Planning your trip
Soldotna, Alaska
Everything You Need to Know to Fish Alaska with Explore Kenai. Planning a fishing trip to Alaska doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re chasing trophy salmon, filling the freezer, or just experiencing the Kenai River for the first time—we’ll help you plan it right.
This guide covers when to come, what’s biting, what to pack, and how to build the perfect fishing trip.
Best Time to Fish & Fish Counts
Late May – June (King Salmon Season Begins)
• Target: King Salmon (Chinook Salmon)
• CLOSED ON KENAI : Early Run | Late Run
• Fewer crowds
• Great early-season fishing
Mid-June – Mid-August (Peak Sockeye Season)
• Target: Red Salmon (Sockeye Salmon)
• Kenai Counts: Early Run | Late Run
• Kasilof Count: Sockeye Run
• Fast-paced, action-packed fishing
• Most popular time to visit
August – September (Silver Season Starts)
• Target: Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon)
• Aggressive fish, fun for all skill levels
• Slightly fewer crowds
All Season (Rainbow Trout)
• Target: Resident rainbow trout
• June 11 is the trout opener after the spawn (closed May 1-June 10)
• Late August through September for targeting trophy 30″ trout
What to Pack
Must-Have Fishing Gear
•Polarized sunglasses
•Small backpack or dry bag
•Camera
Clothing
•Waterproof rain jacket
•Warm layers
•Base layers
Footwear
•Waterproof boots or shoes
•Extra socks
Other Essentials
•Bug spray
•Sunscreen
•Reusable water bottle
How to get to us
Getting to world-class fishing on the Kenai Peninsula is easier than most people think—and we help guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Fly into Anchorage, Alaska
Most travelers fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Alaska’s main hub.
Direct flights available from major U.S. cities
Rental cars readily available at the airport
Grocery stores and gear shops nearby for last-minute supplies
Tip: Book flights early for June–August trips—those dates fill fast.
Step 2 (Option A): Drive to the Kenai Peninsula
From Anchorage, it’s a scenic 2–3 hour drive to the central Kenai Peninsula.
Drive Times:
Cooper Landing: ~2 hours
Explore Kenai in Soldotna: ~2.5 hours
Homer: ~4.5 hours
OR
Step 2 (Option B): Fly into Kenai, Alaska
Travelers can also take a regional airline from ANC to the Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA).
Airlines include: Aleutian Airways (partners with Alaska Airlines) or Grant Aviation.
Rental cars are available at the Kenai Airport (Budget & Avis).
Where You’ll Meet Your Guide
We make meeting your guide simple and convenient, with clearly designated launch points based on your trip and target fish.
Most trips depart from one of the following locations:
Private Lot in Soldotna (Lower Kenai River Access)
Bings Landing Boat Launch (Middle Kenai River Access)
Sportsman’s Landing Boat Launch (Upper Kenai River Access)
Kasilof Recreation Area Launch (Lower Kasilof River Access)
Tustumena Lake Boat Launch (Upper Kasilof River Access)
What to Expect
•We’ll confirm your exact meeting location ahead of your trip
•Detailed directions + arrival time provided
•Most locations have parking and restroom facilities