Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker • 1-800-622-1177

Rainbow Trout fishing on the Kenai River is among the finest in the world. Since the majority of the anglers that visit the Kenai are pursuing salmon, trout fishing is often overlooked. We recommend at least one day of trout fishing. Kenai rainbows are extremely plentiful. They are indeed the most wild and beautiful fish you will ever see. Since rainbow trout are one of the river's year-round inhabitants and not a harvest species, we do our best to return them all to the river unharmed.

Trout fishing on the Kenai River opens on June 12. Fishing is usually very good at this time as the majority of the trout population is recovering from the spring spawn and beginning to feed voraciously. The fish are primarily taken on flesh patterns at this time and this remains the most consistent offering until August. The fish then key in on the abundant salmon spawn and single egg patterns, primarily painted beads, become most effective.

Every year the Kenai River produces some of the largest rainbows in all of Alaska. Fish over thirty inches are largely unheard of in most waters but on the Kenai they are caught on a regular basis.

In addition to the Kenai River, the Russian River and streams and lakes of the Swanson River and Moose River drainages also support significant rainbow trout fisheries. To provide additional fishing opportunity, many landlocked lakes on the Kenai Peninsula are also stocked with this species.

Season: June 14 - October 31. 
Fishing Methods: Drift/Fly Fishing with egg imitations.

• Kenai River Rainbow Trout
• Alaska DFG Fish Species Notebook

• The majority of these fish are between two and five pounds. 
• Kenai rainbows can can exceed 20lbs!
• 42 lbs., 3 oz., 1970, Bell Island (actually a steelhead taken in salt water).

• One fish per day, must be under 18 inches
• MGF policy: Catch-and-release ONLY

• Kenai River Professional Guide Association
• Kenai River Sportfishing Association
• Trout Unlimited
• Kenai Watershed Forum
• Cook Inlet Keeper

Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
33361 Keystone Drive, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
1-800-622-1177

© 2003-2007, Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
This site developed by Philip R. Gantt
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