Join Andy Szczesny on the Kenai Peninsula for a fishing experience of a lifetime. Fish and…
Menu
The Kenai River is the most heavily-fished river in Alaska. It is a glacial stream draining the central Kenai Peninsula. Everything you need to make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from the most basic gear to a full blown guide service can be found in Soldotna. Whether your heart is set on Kings, Silvers, Sockeye, Steelhead, Trout, Halibut or Rockfish…we will help you find and reel in the big ones! In 1985, Soldotna resident Les Anderson, caught the world-record King salmon, weighing 97 lbs. 4 oz., here in Soldotna, in the Kenai River, just downstream of our Visitor Information Center on the Sterling Highway. Today, the world famous Kenai River is one of Soldotna’s big attractions and Les’ amazing record catch is on display in our Visitor Information Center.
The Kenai is an 80 mile long river stretching from the headwaters at Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing, to the mouth at Cook Inlet near the town of Kenai. The Kenai River offers a wide array of fishing opportunities, and the Kenai Peninsula offers many other rivers, streams and lakes with exceptional fishing. You can fish from the bank on the Kenai River and many other rivers and streams in our area, launch a boat and take to the waterways, or hire a professional local guide who will help increase your chances of landing your own record fish!
Most seacoast towns on the Kenai Peninsula offer guided charter fishing for halibut, salmon and other saltwater species. They will offer half, full or even overnight fishing trips. What an experience to spend a day out on the water, to feel the sea breeze, and to reel in that barn-door size halibut. They are picturesque towns with a bustling harbor and historic downtown district filled with quaint shops, art galleries and delicious seafood restaurants.
Here are a few tips for enjoying your fishing experience while ensuring that your activity does not damage the delicate Kenai River Habitat.
Read more about Les Anderson’s World Record King Salmon weighing in at 97.4 which is displayed at the Soldotna Visitor Center.
Licenses are available online or from local stores and fishing guides. All persons must be in possession of their license while sports fishing.
