Time Frame

• Plan a trip from mid-July through September when four types of salmon start up the Kenai River to spawn -- king (chinook), silver (coho), red (sockeye) and pink (humpy) in even-numbered years. Salmon fishing season kicks off when the first king salmon run starts in May. Late June brings red salmon. By mid-July, a second king salmon run starts up the Kenai River. Silver salmon show up in early August. Every other year, pink salmon start arriving in late July.
  
  

Geography

• At 82 miles long, the Kenai River starts in Kenai Lake, in the middle of the peninsula of the same name, and travels west through mountains and thick forest until it reaches the saltwater of Cook Inlet. The area offers homes to a variety of wildlife, including bears and moose. If you're lucky, you might see beluga whales feeding on schools of eulachon fish near the inlet and the first mile or so of the river.
  
  

Choosing a Guide

• With hundreds of Kenai fishing guides to choose from, visitors find it difficult to choose just one. Narrow your choice by investigating the Kenai River Professional Guide Association. This organization shows its commitment to the river by protecting habitat and providing management of the sport fisheries as well as promoting ethical guided fishing to keep the river a viable resource for the future.
  
  

Regulations

• Make sure to review the statewide sport fishing regulations, then take a look at the specific regulations for south-central Alaska. When you get to the Kenai River, ask your guide about other localized regulations not readily available from the state or region. You also need to apply for a fishing license -- get one before you leave, but allow two to four weeks for delivery. Or get your license at Alaskan outdoor retailers once you arrive in the state.
  
  

Considerations

• To reach the area, fly into Kenai Airport, then rent a car to drive to accommodations. Or take the three-hour drive from Anchorage. For another scenic route, consider flying into Seward on the east side of the peninsula, then drive 140 miles to Kenai on the west side. While many guides offer lodging packages, you may need to find your own accommodations. Look in the towns of Soldotna, Kenai, and Sterling for various lodging options as well as sporting goods, groceries, and other supplies.