28 Mile River Access

The feel

The Chena River is reached from a 0.5 mile gravel road at mile 28 of Chena Hot Springs Road. The launch site is unimproved and normally requires a four-wheel drive vehicle, and parking is limited to a few sites on the gravel bar.

This is the upper Chena, known for catch-and-release Arctic grayling fishing, with good grayling water along Chena Hot Springs Road for 15-20 miles of the upper reach.

What to expect

Water and access

Chena River, off Chena Hot Springs Road at mile 28 by a 0.5 mile gravel road. The launch site is unimproved.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling. King and chum salmon spawn in early August in the upper river.

License and rules

Sport fishing for grayling in the upper river is catch and release.

Parking

Limited to a few sites on the gravel bar.

Season and access

The launch normally requires a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Mingo says

Aim for the upper river when you want grayling water close to the road. The grayling water runs along the road for miles.

Before you go

• Check that your vehicle can take an unimproved gravel road before you turn off.
• Expect room for only a few vehicles on the gravel bar.
• Release every grayling you catch.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.