on the World-Famous Kenai River…
Drift Away Rainbow Trout Fishing Focuses on the Middle Kenai River
The middle Kenai River starts at the outlet of Skilak Lake and transitions into the Lower River at the Soldotna Bridge (approx 29 river miles). The first few river miles below Skilak Lake are part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and offer anglers an opportunity to fish in the untouched wilderness with ample opportunities to view a variety of wildlife. Below the refuge is a nice mix of raw land and beautiful riverfront homes, wildlife still abounds throughout the entire Middle River.
This section tends to hold the best rainbow trout fishing opportunities in the entire Kenai River system. Typically the biggest trout on the Kenai River are caught among this 29-mile stretch. Kenai bows are migratory creatures, depending on the time of year and where the fishing is best will dictate which of the several boat launches we will meet at.
Map of the Middle Kenai River: Skilak Lake to the Soldotna Bridge
Why is this section of the river so productive for rainbow trout?
Many red salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon, and king salmon spawn in this stretch, which rainbow trout thrive upon. The amount of lodges and homes on the river bank also creates a much-needed food source, filleted salmon carcasses, and egg skeins are thrown back into the river during the summer months. This consistent food supply keeps rainbows in higher concentrations in certain areas where we target them with flesh and egg patterns.
Among the benefits of fat, happy rainbow trout, having 29 miles of water to play with gives us the ability to move away from other anglers and catch fish in peace and tranquility.
Fishing in the Upper Kenai River is also available upon request…
We hold 9 permits to fish in the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. No motorized transport is allowed in the refuge, so these are drift boat only trips.
