Kenai River Salmon Fishing Trip in September - Cooper Landing or Soldotna?

Hi Brett,

Cooper Landing definitely offers you a beautiful view and the most access to the river on foot. If the Russian River campground is open this fall, it has been under road construction the past 3 falls, you can also fish there for Coho. Below Skilak will require a boat or a guide, unless you walk into the few lower river public access points, but these will be crowded and limited river to fish.

Historical run timing, you should have Silver Salmon (Coho) spread through out the river. The last few years the Silver Salman return has been pretty bad and off timing, making the lower section of the river the better option to find some fish. If the Coho return this year is more on par with historical data, I would fish the Cooper Landing area due to its access and no cabins or homes to look at.

Anything we can do to help, please let us know.

Thanks,

- Mike

Hi Brett,

September 11 is considered peak timing for the late run of silver salmon on the Kenai River. The river is open to the use of bait below the Moose River in September and this section, particularly the area within tidal reach (below the Soldotna bridge) is likely to have the highest concentrations of Silver Salmon that are fresh from the ocean and therefore better table fare. The silver limit in this area is three fish per day, per person. The lower Kenai is largely an anchor fishery where boats go early in the morning to get a good spot and then fish the tides for fish entering from nearby Cook Inlet. Again this will be the best opportunity for fish fresh from the ocean but not necessarily the most remote and scenic section of the river. Above the Moose River there is also very good fishing for silver salmon and this section is all no bait. It is super scenic and much of this section below Skilak Lake is in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The best techniques in this area include casting lures such as spinners and plugs as well as twitching jigs and also swinging flies. These techniques are definitely more hands on and technical so depending on your fishing experience, they may not yield the same results as fishing cured salmon eggs or sardine wrapped plugs in the lower Kenai. The Upper Kenai River near Cooper Landing is more scenic than the lower as it is in the mountains so the backdrop of the Kenai Mountain range is very appealing. September is also the time when our fall colors are at their peak so that only adds to the incredible scenery. The upper Kenai River as well as the Russian River (a tributary of the upper Kenai) will have silvers available but they will be pretty far up the system at that point so some will be getting their spawning colors and will not be the best for keeping. The limit is two fish in this area. Driving to Copper Landing is only 45 minutes so most prefer to stay in the Soldotna vicinity to take advantage of the more abundant services such as grocery stores and restaurants and it also is close to most of the different fishing options including the middle and lower Kenai, the Kasilof River and also flight services for fly out trips. There are also far more lodging options available in the Kenai/Soldotna/Sterling area.

If I can help further with lodging as well as guided fishing options please feel free to reach out anytime!

Thanks, Mark

Hey Brett!

That time of year, a good portion of the Kenai River can be great for Silver/Coho salmon. If your goal is to keep fish, the closer you get to the ocean, the better. Sometimes, by the time the silvers reach Cooper Landing, they can be fairly "dormant" as far as being aggressive and striking. Cooper Landing is our home and it is super scenic, quiet and beautiful. It is also an excellent time for catch and release for trout/dolly varden, so mixing in some great action with trout and the occasional shots at silvers is a blast. If your goal is to keep fish, I would suggest the middle kenai river as it is very scenic, still has amazing trout fishing and much more aggressive/chrome silver salmon.

Hopefully this helps!

Dave

Hi Brett, thanks for reaching out with your question!

While Cooper Landing is undoubtedly beautiful—a place close to my heart from my early guiding days—when it comes to Silver Salmon fishing, I’ve found the Lower and Middle Kenai (around Soldotna) to be much more productive.

Here’s why:

• Fresher, Feistier Fish: Salmon tend to be fresher and put up a stronger fight as they enter the river near Soldotna/Kenai. We love the feisty strikes we get here, which is one of the main reasons we based our business in Soldotna over 10 years ago. Any Salmon River in the world the mouth of the river is going to be the fresh Salmon, as they are just entering their journey up the River. Cooper Landing is roughly 80 miles from the Mouth of the river (River Miles)
• Regulations & Run Quality: The Upper Kenai (the Cooper Landing area) is often more regulated, especially during weaker return runs, since this is where the salmon spawn. These restrictions can limit your Silver Salmon action, whereas the Lower and Middle Kenai typically don’t face the same constraints.
• Amenities: Soldotna offers all the conveniences you’ll need—dining, lodging, grocery stores, fish processing, etc.—and it’s only about a 40-minute drive from Cooper Landing if you’d like to visit for its scenery and hikes.

Given all this, for your September 11th trip, I’d recommend booking your guide from Soldotna. This will give you access to the fresher, more energetic Silver Salmon and the added benefit of excellent local amenities.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need recommendations for lodging and more. Tight lines!
Scott Daletas

Brett,

Congratulations on your trip to Alaska this season!

Silvers will still be present (generally) at both Cooper Landing and Soldotna. Depending on the run timing some may or may not be in shape to harvest. As all pacific salmon when they hit the river system they start their spawning process and are deteriorating. Some years they are still dime bright while others are spawned out, fire engine red and are nearing the end of their life cycle. Cooper Landing is more mountainous and "pretty" while the Soldotna area offers more ammenitinties so both are good options depending on what you are trying to get out of your trip here. With either option I would get your plans dialed in sooner than later as September offers great fishing options and good outfitters and accommodations can book out quickly. Good luck!

Cheers - Adam

Have a question of your own?

Ask The Pros