Fly Fishing for Rainbow Trout | Kenai, Alaska

August and September in Kenai, Alaska is the time to catch big rainbow trout

Rainbow Trout season opens June 11 and closes November 1

The Kenai River produces some of the largest rainbow trout and char in the state

Fly Fishing on the Kenai River

Beautiful Kenai Rainbow

Too many to count!

Kenai River Dolly Varden

The Kenai River is one of the most prolific trout fisheries in the State of Alaska for trophy size rainbow trout. June, August and September in Kenai, Alaska is the time to enjoy fly fishing for rainbow trout. This is some of the finest fishing of the year.
Rainbow trout and Dolly varden congregate in salmon spawning areas and become ferocious feeders ready to give any angler a run for their money. Try any one of the usual late season hot spots for salmon and you will usually find outstanding Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden fishing. Our Kenai River fishing guides will take you to these hot spots full of fat Kenai River rainbow trout.
The Kenai River produces some of the largest rainbow trout and char in the state. We have had many fish caught in the 24" to 28" range with the largest to date being 33". We estimated this fish at 18 pounds!
Nutrients provided by the returning salmon runs have developed a healthy food chain and the trout and char benefit from this. The Kenai mountain range provides a scenic backdrop for a float trip on this beautiful river. This fishery is managed as a trophy class fishery by the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and for a special esthetic experience by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

This catch and release fishery allows the use of single hook artificial lures only.

Rainbow Trout: 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, August, and September being the prime months.

Bag limits: 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.

Rainbow Trout Fishing Techniques: Trout are fished from drift boats, power 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 is very effective.

Boats: Guided drift boat and power boat trips, equipped for four fishermen.
Rods & reels: G. Loomis custom built graphite rods, and G. Loomis and Shimano fly and spinning reels. You may bring your own fly fishing rods and reels with you.

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), 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 Middle Kenai River we like to use a 6 or 7 weight fly rod. During a day of fishing a fisherman may encounter large deep water, wind or even a unintended Sockeye or King Salmon. Because of this we like to use the heavier rods. Also a long rod, like an eight and a half to nine and a half foot in length is a good choice. Most all of our fishing will be with weight forward floating lines. Ten foot leaders are the best choice with 8 to 10 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. Your guide will help you set up your terminal tackle at the river.

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 Kenai rainbow trout 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. Come enjoy Kenai River fly fishing!