UPPER KENAI RIVER

Main Species: Red and Silver Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden

General Open Season: June 11 – April 30

Best Salmon Fishing: June – October

Best Trout & Char Fishing: August – September

 

Description

The far upper section of the Kenai, between Kenai and Skilak lakes, is usually referred to as Upper Kenai River. This 17.3-mile stretch of water is surrounded by thick vegetation and forests, giving a sense of semi-wilderness to any excursion by trail into the river or a float downstream. The Kenai Mountains lining the river valley add immeasurably to the scenic beauty. There is very scant settlement in the area, except for the community of Cooper Landing, with much of the land along the river situated within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest.

As the Kenai pours out of Kenai Lake, the current is very slow and steady, the river wide and deep. This continues until Princess Rapids at Fisherman’s Bend, where the current finally picks up speed as the river narrows. Below the Russian River confluence, the Kenai features a great combination of islands, side channels, sloughs, and gravel beaches. Class I water dominates most of the river until Kenai Canyon below Jim’s Landing, where Class II and III water takes hold for two miles before the river slows down again the next three miles prior to dumping into Skilak Lake.

Wildlife is common here; moose, eagle, and both brown and black bear are all spotted frequently along the river.

 

Access

Since the Sterling Highway parallels almost the entire upper section of Kenai River, access is not a problem. There are a multitude of turnouts and several campgrounds present, all with trails in varying condition leading to and along the river. A cable ferry provides – for a fee – additional access to the southern shore of the river with trails upstream and down.

 

 

FISHING THE UPPER KENAI RIVER

 

Highlights

The Upper Kenai sports some incredible fishing opportunities. Salmon – primarily reds and silvers – are available in strong and consistent numbers throughout the season while fly-fishers have the pleasure to sample what is arguably some of the best rainbow trout and Dolly Varden action in Alaska. The majority of fishing is done from the bank yet many also cast from rafts and drift boats. Peak angling activity is from June through September with productive fishing often lasting well into October.

 

Timing

Species	Rating	Best Time
Red Salmon	1)  Good	mid-June – late June
	2)  Excellent	late July – early August
Pink Salmon	1)  Poor	late July
	2)  Poor	mid-August – late August
Silver Salmon	1)  Good	mid-August – early September
	2)  Excellent	early October – late October
Rainbow Trout	Excellent	late July – early October
Dolly Varden	Excellent	early August – early October
1) Early run; 2) Late run

 

Bank Fishing/Wading

In contrast to the Lower Kenai, the upper river section is much friendlier to those relying on getting to the river on foot and fishing its banks. With very little private property and some dozen main points of access along the highway, you can literally spend hours to days or more exploring the various options at hand. Even though some spots are crowded with anglers during the height of the salmon runs, there are still many other places to go where finding a stretch of water virtually to oneself is possible. Use the area trails to reach the river and then hike in either direction. You will be able to locate gravel beaches, channels, and sloughs without much problem, the only obstacle being the dense brush in places.

Wading is possible along gravel bars and across some channels yet for the most part anglers end up walking right at the edge of the riverbank because of deep and swift current. To avoid trampling vegetation, stay on trails and limit fishing to areas that support gravel or rock footing.

Caution: The Upper Kenai has a very healthy population of both brown and black bear. If venturing away from other anglers, bushwhacking, or hiking area trails alone, always be prepared for an encounter.

 

Float Fishing/Boating

Since the Upper Kenai is closed to the use of motorized boats year-round, all activity on the river is by rafts and drift boats, which creates a very attractive atmosphere in terms of aesthetics to match the surrounding scenery. The entire upper river is easily floated in a day and can even be partitioned for half-day trips depending on put-in and take-out points and hours fished.

The most popular trip begins at Sportsman’s Landing near the Russian River confluence with take-out at Jim’s Landing off Skilak Lake Road, a float lasting several hours covering miles of prime water. Some anglers, especially those fishing with guides, may opt to continue the float through Kenai Canyon to Skilak Lake, and then motor an hour across the lake to take-out at Upper Skilak Lake Campground. If you choose the latter, be prepared for a long day filled with gorgeous vistas and world-class fishing. Alternatively, to extend the trip even further with the option of spending a night on the river, start the float from Kenai River Campground at the outlet of Kenai Lake.

 

 

Summary of Fish Species:

 

Red Salmon

Rating: Early and late runs both provide good to excellent fishing during the peak of the season.

Season: Open to fishing June 11 through April 30.

Timing: Fresh reds are generally available from the season opener in June until September, with the early run peaking in June and the late run during July/August.

Size: Common weight is 4 to 10 pounds with the potential of fish to 14 pounds or more. Early-run reds rarely exceed 9 pounds while a fair number of late-run fish may top 12 pounds. All trophy reds occur in the late run.

Tips: The most productive stretch of water is from the Russian River confluence downstream to Skilak Lake; early-run reds are not abundant upstream of the confluence. Flip streamer or yarn flies close to shore. Sight fishing can be rewarding, particularly for late-run fish as they travel in large schools and easily spotted. The majority of early fish are brighter compared to late salmon that tend to show some color.

 

Silver Salmon

Rating: Good fishing is the norm for the early run while late-run silvers often provide excellent catch rates.

Season: Open to fishing July 1 through October 31.

Timing: Fresh silvers may be taken anytime from mid-July until the season closure on November 1. The early run peaks in August/September, the late run in October.

Size: Average weight is 6 to 15 pounds. The early run sees very few fish heavier than 14 pounds while late-run silvers frequently weigh into the teens, anglers sometimes landing trophies of 18 to 20 pounds or more.

Tips: Look for early-run fish migrating near shore (often among crimson sockeye) and cast streamer flies to individual fish. Late run salmon prefer to hold in calm, deep sections of the mainstem, including holes, pools, and the mouth of sloughs and respond better to spinners and attractor flies. Best stretch of water is from Russian River to Skilak Lake but productive action can be had most anywhere on the river during the late run.

 

Rainbow Trout

Rating: Excellent fishing is typical during peak season.

Season: Open to fishing June 11 through April 30.

Timing: Rainbows are present year-round in the river but considerably more abundant in summer and fall. Action is often very productive from June into October, peak months being August and September.

Size: Generally 10 to 20 inches with a good number of fish to 25 inches and around 6 pounds. In autumn, look for trout stretching to 30-34 inches or more. Trophy rainbows up to 25 pounds possible.

Tips: The best stretch of water is from Russian River downstream through the Kenai Canyon to the inlet of Skilak Lake. The canyon area is known for yielding huge trophy trout. Although most any sort of tackle may prove effective, the vast majority of anglers here use flies and beads to match the natural food supply. Change from forage to beads to flesh appropriately as the season progresses.

 

Dolly Varden

Rating: Excellent fishing is the norm at peak season.

Season: Open to fishing June 11 through April 30.

Timing: Present in river all year long but more numerous and prolific in summer and fall. Large number of char available July to October with an August and September peak.

Size: Average length is 10 to 20 inches. Bigger specimens present in fall, ranging up to 25 to 30 inches and 6 to 10 pounds. Trophy fish weighing 12 to 15 pounds possible.

Tips: The best stretch of water is from the Russian River downstream to Skilak Lake. Majority of fish show up in force as the hordes of salmon begin to arrive and spawn. Forage, bead, and flesh patterns are popular but never hesitate to experiment with other patterns as well.