Commonly asked questions about fishing on the Kenai River.

We provide all fishing equipment for your adventure on the Kenai River, including rods, reels, tackle, bait, and flies. For trips where standing in the water is necessary, we also offer comfortable, breathable chest waders. Our boats are equipped with all Coast Guard-required safety equipment, as well as comfortable low-profile life preservers, which we highly encourage you to wear.

We recommend the following for your trip to the Kenai River: 

- Fishing license 

- Rain jacket 

- Rain pants (not necessary on sockeye trips as you will be wearing provided   waders) 

- Warm layers if needed (I recommend fleece pants or sweat pants under waders) 

- Waterproof footwear 

- Hat and gloves if needed 

- Sunglasses/ sun screen 

- Camera 

- Snacks/ beverages of choice (alcohol is ok) 

- Cooler/ Ice to leave in your car to transport your fish home, if you do not want it processed by us.

Most of our trips on the Kenai River will start from a private slip located at 46050 Amiyung Ct, Soldotna, AK 99669. 

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wcAogEDPoFPeA8Ps7 

Depending on the season and target species, some trips will begin at public boat launches on both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. An email will be sent to you with specific location and start times upon booking.

Our start times on the Kenai River are set to ensure the best chance of success depending on the time of year, run timing, and target species. Generally, AM trips in the summer will start between 05:00-06:00 in the morning, but may change during peak season to ensure access to the most productive fishing spots. Recommended start times will be included in your booking email and will be confirmed by your guide two days prior to your trip.

Yes! All non-resident anglers over 16 need to purchase a fishing license before your trip for as many days as you plan on fishing in Alaska, annual licenses are also available. Resident anglers over 18 also need a fishing license. 

Licenses can be purchased online at https://store.adfg.alaska.gov. 

You can also buy a license at local vendors, including fly shops, sporting goods stores, grocery store customer service counters, and most convenience stores.

You will need a king stamp only if you are booking a trip to target King Salmon. King Salmon stamps can be purchased at the same locations as your fishing license. Youth Anglers only need a free king salmon harvest card.

-Sockeye salmon limits on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers: 3 per day to start the season; once the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is confident the run size will exceed their escapement goals, the limit is usually raised to 6 per day. This has recently occurred in most years.

*King Salmon on the Kasilof River: prior to June 30, the limit is 2 per day (2 Hatchery, only 1 may be naturally produced). After June 30, the limit is reduced to 1 per day.

-King Salmon on the Kenai River: Closed for 2025.

-Silver Salmon on the Kenai River: 2 per day prior to August 31, and 3 per day after September 1.

-Silver Salmon on the Kasilof River: 2 per day.

-All Rainbow Trout trips on the Kenai River are catch and release.

*King Salmon runs in the region are intensively monitored by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and bag limits and restrictions may change by emergency order, often with short notice.

Kenai Peninsula Emergency orders can be found here:

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/index.cfm?ADFG=area.list&Year=2026&AreaID=5

Soldotna is about a 150-mile drive from Anchorage, taking around 3 hours. I highly recommend allowing extra time to stop along the way and see the sites, as it is one of the most scenic drives in the world, especially as you approach the beautiful Kenai River. Alternatively, you can fly to the city of Kenai from Anchorage, which is about a half-hour flight. Be aware that rental car availability can be scarce in Kenai during mid-summer without prior reservations.

Highly recommended. You can fly commercially to the city of Kenai from Anchorage, but you will need a car to take advantage of all the activities the Kenai River Peninsula has to offer. Rental cars and Turo are available in Anchorage, as well as Kenai, but can be hard to come by without prior reservations during the Summer.

Soldotna, along with the city of Kenai and the surrounding towns, offers a variety of grocery stores and sporting goods stores, as well as a selection of restaurants and breweries. With the nearby Kenai River, there are countless options to explore, making it hard to list them all on one page. A quick internet search can help you find what you're looking for. Additionally, your guide can provide personal recommendations on our favorite spots for dinner and drinks to unwind at the end of the day. 

Tipping your guide is totally at your discretion, but it is a common practice worldwide on fishing charters and plays a substantial role in how fishing guides make a living. Gratuities are based on your guide's effort and performance, rather than a set dollar amount.