Chena River

The Chena River (/ˈtʃiːnə/; Lower Tanana: Ch'eno' "river of something (game)") is a 100-mile (160 km) tributary of the Tanana River in the Interior region of the U.S. state of Alaska. It flows generally west from the White Mountains to the Tanana River near the city of Fairbanks, which is built on both sides of the river. The Tanana empties into the 2,300-mile (3,700 km) long Yukon River.

Named tributaries of the Chena River include the North Fork, South Fork, West Fork, Middle (East) Fork and the Little Chena River. The Chena River State Recreation Area surrounds much of the upper half of the main stem. The Chena River is used for recreational fishing and boating. During the winter months, it is also traveled by snowmachines and mushers (sled dogs).

The Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project dam is about 40 miles (64 km) up the Chena River from Fairbanks. The dam was built in response to the 1967 Fairbanks flood, which inundated much of the city. When closed, the dam impounds water and, when the inflow is high enough, diverts it about 8 miles (13 km) to the Tanana River near North Pole, upstream of Fairbanks and the natural mouth of the Chena.

Fish

The Chena River is home to many kinds of fish, such as Arctic grayling, burbot, chum salmon, humpback whitefish, king salmon, least cisco, longnose suckers, northern pike, round whitefish, and sheefish. Because it is close to the city of Fairbanks, many people enjoy fishing in the Chena River.

In the past, too many fish were caught, which lowered the number of Arctic grayling. Today, people can only catch and let go these fish in parts of the river.

Boating

The Chena River is a great place for boating because it is easy to reach from roads, parks, and bridges. Most of the river is simple to navigate, rated as Class I (easy). But near Chena Hot Springs, the water moves very fast and can be harder, rated Class II (medium). When the water level is high, it can become even more difficult.

Boaters should watch out for narrow parts of the river, fallen trees blocking the water, and low areas where the water is shallow. In June, there might also be pieces of ice blocking the river.