Where to Fish Kenai River Sockeye Salmon Fishing Spots Revealed! City Parks of Soldotna Alaska 2022

[@erictaylor5284]

Thank you so much for posting this. I’m in Kenai for the next 4 days and learned more from your videos than months of research online.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh very cool! 😎 it’s a pleasure really. I get a kick out of making these videos plus it’s a bonus when I get to help someone out. Thanks for tuning in! There should be much more to come!

[@littlegoobie]

This is one thing that really turned me off of fishing just about anywhere else, especially near larger urban places. If you look at most fishing forums, people will post pictures of themselves with fish and block out everything around them. ...like that location is a big secret. AK is literally the only place i know of where just about everyone hands out info to total strangers and helps out people who are new to it. Anyways, this is good to see.

[@shannoninalaska]

I am using KZbin to learn how to fish for Salmon and just started watching your channel. I moved to Alaska almost 2 years ago so its about time.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Well ya know, better late than never! And you have taken the first step so congrats! Now is the time to have a hook in the water if youre after Kenai Sockeye, its on fire!

[@dustinhawes1]

Thank you!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Awesome, thanks for the hook up and making this worthwhile! 🎣😎

[@toddbalicki1780]

Wish we knew about this last week while we were staying at the Kenai River Lodge. Will keep for next time!!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh man!!! yes, next time!

[@ryankhall]

This info is good for anyone looking to fish the Kenai River for sockeye salmon. Great Share! and good rig up video also..!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Happy 4th of July! 'merica! Yea baby!🎣

[@kehasz1]

Thanks for sharing! I will be in Soldotna from July 29th through August 3rd. Hope to catch you on the river.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Of course! If the wind is blowing you'll be sure to find me on the river, but if its calm out Ill be out on the saltwater looking for something huge! Beginning of August is SOOO good for fishing. The Kenai should be loaded up tough by then with sockeye! 🎣

[@noahsizemore1275]

I'm coming next summer can't this summer. Dream trip.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Visiting the Kenai is a wonderful dream trip. If you have the time to stay for a few weeks you will not be disappointed. There's so much to do and see it's hard to take it all in if you cut your trip short. Peak season is Mid July thru the beginning of August for fishing. The weather is gorgeous in June and our Summer officially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend. I sure hope you get your chance to visit and live out the dream! And thank you for contributing to my channel!

[@binofowler3519]

finally got a trip scheduled to soldatna for summer 2024. your videos are wonderful tutorial. fishonfishonfishon !

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Awesome! I think you’re going to have a blast! Thanks for watching, I’ll start updating everyone when the ice breaks off the rivers. Happy new year..!🐟

[@runningwildutah]

Centennial is a good spot. Didn’t know about swift water. Glad you kept the other place that’s free and not at the bridge quiet. Don’t want to stuff the banks before I get there.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Swiftwater was the very first Kenai River spot I ever fished 25 years ago now.. Its changed, as has everything, but its still magical. A must see spot on the Kenai for sure!

[@runningwildutah]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures I spent my growing up years on the Russian. Didn’t do too much on the Kenai except for when we got invited to private land. It’s awesome to see you show case the most epic fishing rivers on the peninsula!

[@Bartheo]

Thank you! Heading there tomorrow! Appreciate your videos, coming from anchorage

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

It’s happening! You’re right on time! Safe travels on that highway coming down and good luck!

[@damienbell3155]

Dude I luv this video thx for the different spots. The one where u caught the trout , never knew of it. Much luv appreciation. I just returned from Valdez on that day killed them on opener,,,, then dead that day. Anyways off topic , thx again bro

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yes, Rotary can really fill up with fish! Its a really nice access point and not too far down funny river road. All of these city parks can be fished in a single day if you're out hunting fish! 🎣

[@Hunter-bf9zt]

Man, love the video! We are heading that way Aug 2nd and looking forward to it. Hoping to catch a couple of those spots while we are there. Thank you for sharing!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh that sounds great! Enjoy your adventure exploring around. There are a lot of great fishing spots to try out! Thanks for watching the show 😎

[@Jwilson1202]

Will be in Soldotna in 2 weeks. I can't wait

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You AND the fish are coming in hot!!!

[@kenzieschultz6304]

When you caught the rainbow, what style of fishing were you doing with the leech? Dead drifting no indicator? New to fly fishing here and just moved to Cooper Landing :)

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Exactly, dead drift.. find the right current with a rock, log or back eddy of some kind and flip wet flies around it. You’ll run into king and coho with that leach pattern too. The Russian river has some seriously healthy rainbows and dollies in it right now! Welcome to the Peninsula! 🎣😎

[@raycetheroof4517]

The little bucket section coming out of the small stream on the left side at Rotary, does that stay full August-September or has the water level dropped off already? Great videos! I'm a local 10+ years and haven't checked out rotary before.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

It usually flows all year. Springtime starts off with lower water and the current builds over the summer as the snow melts and we get more rain. Typically the water levels are elevated as we move into September. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@808dc]

Really great video! Thank you for this. We will be up in October! Aloha nui from O’ahu, Hawai’i.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You are certainly welcome! I’m happy you enjoyed this little tour around town. Thank you 😊

[@wyliestivers2634]

That's the first place I fished there this past summer, July 23rd, caught 6, it was my first time sockeye fishing ever. fantastic place and incredible fishing.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

It’s sure going to be difficult following up catching six on your first trip out! It’s great to hear that even a newbie can find success out on the Kenai. In late July there isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be. Thanks for adding a comment to the channel 🐟🎣

[@alaskacutthecord769]

You're giving us all kinds of ideas for the summer!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

That’s the plan! It won’t be long now before it’s go time! Anyone could easily spend a month or two just on the Kenai during the Summer. 😎 enjoy it!

[@thegoats20]

This is where I caught my second silver ever lol. Nice!

[@thegoats20]

The swift water spot

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Very nice!

[@shereeflorence700]

What a grate day that was ❤️

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Indeed it was! It’s pretty fun biking through all of those parks looking for fish!

[@33736]

Thank you for sharing, I grew up in Alaska and I always used a bait caster. I decided to give a fly rod a try next year. What kind of rod, reel and line do you use?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I like to use an ugly stik big water 9wt fly rod. Okuma SLV 7/8 reel w/ 20lb mono line. This setup lasts for a few seasons and is more on the affordable side of things. Trustworthy in Soldotna has sales a couple times a year on all of this stuff and can be a bargain. Thanks for tuning into the channel!

[@AeonianGainz]

I’m trying to get out there for the first time for sockeye salmon! Little late but I’m trying to find a couple good spots for flossing sockeyes this July, planning on heading out tomorrow😁

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The mouth of the kenai was boiling with sockeye all day today. I think the peak of the run is hitting the river right now! Watch out for the fish counts to skyrocket! Everywhere will be good to fish this week. You’re right on time..🎣😎

[@AeonianGainz]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures awesome!! Good luck fishing out there!!

[@AeonianGainz]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventuresjust finished up! Caught 4 nice reds! Definitly gonna come down here again in August for silvers and next year for red again!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Outstanding! It sure is fun feel the fish get hooked up!

[@thefrugalsportsman]

Love your videos and subscribed to your channel! Thanks so much for sharing you spots it is a huge help as my wife and I will be traveling to Alaska this July to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary and do some fishing as well. As we prepare I was wondering if studded soles like Korker's are a must for fishing in your area? Also do you pack in your waders and boots? It would be great to see your pack set up too and how you carry your rod in a future video! Thanks again for the great videos, please keep them coming and may God bless you!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh wow congrats on your upcoming anniversary! I’ve never found the studded footwear to be necessary anywhere on the Kenai. The riverbed is silty, sandy or gravelly for the most part around Soldotna/ kenai area. You won’t find algae covered rocks unless you’re up in the mountains towards Cooper Landing. Chest waders are the way to go and I always carry them with me in my bag. Most of these places in my videos you can suit up in the parking area and walk right into the water. Great idea for future videos, I can’t wait for this upcoming season to kick off!

[@thefrugalsportsman]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Thanks so much for getting back to me and for the congratulations. I really appreciate the info as that is one less thing I will need to pack for the trip. Again I really appreciate you sharing some spots with us all at it allows people like me and my wife to get the most out of our visit to your great state! Hope to see you on the river and may God bless you in a big way!

[@serafimfilms2412]

Awesome videos! Thank you so much! U make it feel like anyone can come and be successful. What would you recommend for people on budget as far as processing and fish storage? Have you heard how fishing is around Sterling area for reds? Thank you!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Thanks! I loved putting these together. If you are looking for an honest and reliable place to process, pack and store your catch I'd send you to Echo Lake Meats on K Beach every time. The new owners are rockstars and have taken a good business and made it a GREAT business. This place is NOT to be overlooked when searching for value. If you want to get out and DIY your trip, keep the costs light and hang around the Sterling area, then be sure to web search Sterling boat launches. Most of these public access spots put you right on fishable waters that are sure to be loaded with Sockeye late July. Good Luck out there and thanks for tuning in!

[@thomaskempe7914]

Thanks for posting some good fishing spots. I came already 5 times from Ireland to Alaska and fished some of the spots you mentioned. I am still looking for a good spot for Spey fly fishing in September - 2nd coho run - may be you came along of some "slow running" water. Where can I get those discs for Day Use of the Soldotna camp grounds - the yearly one. Keep your videos up and running ..... we are enjoying them here Kind regards from Ireland Thomas

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Alright! It’s amazing to hear from a fan so far away😀 I’ll be fishing the Kenai, Kasilof, deep creek and Swanson rivers for late run coho. Those annual city park passes can be found at the Centennial campground and swiftwater campground guard shacks for $65.

[@thomaskempe7914]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Thanks for this quick reply. I fished the Kasilof as well, just down from the campground, the deep hole left from the stairs ........and I lke also fishing the Ninilchik. Swanson is a great river as well, about 500 yards upstream from the bridge it is very muddy there, but well worth at dropping tide. But in the early mornings there is nobody fishing there and even with a S&W 45 I dont feel very comfortable - bears. We dont have them here .... and no snakes .... so fishing for the Atlantic salmon here, is more or less relaxing ....... But ... Alaska is just stunning, looking forward for September, will be there for over 4 weeks. Thanks and kind regards Thomas

[@robertpaluska6354]

Wow! I love your videos. I'm coming up on August 1st. Hope to see you on the water. Will be up there for a week. This has been so informative. I'm going with my brother. Love fishing for sockeye!!! Do you think watching your other video the Russian river (2 mile hike with a log) would be worth a try at that time too?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Thanks for tuning in! Your comment is motivating! The sockeye salmon fishing on the Kenai River is officially in full swing, with nearly everybody catching fish now! Its been a great week here in Soldotna. I think that you will find your timing to be exceptional and that you will find success no matter where you decide to spend your time fishing. The Russian River will be slowing down on the number of bright chrome sockeye by the time you arrive, but not over yet!! You will still be able to experience good salmon fishing, world class trout fishing and also possible bear viewing! You may even find yourself face to face with a bright red sockeye w/ green head by that time as well up in the Russian. Good luck and travel safely my friend! 🎣

[@michaelsfabwork2985]

Awesome and great info. My wife and I will be there the 17 of July. We go every year. Take care and stay safe. I subscribe and I’ll start checking out your videos.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Ooo you’ll be right on time, as you must know by now if you come up every year. I do appreciate you subscribing and tuning in! I’ll keep releasing updates on the fishing as the season gets swinging! 🎣🐟👍🏻

[@foresterbiologist]

Is the water too high this year to walk over to the island? Just got into town was going to try swift water campground fishing.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

It’s most likely doable with experience but I haven’t tried wading this year.

[@mcchickenmcflurry3636]

So I’m assuming the first week of July is when they’ll start coming in more right

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The first week of July is when the ADFG starts counting the sockeye run. Here’s a link to historical runs that can give you a idea of what to expect as far as when the salmon show up here in the Kenai River www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/FishCounts/index.cfm?ADFG=main.displayResults&COUNTLOCATIONID=40&SpeciesID=420

[@anthonyherrera1241]

Do a video on bank fishing for hallibut from shore.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Its on the list! Ive been waiting for the weather to clear up so I can get it done. Ill more than likely be using my drone to drop the bait in so Im looking for no wind or rain for filming. Ill do deep creek, happy valley or whiskey gulch more than likely. Stay tuned! Great add!!! Im always looking for new ideas to showcase some fishing spots.

[@anthonyherrera1241]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures I'm going to be fishing in kenai mid july, I want to spend a day fishing for hallibut of the bank and I don't have a drone to drop my bait. Where are my best chances?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I would cast off of whiskey gulch beach. It’s north of Anchor Point a couple miles. That spot sticks out into the ocean enough to make it worth while and it’s far enough South in the Cook Inlet to keep you out of the silt/mud that the spiny dogfish (sharks) like to hunt in. The hill from the highway to the beach is drivable but incredibly steep so 4x4 is advised for getting back up out of there.

[@Sam_Blakley]

hey bro.I will be there soon.Is permit i gotta have to fish there?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Check out the ADFG regs for where you’re fishing and get a license

[@Sam_Blakley]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures you know a good lake for pike?thanks

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

We used to fish Mackey lake and sevena lake for pike around here until the ADFG shut it down. Maybe check the regs. They’re killing all the pike off if they’re too close to the salmon streams. The west side of the Cook Inlet has lakes filled with large pike.

[@Sam_Blakley]

@alaskasmallcraftadventures thanks dude I will research around eielson afb than trek my way to homer

[@chasesmith2363]

What's are these spots like in late July? We just moved out to Alaska and I so badly want to slay some fish!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

If you stay tuned into the channel I tend to update what the fishing is like every week, including late July. I travel around the river and check out theses spots and more! Thanks for watching!

[@КоляКорчеватський]

What is the peak season for Kenai River Sockey? Thanks.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

3rd week in July is historically the peak of the Kenai Sockeye run. This can vary slightly but holds true more often than not.

[@КоляКорчеватський]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Thanks. We were there for the first time in end of June/1st week July and it was not perfect fishing even in Russian river. Oh, it was need sunglasses to fish! But, halibut was excellent at Ninilchik beach using drone for the bait delivery up to 200-300 yards. First time - more experience. Alaska is New World! Dalton Highway, Polar Circle, Arctic Ocean (Prudho Bay) was perfect compensation...

[@ajones68]

Good Info!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Kenai River Update! Im glad you found this useful. 👍🏻

[@nd6438]

How far of a walk is it down to rotary to fish?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Rotary park is 3 miles from the Sterling highway. From the parking area at rotary park to the fishing area is less than a half mile. I hope this helps!

[@bobcalvert7194]

Those locals are gonna be pissed at you for giving up that spot at Rotary! lol

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Well as they say, “give a man a fish, teach a man to fish”….. I get my fair share of grief though… 🤷

[@andyfam5613]

​@alaskasmallcraftadventures alaska is so big. Idk what the big deal is. I've lived here since 2002. Never had a problem getting fish to last til the next season. There's plenty for everyone.

[@tearoftaste4183]

Good reason why nobody is there. The second run of reds starts around the 2nd to the 3rd week of July.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yea, its early. Plus kings have been completely closed ( I believe catch and release is opening now or soon) The two sockeye I had on at Rotary were large Kenai run reds so that was nice to see.

[@jakobczarnecki5131]

We where there for a week but left 2 days ago and no one was catching anything including us someone would catch one every once In awhile out of 50+ people a fish was caught every 30min I think in coopers landing to be specific

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You must have been chasing the tail end of the early run sockeye for the Russian River. The water level stayed higher up there and the majority of the fish just shot right through around Summer Solstice time (June 22ish) The big Kenai run is just now starting to show up and should be fire in the next two weeks coming... Its not too late to come back!! I bet you seen some nice weather at least while you were visiting.

[@Tmanyoutube19]

Crazy how empty the campground and boat launch parking was

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

That’s what I was thinking when I showed out there. It was ghostly around here before the fish count went up.

[@BindisHoney]

Bings?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yes, Bings and a couple of other spots are excellent. I was trying to focus on the 3 city parks that come with the season pass in this video but will go to take a look at some more spots soon!

[@pino2643]

Vengo a Luglio dal 30 a 12 Agosto

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Perfecto!

[@jonahex8463]

These spots must be starting to heat up about now…

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Steadily trickling in right now.. dip netting at the mouth opens on the 10th and will be a good indicator of what’s coming

[@sheilaepling1313]

I hate That all these spots are not secret anymore 😢

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Soldotna sells Season passes for access to these parks for only $65! They have them in the guard shacks of Swiftwater and Centennial if interested!

[@jacksoncraig9861]

No ones there because you’re a month too early bud

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yea, this place goes off like a firework all at once and then it’s over.

[@roymay9758]

Ripping on your rod at the end of your drift is not only Unethical but it is also Illegal. I know everyone does it. Doesn't make it right. You don't need to do that when lineing/ flossing salmon in the mouth. But hey....whatever.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Illegal? Unethical? For setting the hook? 🤔 hmmm. So It’s only okay to snag sockeye inside of the mouth as long as everyone does it your way? I appreciate your concern but it’s just an edited KZbin video that you’re getting all worked up about. When you say something like “everyone does it” and you insist that they’re all wrong, what does that say about you?

[@roymay9758]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures It is not only my opinion it is ADF&G's also. It is very easy to look up. Snagging is Illegal. I have seen many citations issued for doing that exact thing. FYI....I've been fishing the Kenai River longer than you've been alive. Good fishing. BTW... constructive criticism is not a personal attack on your being. Do with it what you will.

[@veledaseed3640]

Why are you exposing our spots? The local would appreciate to keep our secret fishing holes. There is PLENTY of other river for the tourists. Please and thank you kindly.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The Soldotna city parks are open to the public, just like they have always been. The Kenai River is no secret. Guided fishing boats have exposed every fishable spot this river offers since before KZbin even existed. I’m actually proud of my videos on here and how much they help people. Thanks for commenting

[@PINEHILLOUTDOORS33]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Damn KZbin Karen’s always ruin the fun. Great video