Centennial Park launch (Soldotna)

The feel

Centennial Park is Soldotna's biggest riverfront park, with two ramps onto the lower Kenai. There are 85 ft fishing platforms and stairs down to the river, plus a campground at 349 Centennial Park Road.

With over a mile of river frontage it absorbs crowds better than most, which matters because heavy guide use and very high crowds are the norm. Anglers fish from drift boats, from the bank or with spinning gear for Chinook, sockeye, coho and rainbow trout.

What to expect

Water and access

Two boat launches, 85 ft fishing platforms and stairs to the river, at 349 Centennial Park Road, Soldotna.

Species and timing

Sockeye run July and August at 4 to 8 lb. Coho run August and September at 6 to 12 lb. Chinook and rainbow trout are also here.

Methods and gear

Drift boat, bank and spin.

License and rules

King retention is often closed.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are very high, with heavy guide use.

Season and access

Summer, gated. Managed by the City of Soldotna.

Mingo says

Aim for July and August for sockeye, or August and September for coho. Expect company either way.

Before you go

• Pay $8 entry per 12 hours; the boat launch is $9 non-motor or $18 motor.
• The campground is dry camping with no hookups and takes no reservations.
• The park is gated in summer.

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