wrote on Nov 24^th, 2005 at 10:27pm:

i am thinking about doing a trip to the kenai canoe area. i have never been. anyone want to share experiences. i plan on fishing for trout with a flyrod. thanks

Hellow gbac.
I wish I would have seen this sooner.  There's not much I can comment on or help folks with on here being a rookie myself, but living in Kenai, I can at least help here.
Matt gave you a descent short description.  I have the book he recomended, & it's great, with maos, aireal photos, & descriptions of every lake & portage.  It's well worth the price.
There are two systems, that drain into two rivers.  They start on opposite sides of the same road, but go into individual watersheds.  Both are designated wilderness areas for most of there length.  Both get a fair amount of use on the first lake or two, but the use drops sharply as you get in further. The Swanson river system encompases a total of approx. 80 miles & is pretty much an out & back or straight thru run with no chance of a loop.
The Swan lake ststem can be done as a large loop with many one in & out detours, or can be done as astraight thru run ending on the Moose river where it enters the Kenai river.
According to what the experts say, it takes 6-8 days to do a complete tour of either systen, so you could easily spend two weeks on the two combined.
These are true wilderness areas with no practical way in or out other than the access at the ends of the canoe trails.  The put ins are easily accessible off of a good gravel road approx. 25 miles in.  If you decided to do it I would try & make myself available to help with shuttles.
Most of the lakes are small, the average probably under 100 acres, & the largest 800 acres.  Fish in most of them.
I don't think you'd regret the trip.  Canoe & car rentals are available locally or in Anchorage, a 150 mile one way drive.
If there is any local info I can help you with, or you have any questions, please ask.  I've gained much knowledge from this sight & would like to give a little back.
By the way, I've never gone all the way thru either system, although I may get the chance this year.  I've only done a couple of the lakes & 20 miles of the Swanson river a few times.  Like I say, I'm a beginner.
Feel free to email me if you like.
Current email is
kenaibible@alaska.com
Vance in AK.