While the fishing season is sadly wrapping up here at Kenai River Drifters Lodge, there are still approximately three weeks left for spontaneous, last-minute Alaska fishing trips to the Kenai Peninsula. We typically begin packing everything away in mid-October when the temperatures reach undesirable levels, but there’s never a wrong time to book a well-deserved Kenai River fishing expedition for next year! We have the most experienced group of Kenai River fishing guides in the region, so you’re practically guaranteed to return home with 50 pounds of delicious salmon and stories that will last a lifetime.
The 5 Best Alaska Fishing Trips on the Kenai Peninsula
For those who’re interested in visiting our beautiful, secluded slice of The Last Frontier, we’ve pieced together five of our best Alaska fishing trips based on personal experience and customer feedback. We’re ideally located along the serene banks of the world-famous Kenai River in the beautiful town of Cooper Landing, Alaska, so you’ll be minutes away from countless Alaska fishing trips but also off-site attractions, such as Cooper Landing Brewing Company.
1. Upper Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Available: June 11–October 10
Type: Drift
Departure: Drifters Lodge
Length: 8-9 hours
Targets: Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, sockeye salmon, and silver salmon
Description: This particularly secluded stretch of the Kenai River sees a lot less boat traffic because there are limited entry points. We’re lucky enough to have semi-exclusive access to this five-mile braided river system where you’ll discover some of the plumpest rainbow trout in the land.
2. Kasilof River
Available: May 16–October 10
Type: Drift
Departure: Kasilof River Bridge
Length: 8 hours
Targets: King salmon, silver salmon, and steelhead trout
Description: Because the Kenai River has been experiencing low returns in king salmon as of late, anglers have been flocking to the nearby Kasilof River. The trip begins at the Kasilof River Bridge (approximately 80 miles from Kenai River Drifters Lodge). The quiet, tranquil setting is perfect for anglers who’re hoping for sudden pulse-pounding king salmon takedowns.
3. Upper Kenai River Canyon
Available: June 11–October 10
Type: Drift
Departure: Drifters Lodge
Length: 9-10 hours
Targets: Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, sockeye salmon, and silver salmon
Description: The Upper Kenai River canyon is perhaps the most scenic stretch of water on the peninsula. The trip finishes at awe-inspiring Skilak Lake where you’ll motor around for 45 minutes in search of majestic wildlife before heading back to the lodge. Skilak Lake is specifically gorgeous during autumn’s peak!
4. Russian River
Available: June 11–September 30
Type: Walk-in
Length: Half-day
Targets: Sockeye salmon, silver salmon, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden
Description: During sockeye and silver salmon runs, the Russian River welcomes an influx of hungry brown and black bears who visit this backcountry destination to feed on hefty fish. This pristine river is also home to some of the premier dry-fly rainbow trout fishing from July through early August.
5. Quartz Creek
Available: Late July–late August
Type: Walk-in
Length: Half-day
Targets: Sockeye salmon, Arctic char, and rainbow trout
Description: Quartz Creek has evolved into a sockeye salmon spawning “warzone” as their numbers continue to increase exponentially, which in turn attracts thousands of colorful Arctic char. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Kenai River, we almost always recommend Quartz Creek in August.
Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips at Drifters Lodge
Hopefully, these five Alaska fishing trips entice you to give us a call today at 1-907-595-5555. Otherwise, feel free to browse through our extensive options online. And don’t forget that Kenai River Drifters Lodge also offers guided hikes, rafting adventures, glacier cruises, and so much more! Visit our fun blog page for even more trip ideas.