REVIEWS

Why Anglers Choose Explore Kenai

There’s no better way to learn about Explore Kenai than hearing directly from the anglers who’ve spent time on the water with us. From first-time fishermen to returning guests who visit year after year, we’re grateful for every review and every opportunity to create unforgettable Alaska fishing memories.

Book this trip now!
Dallas was super helpful as we planned our trip and answered tons of our questions;) Our guide Garrick was awesome- super friendly, kind, knowledgeable and patient!! We had the greatest day on the Kasilof- highly recommend Explore Kenai! Oh and yes, we caught lots of fish!!

Erin S.

Dallas was great at helping us learn how to fly fish. She put us on some really great catches. Everyone in the boat got fish. It was a really wonderful day of memories in Alaska.

Bob H.

Our trip with Explore Kenai Charters was absolutely incredible. 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.

Andrew T.

Rated ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Stars on Google 150+ happy guests

We are proud to have earned the trust of anglers from across the United States and around the world. Whether you’re joining us for a family vacation, a bucket-list Alaska fishing trip, or your first guided experience, our guests consistently recognize our knowledgeable guides, quality equipment, and commitment to creating an exceptional experience.

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5.0
Based on 158 reviews
Erin profile picture
Erin
2 weeks ago
Book this trip now!
Dallas was super helpful as we planned our trip and answered tons of our questions;) Our guide Garrick was awesome- super friendly, kind, knowledgeable and patient!! We had the greatest day on the Kasilof- highly recommend Explore Kenai! Oh and yes, we caught lots of fish!!
P / Y profile picture
P / Y
2 weeks ago
We wanted something different this trip. Instead of the usual fish-and-stag resort experience, we set out to build our own Alaska adventure on our own schedule — and Explore Kenai made it happen. They set up everything for us, start to finish.

Dallas at Explore Kenai was incredible: informative, endlessly patient, and full of great recommendations. She rolled with every change request we threw at her without missing a beat. Honestly, I would have been annoyed at me — but she stayed accommodating and genuinely kind through all of it.

Next time we’re back in Alaska, Explore Kenai is the first call I’m making. Can’t recommend them enough.
Corey Silfen profile picture
Corey Silfen
2 weeks ago
Last minute opportunity came available with the team! Couldn’t skip out on this seasons Charter. My guide was Brandon whom was amazing at providing proper advice for flossing. Im beyond happy and satisfied with the turn around, recommendations, & timeline they offered. 10/10 coming back with my group.
Dave Perry profile picture
Dave Perry
2 weeks ago
We had a great time and brought home some fish and some good times. Thank you for the great trip
Sarah Schmidt profile picture
Sarah Schmidt
2 weeks ago
Our guide, Garrick, was awesome!! We did the Sockeye Salmon Trip. Highly recommend this company and Garrick. Was a fun experience and we’d like to come back again. This company is professional and very helpful. P.S. our group caught a bunch of fish—way bigger than the photo shows!! The camera takes off about 10 pounds! 😁
Andrew Tierney profile picture
Andrew Tierney
6 months ago
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.
Star Brown profile picture
Star Brown
10 months ago
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!
Jennifer Linn profile picture
Jennifer Linn
10 months ago
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.
Joshua Thompson profile picture
Joshua Thompson
10 months ago
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!
Lorraine Lehman profile picture
Lorraine Lehman
11 months ago
Dallas and her husband were so accommodating and such fun great guides for a salmon charter on the Kenai River. Long time resident of Alaska but still learned new techniques taught by Dallas. Dallas and Dustin were so kind, when we had a few last minute fishing buddies that open two boats so we could fish together. With all that being said this outfit is sponsored by Pendleton Whisky and drift gear. Whisky down the hatch fish on the line. Great times

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Want to see what’s happening on the river right now?
Our Facebook page is where we share daily fishing reports, recent catches, river conditions, guest photos, and updates throughout the Alaska fishing season.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s one of the best ways to stay informed and see what’s happening on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers in real time.

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We’d love to hear about your trip. Your reviews not only help us continue growing our small, family-owned business, but they also help future visitors choose the right Alaska fishing experience.

Ready to Experience the Kenai River?

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Alaska or returning for another unforgettable season, we’d love the opportunity to fish with you.
From sockeye salmon and silver salmon to rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Kasilof River king salmon, our experienced local guides are here to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

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