Experience a once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventure in Alaska with “Kenai River Trout Anglers”! You’ll head out of the beautiful town of Cooper Landing with Captain JJ Brown. He’s been guiding here for 2 decades and is one of a few captains licensed to guide in the exclusive Upper Kenai River National Wildlife Refuge!
Hop aboard his 20’ Willie drift boat, ideal for up to 4 anglers. She’s perfectly suited for these waters, and before you know it, you’ll become immersed in the nature that surrounds you. It’s not only fish you’ll see, but there are also plenty of bears, moose and mighty birds of prey to take in.
Depending on the time of year and your targets, Capt. JJ takes you into the Upper River, Middle River, or Lower River, and even the stunning Canyon – weather permitting. These waters play host to the annual migration of stunning Sockeye and Silver Salmon, Steelhead, and Dolly Varden!
Whether you’re a fly fishing fanatic or prefer traditional spinning methods, Capt. JJ has the equipment you need for a successful day on board. At the end of the trip, he’s happy to clean and fillet any catch you’d like to take home for dinner.
Feel free to bring along any drinks and snacks you’d like to have and, most importantly, don’t forget to pick up a fishing license before heading out. Please know that there is Sales tax for Kenai Peninsula of 3%.
Take advantage of the Kenai River’s limited fishing season and experience Alaska’s wild beauty with Kenai River Trout Anglers!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (75)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
83%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
91%
Caught fish
96%
Jul 9, 2025
Full Day Trip
First, I want to thank Kenai River Trout Anglers for providing Shared float trips! When I'm a lone angler, the only affordable guided trips for me are shared. So it's either a shared trip, or no trip. I appreciate shared trips! This was a full day trip fishing the upper 14 miles of the Kenai River I shared with a father and his 12 year old son. Everything went very smoothly, from beginning to end. The boat and fishing equipment were really good and well maintained. Our guide (Brandon, as I remember) was very well prepared and attentive to our needs and wishes. He provided helpful instructions and suggestions as needed without being intrusive or controlling. The Kenai is a big, fast, cold river, so everyone was required to wear a pfd, which was fine. Brandon handled and positioned the boat expertly to get us to good fishing spots (despite ~30 mph winds!). When catching slowed, he changed tactics to try to do better. Brandon went out of his way to try to make sure everyone had a good chance at catching good fish, and everyone did catch fish! Final note: After the trip, that evening, I realized that I'd left my ball cap in the boat. I called JJ, and he went and found my cap and happily arranged for me to pick it up!
First, I want to thank Kenai River Trout Anglers for providing Shared float trips! When I'm a lone angler, the only affordable...
Aug 11, 2025
Full Day Trip
Had a great full day trip with Owen and his boat dog Buck. Owen is a great guide, and his care for the fish, the river ecosystem, and his clients' enjoyment was clear. We were busy catching fish all day and in between fishing, Owen kept us busy with good conversation. This was a great trip, and as an experienced fly fisherman, I would highly recommend this trip with Owen.
Had a great full day trip with Owen and his boat dog Buck. Owen is a great guide, and his care for the fish, the river ecosystem,...
Jun 14, 2025
Half Day Trip
Really enjoyed our float with Owen on the Kenai. He dialed up an ideal blue sky day. The river was pristine. And the fish were gracious enough to pick up our lures. We caught ~15 rainbows, a few over 20", and one dolly vardon. Would've liked a sockeye, but book the end of June if that's what you have your heart set on. Overall, a great way to experience trout fishing on an Alaskan river with everything planned for you!
Really enjoyed our float with Owen on the Kenai. He dialed up an ideal blue sky day. The river was pristine. And the fish were...
Aug 1, 2025
Full Day Trip
We had such a great time! We caught 7 salmon and had a beautiful ride down the kenai! Brandon was excellent and very knowledgeable and friendly! We will be back next season!
We had such a great time! We caught 7 salmon and had a beautiful ride down the kenai! Brandon was excellent and very knowledgeable...
Jun 18, 2025
Full Day Trip
My sons and I had a great time fishing with Owen. He was very knowledgeable and we landed some nice rainbow trout and dollys. Paddling down the Kenai was amazing and a must do. The scenery will take your breath away. Oh yeah, a big shout out to Buck! He’s the best dog and so much fun to have along on the trip. Thanks again!
My sons and I had a great time fishing with Owen. He was very knowledgeable and we landed some nice rainbow trout and dollys....
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Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (75)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Appropriate for children
83%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
91%
Caught fish
96%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on July 9, 2025
First, I want to thank Kenai River Trout Anglers for providing Shared float trips! When I'm a lone angler, the only affordable guided trips for me are shared. So it's either a shared trip, or no trip. I appreciate shared trips! This was a full day trip fishing the upper 14 miles of the Kenai River I shared with a father and his 12 year old son. Everything went very smoothly, from beginning to end. The boat and fishing equipment were really good and well maintained. Our guide (Brandon, as I remember) was very well prepared and attentive to our needs and wishes. He provided helpful instructions and suggestions as needed without being intrusive or controlling. The Kenai is a big, fast, cold river, so everyone was required to wear a pfd, which was fine. Brandon handled and positioned the boat expertly to get us to good fishing spots (despite ~30 mph winds!). When catching slowed, he changed tactics to try to do better. Brandon went out of his way to try to make sure everyone had a good chance at catching good fish, and everyone did catch fish! Final note: After the trip, that evening, I realized that I'd left my ball cap in the boat. I called JJ, and he went and found my cap and happily arranged for me to pick it up!
First, I want to thank Kenai River Trout Anglers for providing Shared float trips! When I'm a lone angler, the only affordable guided trips for me are shared. So it's either a shared trip, or no trip. I appreciate shared trips! This was a full day trip fishing the upper 14 miles of the Kenai River I shared with a father and his 12 year old son. Everything went very smoothly, from beginning to end. The boat and fishing equipment were really good and well maintained. Our guide (Brandon, as I remember)...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on August 11, 2025
Had a great full day trip with Owen and his boat dog Buck. Owen is a great guide, and his care for the fish, the river ecosystem, and his clients' enjoyment was clear. We were busy catching fish all day and in between fishing, Owen kept us busy with good conversation. This was a great trip, and as an experienced fly fisherman, I would highly recommend this trip with Owen.
Had a great full day trip with Owen and his boat dog Buck. Owen is a great guide, and his care for the fish, the river ecosystem, and his clients' enjoyment was clear. We were busy catching fish all day and in between fishing, Owen kept us busy with good conversation. This was a great trip, and as an experienced fly fisherman, I would highly recommend this trip with Owen.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip on June 14, 2025
Really enjoyed our float with Owen on the Kenai. He dialed up an ideal blue sky day. The river was pristine. And the fish were gracious enough to pick up our lures. We caught ~15 rainbows, a few over 20", and one dolly vardon. Would've liked a sockeye, but book the end of June if that's what you have your heart set on. Overall, a great way to experience trout fishing on an Alaskan river with everything planned for you!
Really enjoyed our float with Owen on the Kenai. He dialed up an ideal blue sky day. The river was pristine. And the fish were gracious enough to pick up our lures. We caught ~15 rainbows, a few over 20", and one dolly vardon. Would've liked a sockeye, but book the end of June if that's what you have your heart set on. Overall, a great way to experience trout fishing on an Alaskan river with everything planned for you!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on August 1, 2025
We had such a great time! We caught 7 salmon and had a beautiful ride down the kenai! Brandon was excellent and very knowledgeable and friendly! We will be back next season!
We had such a great time! We caught 7 salmon and had a beautiful ride down the kenai! Brandon was excellent and very knowledgeable and friendly! We will be back next season!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Full Day Trip on June 18, 2025
My sons and I had a great time fishing with Owen. He was very knowledgeable and we landed some nice rainbow trout and dollys. Paddling down the Kenai was amazing and a must do. The scenery will take your breath away. Oh yeah, a big shout out to Buck! He’s the best dog and so much fun to have along on the trip. Thanks again!
My sons and I had a great time fishing with Owen. He was very knowledgeable and we landed some nice rainbow trout and dollys. Paddling down the Kenai was amazing and a must do. The scenery will take your breath away. Oh yeah, a big shout out to Buck! He’s the best dog and so much fun to have along on the trip. Thanks again!