2025 Kenai River Classic
Join us in celebrating one of Alaska’s most iconic events

Kenai River Classic

Join us in celebrating one of Alaska’s most iconic events on the greatest sportfishing river in the world— The Kenai River.

During the 33rd Annual Kenai River Classic, you will have the opportunity to catch beautiful Kenai River silver salmon, raise funds to support conservation, and network with leaders from around Alaska, members of Congress, the Alaska State Legislature, and state officials.

All meals, local transportation, and two nights lodging are provided, as well as fish processing, a seafood gift box, and a customized gear bag.

Schedule of Events (download here)

All events are hosted at Harry Gaines Fish Camp unless otherwise noted.

August 20 — Kenai Classic Roundtable presented by Yamaha Rightwaters (location: Soldotna Field House)

August 20 — Welcome Reception and Dinner

August 21 — Breakfast

August 21 — Silver Fishing on the Kenai River and lunch on the boat

August 21 — Classic Banquet and Auction (location: Soldotna Field House)

August 22 — Breakfast

August 22 — Silver Fishing on the Kenai River

August 22 — BBQ Lunch and Awards

Kenai Classic Roundtable

Join us on August 20, 2025, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at the Soldotna Field House for a public forum focused on sportfishing issues and the policies shaping our fisheries. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, courtesy of Yamaha Rightwaters.

Registration

The registration fee for the Kenai River Classic is $4,000. The fee covers costs of goods and services provided during the event and a tax-deductible donation to KRSA. Limited seats are still available: register here.

Lodging

Your registration includes two nights of lodging on August 20 and 21. KRSA has reserved rooms for all attendees, and we’ll share your lodging details at least one week before the event.

Transportation

Shuttle service begins at 11:30 AM August 20 and ends at 3:00 PM August 22. Shuttles run between KRSA provided lodging and event venues approximately every 30 minutes. If transportation is needed to/from Kenai Airport, please inform Natalie Casebeer in advance.

Missed the shuttle and in a hurry? Call Alaska Cab (907) 262-1555 for a free ride. Tell them you’re with “The Classic.”

Attire

Your customized gear bag will be located at your lodging or at the Welcome Reception Check-In Station for those participants with their own lodging.

Fishing Attire

We suggest dressing in layers as early morning can be quite cold on the river, and then warms as the day progresses. Life vests are provided on-shore prior to boarding the boats.

    • Long underwear (preferably polypropylene, not cotton)
    • Warm long sleeve shirt (Fleece pull-over or heavy flannel shirt)
    • Warm jacket
    • Wool socks
    • Rain jacket & rain pants
    • Insulated rubber boots or hiking boots
    • Hat
    • Gloves
    • Sunglasses

Evening Attire

Business casual attire is the general dress code for all non-fishing functions including the Classic Banquet and Auction.

Fishing Information

You will need a valid 2025 Alaska Sportfishing License. A king tag is not needed. Licenses can be purchased online at Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

Your professional fishing guide will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait (if allowed). KRSA has already provided gratuity for their services. The Kenai River Classic event targets silver salmon and you will likely be fishing from a boat on anchor. All silver salmon caught must be retained. Caught fish will be pooled and shared among the participants. Each Kenai River Classic participant will receive a seafood gift box. Out-of-town fish will be shipped courtesy of FedEx.

Contacts