See our fishing packages page for package booking info.
Fishing Seasons
Fishing seasons are generally as follows, but are subject to change without notice:
- May 1 – September 30: Halibut
- May 1 – June 30: Saltwater Kings
- May 15 – July 31: Kenai/Kasilof Kings
- June 10 – August 20: Sockeye Salmon
- June 11 – October 31: Rainbow Trout
- August 1 – October 31: Silver Salmon
- August on even years: Pink Salmon
Fishing Guide rates
If you wish the service of a local fishing guide, we will be happy to refer you to a number of local experienced guides or we can book your charters as part of your package. Charter rates vary but will run approximately $175 to $220 per person for salmon fishing trips. Halibut and combo trips (halibut, salmon and cod) will run a minimum of $250-$350 per person. Fly out fishing and wildlife viewing will be a minimum of $350 and up depending on your destination and trip requirements. Species of fish available on the fly out trips will depend on the date. We offer booking services for no additional charge to you. Let our experience help guide you to successful fishing adventures.
Fish Species
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
These silvery fighters average 6-12 lbs. and most of it is muscle.
The Sockeye Salmon begin to clog the Kenai River in late June and the run ends in mid August.
New regulations aimed at protecting these salmon allow nearly one million sockeye to return to the river every summer.
Since the Sockeye tend to hug the bank, most fishing is done from the shore.
Methods include casting cohoe flies in a style found only on the Kenai River.
King Salmon (Chinook Salmon)
The Kenai River is world famous for producing giant trophy King salmon.
The world record was taken in May of 1985 weighing 97 lbs. 4 oz. Every year sees thousands of kings weighing between 30 and 80, even 90 lbs.
Their fighting strength is legendary, and those that have battled these giants have memories that will last a lifetime.
We have two runs of Kings entering the local rivers and fishing is typically best late May to mid June and the last half of July.
Methods for taking Kings include back bouncing, back trolling, and drifting from boats, although they can also be taken from the river banks.
Silver Salmon (Coho Salmon)
Many anglers think silvers are the most fun of all the salmon. These fighters are notorious for their acrobatics, burning up drags and snapping rods. Silvers average 10-14 lbs., with lunkers nearing 20 lbs. Season begins in early August and ends September 30th. Methods include casting spinners, back bouncing, and back trolling.
Ask about the Seward Silver Salmon Derby- this salt water fishery is in mid-August, has a six fish limit, non-stop action, and takes place in beautiful Resurrection Bay about 45 minutes from our cabins. Silver salmon can also be caught from our dock.
Pacific Halibut
Both sides of the Kenai Peninsula are home to some of the finest halibut fishing available anywhere. Limits of halibut weighing between 20 and 50 lbs. are the norm, with halibut between 100 and 300 lbs. coming in daily.
Charters leave from Ninilchik, Homer, and Seward, with every port having its unique advantages: boat size, trip length, travel time, and scenery.
Combination trips fishing for King salmon and Halibut are very popular saltwater trips in early spring. Halibut fishing runs from May through September with King-halibut combos having the greatest catch rates in late May and early June.