A Local's Guide to Salmon Fishing the Kenai River in Alaska

The Kenai river is known as one of the most popular rivers to fish in Alaska. With a Sockeye Salmon run of over 1 million fish each year, people travel from all over the world for a chance to fish this world class river. Currently, the world record King Salmon was caught in the Kenai River at a whopping 97 pounds, however visitor’s are no longer allowed to fish for King Salmon in this river due to diminishing numbers.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are my favorite websites and resources to help plan an incredible trip to the 49th State.

For flights, I recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, I always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and always use NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifis.

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

An Introduction to the Kenai River

Before I share more about fishing the Kenai River, it is essential to always check current regulations of where you are fishing and what you are fishing for as they can change without notice. Also, it's equally as importantly to have fun while being kind to other anglers and observers as it can be quite busy and crowded during peak salmon runs. Now, onto the details.
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The Kenai River can be dangerous to fish as it is a very fast and large river, but if you follow the steps below you will have a great time and hopefully go home with your own limit of salmon. The first step you'll need to do is to get your Alaska State Fishing License, currently, Annual Sport Fishing License prices are $20 for Alaska Residents and $100 for Out of State/Nonresidents. If you plan to fish for King Salmon you'll also need to purchase a King Salmon Stamp.

Below, I'll share exactly where and how to fish (like "flossing"), but if this is your first time fishing the Kenai River in Alaska I recommend booking a charter to help show you the techniques of fishing for salmon as well as teaching you the layout of the river. It's also important to carry bear spray with you, just in case you run into a grizzly like we did on one of our recent visits to the Kenai.

In addition to the King Salmon run (which you currently cannot fish for), the Kenai River also has a silver salmon run, pink salmon run, red/sockeye salmon run, and some of the largest rainbow trout in the world. Whichever fish you decide to fish for, or whichever method you'll need to use, the most important thing to do is to make sure you are safe when venturing into the river. Make sure you know where you are, and stay aware of the river - meaning you should not go too far into the river as the water is very cold and very fast - and it can be easier than you think to lose your footing and get swept down river. Most parks also have life preservers for children as a part of the "Children Don't Float" initiative.

My Favorite Tour near the Kenai : 
- Full Day Fishing (Salmon or Trout) from Cooper Landing

Fishing the Kenai River - What You Need to Know

Kenai River Layout :
The Kenai River is made up of three sections, which you can see on this map from Kenai Riverside, each which have their own regulations, and it is important you do some research on each area before you go fishing. The three sections of the Kenai River are the Mouth/Lower, the Middle and the Upper.

The Mouth, or Lower end of the River is the portion of the Kenai leading from the ocean to the first bridge. This area is most popular for dip netting or commercial fishing, and is typically avoided by anglers. The Middle River is the section of the Kenai from the Mouth to Skilak lake, this area is popular with anglers. The Upper Portion of the Kenai is the section between Skilak Lake and Kenai Lake, and is also popular with anglers in the beginning of the season. ​

Where to Fish on the Kenai :
This can easily be the hardest thing to decide if you are visiting Alaska or fishing the Kenai River for the first time. Unfortunately, predicting the fish in each area relies entirely on the type of run, season, time of day, etc. Some of the easiest parks where you can get to the Kenai on the Middle Section of the river are Centennial Park, Rotary Park, Soldotna City Park, Bing’s Landing, and Swiftwater - all of which have parking and river access. There are also other parks and many private AirBNBs, but I have found these to be the most accessible and easy to find.

The Upper Section of the Kenai River does not have many parks but rather has a number of pullouts you can park at and then access the river. Another popular option in the Upper Section of the Kenai is at the Russian River Campground and Ferry Access Point.

The Mouth of the Kenai River is where Alaska residents are allowed to dipnet. This is for Alaska residents only who have been a resident for at least one year. Each park listed above has a different fee for parking so it is best to call or look online before you go. You can also purchase an annual parking pass at REI for $60.

How to Fish & Fishing Gear :
The most common fish to fish for in the Kenai River are the red/sockeye salmon. To do this, you will need either a spinning rod or fly rod, some weights, a red hook, and yarn or bead. I also recommend wearing waders or rubber boots as you'll need to stand in the banks of the river. The method used here is called "flossing" - as you will be flossing your line through the mouth of the salmon swimming up river. Sockeye salmon do not bite when they enter freshwater but they do swim up stream with their mouths open - making it fairly easy to "floss" them.

You will first need to set up your pole by tying on a bead or yarn on the top of your red hook. You will then put weights on the line approximately six feet from the hook. The amount of weight will depend on where you are fishing as you want your weights to hit the bottom but not continuously get stuck - so you may have to adjust your weight as you fish. In order to begin flossing you will let out about ten feet of line, throw the line up river and let it drift down river - the same direction of the current. At the end of the drift give the line a little tug and hope for a fish on the line. You may also fish for silver/coho salmon and pink salmon - but for those fish you will need to use spinners or other salmon baits you can find at local stores. ​

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 14 Places to Rent Bear Spray
-> 23 Animals to See in Alaska

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