Sportfishing in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Province/state: Alaska
Country: USA

Discover world-class freshwater and saltwater fishing in Alaska amongst majestic mountains, glaciers and an abundance of wildlife on the Kenai Peninsula. This region’s dramatic scenery and landscape offers a wealth of activities for all lovers of the outdoors, especially for those who love to fish.

Located in the heart of Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula covers approximately 16,000 square miles (41,400 km2)and extends about 150 miles (241 km) southwest from the Chugach Mountains, south of Anchorage. The peninsula is separated from the mainland by Cook Inlet to the west and its eastern shores open up to Prince William Sound. The region is 90 percent wilderness, which makes it an ideal location for observing wildlife, wilderness exploration and, of course, an Alaska sport fishing vacation.

Sportfishing in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska 1What makes the Kenai Peninsula such a sought-after fishing location is its sheer abundance of water. Rivers, lakes, fjords, bays and open ocean provide countless options for both saltwater and freshwater fishing vacations, with charters available at ocean and river fly fishing lodges. The Kenai Peninsula’s river infrastructure supports some of the world’s most plentiful salmon runs as hundreds of thousands of salmon make their way into the area’s waterways to return to their natal streams.

Of these waterways, the Kenai River is the most well-known sport fishing destination in the region, perhaps the most popular for Alaska salmon fishing and home to several quality fishing resorts. It flows about 80 miles (128 km) from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet and offers anglers spring-through-fall runs of sockeye (red), silver (coho), pink (humpy) and king (chinook) salmon. Other salmon fishing rivers on the Kenai Peninsula include the Kasilof, Russian and Swanson Rivers.

If you’re fishing for salmon in fresh water, you’ll find silver salmon through the summer and late fall and can expect to catch King and sockeye salmon as early as May, peaking in June and July (the river is closed for kings in August). Pink salmon is generally available from July through September.

Trophy sizes are abundant here, with Kings in the range of 40 – 60 pounds not uncommon (and the ten largest King salmon of all time have been landed here).

If you’re planning an Alaska freshwater fishing vacation the shallow rivers are ideal for fly fishing. These lakes provide opportunities to fish for a variety of species including whitefish, Arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, Dolly Varden, arctic char and all five salmon species. Other than salmon, all of these freshwater species can be caught year-round (you just might have to find an Alaska fishing lodge that offers ice fishing vacations!)

Sportfishing in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska 2All summer long the Kenai and Kasilof rivers are an angler’s dream. They offer a range of species and a variety of fishing types and techniques to ensure you’ll have a genuinely world-class fishing vacation.

If it’s Alaska halibut fishing you’re after, the Kenai Peninsula has plenty of that too! Head to a coastal fishing resort and board a halibut fishing charter to try your luck (and your strength!) at hauling up a giant Pacific halibut. Halibut here are absolutely huge, commonly 50 to 100 lbs or more—some of the largest “barn-door” sized halibut on record have been caught near the Kenai Peninsula coast. You’ll enjoy a day out on the water taking in the majestic coastal scenery of Alaska, saltwater fishing at it’s finest and the chance to fill your freezer with halibut, lingcod and rockfish. All these species are available year-round.

If you’re fishing for salmon in saltwater, you can catch King salmon in great numbers from May to mid-September, but they can be caught any month of the year.
Seward, long known for Alaska’s largest silver salmon runs is where most salmon charters are concentrated around.

Silver (coho) and pink salmon peak in July and August but both species can be caught into the fall. Red (sockeye) salmon can be found as early as May, but you might have a more fruitful trip fishing for red (sockeye) salmon in June and July.

Where Alaskans Come to Play

The Kenai Peninsula is known as Alaskan’s playground. If you love the outdoors, you’re going to love your visit to this wilderness haven. Whether you’re looking for an active outdoor adventure or a relaxing retreat in nature, you’ll find the best of both surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush forests and turquoise blue waters.

Sportfishing in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska 3Explore Kenai’s Kachemak Bay State Park on foot, by kayak or chartered cruise for 360 degree vistas of mountains meeting ocean. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park to see massive glaciers up-close, dramatic fjords and a rich and varied population of wildlife. There are several wildlife viewing tours available that will give you the chance to see moose, bears, sea otters, sea lions, humpback and orca whales and an array of migratory shore birds.

There are lots of opportunities for aquatic adventures throughout the Kenia Peninsula. Take a canoe through the Swanson River Canoe Trail System or go sea kayaking along the coast, exploring inlets and islets surrounded by the glacier-encrusted mountains of Alaska. Fly fishing for rainbow trout is a relaxing way to spend the day or if it’s an adrenaline boost you’re after, ride the rapids on Six Mile Creek or other river systems on a guided white water rafting trip.

The Kenai Peninsula has over 400 miles of maintained trails through its pristine wilderness. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day hike or bike, a challenging wilderness trek or to try an ice-hike on one of the region’s famous glaciers, there are biking and hiking opportunities for all ages and abilities.

For world-class fresh and saltwater fishing and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, visit the Kenai Peninsula this summer!

Salmon Catcher Lodge
4.8
313 reviews

Editor’s notes

Lots of flexibility in trip packages Halibut; Kings: Sockeye; Trophy Rainbows no pre built packages your vacation you choose the species!! and accommodations is what sets Salmon Catcher Lodge apart (not to mention a 5-star rating TripAdvisor rating from well over 100 past guests). They must be doing something right! This is a drive-in lodge, with easy access from Anchorage or Kenai.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Drive-in


Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Unguided | Fly fishing (We have loaner gear and we instruct our guests who have never tried it but wanted to! We fish Sockeyes and Trophy Rainbows up to 20LBS on fly rods.)


All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip Fishing trip includes equipment Fishing trip includes fish processing All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip

What makes it unique

  1. Handcrafted spruce log cabins.
  2. Entirely customizable packages.
  3. Newly built Executive Spa! Enjoy our deluxe sauna, hot tub, gym, & massage chairs.
  4. 100% Money back Satisfaction policy
  5. Filmed on Larry Csonka’s TV Series
  6. A Sportsman’s Warehouse Platinum Trophy Lodge
  7. Unlimited processing not just fist 50LBS

PER-DAY packages start at:
US$550.00
CA$741.64
£429.39
€503.43
pp

Editor’s notes

Operating under rare permits within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, this Cooper Landing-based freshwater and saltwater fishing operation offers accommodations at any of 4 different local inns, B&Bs and resorts. Owner and lead guide Mike Adams knows his stuff, and their avg. 5-star rating from over 120 past guests back that up. Save an average of USD$112.75 per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Drive-in


Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing


All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip Fishing trip includes equipment Fishing trip includes fish processing All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip

What makes it unique

  1. We operate under rare permits within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
  2. Year-round local guide owned and operated.
  3. We can customize any package to make it the best fit for you.

PER-DAY packages start at:
US$504.17
CA$679.85
£393.61
€461.48
pp

Save an average of

US$28.19
CA$38.01
£22.01
€25.80
per person when you book through fishlodges.com

Editor’s notes

The Kenai Riverside Fishing Lodge is situated right on the banks of the Upper Kenai River. Newly renovated, it offers 8 cabins with rustic Alaskan pioneer charm, but modern comforts (heat, electricity, private baths). They specialize in offering very flexible activities—from hardcore, day-long salmon and halibut fishing to other recreational activities like hiking, sightseeing and rafting, or any combination. They also include return transportation from Anchorage in their prices, making the value of their fishing packages quite good.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Fly-in


Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided | Fly fishing


All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip Fishing trip includes equipment Fishing trip includes fish processing All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip

What makes it unique

  1. Our itineraries are flexible to accommodate the needs and interests of your group or family. From groups that are 100% focused on fishing to those who want to mix in other activities such as hiking, sightseeing, or rafting, we can create an itinerary to match the interests of everyone in your party.

PER-DAY packages start at:
US$835.71
CA$1,126.91
£652.45
€764.94
pp

Kenai River Recon
5
12 reviews

Editor’s notes

Kenai River Recon offers expertly guided fishing trips on Alaska’s famous Kenai and Kasilof rivers for salmon and rainbow trout fishing. Its easy drive-in access make it a good a good entry point to Alaska fishing before venturing into wilder areas like Bristol Bay or Kodiak. Although meals aren’t included, the accommodations are very comfortable, the gear is new and top-notch, and the 5.0 average rating is no doubt primarily due to guide Sean Smart’s friendliness and experience.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Drive-in


Saltwater, Freshwater (rivers) | Guided (4:1 guest-to-guide ratio) | Fly fishing


All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip Fishing trip includes equipment Fishing trip includes fish processing All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip

What makes it unique


PER-DAY packages start at:
US$457.50
CA$616.91
£357.18
€418.76
pp

Editor’s notes

The cabins at St. Theresa’s Lakeside Resort are known for their rustic but luxurious quality. They are fully furnished, large, comfortable, and clean, and minutes away from all the great salmon, halibut, and trout fishing one could dream of. The resort is located upon 25 acres of the beautiful lake shore, with views of nature that exceed the scenic surroundings of other Soldotna lodging choices.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Drive-in


Saltwater, Freshwater (lakes), Freshwater (rivers) | Guided | Fly fishing


All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip Fishing trip includes equipment Fishing trip includes fish processing All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip

What makes it unique


PER-DAY packages start at:
US$298.33
CA$402.28
£232.91
€273.07
pp

Editor’s notes

The newly-remodeled Lodge at Otter Cove offers first-class lodging experience with a heart of hospitality. Owner Joe Chmeleck has over 35 years in the hospitality business and is a certified trained chef (so the meals are absolutely first-class). All-inclusive packages include the choice of one adventure per day: full-day fishing, hiking, or kayaking (bear watching is also available). Fishing is provided through a local charter operator partner provide experienced captains with 40+ years of local knowledge.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, United States | Drive-in


Saltwater | Guided (6:1 guest-to-guide ratio)


All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip Fishing trip includes equipment Fishing trip includes fish processing All-inclusive fishing trip All-inclusive fishing trip

What makes it unique


PER-DAY packages start at:
US$1,166.67
CA$1,573.19
£910.84
€1,067.88
pp

About fishlodges.com

Browse the largest collection of all-inclusive fishing lodges and resorts in the Northwest, or search by location, species, price, rating and more. It’s free!

Or just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll do the work for you.

Inquire/Check Availability

Inquiry/Check Availability Form
Deals Alerts