Soldotna: Home of the World Record King Salmon

The biggest king salmon on record, which weighed 97.25 lbs., was caught in 1985 by Soldotna resident Les Anderson.

The mounted fish is on display at the Soldotna Visitor Center. Outside the center, there’s a wooden carving of Les and his salmon.

Tips: Check Fishing Regulations and Stay on the Walkways

Before you go fishing for kings, make sure you have a king stamp, as well as an Alaskan fishing license. When you buy your license, check with the store to see what kind of fishing is open. In Alaska, you are required to keep track of how many king salmon you catch, and to record that number on your king stamp, in ink, immediately after landing a fish. So remember to take a pen with you.

When you're fishing in Soldotna, be sure to use the steel boardwalks. They are to protect the riverbank. Don't be tempted to join the fishermen using the new insulated chest waders out in the water. It not only hurts the riverbank, but it is rude and dangerous for the people on the boardwalk behind you: you could hook somebody in the eye!

While at the visitor center, check out the “lure board” used by the visitor center staff to show you exactly what’s legal in rigging your fishing gear – and what isn’t.

Watch for Flying Hooks

Every summer, about 100 anglers and spectators come into the emergency ward at Central Peninsula General Hospital to have a fishhook removed.

Most fishermen “catch” themselves or somebody else nearby.

You can protect yourself by not standing in back of a casting fisherman and by wearing glasses and a wide-brimmed hat. If your line gets snagged, lower your tip and use your reel to retrieve it.

Get Out and Fish!

There are two Kenai River king salmon runs.

The early run starts in mid-May and peaks in mid-June. The late run enters the Kenai in early July, with best fishing in late July.

There are also two red salmon runs.

The first run, headed to the Russian River, starts in late May or early June. The second run is a July run.

Silvers are an August fishery because most people don’t fish for them until the king season closes. For fall fishing, there’s a second silver run in September.

Pinks run in late July on even-numbered years.

Rainbow live in the Kenai River year-round. (Some parts of the river are catch and release only.)

One of the most popular fishing spots in Soldotna is on the south side of the river. There’s a mile of riverbank to fish from in the area.

Whatever you do, get out and fish! You’ll never see fishing like this again in your life.

Honey, Would You Buzz Me Up a Sofa?

Chainsaw art is a Soldotna specialty (although it is found elsewhere in the state, too.

Large Alaskan animals are sculpted by chainsaw artists, and purchased as lawn and porch ornaments and furniture.

In the winter, snow and ice carvings are equally popular, though far less durable.

+ More Alaska Art in the Alaska Knowledge Base.

(Photo, Robert Gaucher)