More Pictures of Ninilchik State Recreation Area

Overview of Ninilchik State Recreation Area- Facts, Trivia,and Historical Information : Ninilchik, whose name means "peaceful settlement by a river", is located on the west side of the Kenai Peninsula, about 40 miles south of Soldotna. It was settled in the early 1800's by Russian colonists. They subsided on fishing, hunting, trapping and gardening. When Alaska was sold to the United States, many of these settlers decided to stay on. Some of the old buildings still exist in the Ninilchik village and many descendants of the old families still live here.Today, Ninilchik has become a popular staging area for world class salmon and halibut fishing. Mt. Iliamna and Mt. Redoubt, both active volcanoes, greet visitors to the area. While you are in Ninilchik, be sure to see the experience the historical Ninilchik Village and the Russian Orthodox Church.The Ninilchik River supports a good fishing salmon run. Please consult current fishing regulations provided by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for information on seasons, closures, limits, methods and means before you wet your line.The beaches from Clam Gulch to Ninilchik are the most popular areas for digging razor clams in Alaska. The razor clam, a filter feeder, relies on plankton for food. The life cycle of the razor clams is simple and unique. Razor clams usually reproduce first at age four to five, and live about 14 to 18 years. Reproduction is triggered when Cook Inlet waters reach a temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, usually between late July and early August.Eggs and sperm are released simultaneously into the surf, where fertilization occurs by chance. Although this method of reproduction is not very efficient, the female clam compensates by releasing an estimated 5 to 15 million eggs. After floating in the larval stage for 4 to 6 weeks, the clams form a small shell and settle into the sandy tidal beach. The clams are ready to harvest in about four years.Clams may be dug during any minus tide, but a tide of minus two feet or lower is recommended for best results. State law requires that all clams dug be kept regardless of size or condition. Anyone 16 years or older must have a valid Alaska sport fishing license to dig clams. Contact the Department of Fish and Game for the daily limit of clams per person.

Services, Activities, Amenities, Attractions in (Ninilchik State Recreation Area): Parks Offers : Near the town of Ninilchik, this park has world class salmon and halibut fishing, as well as razor clams. It also has salt water access.When Alaska was sold to the United States, many of these settlers decided to stay on. Some of the old buildings still exist in the Ninilchik village and many descendants of the old families still live here.

Contact Information:
Address:Kenai Area Office PO Box 1247 Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone No:(907)262-5581