Home / Our Waters / Kenai River
Sterling, Alaska · Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Kenai River
Alaska
Private trips from
$800
a boat
80+ miles
Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet
Nearly 2M
acres of wildlife refuge
5 species
kings, sockeye, silvers, rainbows, Dollies
Home water
right outside our door in Sterling
Fishing our home river
The Kenai
River
One of Alaska’s most heavily fished rivers, flowing over 80 miles from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet. Anglers travel here for its sockeye and silver salmon runs and its big rainbow trout.
The river runs past mountains and forest and through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Your guide picks the water for each season’s runs, whether you are after silvers, big rainbows or the fast action of a sockeye run.
Species on the Kenai
What You Can Catch
Best time to fish the Kenai
Season by Season
Spring
Trout and early kings
Kenai trout trips start May 16, with rainbows feeding on salmon fry. For early-run kings we fish the Kasilof.
Summer
Peak salmon season
The busiest time on the Kenai. The July sockeye run peaks and silvers arrive in August, with long daylight hours.
Fall
Big trout and silvers
Cooler days bring big rainbows and silvers, with fewer boats on the river.
Private boat or shared seat
Choose Your Trip
Short on time?
Half Day
4 hours · Kenai or Kasilof · all gear
From $800
per boat
Most time on the water
Full Day
7 hours · Kenai or Kasilof · all gear
$1,400
per boat
Trip Availability
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Secure Checkout through Stripe
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Private and Shared Charters
Gift certificates
Any trip, any amount
Nearly 2 million acres of refuge
Kenai River
Wildlife
The Kenai flows through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. You may see bald eagles, moose, bears and otters from the boat.
While you cast, you will likely see bald eagles watching the river for fish and moose along the shore. During the salmon runs you may spot otters, beavers and even bears fishing alongside you.
Bald eagles
Moose
Bears
Otters
Beavers
Arctic terns
Waterfowl
From Tripadvisor & Google
What Anglers Say
★★★★★
Been fishing in Alaska for over 30 years. One of the best days river fishing was with this outfitter. We hired two boats for our private party. Nick and Mark were excellent guides.
Doreen Toller
Private party, two boats
★★★★★
Neither my husband nor I had fished for salmon before and he helped us get the hang of things quickly. We ended up catching 10 sockeyes.
Shauna Jones
Google review · Kenai River
★★★★★
What a fantastic trip with Nick. He was amazing, gear was great, scenery was unbelievable. Appreciate the coaching from Nick. Don’t hesitate to book this trip!!
Joe Hartman
Trip with Nick
Photo showcase from the Kenai
Kenai River FAQ
Before You Book
Answers to the most common questions about fishing the Kenai River.
When is the best time to fish the Kenai?
It depends on the species: sockeye in July, silvers from mid-August and big rainbows in late summer and fall. Kenai trout trips run May 16 to September 20 and salmon trips July 1 to September 20.
Where on the Kenai do you fish?
Kenai trips leave from our home base at 38237 Kenai Drive in Sterling, on the middle river between Skilak Lake and Soldotna.
What can I catch on the Kenai?
Sockeye (red), silver (coho) and king (Chinook) salmon, plus rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. For kings we fish the Kasilof.
How long are Kenai River trips?
4 hours for a half day or 7 hours for a full day, on a private boat for up to 4 anglers or a shared seat.
How much is a Kenai River trip?
Private boats start at $800 for a half day and $1,400 for a full day. Shared seats start at $275 per person.
Is the Kenai crowded?
In July the Kenai is busy with the sockeye run. If you want fewer boats, ask about the Kasilof or come in late August and September.
What wildlife might I see?
Bald eagles, moose, bears, otters and many bird species in and around the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Are there restrooms along the river?
Some boat launches and popular areas have facilities, but they can be limited. Your guide will advise on available stops.
Kenai River · Sterling, Alaska
Book Your
Kenai River
Trip
Half Day
4 hours · private boat, up to 4
From $800
per boat
Full Day
7 hours · private boat, up to 4
$1,400
per boat
Shared Seat
4 or 7 hours · join a shared boat
From $275
per person
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All gear included
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Fish cleaned & filleted
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Private boat or shared seat
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