Chena River, Chena Small Tracts Road access

The feel

This is one of the standard walk-in and drift-boat put-ins for the lower Chena, inside Fairbanks city limits. There is no formal ramp, only informal bank and gravel-bar access from Chena Small Tracts Road on the south side of the river.

Grayling are the steady fishery, with catch-and-release only in the river itself. Drift boats and rafts are common on the salmon reach, and crowds are moderate.

What to expect

Water and access

Public walk-in and boat access from Chena Small Tracts Road on the south side of the river within Fairbanks. No formal ramp; informal bank and gravel-bar access.

Species and timing

Arctic grayling May through September, king salmon typically late June to early August, chum mid-July to late August, when the fishery is open. Whitefish are also in the river.

Methods and gear

Spinning gear or a fly rod. Drift boats and rafts are common for the salmon reach.

License and rules

Grayling are catch and release only in the river. King and chum salmon fishing is open from the river mouth up to a marker near Moose Creek Dam, in season. King salmon fishing has been closed or heavily restricted by emergency order in recent seasons, so do not rely on a stated bag limit.

Crowds and best time

Crowds are moderate.

Season and access

Grayling May through September; salmon only when the fishery is open.

Mingo says

Come for grayling first, and treat salmon as a bonus that depends on the emergency order. Mid-July onward brings the chum, when open.

Before you go

• Check the current emergency order before you go; it overrides the published regulations.
• Release every grayling; the river is catch and release only.
• Bring spinning gear or a fly rod, and a drift boat or raft if you plan to float the salmon reach.

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