Average 1-5 lbs. with trophies up to 15 pounds. Rainbow Trout season opens June 11 and closes November 1. Trout fishing is good all summer long with June, September and October being the prime months.

Bag Limit

Because the Rainbow Trout is a native breed (there are no stocked trout in the Kenai River) we enforce a policy of catch and release on all Rainbow Trout. Feel free to take as many photos as you can before we slip these majestic fish back into their home waters.

Trout are fished from drift boats and from shore with fly rods and spinning rods. Regulations require single hook, artificial lures. Flies, spinners, plugs all can be used to seduce trout into biting. Fly fishing and catering to fly fisher persons is our forte.

Drift Boats

Oar powered, non-motorized aluminum drift boats, equipped for two to four fishermen. Rods & reels: G. Loomis custom built graphite rods, Daiwa or Shimano casting and spinning reels.

Additional Information

Fly fishing can be done on the Kenai River for all species. The Kenai River is a good sized river, generally milky green in color due to glacial run off. A drift boat trip is a must for the devout fly fisherman. Waders are needed when fly fishing, as is good rain gear, polarized sunglasses and a hat. The Kenai River is unique in that it is one of the most productive rivers in the state, and it is also one of the most accessible. These facts combined have made it the center of much political debate and public attention in the recent years. Therefore, all bag limits and Fish & Game regulations are subject to possible change. Alaska Clearwater is permitted with the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Chugach National Forest Service, US Coast Guard and Alaska State Parks.

What to bring for clothing

Waders (a must if drift boating), polarized sun glasses, sun screen, hat, gloves, warm coat (down, Thinsulate or pile is recommended), casual clothing, for 40 or 60 degree weather (cooler in September and October), warm socks, good rain gear, camera and film, personal items and medicines. Kenai and Soldotna are modern communities with year around populations of approximately 5,000 each. Restaurants, retail, grocery and liquor stores are all centrally located.

What to Bring for Fishing Gear

For Rainbow Trout on the Upper Kenai River I like to use a 7 or 8 weight fly rod. During a day of fishing a fisherman my encounter large deep water, wind or even a unintended Sockeye or King Salmon. Because of this I like to use the heavier rods. Also a long rod, like an eight and a half to nine and a half is a good choice for this river. Most all of our fishing will be with weight forward floating lines. The best choice in leaders are ten foot with a 4,6 and 8 lb. tippets . A long leader proves to be an asset when split shot are added to take a fly to the bottom. At times a strike indicator is in order to pick up on light biting Trout and Char.