Alaska's Famous Kenai River

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Kenai River in Alaska from popular fishing holes to rafting and fishing guide services, find lodges and RV parks with camping on the Kenai River.

The Kenai River drops some 430 feet from Kenai Lake to the mouth in Cook Inlet. The 17 miles of river between Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake is known as the "Upper Kenai". The section from Skilak Lake to the Soldotna Bridge is referred to as the "Middle Kenai" and below the bridge is called the "Lower Kenai". These terms will be referred to many time throughout the remainder of this site.

Kenai Riverfront Lodging

Lodging choices for the Kenai River are as numerous and different as the locations you find them in. There are cabins for rent and hotels near the river, there are also a large number of smallish fishing lodges but most of these are reserved for their fishing charter clients.

Campgrounds on the Kenai River

Camping is also very popular along the full 82 mile length, including Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, of the Kenai River. A number of government and private campgrounds are within easy access of the most prominent locations on the river. Areas around the Kenai River include Bings Landing, Cooper Landing, Kenai, Soldotna and Sterling. Find campgrounds or RV campgrounds on the Kenai River.

Salmon Fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska

Kenai River Fishing Trips

In the past, the Kenai River had major runs of four salmon species. The King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Silver Salmon and Pink Salmon. Although these salmon are still returning to the river, their numbers are way down and still declining to this day.

Trout Fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska

Kenai River is also home to some very nice sized trophy rainbow trout and Dolly Varden Char.

 

 

The Future of the Kenai River

"Fishing the Kenai River" is also being covered with a non-biased truthful approach including current conservation and management issues effecting the future returns of salmon to this great river. The Kenai River is the most popular fishing river in the State of Alaska and one of the most heavily used recreational fresh-water rivers in Alaska. All this recreational use, along with the substantial pressures from commercial fishing, is currently putting a devastating strain on the rivers resources from habitat to inhabitants. Help us protect this river by reporting violations and also future concerns on the health of the region to the appropriate authorities. Also, keep pressure on these same authoritative bodies to be sure they are acting in the best interests of the river and for the future of outdoor recreation in our state. The future of aspects involved with the Kenai River is at stake.