Available: June 11-September
Average Size: 18-20 inches
Limit: Catch and Release Only
Fishing Techniques: Drift Boat, Fly and Spin Fishing, Backtrolling

The upper Kenai River, nestled in the heart of the Kenai Mountains between Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, offers some of Alaska's finest catch and release trophy rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing. This special non-motorized section of river flows through the beautiful mountain backdrop of the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. If trophy rainbow trout fishing is what you're after, then the upper Kenai River is the place for you. With an average size of 18-20 inches and the occasional fish stretching the tape to 30+ inches, fishing the upper Kenai River for rainbow trout is a trip not to be missed.

Rainbow trout fishing on the upper Kenai River is good all summer.

The action starts in mid-June, slows down through July as the salmon overwhelm the river, and picks up significantly once the salmon begin to spawn in mid-August through September. During the late season feeding frenzy, when rainbow trout and Dolly Varden gorge on loose salmon eggs, the upper Kenai offers unparalleled opportunities for both fly and spin fisherman.