Enjoy Fishing Activities in Our Cabin
Our guests at The Kenai River Cabins at Sterling, Alaska can enjoy incredible fishing activities on the private Kenai River waterfront! Whether you prefer unguided fishing from our shoreline or guided fishing packages, we have something for everyone.
Unguided Fishing
Shore Fishing on our Private Waterfront
Trout and various species of salmon can be caught from our shoreline at different times. During the peak sockeye (red) salmon season, the number of our guests is limited to provide the optimum fishing experience without overcrowding. The peak of the red salmon run at our location is usually from around July 10th through August 15th. Silver and pink salmon season runs from mid-August through October, and they can also be caught from our shoreline during their migration upriver. We provide fishing rods, reels, and nets for our guests.
However, for those targeting king (chinook) salmon, which can be quite large, it is difficult to land them from the shore. Accordingly, we can recommend local guides with a boat. King season runs from May through July.
Fishing on Nearby Kenai River Public Access Shoreline
There is also fishing on the nearby Kenai River public access shoreline. Our location near Sterling has great river access points for red salmon and silver salmon bank fishing on the Kenai River at Bing’s Landing State Recreation Park (5 minutes away from our cabins), Izaak Walton State Park (located at the confluence of the Moose River and the Kenai River, 3 minutes away), Morgan’s Landing State Park (about 15 minutes away), and Jim’s Landing (about 30 minutes away).
Guided Fishing Packages
We are pleased to refer our guests to experienced local guides, who fish with either drift or power boats on both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Our guides offer day trips out of our cabins, as well as multi-day bookings. Our recommended fishing guides provide all quality tackle and bait including your choice of fly fishing, level wind, or spin fishing gear.
Our Waterfront: The Best Bank Fishing on the Kenai River
Alaska Fishing Seasons and Information
Run timing and seasons are generally as follows, but subject to change by ADF\&G and mother nature:
- May 1 – Sept 30: Halibut
- May 1 – June 30: Saltwater Kings
- May 1 – July 31: Kenai and Kasilof River Kings
- June 10 – August 15: Sockeye Salmon
- June 15 – Oct 31: Rainbow Trout
- August 15 – October 30: Silver Salmon
- August/Sept on even years: Pink Salmon
Kenai River Sockeye Salmon Run Chart (Yearly Comparison)
Fish Species Available on the Kenai River of Alaska and Adjacent Waterways
Rainbow Trout
A trip to the Kenai Peninsula and river is not complete without a trophy rainbow trout fishing adventure. Trophy-sized rainbows of 30 inches or more are quite plentiful throughout the river. Last season saw plenty of Rainbows caught and released off our private riverbank although fly fishing from a drift boat yields the best results.
If your goal is to consistently catch rainbow trout that are considered trophy-size, we do recommend a professional fly-fishing guide for the best success. Please see our fishing “Packages” page for fully guided fishing options.
King Salmon (Chinook Salmon)
The Kenai River of Alaska is world-famous for producing giant trophy king salmon. The world record was taken in May of 1985 weighing 97 lbs. 4 oz. Every year, thousands of kings weigh between 30 and 80, even 90 lbs. Their fighting strength is legendary, and those who have battled these giants have memories that will last a lifetime.
We have two runs of Kings entering the local rivers, and fishing is typically best late May to mid-June and the last half of July. Methods for taking Kings include back bouncing, back trolling, and drift fishing from boats, although they can also be taken from the riverbanks.
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
These silvery fighters average 6-12 lbs. and most of it is muscle. These salmon begin to clog the Kenai River in early July, and the main run ends in mid-August. Regulations aimed at protecting these salmon allow about one million sockeyes to return to the river every summer and are available for sport fishermen. Since the sockeye salmon tend to hug the bank, fishing is always done from the shore. Most of the sockeye pass our shoreline within 3 or 4 feet of our bank.
Methods include casting or flipping Coho flies in a style found only on the Kenai River. Fishing limits vary from 3 to 6 salmon per person per day. Each of our cabins has a freezer for your catch, and there is a cleaning station on the shoreline.
Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon)
Many anglers think silvers are the most fun of all the different species of Alaska salmon. These fighters are notorious for their acrobatics, burning up drags, and snapping rods. Silvers average 10-14 lbs., with lunkers nearing 20 lbs. The season begins in mid-August and ends October 31st. The peak of the silver run is generally from the last week of August through the middle of September.
Methods include fly fishing and/or casting spinners, back bouncing, and back trolling. Fishing can be done either from a boat or from shore, and both methods are equally productive. Silver salmon can also be caught from the shoreline in front of our cabins.
Pink Salmon (Humpy Salmon)
Returning in even-numbered years in late July through August, pinks are the single most aggressive salmon that return to the Kenai. Their sheer numbers and willingness to strike anything shiny make them a favorite with kids, novice fishermen, and anyone who fishes for the thrill of the catch.
Best eaten when taken fresh from the saltwater, pinks have a delicate white flesh that they lose after they enter fresh water. River-caught fish are best smoked or grilled immediately. This fish is caught by casting spinners and spoons.
Halibut
Pacific Halibut: Both sides of the Kenai Peninsula are home to some of the finest halibut fishing available anywhere. Limits of halibut weighing between 20 and 50 lbs. are the norm, with halibut between 100 and 300 lbs. coming in daily. Charters leave from Ninilchik, Homer, and Seward, with every port having its unique advantages: boat size, trip length, travel time, and scenery.
Combination trips fishing for King salmon and Halibut are very popular saltwater trips. Halibut fishing runs from May through September, with King-halibut combos having the greatest catch rates in June. Halibut, lingcod, and rock fishing combos are also available.
Contact Us
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more details regarding our fishing activities. Our team will provide you with the information you need to make the most out of your stay with us.