Salmon Fishing on the Kenai River - Kenai, Alaska

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Salmon Fishing on the Kenai River
Southern Alaska is perhaps best known for their excellent salmon fishing rivers. Anchorage’s streams and rivers are home to other fish as well, including trout and char.  However, on the Kenai River, near Girdwood and Anchorage, you’ll find some of the best salmon fishing in the world. 

Late June and July is when the salmon are running and spawning.  These fish are swimming a one way route up the river, and if you’re there at the right time and place, you’re likely to be the catcher of a 30 or more pound salmon.  The Kenai River produces some of the largest King Salmon in the world.  The towns of Kenai and Soldotna are located on the banks of these rivers and there are numerous fishing guides in the area to provide you with a place to sleep as well as expert fishing guidance.  

If you’re looking for a big catch, you’ll want to pay for a fishing guide.  Prices for fishing guides start around $400 a person and unguided fishing trips are available for around $250 a person.  One thing you need to keep in mind when fishing for salmon is that there is a one fish bag limit.  Once you catch one and decide to keep it, you’re done fishing for salmon for the day.  This means you have to make your choices wisely, as you never know if you’ll catch another!  That’s just the nature of fishing.

Many guides in the area offer large packages for people looking to make the most out of their fishing experience.  For instance, you can choose a lodge that provides a fishing package along with their accommodation package.  This will allow you to stay right on the Kenai River and enjoy the wilderness of the area and on each day you get to fish for something different.  One day might be salmon, another trout and another halibut.  Either way, if you love to fish, Alaska is the ultimate destination for fishermen.  

If you have family that aren’t into fishing as much as you are, don’t worry.  The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is nearby as well.  This offers your family plenty of opportunity for hiking and they can even take a canoe trip.  The towns of Kenai and Soldotna offer plenty of sightseeing and shopping as well. Kenai is located about three hours from Anchorage.  In both Kenai and Soldotna, you’ll find plenty of hotel accommodations should you choose to not stay at a lodge.