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 State of Alaska > Natural Resources > Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
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Kenai River Special Management Area |
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The Kenai River boasts
major runs of four Pacific salmon species - king, red, silver and pink
- in addition to trophy-sized rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Kenai River
kings, or Chinook salmon, are among the largest North Pacific salmon,
often weighing from 50 to over 85 pounds. The abundant productivity of
the Kenai River and variety of habitats enables the area to support large
concentrations of bald eagles and many species of migratory waterfowl.
Moose, caribou, wolves, bears and other wildlife also use the river system’s
resources. The area offers prime opportunities for fishing, boating, camping
and wildlife observation.
The Kenai River Special Management Area (SMA) consists of more than
105 linear miles of rivers and lakes, including Kenai Lake, Skilak Lake,
and the Kenai River from river mile 82 downstream to four miles above
the river’s mouth on Cook Inlet. Adjacent to these waters are fifteen
state park sub-units. Other Kenai River land is owned by cities, the borough and the federal
government, as well as private and native lands.
Please respect all property along the river.Boating Safety Knowledge, skill and vigilance are required to operate a boat safely - especially with crowded boating conditions and natural and man-made hazards. Please learn the US Coast Guard "rules of the road" for your safety and others. Non-motorized boats and boats drifting downstream have the right-of-way. Boats under power headed or pointed upstream must yield to other traffic. Between May 15 and July 31, it is illegal to anchor in a manner that obstructs a primary traffic channel or fishing channel of any section of the Kenai River. Power boats are limited to 6 passengers on board, including the operator. Boat operators are legally responsible for their boats’ wake and any damage it causes. Please travel mid-river whenever possible. Use appropriate speeds and keep wake to a minimum to reduce bank erosion and silting of spawning beds. Approach other boats and property, such as docks, carefully. US Coast Guard approved life jackets should be worn and must at least be readily accessible. State law requires that life jackets be worn at all times by children under the age of 13. Boating accidents usually result in hypothermia or drowning, due to cold water immersion and fast currents. Dress appropriately and help those in need. The Kenai and Skilak Lakes are very cold and subject to sudden high winds which kick up choppy waves. Stay on shore in bad weather. Regulations and Courtesy The river is for everyone’s enjoyment - there is no such thing as a personal fishing hole. Courtesy and common sense make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. Fishing regulations may change annually or by emergency order, so check current regulations before fishing. Complete harvest records immediately for king salmon or rainbow trout you keep. Different fishing methods are popular in different river reaches - please don’t buck the trend. Drift fishing through backtrollers, or backbouncing or backtrolling in the middle of an occupied drift is not only discourteous, it is dangerous. It may cause confusion, tangled or cut lines, hot tempers and accidents. 
Landing a salmon on the Kenai River is a challenge in itself. A net
held in the air, or in an upright position, means that someone in that
boat has a "fish on". Help those lucky enough to hook one by pulling
in your line and steering your boat out of the way.
Fish experience shock when caught. Treat a fish you intend to release carefully and release it before it is totally "played out". Remove the hook while the fish is in the water and if it cannot be released easily, cut the leader. An exhausted fish may need to be gently supported in the water. Breakaway sinker rigs greatly reduce gear lost to snags and help prevent disruptions to others. It is illegal to gaff fish on the Kenai River or to lift any fish you do not intend to keep out of the water. Boat motor size is limited to 35 horsepower, excepting on Kenai and Skilak Lakes. The majority of the Kenai River SMA is closed to jet skis, hovercraft, airboats and water skiing. A large portion of the upper Kenai River is a "non-motorized area". Please contact one of the offices listed at the end of this page for further information. Kenai River Guides Guides must have a state park commercial use permit and meet safety training and insurance requirements. It is illegal to book a fishing trip or pay someone for guide services who is not a registered guide within the Kenai River SMA. If you use a guide service, be sure the vessel displays current Kenai River guide decal, a large three digit boat number and the Kenai River SMA guide identification card. You may report violations involving guides to Alaska State Parks at (907) 262-5581. A list of permitted Kenai River guides is available at the Kenai River Center at (907) 260-4882. Return to top of page Please Protect River Resources  Camping
is allowed only in developed campsites. All undeveloped lands and islands
are closed to camping. There are many areas, including the islands below
Skilak Lake, that are closed to bank fishing during sockeye season.
Please consult the Fish and Game regulations for a listing of these
closures.
Litter
spoils the area for others and for wildlife. Carry out everything that
you bring into the park, including food scraps, packaging and cigarette
butts. Put fish entrails into the river or carry them out; do not leave
them on the bank.
Discharge
of firearms is prohibited in the Kenai River SMA except for lawful
hunting and trapping on Skilak and Kenai Lakes, and except for use of
shotguns below Skilak lake for lawful waterfowl hunting September 1
through April 30. Discharge of a firearm from a boat or across the river
within one-half mile of a developed facility or dwelling is prohibited.
Target shooting and plinking are prohibited in the entire SMA and on
adjacent public lands. See Alaska Fish and Game regulations for hunting
information.
Please
respect the rights of the many private land-owners along the
lower Kenai River. Do not trespass, dock, bank fish, picnic or camp
without written permission.
Pets
must be on leashes in developed campgrounds and day-use areas and under
control at all times. Do not allow your dog to run loose or chase wildlife.
Public
restrooms are located at strategic locations along the Kenai
River. Much of the land below Skilak Lake is private property. Public
use is not allowed and is considered trespassing. Please know where
you are and plan to take breaks at appropriate locations. If you are
not near a restroom, dig a shallow hole at least 100 feet from water
and then cover it. Do not burn toilet paper, as it is a fire hazard
and rarely burns completely.
Fires
are permitted only in metal-bottomed fire pans with sides. Use only
dead and down wood and carry ashes, charred wood, charcoal and debris
out of the park . Do not leave fires unattended.
Building
a structure or disturbing the river banks at or below the ordinary
high water mark requires state and federal permits. Contact the Kenai
River Center at (907) 260-4882 for information before beginning work.
Working Together for the River
The popularity of the Kenai River, one of the most heavily used fresh-water fisheries in Alaska, puts a strain on its resources. In response to increasing threats to the river system’s health, the legislature established the Kenai River Special Management Area in 1984 as a unit of the state park system. A comprehensive management plan for the area, developed by agencies and a public advisory board, guides the cooperative efforts of the land managers. The plan’s goal is to protect the natural resources and fish and wildlife habitat, manage the river’s recreational and commercial uses, and provided public facilities. See a map of the Kenai River Special Management Area. For More Information
For a copy of the Kenai River Special Management Area brochure, contact the DNR Public Information Center at dnr.pic@alaska.gov Return to top of page |
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Last updated on Monday, 31-Aug-2009 10:16:26 AKDT.
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