The Kenai River is considered the “grand daddy” of all the rivers on the Kenai Peninsula.   It is 82 miles in length flowing from its’ mountain headwaters in Cooper Landing to the town of Kenai and then finally into the Cook Inlet.

The Kenai River area is by far the most popular sport fishing destination in Alaska, and rightly so.  With the variety, abundance and size of the fish that are available, there is plenty of opportunity for all fishing enthusiast.  Every year, two different runs of “king”, sockeye and “silver” salmon swim up the Kenai River to spawn and then die. Year after year this provides food for the Kenai River watershed which sustains the wildlife that lives here.  The largest sport caught King Salmon was recorded here in 1985 weighing in at over 97 lbs.  The Kenai River also harbors Trophy sized Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden.  Fall fishing on the Kenai River is beyond a fisherman’s wildest dreams.  Rainbow Trout exceeding 30 inches has compelled Drifters Lodge to initiate the “30 Inch Trophy Trout Club”.

Sockeye Salmon (Reds) fishing opens in mid-June.  The first run of Sockeye will make their way up the Kenai River to spawn in the Russian River near Cooper Landing. The second run of Sockeye start about mid-July and run through mid-August. Most of the second run fish will spawn throughout the upper Kenai River and streams that feed into Kenai Lake.  Normally well over a million Sockeye Salmon run up the Kenai River.  Sockeye Salmon are fun fish to catch.  Most Alaska fishermen think they are the best for eating and smoking.  At the confluence of the Kenai and Russian Rivers is where many fishermen flock during this fishing frenzy.  This is an ideal stop on your Alaska fishing vacation.The Kenai River runs thru the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.  The refuge extends from Cooper Landing to Skilak Lake where only non-motorized boats are allowed.  Although thru any stretch of the Kenai River you will find many varieties of Alaska wildlife, the Refuge is home to an abundance of moose, bear, eagles, beaver, and multiple species of migratory and local water fowl.

Frank Williams & Bob Rima
Kenai River Drifters Lodge