From sockeye and silver salmon to trophy rainbow trout, Explore Kenai offers guided fishing trips for anglers of all experience levels. Our local guides provide a safe, professional, and memorable day on Alaska’s most famous rivers.
Explore Kenai Featured in The Curious Hunter’s Alaska Tides
Join Explore Kenai owners and guides Dallas and Dustin Voss as they pursue silver salmon and trophy rainbow trout on Alaska’s legendary Kenai River. Featured in The Curious Hunter’s Alaska Tides series, this episode showcases the fishing, scenery, and local knowledge that make the Kenai one of Alaska’s premier fishing destinations.
Silver Salmon & Rainbow Trout Fishing • Kenai River, Alaska
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Andrew T
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Our trip with Explore Kenai Charters was absolutely incredible. My dad, brother, and I had a kickass day on the water and made memories we’ll be talking about for the rest of our lives. From the moment we stepped on the boat, everything was dialed — professional, organized, and clearly run by people who know these waters inside and out.
The crew worked hard to put us on fish and made the entire experience fun, relaxed, and seamless. They were patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited for us when we landed fish. You can tell they care about what they do.
If you’re thinking about booking a charter in Kenai, stop overthinking it and just go with Explore Kenai. Unforgettable experience, great people, and world-class fishing. We’ll 100% be back.
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Star B
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What a fantastic first time experience fishing for silver salmon on the Kenai River! Despite the little drizzle of rain, I had a blast. Our group caught plenty of silver salmon with sightings of eagles, moose and harbor seals, to boot! Dustin is incredibly knowledgeable with a great attitude and quick on his feet which made the whole experience enjoyable. His guidance in baiting, placement and reeling in the fish was spot on and catching it into the net has got to take some magical skills! Kudos on never dropping one! Time does strange things when fishing...the hours flew by without a trace. I can't wait to come back next summer and hopefully fish with Dustin and Dallas. Thanks for the incredible experience. Mahalo nui loa!
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Jim S
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About the best you can get guide-wise. ‘nuff said.
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Kristin C
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Awesome guides for the Kenai. I had the opportunity to fish both Sockeye and Rainbows. A very professional origination with great communication.
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John S
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My son and I went on a recent guided trout and silver salmon trip.We found Dallas to be very professional and very knowledgeable about fishing the Kenai River.
We would highly recommend her.
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Dorothy D
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Fishing with Dallas from Explore Kenai was the best time for my friend and I. As experienced fly fishers, we spent 2.5 days on the river with Dallas and couldn't ask for anything more.
The first day was trout fishing using fly rods. Dallas has a motorized driftboat so that means more times fishing over holes/runs that produce a lot of fish. She has every egg color possible for you to use and keeps on experimenting until the trout eat something like hotcakes. She was also super patient and kind, especially with my friend who has mobility issues.
We spent the last 1.5 days fishing for silvers Kenai River style, using conventional gear and the boat. As clients, you kind of kick back and relax until a fish bites, but Dallas is constantly monitoring the boats around us, the bait/lure, etc. Also, I learned so much on this trip about Alaskan salmon runs, fish processing, timings, the wildlife, and regulations. One of my highlights was learning how to filet a whole salmon on the boat.
I think the best part were the ~vibes~. Dallas is a professional and she encourages good fun on the boat. My friend and I never felt rushed to fish more or less, and we dictated when we took breaks, ate lunch, and stopped for a bathroom break. I really appreciate her patience with us!
P.S. Their boat dog is so damn adorable.
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Gail s
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Thanks, Dustin, for a great day of fishing! It was a tough fish day when we saw other boats head home empty and we are very happy with our five!
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Jennifer L
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My experience was incredible! I have never fished in Alaska before, so this was such a great time for me. When you are paying for a fishing trip, you are paying for hope as well as a safe and knowledgeable Guide (in my opinion.) Dallas is a fantastic Guide!!! She was waiting at the dock on the Kenai River as we strolled up at 6:15am, in the dark with a light drizzle coming down. We didn't have to fiddle around with rods, tackle, a fish cooler... she had everything ready to rock! On top of that VIP treatment, it was only my boyfriend and I on the boat. This was so relaxing! If you are looking to get away while on vacation - meaning away from other humans - booking a dedicated boat is the way to go! (This sentiment is purely subjective, but I know I'm not the only one who feels this way.) Dallas keeps a clean boat. She had life vests, safety glasses and she gives concise instruction on important points from the moment she picks you up. She is a natural teacher who wants her clients to be successful and safe. We were were extremely fortunate to catch four Silvers on the trip - one was 13.4 pounds! That was pretty cool. Dallas got us to a spot on the river that was obviously a good one; she was very precise as to where she wanted the boat to be. She has a lot of knowledge of the Kenai and fishing in general. You cannot top learning from an individual who has honed their craft out of pure love for it; it is quite obvious Dallas loves fishing and Alaska. When I had a fish on, she would give clear guidance on what exactly to do to make sure the fish stayed on all while holding the net AND navigating the boat!!! That takes a lot of skill. I had fished with my family from a young age and had grandparents who were Dory fisherman in Oregon...I've never baited my own hook or cleaned a fish; thanks to Dallas I still haven't and I'm 100% cool with that. I can just enjoy reeling, staring at Bald Eagles amd watching seals bob around in the water. It was basically a perfect day. Even if we hadn't caught anything, the boat ride and wildlife was solid gold and totally worth it. Dallas is easy to be around, smart, safe and kind. I am grateful for the experience and looking forward to bringing friends up next summer to fish with Explore Kenai.
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Joshua T
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Dustin and Dallas do an amazing job putting clients on fish! It was a pleasure watching both boats catch fish and during any lull in the action they provide great conversation and knowledge of the area and fishing. The surrounding boats struggled to get fish while these two definitely had it dialed in!
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Priya F
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Dustin was great - super chill and led us directly to a spot where we got hit after hit after hit. He also did a great job of giving us directions on how to best catch the fish we were going for. I’ll definitely be back to fish with him again!
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Sockeye Salmon
$250pp / $800 private boat (1-2pp) Our most popular trip. We target sockeye salmon, June through August with 6-hour trips on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. The first trip of the day meets at 5:30 a.m., with the second meeting at noon. Each boat can transport up to 5 anglers.
$300pp / $900 private boat (1-2pp) We start targeting silver salmon in mid-August on the Kenai River and fish them through mid-September. All fishing is done from the boat with trips typically starting around 6 a.m., ending at 2 p.m. or limits. We can fish 4 anglers comfortably, or 5 if needed.
$300pp / $900 private boat (1-2pp) Our resident rainbow trout can be targeted on the Kenai River all season long, with the bulk of the fishing done from mid-August to the end of September. Trips are 7-8 hours long and start at 7 a.m. Boats can hold 3-4 anglers, depending on skill level.
$300pp / $900 private boat (1-2pp) Due to regulations on the Kenai River, we only target King Salmon on the Kasilof River in June. This year’s fishery is one (1) hatchery King per person.
Starting at $350pp We book fully-guided saltwater charters out of Homer, Ninilchik, and Seward for anglers looking to target halibut, rockfish, and salmon. We can book 6-pack boats or larger groups.
Starting at $650pp Ask about adding a flyout, bear-viewing experience to your package. We work with one of the best floatplane charters on the Kenai Peninsula.
Personalized Trips Receive a customized, fishing trip that meets your needs. We can get you out on the world-famous Kenai River, the scenic Kasilof River or send you out for some deep-sea action. Add lodging to your trip to save.
Kenai Local Expertise Speak directly with a life-long local of the Kenai Peninsula. Get questions answered; regarding travel dates, lodging, activities, etc., all at no cost to you.
Families & BeginnersWelcomed Explore Kenai has family-friendly trips that are perfect for beginners. Our patient guides make it easy and fun to learn, helping anglers of all ages build confidence and create lasting memories on the water.
