Fishing the Swanson River can be rewarding from spring through fall for rainbow trout, silver salmon and Dolly Varden char.
The Swanson River is located on the Kenai Peninsula, flowing from east to west in a meandering pattern through many small lakes. A canoe trail exists on the river allowing anglers to traverse the entire river; however portaging is required in some spots between lakes. Road access to the river is via Swanson River Road, north of the Sterling Highway in Sterling. There are several entrances to the canoe trail located along Swan Lake Road heading east from Swanson River Road at mile 17.
Unlike the faster flowing waters of the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, the Swanson is a slow moving river with low gradient, averaging about 15 to 20 feet across and perhaps 3 to 4 feet deep with many pools much deeper. Dozens of lakes speckle the surrounding area, and many of these are stocked with trout, silver salmon and Dolly Varden by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The river is not stocked. A local fishing map will detail the roads and locations of the various lakes in the watershed and the canoe trail.
As for the fish in the Swanson River, there is a very healthy population of silver salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and during even numbered years only, pink salmon. King salmon do not reside in this river, but there is a small run of sockeye. The salmon arrive in the later summer and early fall, but the trout and Dolly Varden are resident all year.
The easiest place to access the river is where Swanson River Road ends at the river, approximately 17 miles north from the Sterling Highway. This is a popular spot for local anglers because the access is easy. As a consequence, this location is heavily fished. Walking a short distance up or down river will enable the angler to tap waters infrequently fished. However, one must be very cautious of the quicksand along this river. As a matter of safety, always fish with a friend in case someone gets stuck in the mud. Waders or rubber boots are advised here. Also, always carry your fishing license on your person while fishing. A measuring device is helpful at this location since only 1 rainbow trout over 22 inches may currently be retained in your limit of 5 trout. However, you should always refer to a copy of the current fishing regulations. Insect repellant is also advised in this area.
The angler will be successful fishing the Swanson with salmon roe as bait or with small spinners. Flesh flies are also effective for trout and Dollies. Since bait is allowed, the use of scent is also allowed in this area. Scent can make lures, flies and bait more effective in the slow moving waters of the Swanson and the lakes in the region
The trout in the Swanson do not rival the large trophy rainbows of the famed Kenai River; however the Swanson does sustain some sizable rainbows, with many specimens exceeding 5 pounds. Early fall is the time to pursue silver salmon in the Swanson. Silvers flood the Swanson in large quantities with fish averaging 8 to 12 pounds.
