Refuge to celebrate all things fish during weeklong event

Published 9:30 pm Sunday, July 6, 2025

The Kenai National Wildlife refuge will be celebrating Fish Week July 16-19.

There will be refuge rangers, interns and special guests from the Kenaitze and Salamatof tribes over the course of four days for a variety of events focused on fishing, fish processing, making art from fish leather and more. While the refuge hasn’t completely worked out the specifics, they do have quite a few things planned.

Wednesday, July 16, there will be a salmon dissection from 2-2:30 p.m. at the refuge visitor center.

Thursday, July 17, will bring salve making with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe from 9-10:30 a.m. and fish cutting with the Salamatof Indian Tribe’s Root and Remedies team to the visitor center from 2-3 p.m.

Friday, July 18, there will be canoeing from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Kelly Lake Campground. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided. There will also be beading in the afternoon with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.

Saturday, July 19, will feature a demonstration on how to smoke salmon from noon to 4 p.m. at the vistior center. During this session people will be able to learn multiple smoking techniques and how to put away fish for the winter.

For more information, call the refuge visitor center at 907-260-2820 or find “Kenai National Wildlife Refuge” on Facebook.

Jonas Oyoumick is interning with the Peninsula Clarion through the Kenaitze Indian Tribe Daggeyi internship program.