Planning a Fish Trip in Alaska? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Trout Fishing

Dreaming of a fish trip in Alaska? You’re not alone.
Every year, thousands of anglers head north for the ultimate bucket list experience—fishing wild rivers surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and endless daylight.

At Kenai Fly Fish, we make that dream a reality with fully guided, customizable fishing trips on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers—home to Alaska’s most famous salmon and trout runs.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Alaska fishing trip.


🐟 Why Alaska?

Alaska offers something no other place in the world can:

  • Wild rivers with millions of salmon returning to spawn

  • Trophy-sized rainbow trout and Dolly Varden

  • Pristine landscapes filled with moose, eagles, and glaciers

  • Long summer days and almost unlimited fishing light

It’s the kind of trip that sticks with you for a lifetime—and the Kenai Peninsula is the best place to start.


📍 Best Place to Take a Fish Trip in Alaska

🛶 Kasilof River (Drift Boat Only)

  • Quiet and motor-free—ideal for peaceful floats

  • Excellent sockeye salmon and silver salmon runs

  • Great for families, first-time anglers, and wildlife viewing

Kenai River (Power Boat Access)

  • World-famous fishery for trout and salmon

  • Larger water and faster-paced fishing

  • Perfect for combo days (sockeye + trout or silver + trout)

  • Great for experienced anglers and those looking for action

At Kenai Fly Fish, we run trips on both rivers and tailor every trip to your goals.


🗓️ When to Go – 2025 Fishing Season Overview

Mid-May to late October offers different fishing opportunities depending on the month:

Species Best Time
🐟 Sockeye Salmon June 11 – August 15
🐟 Silver Salmon August 1 – October 30
🐟 Rainbow Trout June 11 – November 30
🐟 Pink Salmon August 1 – September 1 (even years only)
🐟 Dolly Varden June – October
🐟 Steelhead August 20 – November 1

King Salmon fishing is closed on the Kenai in 2025, but the Kasilof River may offer limited hatchery king opportunities early in the season.


🎣 What’s Included in a Guided Trip?

Booking with Kenai Fly Fish means everything is handled—just show up and fish.

✅ All rods, reels, tackle, and bait
✅ Waders and boots included
✅ Drift or power boat based on your trip
✅ Filleting of your catch (for harvest trips)
✅ Experienced, friendly guide (Ian McDonald – 19 years on the river)
✅ Launch location and timing based on the best fishing that day

From the first cast to the last photo, we’ve got you covered.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Should Book an Alaska Fish Trip?

Everyone. We guide trips for:

  • 🧒 First-time anglers

  • 🎣 Experienced fishermen

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with kids

  • 💍 Couples on adventure honeymoons

  • 🧍 Solo travelers and friend groups

We make it easy, fun, and totally customizable.


🧳 Pro Tips for Your Alaska Fishing Trip

  • Dress in layers – Mornings are cool, afternoons can be warm

  • Bring a cooler – You might take home fresh salmon

  • Book early – Especially for July and August

  • Let us know your goals – We’ll build the trip around your dream day


📞 Ready to Plan Your Alaska Fish Trip?

We’ll help you pick the right time, river, and trip type to make your Alaskan fishing adventure everything it should be.

📞 Call or text Ian McDonald at (907) 301-6957
🌐 Explore and book online at kenaiflyfish.com
📧 Email: [email protected]
📸 Follow the river life on Instagram: @kenaiflyfish


🎣 Your Alaska Fish Trip Starts Here

Whether you’re chasing salmon for the grill, trout for the thrill, or unforgettable memories with your family—Kenai Fly Fish is ready to guide you through it.

Let’s fish wild, fish smart, and fish Alaska in 2025.

 
 

Kenai River Fish Species

Rainbow Trout

Kenai River rainbows can be well over 30 inches and up to 20lbs!

Dolly Varden Char

Dollies range of all sizes and can reach up to about 12 lbs.

Steelhead

Steelhead are very uniform in shape and average around 28 inches. These amazing, acrobatic fish are often a fly fisherman’s favorite to target.

King Salmon

The Kenai River is open to motorized boats, allowing us chase the bite, and stay on the fish!

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon (also called red salmon) are the most popular salmon to catch on the Kenai Peninsula.

Coho Salmon

Ranging anywhere from 5-20lbs, coho are acrobatic and are probably the most aggressive salmon out there.

Pink Salmon

Pinks are completely underrated, they are extremely aggressive to catch and come in by the millions!

Halibut

Guided ocean fishing on the world-famous Kenai Peninsula