Question 1

What does Kenai Coldwater Fishing provide?

Accepted Answer

We will provide: Waders (we'll get your size at checkout) Fishing poles Bait and tackle Filet service - Your guide will fillet your fish and put it in a bag. There are many fish processors near by that we can suggest for vacuum packing and freezing your catch.

Question 2

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Alaska is an amazing place to explore, and the best way to enjoy your trip is to be prepared. Since the  weather can be a bit unpredictable, here's the top list of items to bring. Layered Clothing: Bring moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer (like a warm flannel) and a waterproof outer layer (make sure you bring a good quality rain jacket and pants)
Warm Hat & Gloves: Keeping warm is essential.
Polarized Sun Glasses: Not only is this helpful for seeing through the waters reflection, but it will protect your eyes from any debris.
Synthetic Wool Socks: Perfect for cushion in the waders and keeping your feet dry and warm.
Snacks and drinks: Feel free to bring your lunch or snacks and water. You'll work up an appetite on the river.
Personal Items: Fishing license, Waterproof phone case, lip balm, lunch, snacks & water bottle, TP 
Cooler: To leave in your vehicle to transport your fish.

Question 3

What will the day look like?

Accepted Answer

Trip Overview: We’ll kick things off at 7:00 AM, meeting at the designated boat launch. Half-day trips are available in both the morning and afternoon, with afternoon trips typically beginning around 1:30 PM.
You will be fully outfitted with the right gear before you hop in the boat and head out on the river. At our first fishing spot, you’ll get a quick orientation covering the techniques, gear, and strategies you’ll be using throughout the day.Sockeye fishing is done in the river on a gravel bar. Anglers will be standing in the current with hip or chest waders. King and Silver fishing is done from the boat. 
From there, it’s all about chasing that fish-of-a-lifetime.
By the end of the day, you'll head back to the boat launch with a few great stories and some epic photos and memories to last a lifetime.

Question 4

Bringing Kids on Your Fishing Adventure

Accepted Answer

We love sharing the joy of fishing with the next generation! Our kid-friendly trips are designed to be safe, fun, and educational for children. We provide youth-sized life jackets, easy-to-use gear, and patient instruction to help kids reel in their first catch. Parents, bring your little anglers along for a memorable day on the water—creating lifelong memories is what it’s all about! Don't forget the snacks!

Question 5

Fishing methods

Accepted Answer

King Salmon: Fishing for Kings on the Kasilof river involves rowing down the picturesque river using eggs or lures dragging down stream in the rivers current to attract the fish to bite!

Sockeye Salmon (Red): This technique involves a hook with long leader and small egg like bead. The idea is to cast into the river and allow it to drift along the current bouncing along the river bottom, as the sockeye swims by, the fish is caught in the mouth or jaw. Once hooked, pull back and hang on! This method requires wading in the river and being able to stand sure footed.

Coho Salmon (Silver) Sit back and relax and try fishing from the boat using lures, spinners,  bait from lines running down stream of the bow. Silvers are known as "the acrobat of the Kenai" and are a fun fighting fish that will put on a show!

Question 6

What time of year to fish Salmon?

Accepted Answer

King Salmon (Chinook)Mid-May to Late July (Kasilof only and susceptible to emergency order changes)*Peak Time: mid JuneSilver Salmon (Coho)Early August - mid October*Peak Time: Late August -early SeptemberSockeye Salmon (Reds)Late June- late August*Peak Time: late JulyEach run has its own unique experience and every year the fish have their own fluctuations. These dates are a general time frame of when fish decide to swim from the ocean up the river.

Question 7

Types of Salmon

Accepted Answer

The Kenai and Kasilof River is home to four species of Salmon, each with their own peak season for fishing.

Chinook (King Salmon) Late May - Mid July. King Salmon are the largest and most famous salmon in the rivers, some weighing 50+ pounds, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. (Kasilof river only, susceptible to emergency date changes by Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Sockeye Salmon (Red) Late June to late July. Sockeye  salmon are known for their bright red color and excellent taste! The sockeye run is one of the most popular times to fish the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. The peak of the run generally happens in late June and continues through mid July, but fishing can extend later depending on the year.

Coho Salmon (Silver) August to October. Coho are an exciting species for sport anglers because of their aggressive strikes and strong fighting ability. They begin to arrive in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers in August, with the run continuing into September. The best time for Coho fishing is generally late August through September.

Pink Salmon (Humpies) July - August every other year. Pinks are the most abundant species of the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Not typically targeted for sport fishing but provide anglers lots of fun for catch and release. These salmon are smaller than other species and will have a pronounced hump on their back while spawning. Their large numbers support local wildlife and make great photos!

Question 8

Should I give my guide a tip?

Accepted Answer

In a world of over tipping, we get it.. its not always deserved. Tipping is never required, but is greatly appreciated. Your guide works hard before, during and after your trip to provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the river. A gratuity is a meaningful way to show appreciation for the effort that has been put in specifically for you.  Many guests chose to tip around 15-20% of the trip cost.

Question 9

Crowds and Popularity

Accepted Answer

The Kenai River is one of the most popular sport fishing destinations in the world, especially during peak salmon runs in June, July and August - but don't let that stop you! Anglers from all over the world gather to chase fish on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. The energy on the river is contagious, and there's nothing like the thrill of reeling in a big catch while fellow fishermen cheer you on.

Question 10

Wildlife

Accepted Answer

Fishing the Kenai and Kasilof rivers isn't just about the incredible fishing- it's also an opportunity to experience Alaska's stunning scenery and wildlife up close. As you cast your line, keep an eye out for bald eagles, moose, harbor seals, migratory and shorebirds, brown bears (large Grizzly's), black bears, beavers and river otters.

What To Expect