Fishing on the Kenai

Thanks to you all, we landed at River Terrace as some friends were up here last yr. and they stayed here. Can't say much for the park, but the location and river access is great. Will look into the fly - out, sounds fun. Thanks to you all so much. Our first time to salmon fish and loving it!

I would recommend Centennial Park in Soldotna. There are numerous campsites, but they are probably all booked now - give them a try to be sure. Centennial has a public fishing beach and the fishing is good now - yesterday 92,000 sockeye passed the sonar fish counter one mile downstream of Centennial. The comment about spawning fish being mushy is true, but understand in the Kenai River the spawning grounds are at River Mile 80 (or so) and Soldotna is at River Mile 20. The fish caught in the Soldotna area are bright chrome and have only been out of the saltwater for a day or two.

I'm off to catch dinner right now...

We stayed down the road in Ninilchik if you want to avoid crowds. Depends on what you are looking for fishing. We stayed at Heavenly Sights which was small, could be a little noisy in the evening at times. Took their charter out for halibut and they do kings too. Halibut fishing was great and they give you a price break if they need to fill the boat. Nice people. We are now in Haines, took a charter out for kings, but only caught pinks. The Capt. of the charter said they will not keep fish that are spawning in the river, as they are mushy and close to dying. Will only keep salmon from the ocean. My husband and I have been catching salmon from the beach that have just come up through the Fjord and are nice and fresh. Just some suggestions...good luck.

Check out this site, you'll get a daily report on the salmon runs.
Salmon Runs

I would second Alaska West Air and would REALLY second the Kustutan for silvers.....which means don't bother with kings on the Kustutan.

TR, I don't have any info that is current but I can reommend a group if you want to do a fly out. Call Alaska West Air and ask about the silvers in the Kustatan. It's not any more expensive but some of the best Lodges use them and they are a great group. They fly you out to wherever with gear, equipment and a guide and the pick you up. Your catch is cleaned anyway you want it and I have always had a blast with them.

Texas Roadrunner, we are currently in Soldotna & it appears the reds are coming into the Kenai River. There were a few being caught when we drove through Swiftwater Campground while ago.

The Klondike RV Park and Cabins in Soldotna, Alaska, was the best we found and we looked at quite a few in the area. You might take a look at the roll call Alaska forum and find some great fishing advice from folks who are there right now or have recently been there.