The Mighty Kenai River

No fishing thrill matches the feeling you get when a King Salmon strikes and your reel starts to zing as the big fish takes line at will. Your heart jumps to your throat as the giant leaps from the water and you get the first glimpse of your Kenai King.

The Kenai King Salmon are the largest in the world. The record caught in 1985, was over 97 pounds. In addition to the big Kings in June and July, the Kenai River boasts a huge number of Sockeye (Red) Salmon in July, and in August and September there is a good run of the acrobatic Silver (Coho) Salmon. Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout are also numerous.

Fish & Game Dept.:
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a great website for areas to fish, regulations, and loads of maps.
See Alaska Dept. Fish & Game Website

Where to Start:
From Anchorage - The famous Kenai River is just 90 minutes south of Anchorage on the Sterling Highway. Halibut and other saltwater fishing is within a three hours drive of Anchorage. Prince William Sound (Whittier) is just over an hour away; Resurrection Bay (Seward) is 2.5 hours; and Kachemak Bay (Homer) is 5 hours south. (There are quick commuter flights to both Seward and Homer.)

Fishing in Bear Country:
You are responsible for your own safety in bear country. In any outdoor activity - fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, berry picking, even going to work - you may encounter bears. Be aware of your surroundings and conditions, especially in times of low light and areas of low visibility. Look up and around every few minutes. Check the immediate area for fresh bear signs. Consider moving to a different spot if such signs are encountered. Make plenty of noise. Go out with a friend or a group of friends. Let someone know your trip plans.
Don’t make it easy for bears to find food - garbage, birdseed, picnics, fish, or game, for example. When you catch a fish you intend to harvest, immediately kill your fish, then bleed it into the water. Bleeding into the water quickly clears the blood from the fish, thus improving quality. It also reduces the chance that blood, which may attract the attention of bears, will get onto clothing or the stream bank.

If you see a bear:
When you are fishing and you see a bear, and if the bear approaches you, give the bear plenty of room to move on. If the bear continues to approach, stop fishing and move away. Give a splashing fish slack, or cut the line. Take your equipment and fish so bear does not associate angling activity with food. See our bear safety page for more information.