In Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city, much of the local history, economy and culture is centered on the Chena River, a tributary of the Tanana.
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Can you fish on the Chena River?
Description. The upper Chena River flows through the Chena River State Recreation Area about 40 miles east of Fairbanks, and is road accessible at a number of points along Chena Hot Springs Road. Although the regulations are catch and release only, the river provides excellent sport angling for Arctic grayling.
What kind of fish are in the Chena River Alaska?
The Chena River supports populations of many fish species, including Arctic grayling, burbot, chum salmon, humpback whitefish, king salmon, least cisco, longnose suckers, northern pike, round whitefish, and sheefish. Easily accessible from Fairbanks, the Chena is the most popular sport-fishing river in interior Alaska.
Are there pike in the Chena River?
Running throughRiver Park, the Chena River offers fishing for northern pike, burbot, whitefish and a seasonal run of king salmon.
Are there fish in Chena Hot Springs?
The river is accessible from a dozen places and is popular with anglers and paddlers. Grayling can be seen finning in the pools. Chinook and chum salmon swim 1,000 miles from the Bering Sea to spawn in the Chena River in July and August.
Does the Chena River have salmon?
The Chena River has an escapement goal range of 2,800 to 5,700 king salmon.
Is there good fishing in Fairbanks Alaska?
From Fairbanks the best angling occurs southbound along the Richardson Highway, starting at the Chena River, continuing to the Salcha River and ending at the Delta Clearwater River. These rivers, along with several other smaller streams, are key areas for recreational fishing for king, chum, and coho salmon.
How long does it take to float the Chena River?
Enjoy a scenic paddle on the Chena River This scenic section of the lower Chena River typically takes 4 to 6 hours to paddle. For this trip, we will shuttle you and the boat(s) to the put-in at the Nordale Road bridge near North Pole.
What kind of fishing is in Fairbanks Alaska?
Fish some of the best spots along the river or lakes for trophy-size Arctic grayling, Northern pike, rainbow trout, char or salmon. We offer year round half or all-day ice-, spin- or dry fly fishing on the clear waters around Fairbanks for both beginners and experts.
Where can I fish for northern pike in Alaska?
On a few lakes in the Susitna/West Cook Inlet area and on the Kenai Peninsula, ice- fishing anglers can use five lines when fishing for northern pike. Northern pike are sought by sport anglers because of their size potential and fierce strikes.
Which way does Chena River flow?
Chena River Location The river flows southwest from the confluence of North Fork Chena River and West Fork Chena River near Chena Hot Springs to its confluence with the Tanana River in Fairbanks. The maximum length of the watershed is 161 km (100 miles) and the maximum width is 64.5 km (40 miles).
How did Chena River get its name?
Chena River’s Tanana Athabascan name, Ch’eno’, literally translates to “river of something (game).” This is a reference to the importance of the land surrounding the water and how beneficial this location is for large game hunting.
What fish are in the Tanana River?
They include: king (Chinook) and coho (silver) salmon, Arctic grayling, burbot, lake trout, and northern pike. Rainbow trout are not native to the drainage, but have been stocked in many lakes.
What can I expect at Chena Hot Springs?
In addition to the Hot Spring and the Ice Museum, Chena Hot Springs has a wide array of activities and attractions including dog mushing and kennel tours, skiing, snowmobiling, ATV rides, fishing, flightseeing, hiking, biking, aurora borealis viewing tours, horseback riding and even horse-drawn sleigh rides.
How far are the hot springs from Fairbanks Alaska?
Chena Hot Springs is approximately 60 miles from Fairbanks at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road. The drive takes about an hour and a half, though it may take longer in winter if it’s icy.
How do you count fish in a river?

Can you fly fish in Denali National Park?
Fishing Denali National Park While the fishing is not overly abundant within the Park, there are excellent opportunities to fish here and the primary target is Arctic Grayling. Arctic Grayling are a fantastic fish for fly fishing.
Where can I fish for grayling in Alaska?
Grayling inhabit most of Alaska, the exceptions being the Southeast, Kodiak and the Aleutian Islands, but you’ll find the best fishing in the Interior, the North, and South Western Alaska. And you don’t have to fly out to some remote river to find fish in good numbers either.
Can you fish for salmon in Anchorage?
Anchorage is unique in the sport fishing world. Anglers can catch 20- to 30-pound king salmon and 8- to 10-pound silver salmon right in town. There’s also excellent fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char, and Arctic grayling in area lakes and streams.
Can you swim in the Chena River?
Swimming in the Chena River is dangerous for inexperienced swimmers or swimmers without adequate cold-weather gear. The river’s cold water can quickly impair the muscles swimmers need to stay afloat. In 2014, an Arctic Village man died after an attempt to swim from the Steese Highway Bridge to Graehl Landing.
Is the Chena River frozen?
FAIRBANKS โ The Chena River finally has frozen over in Fairbanks.
Are pike good to eat?
Pike โ commonly called northern pike โ is a popular game fish. It has great-tasting meat that you can cook in many different ways. Another reason to have pike fish is for its various nutritional benefits. As one of the healthiest coolwater fishes, it makes a great choice for those who like to follow a healthy diet.
Are there walleyes in Alaska?
There are no walleye in Alaska. The “Alaskan walleye” are , indeed, pollock( also spelled pollack), about the most plentiful and least expensive fish from the area.
How sharp are pike teeth?
Northern pike have plenty of smaller needle-like and larger fang-like teeth. In fact, they can have up to 700 of them, and all of these teeth are razor-sharp. Pike do not shed all their teeth during winter, and they do not bite humans, but they can certainly hurt and injure a fisherman’s hand.
Why does Fairbanks Alaska exist?
The discovery of gold near Barnette’s trading post caused him to turn what had been a temporary stop into a permanent one. The gold caused a stampede of miners to the area, and buildings sprang up around Barnette’s trading post. In November 1903, the area’s residents voted to incorporate the city of Fairbanks.