Stariski Creek

The feel

It is not as crowded as other places on the Kenai Peninsula. The lower section below the Sterling Highway bridge can be hard going, because there are no angler trails and you are mostly confined to walking along the stream.

The mouth is where many anglers aim, especially for coho. The lagoon there is easiest to reach by traveling north on the beach from the Whiskey Gulch access point, about two miles by four-wheeler. Small runs of pink salmon turn up most years too, and the creek is closed to king salmon.

What to expect

Water and access

The pullout at the Sterling Highway bridge is the best access point, and Tall Tree Avenue north of the bridge crosses the upstream section. Tall Tree Avenue is on the left between mile post 149 and 150 driving south, with the bridge about one mile down it. The mouth is reached by four-wheeler two miles north on the beach from the Whiskey Gulch beach access.

Species and timing

Dolly Varden, mid July through October. Pink salmon, July through August. Coho salmon, mid-August through mid-September. Steelhead, September and October.

License and rules

Closed to king salmon fishing. On the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams, which include Stariski Creek, lower sections are open to salmon fishing during regulatory openings, and upper sections do not open until August 1 and are always closed to salmon fishing and the use of bait.

Crowds and best time

Not as crowded as other places on the Kenai Peninsula. The mouth can be popular for coho.

Parking

A parking area at the Sterling Highway bridge.

Hazards

Lower section has no angler trails, so you walk along the stream. High tides can prevent your return from the mouth to the Whiskey Gulch area, and on really large high tides access back to the Whiskey Gulch parking area may not be possible.

Season and access

Roadside streams on the lower Kenai Peninsula offer sport fishing from May through October. Dolly Varden start in mid July and steelhead run through October.

Mingo says

Plan your trip for coho in late summer or steelhead in fall. Check the tide table before you drive the beach to the mouth.

Before you go

• Plan around the king salmon closure and check the current regulations for which sections are open.
• Remember the upper section does not open until August 1 and never allows bait.
• Turn onto Tall Tree Avenue between mile post 149 and 150 to reach the upper creek.
• Call the Homer ADF&G office for advice on water levels and openings.

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