Spacious Soldotna Home Near the Kenai River! As the river picks up speed, so does the fishing. Russian River, Quartz Creek, Deep Creek, Kasilof River, Anchor River, and of course the Kenai River are all world-class fisheries that host thousands of anglers who come annually for the sole purpose of fishing one or several of these systems. June 11th marks the beginning of the primary trout season on the Kenai River. Alaska State Parks manages a boat landing right off the Sterling Hwy where the river flows from Kenai Lake. thanks The cabins are about 200 ft fron the river. This stretch is popular at peak times for salmon and trout. Jim's Landing is here and is just above the Kenai Canyon and the biggest of the rapids. there regardless. Fly-fishing on Alaska’s Kenai river has yielded Rainbow trout of … About 12 miles (19 km) from the lake, the river passes through Kenai Canyon for about 2 miles (3.2 km) of fast-flowing whitewater rapids. Plus there's so much to see on your boat ride back. This is a new world for them, too. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Kenai fishing charters head out into the inlet and beyond, targeting Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish, and ocean-going King Salmon. Joining the Upper Kenai at river mile seven is the world-renowned Russian River. Kenai River early-run king salmon From June 10 to June 30 of this year, fishing for king salmon of any size, including catch and release, is closed from the mouth of the Kenai river upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. Larger rainbows to twenty pounds or more are landed yearly. Many consider Silvers to be the best of the salmon species to target with a fly. Fly-fishers and anglers wishing for a little more solitude and scenery can find their place on the Upper Kenai. There a great spot about a 10 minutes walk down river from the cabin Ron The Kenai is a wonderful river. The Kenai River in South-central Alaska has long been the crown jewel of Alaska salmon & trout fishing. If there are headwinds this may be impossible in a raft. is located in Soldotna. Rainbows and Dolly Varden will move in and out of Skilak Lake to binge on salmon fry or sockeye spawn. They seek out record sized King Salmon on guided powerboat trips. There are still a lot of eggs and flesh in the water, so expect to push a few indicators and floats down the river. Silver (Coho) Salmon join the fray from early August into the winter season. As a Kenai River fishing guide and call this area home I highly recommend checking out the Kenai River. We were told when they hit 700,000 they would open the fishing to sportsman, but the wouldn't give the fish a chance to reach those numbers. They seek out record sized King Salmon on guided powerboat trips. The last two miles of the upper river above Skilak Lake provide some of the best fly-fishing water in the state. It's 80+ miles of pristine glacier water is a sight to see. Kenai River king salmon The Kenai River hosts the busiest freshwater king (Chi-nook) salmon fi shery in Alaska. In the 1990s, 50,000 to 115,000 angler-days per year were recorded. Powerboats are run throughout the Lower River with a maximum rating of 50hp. Almost the entire river throughout this stretch contains prime spawning habitat for salmon and food for trout. This section is where most of the fly-fishing takes place. Beautiful river, lots of animals to watch while you fish; eagles, falcons, seals, otters and more. Fished for silvers 3 days on the Kenai and hit our limit (Thank you Andrew at Chadwick's Fishing Guide Service!). The Kenai River provides some of the most exciting rainbow trout fly-fishing in Alaska. limited sunshine and daylight, your window for opportunity can be short. has the supernatural power to permeate anglers’ heads and hearts, Alaska offers many different angling opportunities. Adjacent to the confluence and just off the Sterling Hwy is "Sportsman's Landing". Throughout the year, Alaska’s Kenai River fly fishing produces trophy rainbow trout (footballs as we call them) and Dolly Varden for anglers of any skill level. Rainbow Trout fishing on the Kenai River in October. Seventeen point three miles (27.8 km) from Kenai Lake, the river enters Skilak Lake. The reason is simple. Guests may enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. At the put in under the cooper landing bridge the river is a brilliant green hue caused by a complete lack of glacial silt (all the silt has sunk to the bottom of the extremely deep Kenai Lake long before the river begins). 'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); © Mystic Waters Inc., You must obtain written permission to use any content from this website. We made reservation to fish for King Salmon on the Kenai river with Alaskafishon! Its source is the Kenai Lake. While the Kings draw many anglers to the Lower Kenai, fly-fishers typically focus on the Upper Kenai and the numerous rainbow trout. - Charles Waterman, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trip Planning. Rainbows and Dolly Varden will move in and out of Skilak Lake to binge on salmon fry or sockeye spawn. Save your selves a wasted day and a thousand dollars and make fishing reservation the day before when fishing report is up to date. The politics or the government regulators sure fowled up a nice trip. advice: 1. Drifting the Lower River is less common, but is an excellent option for low water times and in some of the less crowded stretches. Portions of the Middle River offer excellent fishing at the right times. Much of the river parallels the road as it travels through the "Chugach National Forest" and the "Kenai National Wildlife Refuge". Alaska State Parks manages a boat landing right off the Sterling Hwy where the river flows from Kenai Lake. This tour takes you to Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and more to spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas. Near Cooper Landing, the lake narrows to form the river. When the Kings are running, the river is typically very crowded with boats and eager anglers. • If you retain a king salmon 20 inches or longer, you must immediately record that harvest . Joining the Upper Kenai at river mile seven is the world-renowned Russian River. Flowing from 20-mile long Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet, the Kenai River drops 430 feet on its 82-mile course to the ocean. 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 catch these giants, the "Lower Kenai" is the place to fish. Fishing the "Upper River" in the Cooper Landing area with the spectacular backdrop of the Chugach Mountains is what Alaska is all about. Many parks and areas to recreate. It's 80+ miles of pristine glacier water is a sight to see. While the Kings draw many anglers to the Lower Kenai, fly-fishers typically focus on the Upper Kenai and the numerous rainbow trout. This three-mile stretch of Class 2-3 whitewater has some interesting fly-fishing opportunities and holds some huge fish. Silver (Coho) Salmon join the fray from early August into the winter season. The last 6 miles of the upper Kenai descend into what is known as the Kenai Canyon. The upper Kenai River has sections that are perfect for all levels of fishermen, from the beginner to the expert. Located just to the south of the town of Ninilchik, Alaska, Deep Creek is perhaps the most popular of the three southern streams of the Kenai Peninsula. This stretch is popular at peak times for salmon and trout. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)? The average is about 17,500 kings. "Most of the world is covered by water. Swinging and nymphing are still productive. The tangle of the Rapa River Delta amid the mountains, glaciers and deep valleys is an extraordinary sight. Alaska offers many different angling opportunities. Many sockeye salmon swimming up the Kenai enter the Russian River and spawn throughout its system. Between 7,000 and 30,000 fi sh were harvested. Although the flows are deep and swift in the main channel, gravel bars can provide easy wading. Fish only 1/2 day. 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. Winter fishing on the Kenai River can be quite lonely on certain days. The Cook Inlet saltwater fishery is still going strong and the silver salmon fishing improves daily. Arm, Anchorage Bowl, Kenai River and Kenai Peninsula . 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. Out of all the rivers in Alaska, Kenai River offers some of the best fishing opportunities, particularly for salmon fishing. It starts out wide and slow providing excellent summer habitat for loons, nesting swans and juvenile salmon. The reason is simple. The Snow River flows from an 8-mile long glacier in the Kenai mountains. Kenai Lake feeds into the Kenai River near mile 48 of the Sterling Hwy in the heart of Cooper Landing. Trout will winter over in certain areas of the Kenai. It's cold at 5:30 but it was 88 by noon. for when the biggest run is supposed to happen. The Lower Kenai River flows from Skilak Lake for fifty miles before emptying into Cook Inlet. Take lots of sunscreen. The world record King was taken here in 1985 and weighed over 97 pounds. The rush of the summer crowed has diminished, the river is at a good flow rate, fall colors begin to show themselves all over the river, and one of the best fighting fish begin to … We also wore zip off pants. This section is where most of the fly-fishing takes place. We liken it to the "Super Bowl" of King Salmon fishing. As a Kenai River fishing guide and call this area home I highly recommend checking out the Kenai River. Kenai River Fishing Report – russian river fishing report 2018 2019 Kenai River Fishing Report – Find out more about what to do should you find a bear you find a bear. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The "Lower Kenai" adjacent to the towns of Soldotna and Kenai continue to draw the majority of salmon fisherman. The next five miles of river are usually full of fish. Many consider Silvers to be the best of the salmon species to target with a fly. Get out of the city and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than is typical on a sightseeing tour. Nature & Wildlife Areas, Geologic Formations, Scenic Drives, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, The headquarters to your Alaska Fishing Trip, The Kenai River is seriously the most beautiful place of the Kenai Peninsula. Many parks and areas to recreate … Even though they knew that there was not a run for several days, instead of offering to fish for something else (ie Halibut or pink), they take us. When the Kings are running, the river is typically very crowded with boats and eager anglers. Traveling to the Kenai Peninsula is much easier than other, more remote Alaska locations. The Upper Kenai draws anglers because it is accessible (100 easy miles from Anchorage), holds sizable fish, and has a relatively long fishing season. Alaska is an untamed wilderness of beautiful lakes and streams, endless forests, snow-capped peaks, and big skies. As the water drops we utilize both single hand and two handed fly rods. The "Lower Kenai" adjacent to the towns of Soldotna and Kenai continue to draw the majority of salmon fisherman. The Kenai River is seriously the most beautiful place of the Kenai Peninsula. See page 5 … This is where the most concentrated fishing activity takes place. That left us with months of planning, thousands of dollars per person and all of our travel time wasted!! Almost the entire river throughout this stretch contains prime spawning habitat for salmon and food for trout. Drifting the Lower River is less common, but is an excellent option for low water times and in some of the less crowded stretches. When the lake fills up, water will flow through a main drainage under the glacier. Sockeye (Red) Salmon arrive in huge numbers in mid June and from mid July through August. If you're planning to take a trip to the Kenai River, it will be worth it. In addition to the rainbows, Dolly Varden are plentiful with many caught weighing four to six pounds. As the river picks up speed, so does the fishing. July is a good time to fish for trophy kings with our Kenai River king salmon fishing guides as the June regulations are removed and there is … The days the nets were not in the water 55 thousand plus Sockeye would enter the river, with nets in the water only 5 to 11 thousand would enter. The river the cabins and the people were all wonderful. Below this spot the river is easy Class I to Jean Creek. But to small stream anglers, ‘Deep Creek’ has a whole other meaning. It is a world famous fishing destination, but also an extremely fun river to raft or kayak. During large runs, the Sockeye (Reds) have returned to the Kenai in numbers exceeding one million fish. 4. The world record King was taken here in 1985 and weighed over 97 pounds. The last twenty river miles are locally known as "The Lower". 3. The Kenai is a wonderful river. Straddling the mouth of the famous Kenai River and looking out into the deep waters of Cook Inlet, Kenai is a paradise for freshwater and saltwater anglers alike. This is perhaps the most famous salmon fishing location in the world. Fly-fishers and anglers wishing for a little more solitude and scenery can find their place on the Upper Kenai. Away from the Kenai River but still on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward has some incredible silver salmon, rockfish, lingcod and halibut fishing, with the silver fishing getting better later in the month. The next five miles of river are usually full of fish. This is the most popular launch site where anglers often begin drifts to Jim's landing. Simply fly into Anchorage, rent a car or take a commuter flight to the town of Kenai, and rent a car from there. Easily accessible via a very scenic three-hour drive south from Anchorage, the Kenai River flows from the Kenai Mountain Range via Kenai and Skilak Lakes. 5. As a Kenai River fishing guide and call this area home I highly recommend checking out the Kenai River. Jim’s Landing to Lower Skilak Lake Campground: 17 miles. Fishing the Kenai -- my experience during historic hot weather, First, I cannot say enough about the importance of a great guide...OK, but when it's 90 degrees daily and the silt from the glaciers turns the water gray and creates flood-stage water levels, even the best guides are challenged. we are coming with another couple to fish how close are the cabins to the river and can we fish right there? The Upper Kenai is drift only (no power boats). As a Kenai River fishing guide and call this area home I highly recommend checking out the Kenai River. Most of the fly casting we do on the Kenai River, especially in the upper reaches in Cooper Landing, involves simple "tension casting," where we use the surface of the water to load the rod and get the fly back in the water.You'll make a cast from the front of the boat to the back of the boat. The drive from Anchorage to the town of Soldotna (mid-point Kenai River) is 150 miles and takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. After "Jim's Landing", the river drops into "The Canyon." Bc of the long days, you can be on the water by 5:30 am. Fish over five pounds are common. Cooper landing is the headwater of the Kenai River and allows for beautiful scenery. The Kenai River [Kee-nye] is a meltwater river that drains the central Kenai Peninsula region. The main channel contains many partially submerged gravel bars. This adds immeasurably to the quality of the experience. The main channel contains many partially submerged gravel bars. Here the river again braids into several channels and sloughs. Wear four layers (I did): a short sleeve fitted shirt, a long sleeved shirt, and heavy pullover, and a water-proof jacket with a hood. • No more than 2 of these 5 king salmon 20 inches or longer may be taken from the Anchor River and Deep Creek combined . Miles before emptying into Cook Inlet daylight, your window for opportunity can be short Kenai fishing head... 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