with Sardine or with a diver coupled with a Spin & Glo and a cluster of fresh salmon eggs. Other used options include throwing spoons or spinners along with large brightly colored flies for those who fly fish.

Kenai River Fishing: Silver Salmon

Prime time for fishing on the Kenai River for Coho (Silver) Salmon begins on or about the 15 th of August as the 1 st run of these acrobatic fish enter the river. The 2 nd run of Silvers into the Kenai River peaks about the 15 th of September. Many of these fish are bound for the tributaries of the Kenai River with the Russian River in Cooper Landing being one of the main Silver Salmon fisheries of the Kenai River. Popular techniques for Silver Salmon include back trolling for them using Kwikfish and Hotshots. Probably more popular than any other lure is the Vibrax Spinner by Blue Fox and of course the weighted Mepps Spinner. On the lower Kenai River as the run first start to develop, one of the set ups of choice by Fishing Guides of the Kenai River is a Spin & Glo and salmon eggs. Eggs, where they are allowed are a deadly option. For those who choose to fly fish for this great fighting fish, target the back eddys and soft pockets along the river with streamers in a variety of colors. Articulated streamers are the go to fly of choice amongst Kenai River Guides. Stripping these flies either fast or slow will often entice a strike when nothing else seems to interest them. Choose bright colors as well as a variety of natural colors for targeting this species. One of the most popular flies on the market today for Silvers is the Dolly Llama articulated fly which has a cone head and is made of rabbit strips. Black and Olive and Black and white are a few of the top choices along with Pink and white and Chartreuse and white. Kenai River Fishing: Pink Salmon

On pink years (even years) these salmon storm the Kenai River by the millions. They are aggressive fish and like all salmon that enter the rivers are no longer feeding, but with their hormones raging, become super aggressive. Spoons, spinners, flies, jigs and plugs will take these fish with abandon. One of the Kenai River Guides favorite techniques for Pinks is a bobber and a jig. The visual along with the fight, keep clients entertained for hours on end and Pinks make good table fair as well. Try and keep only the brightness of these fish as their meat becomes less desirable as the gain color.

Kenai River Fishing:

Rainbow trout are one of the most popular sport fish in the world and the Kenai River is no exception to that rule. What does the Kenai River boast that no others can? Big, native Rainbows that are grown by Mother Nature. The largest documented Rainbow captured in the Kenai River was approximately 44 inches in length and weighed almost 30 pounds. These fish are smart and weary of the presence of boats and noises associated with angler pressure. These big fish are also creatures of habit on the Kenai River and are known to locate in the same places each year during a prime feeding opportunity. Fishing guides of the Kenai River who are in the know target these same haunts year after year knowing this information and have a system for putting clients on big fish. Fishing on the Kenai River can be very rewarding when it comes to targeting trophy size fish. Please visit our “Trout Fishing” page for techniques and strategies most commonly employed for these treasured fish.

Kenai River Fishing: Varden Char

Dolly Varden is another favorite of Fly and conventional fishermen of the Kenai River. The Dolly Varden is a Char and are Omni-present throughout the Kenai River system. Dollies are caught incidental to Rainbow fishing and are a worthy, respected sport fish of our area. Capturing a Magnum Dolly is as honorable as capturing a Magnum Rainbow as they are as elusive and weary as trophy Rainbows. Hooking and landing a 30 inch Dolly is a challenge as they will own you as far as the fight is concerned. Fast lightening runs coupled with head shakes are the norm for Dolly and it is not unusual for a magnum Dolly to swim past you bait and below you boat several times before succumbing to the net. For fishing techniques visit our Trout & Char fishing page.

Guided Fishing on the Kenai River

The Kenai River has some of the best and most seasoned guides in the world who are proven, hard working and polite. Most guide fishing on the Kenai River is done from either s power boat or a drift boat. In the case of the Upper Kenai River (Skilak Lake and above) this is a drift only section. Drift boat fishing is ideal for fishing the rivers as they are less noisy and allow a stealthier presentation to weary fish. It also affords anglers a tranquil experience while floating down the Kenai River in search of those prized fish. All fishing guides of the Kenai River are required to attend the Kenai River Guide Academy which teaches guides about the Kenai River Eco system, State of Alaska Fishing regulations, And most importantly, the appropriate etiquette expected of a guide on the Kenai River Alaska. Before booking a guide, make sure he is licensed and insured, that he is a reputable guide or works for a reputable guide service. Your top notch guide services of the Kenai River provide top of the line fishing equipment, transportation to and from the fishing location and assist you with processing and packaging of your catch.

Guided Fly Fishing on the Kenai Rive

Most of our Kenai River Fishing Guides are both excellent Fly Fishermen as well as conventional fishermen. Most professional fly fishing guide services provide brand name equipment in exceptional condition for their clients. Fly rods such as Sage and Orvis are amongst the best along with Sage, Ross, Hatch and Orvis fly reels. Fly lines should be new and of a known brand as well such as Rio, Orvis or Cortland. A guide’s knowledge of the Kenai River is critical to the success of the angler. Each section of the Kenai River has its moment in time and a good guide service will be flexible as to your location for fishing that day based on occurring events. Steer clear of the guide service that is adamant about you using their equipment especially as it pertains to fly fishing. A good guide service understand the importance to certain clients that they are able to use their own equipment. BE sure to ask the guide how often they have fished the proposed location as water levels and conditions change. There is nothing worse than floating down a river with a guide who should be river left who is river right due to his lack of experience. A great guide will also ensure that he is constantly changing out your fly or bead until the right combination is found. Book your trips as far out in advance as possible to ensure you are fishing with the best on the dates of your choosing.

Kenai River Boating

Knowledge, skill and vigilance are required to operate a boat safely - especially with crowded boating conditions and natural and man-made hazards. Please learn the US Coast Guard "rules of the road" for your safety and others. Non-motorized boats and boats drifting downstream have the right-of-way. Boats under power headed or pointed upstream must yield to other traffic. Between May 15 and July 31, it is illegal to anchor in a manner that obstructs a primary traffic channel or fishing channel of any section of the Kenai River. Power boats are limited to 6 passengers on board, including the operator.

Boat operators are legally responsible for their boats' wake and any damage it causes. Please travel mid-river whenever possible. Use appropriate speeds and keep wake to a minimum to reduce bank erosion and silting of spawning beds. Approach other boats and property, such as docks, carefully.

US Coast Guard approved life jackets should be worn and must at least be readily accessible. State law requires that life jackets be worn at all times by children under the age of 13. Boating accidents usually result in hypothermia or drowning, due to cold water immersion and fast currents. Dress appropriately and help those in need. The Kenai and Skilak Lakes are very cold and subject to sudden high winds which kick up choppy waves. Stay on shore in bad weather. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNnUJiMn-3E&feature=channel_video_title Most boating fatalities in Alaska involve cold water immersion resulting from a person falling overboard or a boat capsizing. Based on the most recent information available, the Alaska Office of Boating Safety offers presentations describing the effects of cold water immersion and actions you can take to increase your chances of survival. The Office of Boating Safety has also produced an award winning video, Cold Water Boating, which can be viewed by clicking on the link above. For more information or to request a presentation for your agency or organization, contact Joe McCullough at (907) 269-8704 or [email protected]

Regulations and Courtesy The river is for everyone's enjoyment - there is no such thing as a personal fishing hole. Courtesy and common sense make everyone's experience more enjoyable. Fishing regulations may change annually or by emergency order, so check current regulations before fishing. Complete harvest records immediately for king salmon or rainbow trout you keep.

Different fishing methods are popular in different river reaches - please don't buck the trend. Drift fishing through back trollers, or back bouncing or back trolling in the middle of an occupied drift is not only discourteous, it is dangerous. It may cause confusion, tangled or cut lines, hot tempers and accidents.

Landing a salmon on the Kenai River is a challenge in itself. A net held in the air, or in an upright position, means that someone in that boat has a "fish on". Help those lucky enough to hook one by pulling in your line and steering your boat out of the way.

Fish experience shock when caught. Treat a fish you intend to release carefully and release it before it is totally "played out". Remove the hook while the fish is in the water and if it cannot be released easily, cut the leader. An exhausted fish may need to be gently supported in the water. Breakaway sinker rigs greatly reduce gear lost to snags and help prevent disruptions to others. It is illegal to gaff fish on the Kenai River or to lift any fish you do not intend to keep out of the water.

Alaska State Parks would like to remind boaters that 2008 regulations phasing out the use of older, two-stroke outboard motors in the Kenai River Special Management Area (KRSMA) have been fully implemented. Two-stroke motors that do not employ direct fuel injection technology can no longer operate at any time of year in the special management area, which extends from one mile downstream of the Warren Ames Bridge to the Cooper Landing area and includes both Skilak and Kenai Lakes. The majority of the Kenai River SMA is closed to jet skis, hovercraft, airboats and water skiing. A large portion of the upper Kenai River is a "non-motorized area". Please contact one of the offices listed at the end of this page for further information.

Kenai River Guides Guides must have a state park commercial use permit and meet safety training and insurance requirements. It is illegal to book a fishing trip or pay someone for guide service who is not a registered guide within the Kenai River SMA. If you use a guide service, be sure the vessel displays current Kenai River guide decal, a large three digit boat number and the Kenai River SMA guide identification card.