Hiking into the refuge by using frozen lakes as access. (Photo by Nate Perrine)

Hiking into the refuge by using frozen lakes as access. (Photo by Nate Perrine)

Refuge Notebook: Winter camping and ice fishing on the refuge

When people think of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is salmon fishing or some other activity that occurs during tourist season or the warm months.

It is true the refuge is famous for its world-class summer activities of salmon fishing, hiking, river floating, bear viewing and mushroom hunting, just to name a few. But the winter also provides many opportunities to recreate and enjoy the spectacular beauty we are fortunate enough to have around us.

I believe one of the most underused activities to take advantage of is winter camping. Some of the best outdoor experiences we can do are while the lakes are frozen, and the ground is covered in snow. One of my favorite places to visit in the winter is the Swanson River and Swan Lake canoe route systems.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

This part of the refuge is an excellent choice to explore because the network of linked lakes through portages provides easy access to areas deep into the refuge under frozen conditions.

It doesn’t take a long hike away from Swanson River or Swan Lake roads to get an exceptional winter experience that will be memorable and rewarding. On a calm day, the blanket of snow absorbs many of the sound waves, which makes it seem exceptionally quiet.

It’s a perfect setting for unwinding with your own thoughts from the realities of the civilized world. Some things you may hear are distant wolves howling or the high-pitched whistling call from a bald eagle.

Nights are always special. When it’s clear, you get a chance to enjoy the bright constellations, away from any light pollution. Or, if you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to a showing of the northern lights.

On cloudy nights, the advantage is that it probably won’t be as cold and sleeping in a tent wrapped up inside a warm sleeping bag while listening to the gentle sound of light snow falling around you is one of the most relaxing things ever.

Most people pull some type of small sled behind them while hiking in. Sleds are a great way to carry the extra gear required in the winter without needing to wear a super heavy pack.

There isn’t a need to get too fancy with outdoor gear to be successful. If you have some food, a way to make a fire and boil water, warm and dry clothes, and a shelter and sleeping bag, then you’re basically ready. An excellent spot to set up camp is on the edge of a frozen lake, perfectly flat and with plenty of room!

Ice fishing is a fun activity to do while you’re out there. Most of the lakes in the area have sport fish present in them, including rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, and even some landlocked coho or sockeye salmon.

The Kenai NWR website has many resources to help you navigate the system, including numerous lake bathymetric maps (86!). Locate these and many other maps at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kenai/map.html.

The maps will tell you lake topography and depths, which species of fish are present in individual lakes, and the access points or routes along the system. Make sure to view or download the maps before you go and be aware that sport fish are not present in all the lakes on the system.

Even though I am far from a good fisherman, the fishing is so good that I can’t remember ever getting “skunked.” Sometimes, it may be someone in your party rather than yourself that catches a fish, but personally that still counts as success to me!

There are lots of different opinions on the best techniques, locations or lures to use for ice fishing. But, for myself, I rarely change tactics. A small, white or neon soft green plastic jig is all I use.

The only reason I don’t change is because I’ve always been able to catch fish with one of these, so I go with what I know works! But there’s no doubt a wide variety of techniques and lures will be successful.

Preplanning involves looking up lake bathymetric maps on the refuge website and determining a good spot to try fishing based on depths and underwater features. Generally, somewhere between 5 to 10 feet of water on a point or narrow channel is an excellent spot to try to find a hungry fish patrolling the shallows in search of its next meal.

Dropping the lure down to the bottom and bringing it back up so that it’s about 1 to 2 feet above the bottom is a solid technique. Sometimes the fish can be very aggressive and respond to a lot of jigging action. Other times, they are timid and just holding the lure very still will trigger strikes.

Of course, check all the fishing regulations before going for gear requirements and fishing limitations. The lakes in the canoe system have held fish for thousands of years and have maintained populations through natural reproduction. Catch and release is a good option to help maintain the natural balance.

Be sure to pack out what you pack in, and if you’re away from the road, vault toilets are not available, so the refuge recommends “go anywhere toilet kits” or “WAG” bags be used to ensure the area stays pristine.

So, if you’re up for an adventure and are at least a little bit hearty, consider going winter camping and try ice fishing. While out there, please enjoy yourself and appreciate how special a place the Kenai is, especially in the winter months.

Nate Perrine is the Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) for Southern Alaska Refuges based out of Kenai NWR. Find more Refuge Notebook articles (1999–present) at

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kenai/community/refuge_notebook.html and stay connected https://www.facebook.com/kenainationalwildliferefuge

More in Sports

Runners line up at the start for the Seldovia Salmon Shuffle 5K race on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Seldovia, Alaska. Photo courtesy Ecola Collier
255 do the Salmon Shuffle

The 5K race is held annually as part of Seldovia’s 4th of July celebrations.

Nick Varney
Reeling ‘Em In: Hard luck at the fishing hole

The action wasn’t as hot as in the past, but neither was the run.

Seward's Fred Moore stands at the base of Mount Marathon in Seward, Alaska, on Monday, June 24, 2019. Moore will run in his 50th consecutive Mount Marathon race on July 4. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)
‘It’s been a good run’

Seward’s Moore explains his decision to end his Mount Marathon streak at 54

Matthew Schilling of the American Legion Post 20 Twins slides safely past Eagle River catcher Jack Mullen on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Monday: Twins keep rolling with sweep of Eagle River

The American Legion Post 20 Twins swept Eagle River on Monday at… Continue reading

Sharon Tyone, Dan Aaronson and Jessica Small make the "real life slot machine" work at the Oilers All-Star Family Field Day on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Coral Seymour Memorial Park in Kenai, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Oilers return to field for All-Star Family Field Day

It was only for a day, but the Peninsula Oilers were able… Continue reading

David Norris, 34, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, wins the men's race at the Mount Marathon Race on July 4, 2025, in Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Norris goes 6 for 6 in Mount Marathon men’s race; Moore’s streak ends at 54 races

One streak lived while another streak ended during a brilliantly sunny men’s… Continue reading

Anchorage's Klaire Rhodes, 27, wins the women's race at the Mount Marathon Race on July 4, 2025, in Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Anchorage’s Rhodes defends women’s Mount Marathon crown

With Seward stuffed with people for 97th running of the Mount Marathon… Continue reading

The juniors start at the Mount Marathon Race on July 4, 2025, in Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Anchorage’s Zuber, Flagstad capture junior Mount Marathon races

Kenai’s Boonstra takes 2nd in junior girls race

tease
Thursday: Twins finish strong road trip by sweeping South

The visiting American Legion Post 20 Twins picked up 10-0 and 18-5… Continue reading

tease
Post 20 Twins enact mercy rule on Eagle River

The visiting American Legion Post 20 Twins defeated Eagle River 11-0 in… Continue reading

tease
Tri Nikiski draws 79 participants

The ninth annual Tri Nikiski was held Saturday starting from the Nikiski… Continue reading

You're browsing in private mode.
Please sign in or subscribe to continue reading articles in this mode.

Peninsula Clarion relies on subscription revenue to provide local content for our readers.

Subscribe

Already a subscriber? Please sign in