The Kenai River is one of Alaska's great treasures. Often referred to as the world's greatest sportfishing river, its turquoise waters have produced the world record king salmon at just over 97 pounds. The Kenai River hosts four of the five types of Pacific salmon as well as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and lake trout.
The Kenai River Special Management Area 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.
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 provides prime opportunities for fishing, boating, camping and wildlife viewing.
There are numerous communities adjacent to the Kenai River along the Sterling Highway as well as a portion of the Seward Highway. Visitors will find ample services along the entire way, plenty of private and public campgrounds, all other accommodations, and fishing businesses that cater to the angler.
For more information:
Alaska State Parks
Kenai Area Office
P.O. Box 1247
Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5581
http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/kenairiv.htm