Alaska Fishing Trips
Experience Alaska Fishing Trips with Drifter's Lodge
Alaska fishing trips at Drifters Lodge offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alaska’s legendary Kenai Peninsula. Experience world-class fishing in pristine waters teeming with salmon, trout, and trophy-sized fish, surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. Whether you’re an avid angler or a beginner, our expert guides provide personalized adventures tailored to your fishing dreams, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Join us at Drifters Lodge and discover why Alaska fishing is truly unmatched.
Alpine Lakes Fly-in for Arctic Grayling
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 Mighty Kenai River
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.
King Salmon Fishing Trips On The Kasilof River
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 Fishing Trips On The Kenai River
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.
Trophy Rainbow Trout On The Kenai river
Kasilof River Salmon Fishing Trips
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.
Russian River Salmon And Trout Fishing
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.
Best Times to Fish The Kenai River
The Kenai River offers fantastic fishing throughout the summer, but the best time to visit depends on your target species. King Salmon arrive in two runs, one peaking in June and July, the other in July and August. Silver Salmon are the main attraction from August through September. Sockeye Salmon flood the river in June and July, while Pink Salmon arrive in August during even-numbered years. Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden offer great fishing from June through October. Consult our fishing calendar below for a visual guide to the peak seasons!
Spring : Early run Kings enter the Kenai
Available
- (May-June)
- Rainbow trout fishing peaks
- The first sockeye appear in the Russian River
- Kasilof River King salmon fishing begins
- Less crowded waters and beautiful weather
Summer : Peak sockeye runs on all rivers
Available
- (July-August)
- Late run Kings in the Kenai
- Silver salmon begin arriving
- Excellent trout fishing continues
- Warmest weather and most extended daylight hours
Fall : Prime silver salmon fishing
Available
- (September-October):
- Rainbow trout reach maximum size
- Less crowded waters
- Beautiful fall colors
- It is the best time for trophy trout
- Cooler temperatures and shorter days
Fishing Packages On Alaska's Kenai River
Discover Alaska’s legendary Kenai River with one of our custom-tailored fishing packages, each designed to deliver an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. Choose from our three package levels—River, Premium, and All-Inclusive—to match your goals, comfort, and fishing dreams. Our fishing guides will place you in the heart of the action, targeting King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and the river’s renowned Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. Each package features personalized experiences, lodging, and access to the Kenai’s most productive fishing spots.
3 Package Levels to Meet Your Needs
Which fishing package is right for me?
River Package
A simple, river fishing package with lodging, guided fishing trips, breakfast, and lunch included. Perfect for adding a day or two of fishing onto your existing Kenai Peninsula trip.
Premium Package
Choose Premium for more flexibility in your itinerary and the option for upgrades, plus fishing licenses and fish processing included. Premium Package guests will still need a rental car.
All-inclusive Package
The hands-off, worry free, just get to Anchorage and we’ll take it from there Package! You get everything included on the Premium Package, plus all transportation while in Alaska and dinners covered at our local restaurants.
Drifters Lodge Highlights
- Riverfront property on the Upper Kenai River
- Dock access to the river
- Nightly Campfire Overlooking The River
- 6 Private Cabins and one 5 Bedroom Riverfront House
- Swedish Riverside Sauna
- Situated between the Chugach National Forest and Kenai National Wildlife refuge
- Under 10 minute drive to 5 local restaurants and 3 convenience/liquor stores
- Easy access to fishing on the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Kenai
- One hour drive to ocean fishing out of Seward
- High quality fly and conventional gear, Simms, and Patagonia waders
Enjoy prime Alaska fishing
Contact us to book a half or full day guided fishing trip or to start building a package.