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Kenai River Fishing Guide

Alaska

A glacial river with late summer coho and rainbows that grow fat on salmon eggs. Historically famous for giant kings, but king fishing has been closed in recent years, so check ADF&G emergency orders.

Trip at a Glance

Anglers come to Kenai River for rainbow trout and coho salmon. The best months overall are May to Jun, Aug to Nov. In October, rainbow trout and coho salmon are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (3 fly, 9 bait and tackle); the closest is Sportsman's Warehouse in Soldotna, 13 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Anchor River is 63 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.

Best Months

May to Jun, Aug to Nov

In October

Rainbow Trout, Coho Salmon

Methods

Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait

Season at a Glance

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What You'll Catch

Kenai River Species

Rainbow Trout

Prime Now
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Best: Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov

Coho Salmon

Prime Now
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Best: Aug to Nov

Plan by Month

What to Use

Month
Fish

12 picks for October. ● means in season that month.

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Rod & Reel

Recommended Setups

Rainbow Trout

Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.

Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.

Coho Salmon

Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.

Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.

Matched to These Species

Gear for Kenai River

Spinners

Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner

A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.

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Fly Rods

Echo Spey Rod

A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.

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Fly Rods

Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod

A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.

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Fly Reels

Redington Behemoth Fly Reel

A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.

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Fly Lines

RIO Gold Fly Line

A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.

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Fly Lines

Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line

A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet

Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.

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Leaders & Tippet

RIO Tapered Trout Leaders

Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.

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Within 60 Miles

Shops Near Kenai River

Make It a Trip

Nearby Water

Rivers & Streams · Alaska · 63 mi

Anchor River

A small Kenai Peninsula river with late summer coho and a fall steelhead run. Early summer king seasons are often closed by emergency order.

Steelhead · Coho Salmon