FREQUENTLY ASKED
ALASKA FISHING TRIP QUESTIONS

our #1 most asked question: do i need a king salmon stamp on my fishing license?

If you have booked a salmon-specific trip from mid-May until the Kenai River opener on June 11th, you will need a king salmon stamp in addition to your sportfishing license, available online through the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website or at most local grocery/hardware/sporting goods stores. Once the Kenai opens and the sockeye salmon fishing starts, you will only need a king stamp *if you have requested to fish for king salmon*. Any trip after July 31st of a given year does not need a king salmon stamp, as the season closes on this date for the rivers in our area, making it illegal to target them. Additionally, it is illegal to target them on the Upper portions and tributaries of the Kenai River at any time, which is why it is important to let us know in advance if this is a species you would like to target. With all of that being said, king salmon have been returning in low numbers the past few years, which makes them highly susceptible to emergency closures by ADF&G.

How much does an Alaskan Fishing Trip Cost?

The cost of a guided Kenai or Kasilof River fishing trip just about covers everything you'll need for your fishing adventure. We provide all the fishing equipment, waders, wading boots, flies, tackle, bait  and rods for your fishing trip. We cover guide parking fees, boat launch fees,  we bring snacks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and all necessary safety equipment. The only thing the cost of your guided fishing trip doesn't cover is gratuities, your parking fees at Alaska State Parks parking lots, a fishing license and lunches.

How much does the Average trip to Alaska Cost?

The average trip to Alaska includes costs like: flights, transportation, lodging, meals, excursions, etc… For a party of two, a trip to Alaska is about $3500. Of course costs could go up or down depending on flights and how many excursions you plan on doing.

Where is the best place to go fishing in Alaska?

The Kenai River is the best place to go fishing in Alaska. The Kenai is home to the best salmon and trout fishing in the entire state. With easy road access and plenty of amenities, the Kenai River is hard to beat.

What is the best month to fish in Alaska?

The best month to fish in Alaska depends on what your goals are. For Salmon, June, July, August, September and October can be great. For Trout Fishing, the month of September is hard to beat.

What is the best time to go to Alaska?

The best time to go to Alaska are during the Summer months of June, July, August and even into September.

Where is the best salmon fishing in Alaska?

The Kenai and Kasilof River on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula consistently have the best Salmon fishing in Alaska. It is also the easiest salmon fishing to access in the state.

How Many King Salmon can I catch in Alaska?

Generally speaking, when river fishing, you can keep up to 2 king salmon per person/per day. This regulation is special to the Kasilof River. For the Kenai River, we do not keep any wild king salmon. These regulations are always subject to change via Alaska Department of Fish and Game Emergency Orders.

What is the hottest month in Alaska?

July is the hottest month in Alaska. Here on the Kenai Peninsula, July averages a high of around 70 degrees and a low of 50 degrees. Some parts of the state it can get as high as the 90s during July.

Can you keep Rainbow Trout in Alaska?

In stocked lakes, like those on the Kenai Peninsula, you can keep Rainbow Trout. for rivers like the Kenai River, we encourage catch and release, although anglers can keep up to 1 rainbow per day under 16 inches. All of our trout fishing trips are catch and release only.

How do you catch Trout in Alaska?

Anglers catch trout in Alaska either by fly fishing methods or spin/conventional gear. Rainbow trout will eagerly take a large variety of well-placed and presented flies and will also bite spinners, plugs and other lures designed to catch trout.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR ON MY GUIDED FISHING TRIP?

We recommend that you dress in layers any time you are out in the elements on a guided fishing trip. We tell our guests to prepare for all kinds of weather and drastic weather changes. Things can change quickly when you're out on the river fishing. You'll want to wear thick wool socks, thermal layers and bring a rain jacket, polarized sunglasses and a hat. We have plenty of storage on our drift boat for all the extras you'll need to bring on your fishing trip to Alaska.

WILL WE BE WADING WHEN FISHING?

Generally speaking, we will be wading on the Kenai River when the opportunity presents itself, especially on fly fishing trips. We will fit you with waders and wading boots prior to your trip on the Kenai River. Be sure to let us know if you have any physical limitations that would make wading on the Kenai River difficult. When back trolling on the Kasilof River, we may not fit fishing clients with waders since we will not enter the water; however, be sure to wear rain pants as it often rains on Alaska fishing trips!

WHEN DOES my TRIP START AND END? WHERE AND WHEN DO I MEET MY FISHING GUIDE?

Guided fishing trips start and end at various times. Some start times depend on how much daylight we have. During the long summer months, it is not uncommon to meet your Kenai River Fishing Guide at 6 or 7 am. Later in the fall fishing season, we start our trips later and later as sunrise occurs later. Full day fishing trips last for up to 8 hours, while half day fishing trips are usually 4 hours long. Prior to the start of your fishing trip (usually the night before you go fishing), your guide will call you to schedule a meeting time and location. We also offer free pick-up and drop-off services, unless it is otherwise inconvenient. Directions to popular meeting locations are available on our website.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING ON THE GUIDED FISHING TRIP?  

We provide most everything you will need to ensure your fishing trip with Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC is as exceptional as possible!  The only thing we do not provide is a valid Alaska Department of Fish & Game Sport Fishing License, which may be purchased ahead of time online via their website and printed off, or purchased locally at many different retailers.  Please note that licenses are not valid unless signed and must be physically present--electronic versions of your license are not permitted!  Additionally, if you are on a fishing trip for King salmon, you will need to purchase a King salmon stamp when you purchase your fishing license!  

IS LUNCH PROVIDED BY MY GUIDE?

We do offer several snack and beverage options while on board your guided fishing trip, such as chips, granola bars, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, but you may wish to bring something more substantial, particularly on full-day guided trips that run about 8 hours.  There will be several opportunities to stop and eat, if you choose or as we are transitioning the boat from one area to another.   

DO I NEED MY OWN FISHING EQUIPMENT? RODS/REELS/FLIES, ETC?

You are more than welcome to bring your own equipment (waders, fly rods, etc..); however, be sure that your wading boots do not have felt soles as they are not legal in Alaska.

HOW MANY OTHER ANGLERS WILL BE ON my TRIP?

Our guide boats can legally hold 5 anglers; however, we will not attempt to "fill the boat" as many guide services do. It is possible to fish with other anglers than those scheduled in your fishing party. If other anglers are on your trip, we will ensure that the group of anglers you're matched up with, have the same goals for their trip that you do. We want your Alaska fishing trip to be special, so we will not compromise your experience simply to make more money.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO ON A GUIDED FISHING TRIP in Alaska?

It truly all depends. You can have an amazing day of fishing from May 1st until October 31st and beyond! It all depends on how you define an amazing trip and what your goals are while fishing in Alaska. Please refer to our “Alaska Salmon and Rainbow Trout Fishing” section for more information about peak fishing seasons on the Kenai River and be sure to check out our Kenai River Fishing Report for info about targeting the fish you're looking for! 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO GO fishing in Alaska?

The best time of day for Alaska fishing trips depends largely on the volume of other boats and fishermen on the water. Usually, the more anglers, the earlier you'll want to start. If you prefer the afternoon or evenings, that's also an excellent time to be on the water; however, some areas, the guides have to be off the Kenai River by 6pm.

WHAT IS THE BEST SECTION OF RIVER of the Kenai or Kasilof River TO FISH?

The best section of river for fishing depends on what your goals are for the day. Most half day trips are held either on the Upper Kenai or Kasilof River. We will most often take you where we would want to go fishing if we had the day off. We want you to have an awesome experience on your guided trip!

Check out our KENAI RIVER AND KASILOF RIVER FISHING CALENDAR, our Kenai River Fish Count and Kenai River Fishing Fishing Report page for more information!

what FISH can I keep in Alaska? 

The answer varies by the species you are targeting and the time of year you are fishing. If you are targeting King Salmon, we must follow the current ADF&G emergency orders pertaining to the harvest of Chinook Salmon. As a company policy, we will harvest only hatchery King Salmon on the Kasilof River. We will not harvest wild King Salmon on the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers. We make this abundantly clear prior to booking a guided fishing trip with us. If you are targeting Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon) or Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon), the current emergency orders will be followed. When targeting Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden, we will never harvest them. Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden are native and wild fish in Alaska, one of the last strongholds of a robust population of native fish. Catch and Release is necessary to ensure a strong population of fish remains in the Kenai River.

how can i get my fish processed after my fishing TRIP?

Your guide will handle the initial processing of your fish on your Alaska Fishing Trip. We will fillet and bag your fish and store them at a suitable temperature while on your fishing trip. We do not vacuum seal nor do we freeze fish for clients. We can recommend local fish processing services if you wish to have your fish processed further after your fishing trip.

CAN I BRING MY KIDS ON MY ALASKA FISHING TRIP?

Absolutely. Kids are such an important part of the work we do at Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC. We take education and resource stewardship very seriously and what better group than kids to share this knowledge and love for the outdoors with. Yes, bring your kids and let's have a blast on your fishing trip! They will learn skills that will carry them through a lifelong sport filled with awesome memories!

HOW LONG IS THE GUIDED FISHING TRIP? CAN WE END THE TRIP EARLY?

Your fishing trip will last for 4 hours on a half day trip and for 8 hours on a full day trip. Keep in mind that there is some set-up and commute time that is usually not factored into the stated hours of your trip, so a guided fishing trip can be a long day. If you need to end early, please let us know ahead of time so we can make appropriate accommodations. Sometimes, due to the sheer length of the stretch of river we are floating, it is impossible to end a trip on short notice. Also, if you are fishing with other guests not in your fishing party, we may have to make arrangements that are suitable for everyone in the boat.

ARE THERE ANY BOAT LAUNCH OR PARKING FEES THAT I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT WHILE ON A GUIDED FISHING TRIP?

Most boat launch fees and shuttle fees will be handled by the individual guide or guide service handling your particular fishing charter. The only fee you will be responsible for is parking at various State of Alaska or city parking lots. The fee for parking is usually $5.00 and your fishing guide will instruct you on how to best pay for the fee prior to departing for your fishing trip that day.

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO CAST? ARE WE FLY FISHING ON THIS Guided TRIP?

One of the most rewarding parts of being a fishing guide is the learning process for our guests. We love to teach, so whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, we take the time to teach as much or as little as you need. If you are fly fishing on your trip, have no fear, it's a lot easier than you think! You truly will learn a sport that can become a lifelong passion!

DOES MY FISHING GUIDE CHARGE FOR LOST FLIES? BROKEN/LOST EQUIPMENT?

Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC, our guides and our guided service partners will never charge you for lost flies, lures, bait or other equipment; however, the intentional damage of property will be subject to a fee. Broken rods happen, rods fall in the water, waders leak, etc... This is generally part of the wear and tear of our fishing equipment and we factor that into our annual business budget. Please do exercise extreme care with the equipment that is lent to you and treat it as if it were your own. Most often, the fishing equipment comes out of the individual guide's pocket and is very expensive.

WILL I SEE WILDLIFE WHILE ON A river fishing TRIP?

You have an excellent chance while on a fishing trip in Alaska to see wildlife. For the most part, you can see eagles and other bird species that generally line the banks of the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. On occasion, you can see Black and Brown Bears, Moose, Beavers, River Otters, Harbor Seals and even the occasional Lynx, Coyote or Wolf! We will discuss what to do when dealing with wildlife on the shore prior to departing on our guided fishing trip.

HOW DO WE GET BACK UP the Kenai or Kasilof RIVER? DOES THE RIVER GO IN A CIRCLE?

This is a very common question when on our Kenai River fishing trips. The Kasilof River has a very special takeout that is a sight to see (definitely a memorable experience when on a guided Alaskan fishing trip)! The Kenai River does not go in a circle, nor does the Kasilof River. We drift both of these rivers in a westerly direction towards the Cook Inlet. Our guide vehicles are shuttled by our company or by a shuttle service from the boat launch where we begin our trip all the way to the boat takeout where we end our trip. The cost to shuttle our drift boat does cost us extra, but it makes your fishing trip on the Kenai or Kasilof River much easier!

CAN I SEE RUSSIA FROM THE RIVER?

If you use your imagination, you can just about see anything from the boat on the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers. On any fishing trip on the Kenai River in Alaska, it is not uncommon to get this question. Unfortunately, you can't see Russia from the Kenai or Kasilof River.