Kenai River
Kenai River Special Management Area · Soldotna, Alaska
A glacial river of startling turquoise water flowing about 82 miles from Kenai Lake at Cooper Landing, through Skilak Lake, to Cook Inlet at the town of Kenai, and one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world. The world-record sport-caught king salmon, weighing 97 pounds, was landed here in 1985, and huge summer runs of sockeye bring anglers shoulder to shoulder at places such as the Russian River confluence. The upper river is known for rainbow trout and whitewater rafting through Kenai Canyon, while Soldotna and Kenai offer boat launches, fishing platforms and campgrounds. In 2026 the Alaska Department of Fish and Game closed king salmon sport fishing on the Kenai from 1 May to 15 August, the third year in a row, with no catch-and-release allowed; sockeye, silver and pink salmon fishing stayed open.
Soldotna Creek Park, Sterling Highway bridge, Soldotna, Alaska, 99669, United States
The river is open year-round; fishing seasons and closures are set by Alaska Department of Fish and Game emergency orders (check adfg.alaska.gov).