Kenai River Special Management Area (Kenai Peninsula)

The Kenai River boasts major runs of four Pacific salmon species - king, red, silver and pink - in addition to trophy-sized rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Kenai River kings, or Chinook salmon, are among the largest North Pacific salmon, often weighing from 50 to over 85 pounds. The abundant productivity of the Kenai River and variety of habitats enables the area to support large concentrations of bald eagles and many species of migratory waterfowl. Moose, caribou, wolves, bears and other wildlife also use the river system's resources. The area offers prime opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and wildlife observation.

The Kenai River Special Management Area (SMA) consists of more than 105 linear miles of rivers and lakes, including Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake, and the Kenai River from river mile 82 downstream to four miles above the river's mouth on Cook Inlet. Adjacent to these waters are fifteen state park sub-units and land owned by cities, the borough and the federal government, as well as private and native lands.

Boating Safety

Knowledge, skill and vigilance are required to operate a boat safely - especially with crowded boating conditions and natural and man-made hazards. Please learn the US Coast Guard "rules of the road" for your safety and others. Non-motorized boats and boats drifting downstream have the right-of-way. Boats under power headed or pointed upstream must yield to other traffic. Between May 15 and July 31, it is illegal to anchor in a manner that obstructs a primary traffic channel or fishing channel of any section of the Kenai River. Power boats are limited to 6 passengers on board, including the operator.

Boat operators are legally responsible for their boats' wake and any damage it causes. Please travel mid-river whenever possible. Use appropriate speeds and keep wake to a minimum to reduce bank erosion and silting of spawning beds. Approach other boats and property, such as docks, carefully.

US Coast Guard approved life jackets should be worn and must at least be readily accessible. State law requires that life jackets be worn at all times by children under the age of 13. Boating accidents usually result in hypothermia or drowning, due to cold water and fast currents. Dress appropriately and help those in need. The Kenai and Skilak Lakes are very cold and subject to sudden high winds which kick up choppy waves. Stay on shore in bad weather.

Regulations and Courtesy

The river is for everyone's enjoyment - there is no such thing as a personal fishing hole. Courtesy and common sense make everyone's experience more enjoyable. Fishing regulations may change annually or by emergency order, so check current regulations before fishing. Complete harvest records immediately for king salmon or rainbow trout you keep.

Different fishing methods are popular in different river reaches - please don't buck the trend. Drift fishing through backtrollers, or backbouncing or backtrolling in the middle of an occupied drift is not only discourteous, it is dangerous. It may cause confusion, tangled or cut lines, hot tempers and accidents.

Landing a salmon on the Kenai River is a challenge in itself. A net held in the air, or in an upright position, means that someone in that boat has a "fish on". Help those lucky enough to hook one by pulling in your line and steering your boat out of the way.

Fish experience shock when caught. Treat a fish you intend to release carefully and release it before it is totally "played out". Remove the hook while the fish is in the water and if it cannot be released easily, cut the leader. An exhausted fish may need to be gently supported in the water. Breakaway sinker rigs greatly reduce gear lost to snags and help prevent disruptions to others. It is illegal to gaff fish on the Kenai River or to lift any fish you do not intend to keep out of the water.

Boat motor size is limited to 35 horsepower, excepting on Kenai and Skilak Lakes. The majority of the Kenai River SMA is closed to jet skis, hovercraft, airboats and water skiing. A large portion of the upper Kenai River is a "non-motorized area". Please contact one of the offices listed at the end of this page for further information.

Kenai River Guides

Guides must have a state park commercial use permit and meet safety training and insurance requirements. It is illegal to book a fishing trip or pay someone for guide services who is not a registered guide within the Kenai River SMA. If you use a guide service, be sure the vessel displays current Kenai River guide decal, a large three digit boat number and the Kenai River SMA guide identification card.

Source: Alaska State Parks.

For more information on Alaska State Parks, visit theAlaska State Parks web site.

Alaska National Parks

Alaska State Parks by Region

Alaska State Parks by Name