Why Kenai Fly Fish Should Be Your Go-To Guide for the 2025 Salmon Season

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Alaska offers countless fishing options—but if you’re looking for the perfect combination of expert guidance, flexible trips, and unforgettable scenery, there’s one name that stands out: Kenai Fly Fish.

Led by veteran guide Ian McDonald, Kenai Fly Fish brings over 19 years of on-river experience to every drift or jet boat trip. The 2025 season is expected to be a strong one, and booking with a guide who knows the river inside and out can be the difference between a good day and a once-in-a-lifetime haul.


🎣 Experience That Makes Every Trip Count

Ian’s deep knowledge of the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers comes from decades of guiding—and living—right here on the Kenai Peninsula. That local expertise matters:

  • He knows when each run hits (and when it’s just hype)

  • He reads tides, water levels, and weather patterns in real-time

  • He adapts trip plans on the fly to put you where the fish are

From first-timers to hardcore anglers, every client benefits from an authentic, Alaskan-born fishing experience tailored to their skill level and goals.


🧰 What’s Included with Every Trip

Fishing with Kenai Fly Fish means showing up and catching fish—no stress, no gear required. Every trip includes:

  • ✅ All rods, tackle, and terminal gear

  • ✅ High-quality waders for all sizes

  • ✅ Bleeding and filleting of your catch

  • ✅ Optional cooler, vacuum pack, and shipping services

  • ✅ Meal add-ons available by request

  • ✅ Drift or power boat options based on water conditions and fish activity


🌊 Locations That Deliver: Kenai vs. Kasilof

Kenai Fly Fish offers trips on both the Kenai River and the Kasilof River, giving clients the chance to fish in the environment that best suits them:

  • Kenai River: Big water, big fish, big runs. Perfect for sockeye, silvers, and late-season trout. Jet boat access to key mid-river spots.

  • Kasilof River: Drift-only, quiet and scenic. Great for sockeye and silvers. Ideal for those looking for a peaceful, motor-free experience.

Not sure which one to choose? Ian will make a recommendation based on your goals and the fishing conditions when you arrive.


🐟 Why Choose Kenai Fly Fish?

🟢 Local Knowledge: Born and raised Alaskan guide with 19+ years on these waters
🟢 Full-Service Trips: Everything included—just bring your fishing license
🟢 Flexible Start Times: Custom departures for early birds, families, or photographers
🟢 All Skill Levels Welcome: Patient coaching for beginners, stealth strategies for pros
🟢 Client-First Mindset: Small-group focus, big results

“The best guide we’ve ever had in Alaska. Patient, professional, and put us on the fish all day long.” – KFF Client Review


📅 Book Early for 2025

With sockeye season running strong from late June to early August, and silvers hitting hard into September, prime dates fill up fast—especially for repeat clients.

Whether you’re planning a full Alaska adventure or flying in just for a long weekend, Kenai Fly Fish is the trusted guide you’ll want on your side.

📍 kenaiflyfish.com
📞 (907) 301-6957
📧 [email protected]
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @kenaiflyfish

 
 

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