The Pillars

The feel

This is a ramp and gravel bar on the lower Kenai River, near the upstream edge of tidal influence, which reaches about RM 13 at Honeymoon Cove. The site covers 16 acres off Silver Salmon Road. You fish the gravel below the ramp, where sockeye run 6 to 10 feet off the bank.

Wade to your knees, no further, and flip a short cast upstream rather than out. Expect boat wake through the drift. Drift boats also fish here.

What to expect

Water and access

Ramp and gravel bar on 16 acres off Silver Salmon Road. Fish the gravel below the ramp.

Species and timing

Sockeye 4-8 lb and pink (humpy) 3-5 lb in July and August. Chinook (king) are also listed.

Methods and gear

Bank, spin, fly or drift boat. Wade to your knees, no further, and cast a short line upstream.

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

Medium crowds in July and August.

Parking

Parking is $5/day, and the launch is $25/boat. Annual passes are not accepted here.

Hazards

Boat wake through the drift. Wade to your knees, no further.

Bathrooms and water

ADA toilets and water on site.

Season and access

Day use only, no camping. Best in July and August.

Mingo says

Go in July or August, when sockeye and pink salmon are in. Keep your casts short, since the fish are close to the bank.

Before you go

• Bring $5 for the day's parking, or $25 more if you launch a boat.
• Do not count on an annual pass here, because they are not accepted.
• Day use only: there is no camping, so plan to leave by the end of the day.
• Check the current regulations first, since king fishing is often closed.

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