The Kenai Peninsula stands as a testament to Alaska’s incredible fishing heritage. From the turquoise waters of the Kenai River to the intimate settings of the Kasilof and Russian Rivers, our guided trips connect you with some of the most productive fishing waters in North America. Each river offers unique character, challenges, and rewards throughout the fishing season.
The Kenai River’s stunning turquoise waters hold world-record King salmon and support massive runs of all five Pacific salmon species. Our experienced guides navigate these productive waters daily, knowing exactly where to find feeding fish throughout the seasons. The river changes character as it flows from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet, offering different fishing opportunities.
The Upper Kenai, flowing from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake, provides a pristine trout habitat and seasonal salmon fishing. The Middle Kenai, from Skilak Lake to Soldotna, offers some of the best sockeye and silver salmon fishing. The Lower Kenai, from Soldotna to Cook Inlet, is famous for its trophy Kings and massive salmon runs.
The pursuit of Kenai River Kings draws anglers from around the globe. These magnificent fish enter the river in two distinct runs. The early run, from May through June, brings fresh chrome-bright fish eager to strike. The late run peaks in July and often features the most prominent Kings of the season.
With specimens regularly exceeding 50 pounds, every cast holds the potential for the fish of a lifetime. We employ various techniques to target these incredible fish, including back-trolling and drift fishing. Our guides specialize in boat and bank fishing opportunities, adapting to river conditions and fishing pressure to put you on the fish.
We focus on proven techniques during King season, like back-bouncing eggs, pulling plugs, and drifting bait. Each method has its time and place, and our guides’ experience helps determine the most effective approach for current conditions.
Silver salmon enter our rivers in early August and provide fast-paced action through September. Their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights make for thrilling days on the water. The clear waters of the Kenai allow you to sight-fish for these aggressive salmon, watching as they chase down lures and flies.
Silver salmon respond well to a variety of techniques. Casting spinners, swinging flies, and drifting eggs all produce excellent results. These fish often travel in schools, so when you find one, you’re likely to find many. Their tendency to hold in slower water makes them accessible to boat and bank anglers.
The average size of Kenai River silvers ranges from 8 to 12 pounds, with some fish pushing 15 pounds or more. Their bright chrome appearance and tendency to jump when hooked makes them a favorite among photographers and anglers.
The Kasilof offers a more peaceful alternative to the Kenai. This glacial-fed river, restricted to drift boats only, provides an intimate setting for targeting King salmon, silver salmon, and sockeye salmon. The more minor water creates unique fishing opportunities away from larger boats.
The Kasilof’s King salmon run starts slightly earlier than the Kenai, offering early-season opportunities for chrome-bright fish. The river’s size makes it ideal for learning proper fishing techniques, and its drift-boat-only regulation ensures a quieter, more focused fishing experience.
Seasonal highlights include early-run Kings in May and June, sockeye salmon in July, and silver salmon from August through September. The river’s character changes throughout the season, but its smaller size makes it easier to read and fish effectively.
Famous for its accessibility and consistent sockeye runs, the Russian River offers excellent sight fishing opportunities. This clear-water tributary of the Kenai sees two distinct sockeye runs – one in June and another in July – plus exceptional trout fishing throughout the season.
The Russian River’s clear waters and wadeable size make it perfect for anglers who prefer bank fishing. The famous “Russian River Combat Fishing” during peak sockeye runs is a unique Alaska experience, where anglers line the river shoulder to shoulder during the peak of the run.
Beyond salmon, the Russian River offers excellent Dolly Varden and rainbow trout fishing. These fish grow large, feeding on salmon eggs and flesh, providing exciting fishing opportunities throughout the season.
Alaska weather can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the adventure. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, with occasional rain showers. We fish in most weather conditions, and often, the fishing improves during light rain or overcast skies.
Our expert guides will help you choose the best times and locations based on your target species. We provide all necessary gear, including high-quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle. Our boats are well-maintained and equipped with safety gear and fish-finding electronics.
We recommend booking your trip well in advance, especially for prime dates during peak salmon runs. Our guides can help you plan the ideal itinerary based on your schedule and fishing goals.
Contact us to book a half or full day guided fishing trip or to start building a package.
Drifters Lodge is a small, locally owned and operated fishing lodge with a long history of repeat guests and satisfied anglers. We have been in operation since 1998.
Drifters Lodge is permitted to operate on public lands under special use permits from the Chugach National Forest, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Alaska State Parks. Drifters Lodge is an equal opportunity provider.
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