Kenai River, Alaska – Kenai Riverside Lodge

Depending on the dates we will target the Kenai’s famous gigantic king or chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon (Silver) and or large feisty rainbow trout and dolly varden. However, for the trophy salmon fisherman, the name of the Kenai River is synonomous with one thing: enormous king salmon. Although its runs of king salmon may be smaller than those of other popular Alaskan rivers, the Kenai is without a doubt the best river in the world to catch the “salmon of your life.” This is the river that produces the world’s largest salmon and has yielded fish that surpass the 100 pound mark. However, the rod caught record remains at 97 pounds, with a king caught by local fisherman, Les Anderson in 1985. Over the years we have had a number of guests hook fish in the 50 to 70 lb range.

The fishing season for king salmon runs from mid May until the end of July. During the months of June and July, the river also receives one of the largest sockeye runs in all of Alaska. This is the moment in which the kenai becomes the most popular fishing destination in the entire state. By the middle of August we can count on good fishing for fresh silver salmon, complemented with hot action for rainbow trout and dolly varden that concentrate to feed on salmon eggs and flesh. In fact, many local fly fishermen only fish for the huge rainbows and dolly vardens in the Kenai. Rainbows and dollies in the 5 to 10 lb range are commonplace and the Kenai provides excellent chances for trophies of 10 to 20 lbs. A little known secret is that the river at times can also provide hot action on dry flies. 

For your stay at the Kenai, you have the choice of lodging in a cozy riverside cabin at the Alaska Wildland Adventures Kenai River Side Lodge or provided there is availability in one of three luxury guesthomes on the property of the lodge. The guest cabins are rustic wooden cabins that can accommodate up to 4 persons each. They are equipped with comfortable beds, electricity and heating and each have a private bathroom. The Guest homes include three luxurious timber frame homes. The Bear and the Moose Home each  feature a main-level Master Suite with king-sized bed and deluxe private bathroom with steam shower and jetted tub  and an upstairs Suite, accessible by stairway, which has two bedrooms (each with a queen bed) and a shared bathroom and shower. The Lynx Cottage is a beautiful one-story home featuring two bedrooms (each with a Queen bed) and shared bathroom and shower. Perfect for couples or small families of 4 who wish for a bit more space and privacy.