The Kenai River in south-central Alaska is water dreams are made of. Shallow and swift, the green and grey glacial waters flow south from Kenai Lake and travel 82 miles to terminate in the salty waters of Cook Inlet. Along the flow, excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and salmon of all varieties prevails. Each year there are multiple runs of king salmon and red salmon.
Home to about 40 species of fish, both resident and ocean-going fish swim in the Kenai’s waters. Not known for abundance, the Kenai river is known for world-class trophy fish. It is home to the world-record 97-pound king salmon caught in 1985. Certain sections of the river are open to motorized vessels, but the majority of fishing is done from drift boats or rafts.
The Kenai supports two distinct king salmon runs, with the earliest fish entering the river during the second or third week of May and staying until early July. The second run begins one to two weeks after the first ends and usually brings many more fish. Kings normally travel the deeper waters of the center channel and are difficult to catch from shore. Anglers fishing from a vessel normally drift downstream slightly slower than the speed of the current, allowing their lures to bounce along the river bottom in front of their boat. Back trolling is a technique involving the use of a Kwikfish styled plug and planer. The planer is attached ahead of the lure to take the lure to the bottom of the river, and the boat is held in the current while drifting downstream.
Angler’s seeking red (sockeye) salmon generally target the late-run fish from July through early August. Upwards of 20,000 fish may enter the river. A favorite catch of fly fishermen, streamers, shrimp patterns and red hooks with a bit of yarn are the preferred flies. Split-shot is added to carry the fly close to the bottom. With most reds traveling close to shore, anglers should take care not to wade or cast too far out.
Trophy-sized wild rainbow trout call the upper Kenai River home, and this area is a fly angler’s fantasy. Most of these trout are year-round residents, but small numbers of steelhead are caught each year. Streamer flies, wet flies, egg patterns, beads, flesh flies, spinning lures and shrimp patterns are the most popular. Trout anglers may prefer to allow the busy salmon season to pass before getting on the river. The best trout fishing is typically early in the fall.
Both resident and ocean-going populations of Dolly Varden are present in the Kenai. The run begins in early July and continues into September. Dolly Varden can grow up to 30 pounds. Tactics for catching them are the same for targeting rainbows.
The popularity of the Kenai River as a fishing destination ensures ease of travel for anglers venturing to the Last Frontier. Kenai and Soldotna are both fair-sized towns with hotels, shopping and restaurants, and flights travel daily from Anchorage to the airport in Kenai.
By: Henry Jackson
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