Cunningham Park
Kenai
The feel
A boardwalk and stairs lead down to a gravel-and-mud bank on deep, tidal water. You work the boardwalk edge and the gravel below the stairs. The site also has a permanent restroom and a picnic table.
Sockeye run 6 to 10 feet off the bank. Wade to your knees, no further, and flip a short cast upstream rather than out. In this deep tidal water, 3/4 oz keeps the drift honest.
What to expect
- Water and access
- Boardwalk and stairs to a gravel-and-mud bank. Deep and tidal.
- Species and timing
- Sockeye 4-8 lb and pink (humpy) 3-5 lb in July and August. Coho (silver) 8-12 lb in August and September.
- Methods and gear
- Bank, spin or fly. A 3/4 oz weight keeps the drift honest.
- License and rules
- Sockeye and coho limits are set in season by ADF&G emergency order, and king fishing is often closed. Check the current regulations before you go.
- Crowds and best time
- High crowds in July and August.
- Parking
- Free parking off Beaver Loop Road, but parking is limited.
- Hazards
- Deep tidal water. Wade to your knees, no further.
- Bathrooms and water
- Permanent restroom and a picnic table.
- Season and access
- No posted fee. Overnight camping is prohibited.
Mingo says
Fish sockeye and pinks first, then switch to coho as the season turns. Coho run 8-12 lb, heavier than the sockeye and pinks, so September is worth a look.
Before you go
- Park off Beaver Loop Road, where parking is free but limited.
- Pack 3/4 oz weights for the deep tidal water.
- Check the current regulations, since king fishing is often closed.
Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.
Today
Getting there
- Access
- Work the boardwalk edge and the gravel below the stairs. Sockeye run 6 to 10 feet off the bank. Wade to your knees, no further, and flip a short cast upstream rather than out. Deep tidal water, so 3/4 oz keeps the drift honest.
- Fee
- City of Kenai. No posted fee. Permanent restroom, boardwalk, picnic table. Overnight camping prohibited and parking is limited.
- Drive from Anchorage
- 2h53 to Kenai
- Drive from Fairbanks
- Full day, 9h27 to Kenai
- Water
- River
- Best time
- Jul-Aug
- Fish
- Sockeye, Pink (humpy), Coho (silver)
- How to fish it
- Bank, Spin, Fly
- Crowds
- High
- Managed by
- Boardwalk, stairs, restrooms, free parking off Beaver Loop Road
- Regulations
- Lower Kenai River
- Local rules
- Sockeye and coho limits here are set in season by ADF&G emergency order, and king fishing is often closed. Check the current regulations before you go.
| Species | Months | Typical size |
|---|---|---|
| Sockeye | Jul, Aug | 4-8 lb |
| Pink (humpy) | Jul, Aug | 3-5 lb |
| Coho (silver) | Aug, Sep | 8-12 lb |
Part of Western Kenai.