Kenai River Special Management Area

Covering about 50,234 acres, Kenai River Special Management Area lies in Kenai Peninsula County, about 35 miles east of Kenai.

Salmon, rainbow trout and dolly Varden are the most popular species to fish for on the Kenai River. Voracious rainbow trout gorge themselves on salmon roe, tens of thousands of sockeye salmon flood the river during the peak of the run and some of the largest remaining king salmon return to spawn providing ample opportunity for fishermen and women to catch dinner. Whether you opt to hike the Upper Kenai River to cast a fly for rainbow trout or sport fish by boat with a guide, you will have a great chance to catch a fish from the bountiful waters of the Kenai River. Hike a Scenic Trail There are an abundance of trails providing access to fishing and scenic overlooks, photographic opportunities and unmatched panoramic views of the Kenai River, Skilak and Kenai Lakes. Several hiking trails near Skilak Lake deliver exceptional views of the Upper Kenai River, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains. Be prepared and bring a snack, first aid kit and layers for the weather. Good hiking shoes and a set of trekking poles can make a hike even better as Alaska weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Hiking The Kenai Peninsula offers an abundance of trails providing access to fishing and scenic overlooks, photographic opportunities and unmatched panoramic views of the Kenai River, Skilak and Kenai Lakes. Some of the larger park units and recreation sites including Slikok Creek, Morgan's Landing and Bing's Landing have river access trails providing short hikes and great views of the river. Several hiking trails near Skilak Lake deliver exceptional views of the Upper Kenai River, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains. Bring good hiking shoes, snacks and water and be prepared for unpredictable weather. It is hard to find streams that are developed, like the lower Kenai River, that continue to produce salmon. When the riverbank is unhealthy, young fish cannot thrive. Without healthy vegetation along the banks of the Kenai, the number of salmon will dwindle. Please help protect the stream bank vegetation by using existing trails, boardwalks and fishing platforms when accessing the river. Fishing from shore is an extremely popular method on the Kenai. Many public facilities in Kenai, Soldotna, Sterling and Cooper Landing have trails, boardwalks and fishing platforms for river access. Please see the Maps and Brochures section for a list of public access areas. Please respect the rights of the many private land-owners along the Kenai River. Angling the Kenai can be enjoyable and orderly if everyone works together to have fun, catch fish and enjoy this remarkable river. • Use developed trails when possible

• Gently support the fish in the water with its head pointed upstream until it swims away on its own. River paddlers should be strong swimmers and be in good physical condition. Choose boats designed for rough river currents. Highly stable kayaks, canoes, and rafts with a very low center of gravity and covered decks are ideal. In addition to legal requirements and the other items recommended for all boaters, paddlers should also carry: paddle float, paddle leash, stirrup, towing strap, plenty of visual distress signals (including a signal mirror) and maybe even a spare paddle.

• Fishing the Kenai Welcome to the Kenai River Special Management Area! The Kenai River is an angler's paradise, boasting all five species of Pacific Salmon and large rainbow trout. It is Alaska's largest sport fishery, world renowned for it's record-size Chinook salmon. All in all, 36 different species of fish call the Kenai River home. Fish and anglers aren't the only ones who benefit from the remarkable Kenai; bald eagles, caribou, trumpeter swans, moose and bears are just a few of the inhabitants that make the Kenai River a prime location for watchable wildlife. The Kenai River Special Management Area (KRSMA) was established in 1984 in response to the increasing public use and strain on the river system's health. The KRSMA contains more than 105 miles of rivers and lakes and is adjacent to 16 publically managed parks that offer prime opportunities for boating, camping, wildlife viewing and, of course, fishing. Come visit the Kenai and make your own adventure! The Upper Kenai River is a drift-only section of the Kenai River Special Management Area. This section of river provides great fishing and camping opportunities and some of the most scenic vistas within the Kenai River System. Part of the Kenai's appeal comes from the Striking turquoise glacial water. Boaters opting to float during the summer months are often rewarded with wildlife sightings of bear, moose and majestic bald eagles. Down stream of Jim's Landing, the Kenai River Canyon offers a wilderness feel, with a series of class II and III rapids. Enjoy this relaxing and gorgeous float through some of the most remote stretches of the Kenai River. Sport Fishing the Mighty Kenai Salmon, rainbow trout and dolly Varden are the most popular species to fish for on the Kenai River. Voracious rainbow trout gorge themselves on salmon roe, tens of thousands of sockeye salmon flood the river during the peak of the run and some of the largest remaining king salmon return to spawn providing ample opportunity for fishermen and women to catch dinner. Whether you opt to hike the Upper Kenai River to cast a fly for rainbow trout or sport fish by boat with a guide, you will have a great chance to catch a fish from the bountiful waters of the Kenai River. There are an abundance of trails providing access to fishing and scenic overlooks, photographic opportunities and unmatched panoramic views of the Kenai River, Skilak and Kenai Lakes. Several hiking trails near Skilak Lake deliver exceptional views of the Upper Kenai River, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains. Be prepared and bring a snack, first aid kit and layers for the weather. Good hiking shoes and a set of trekking poles can make a hike even better as Alaska weather is unpredictable and can change quickly. Fishing The Kenai Peninsula offers an abundance of trails providing access to fishing and scenic overlooks, photographic opportunities and unmatched panoramic views of the Kenai River, Skilak and Kenai Lakes. Some of the larger park units and recreation sites including Slikok Creek, Morgan's Landing and Bing's Landing have river access trails providing short hikes and great views of the river. Several hiking trails near Skilak Lake deliver exceptional views of the Upper Kenai River, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains. Bring good hiking shoes, snacks and water and be prepared for unpredictable weather. Camping by tent or RV is a very popular activity on the Kenai River. The KRSMA has several campgrounds to choose from, all of which are adjacent to the Kenai River. Bing's Landing Campground, Morgan's Landing Campground, Izaak Walton Campground and Funny River Campground are all located on the Middle River and provide fishing access to the River. Sites at the campground have fire rings and picnic tables and a place to park a vehicle, although the KRSMA does have several walk in sites. Camping is only permitted in developed campgrounds. All other undeveloped state lands, river islands, and day-use facilities within KRSMA are closed to camping. The Kenai River has attracted people for thousands of years. The earliest archeological sites were occupied between 8,000 and 10,000 years ago, not long after glaciers receded from the area. Intensive salmon fishing began at least 2,000 years ago by the Riverine Kachemak and later by the Kenaitze Dena'ina. Both cultures were not only attracted by salmon, but also offshore fish, moose, and caribou. The river continues to provide food for local people, other Alaskans, and the world. Russian fur traders arrived in 1741 and established a Russian settlement and fur and fish trading post in 1791. Explorer Captain James Cook sailed his namesake Cook Inlet in 1778. Sport Fishing Meanwhile, the Kenai Peninsula's population began to grow and so did the popularity of sport fishing. In the 1970s and 80s inventive fishers tried a multitude of new techniques to catch king salmon and the sport fishery erupted when the world record 97 pound, 4 ounce king salmon was caught on the Kenai River in 1985. Ever since, king salmon fishing has been a tremendously popular sport on the Kenai. Today the Kenai River is the most popular fishing river in the state, boasting often healthy returns of sockeye salmon. The Kenai River continues to be important to the economy of the Kenai Peninsula and remains an extremely popular sport fishery. Thousands of fishermen and women flock to the shores of the Kenai to catch their limit of salmon or catch and release a trophy rainbow trout. The draw of the Kenai is often the fishing, but the area also provides a scenic landscape highlighting the turquoise blue water and stunning Kenai Mountains. The river supports two runs of sockeye, two of Chinook, two of coho salmon, and is home to thirty-three other different species of fish. As such, the Kenai River is the likely the most popular sport fishery river in Alaska. There are 4000 to 6000 people fishing daily along the banks of the Kenai River during the peak of the sockeye salmon run. The Kenai River is an irreplaceable asset to Alaskans and local wildlife, but a popular fishery cannot be maintained without careful management. It is hard to find streams that are developed, like the lower Kenai River, that continue to produce salmon. When the riverbank is unhealthy, young fish cannot thrive. Without healthy vegetation along the banks of the Kenai, the number of salmon will dwindle. Please help protect the stream bank vegetation by using existing trails, boardwalks and fishing platforms when accessing the river. Along with the usual hazards of rocks and gravel bars, this stretch of river generally has a significant amount of boat traffic during June, July, August and even September. Please be aware and courteous to other boaters. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game operates fish wheels, sonar sites and in river test fishing below the Soldotna Bridge during the summer months. Please stay mid-channel and avoid all fish and game equipment while operating on the Kenai River. Beware also of commercial fishing vessels moored near Cook Inlet. Fishing the Kenai Bank Fishing Fishing from shore is an extremely popular method on the Kenai. Many public facilities in Kenai, Soldotna, Sterling and Cooper Landing have trails, boardwalks and fishing platforms for river access. Please see the Maps and Brochures section for a list of public access areas. Please respect the rights of the many private land-owners along the Kenai River. Angling the Kenai can be enjoyable and orderly if everyone works together to have fun, catch fish and enjoy this remarkable river. • Do not trespass, dock, bank fish, picnic, or camp without permission Patience is a virtue! Please be kind and courteous to others at fishing holes, while boating the river, when launching boats and parking at facilities. Fishing should be fun. A smile and a helping hand can calm many stressful situations. Landing a salmon on the Kenai is challenging enough without worrying about the crowds. The universal signal for "Fish On" is an upraised landing net. Help out other anglers by pulling in your line, stepping out of the way, offering to net their fish and/or steering your boat well away from the fish. If your fishing line becomes entangled with someone else's line that has a salmon on, cut your line immediately. The line with the fish on has the "right-of-way." Sport Fishing Regulations Anglers should obtain a current copy of the Sport Fishing Regulations and keep it accessible while fishing. Snagging or attempting to snag any fish is illegal in all fresh waters of Alaska. To snag a fish means to hook the fish anywhere other than in its mouth. Anglers must purchase a valid sport fishing license if age 16 or older. Licenses, tags and permits are available at all Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices, many sporting good and grocery stores. Licenses and tags can also be purchased online at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license. If you have questions about fishing regulations, please contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) office in Soldotna at 907-262-9368. Anyone conducting guided fishing activities within the Kenai River Special Management Area must obtain, in advance, a permit issued by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. New fishing guides in the Kenai River Special Management Area are required by state regulations to successfully complete a course for providing professional guide services. The Kenai Peninsula College currently offers two courses each spring semester. Information and details on the course can be found at http://www.krga.org. Catch and Release Fishing Catch and release fishing is highly rewarding if done correctly. Fish must be released immediately and if done correctly will suffer very little permanent injury and will spawn successfully. Here are some suggestions on releasing that will reduce harm to fish. • Land fish quickly. Playing a fish to exhaustion takes energy away needed for spawning. • Do not remove fish from the water, even to take photographs. • Handle fish gently. Grasp fish around the body when removing the hook. A pair of long-nosed pliers or a hemostat works best for backing the hook out. • If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line as close as possible to the hook. Do this only if removing the hook will cause more damage than leaving it in. Use steel hooks that will quickly rust out; avoid using stainless steel hooks. • Gently support the fish in the water with its head pointed upstream until it swims away on its own. Where is a good place to fish on the Kenai River? There are numerous public facilities that provide fishing access. State Park facilities include: Bing's Landing, Izaak Walton Campground, Morgan's Landing, Funny River Campground, and Slikok Creek State Rec. Site. Other public access points include: Moose Ranger Meadows, Swiftwater Park, Gilman River Center, Soldotna Creek Park, Centennial Park and Cunningham Park. These are some of the most popular bank fishing areas on the Kenai River. • Anchoring - A person may not anchor a boat on the Kenai River in a manner that obstructs a primary traffic channel or drift fishing channel in any section of the river. Anchor Buoys are allowed although they must be attended except while pursuing a hooked fish as long as the person returns to the anchored buoy within 20 minutes. 11 AAC 20.862 • Camping is allowed only in developed campsites. All undeveloped lands and islands are closed to camping. There are many areas, including the islands below Skilak Lake, which are closed to camping and bank fishing during sockeye season. 11 AAC 20.880 • Litter - Carry out everything you bring into the park, including food scraps, packaging, cigarette butts and fishing line. 11 AAC 12.050 The Kenai River Comprehensive Management Plan is the basis for management of state land and waters within the Kenai River Special Management Area and other state land within the planning boundaries of the Management Plan. The management plan was developed by agencies and a public advisory board, and guides the cooperative efforts of the land managers. The plan's goal is to protect the natural resources and fish and wildlife habitat, manage the river's recreational and commercial uses, and provided public facilities.

A state fishing license is usually required.

• Regulations Motor Regulations Fact Sheet for Kenai River Special Management Area Sport Fishing Regulations Anglers should obtain a current copy of the Sport Fishing Regulations and keep it accessible while fishing. Snagging or attempting to snag any fish is illegal in all fresh waters of Alaska. To snag a fish means to hook the fish anywhere other than in its mouth. Anglers must purchase a valid sport fishing license if age 16 or older. Licenses, tags and permits are available at all Alaska Department of Fish and Game offices, many sporting good and grocery stores. Licenses and tags can also be purchased online at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license. If you have questions about fishing regulations, please contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) office in Soldotna at 907-262-9368. New fishing guides in the Kenai River Special Management Area are required by state regulations to successfully complete a course for providing professional guide services. The Kenai Peninsula College currently offers two courses each spring semester. Information and details on the course can be found at http://www.krga.org. Alaska State Parks would like to remind boaters that 2008 regulations phasing out the use of older, two-stroke outboard motors in the Kenai River Special Management Area (KRSMA) have been fully implemented. Two-stroke motors that do not employ direct fuel injection technology can no longer operate at any time of year in the special management area, which extends from one mile downstream of the Warren Ames Bridge to the Cooper Landing area and includes both Skilak and Kenai Lakes. For more information, please contact the Kenai/Prince William Sound Area state park office at 907-262-5581. Can I light off fireworks in the park? The discharge of fireworks is not allowed in state parks. They can injure visitors, disturb wildlife and cause wildfires. 11 AAC 12.197 Can I land my airplane or helicopter in the park? The use of fixed wing aircraft is allowed in the park with the following restrictions: Aircraft landings are prohibited on state park land within the KRSMA. Practice landings are allowed only on Kenai and Skilak Lakes. The waters of the Kenai River between the Warren Ames Bridge at river mile 5 and the Soldotna Bridge at river mile 21 are closed to the use of aircraft during the months of June and July. Helicopter landings are not allowed in the park. 11 AAC 20.855 Can I pick berries in the park? Yes, berries and edible plants may be gathered for personal consumption, but not for sale. Collecting, damaging or disturbing rocks, trees, other plants or minerals is prohibited. 11 AAC 12.170 Anyone conducting special use activities on State Park lands or waters must obtain, in advance, a permit issued by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Examples of special use activities include the reservation of facilities (not on the Online Reservation System), groups or events of 20 or more people (weddings, family reunions, school field trips, scout events, etc.), research activities, temporary structures, special/motorized access, etc., or any other incompatible use as defined under regulation. Regulations The following list of regulations help govern the management of the Kenai River. For the complete list of State Park and additional Kenai River specific regulations contact Alaska State Parks at (907) 262-5581 or visit the Alaska Statutes and Regulations web page at • Aircraft - Aircraft landings are prohibited on Alaska State Park land within the Kenai River Special Management Area. Practice landings are allowed only on Kenai and Skilak Lakes. The waters of the Kenai River, between the Warren Ames Bridge at river mile 5 and the Soldotna Bridge at river mile 21, are closed to the use of aircraft during the months of June and July. 11 AAC 20.855 • Drift Areas, Motor Use Prohibited - Operating a boat by use of a motor is prohibited year-round on the Kenai River from Skilak Lake upstream to river mile 80.7 near Cooper Landing. From March 15 to June 14, operating a boat by use of a motor on the Kenai River is also prohibited from river mile 47 upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. A person may not launch or operate an airboat, hovercraft, hydroplane, or a personal watercraft except as described under Personal Watercraft regulations. 11 AAC 20.865 • Use of Weapons - The use and discharge of a weapon for the purpose of lawful hunting or trapping is allowed in the KRSMA only on Skilak Lake and Kenai Lake, except that a person may use and discharge a shotgun below Skilak Lake for the purpose of lawful hunting or trapping from September 1 to April 30 annually, the discharge of any firearm is prohibited within one-half mile of a developed facility or dwelling. A person may discharge a shotgun using steel shot no larger than size T, 0.2 inches in diameter, at a distance of no less than one-quarter mile from a developed facility or dwelling. 11 AAC 20.850