Kenai River Trout Anglers 

4.9/5 (103 reviews)
 Po Box 818, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, United States

Kenai River Trout Anglers 

4.9/5 (103 reviews)
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Po Box 818
Cooper Landing, AK, United States

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.
Take advantage of the Kenai River's limited fishing season and experience Alaska's wild beauty with Kenai River Trout Anglers!

All Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden catch and release.
Sockeye salmon available from 6/11 to 7/1 and then approximately 7/10 to 8/12 silver salmon approximately 8/18 to 10/15

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Rating

4.9
103 reviews
5
91
4
4
3
1
2
0
1
1
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (88)

Epic Fishing Day
Epic Fishing Day
Epic Fishing Day
AMAZING!
AMAZING!
AMAZING!
+82

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
83%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
91%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (103)

Filter
Showing 15 of 103 reviews
Mary Sherman
Mary Sherman
5.0
Verified
AMAZING!
Full Day Trip on September 13, 20252 adults
What an experience! This was my husband bucket list trip and the fishing trip was the highlight. Capt JJ was wonderful and answered all my “southern girl” questions via text very promptly. Upon arrival we met Brandon and off we went. We had the most perfect weather and there were lots of boats in the water. Brandon knew what he was doing and we started catching fish quickly! He was very patient and helpful. We caught 4 rainbow trout over 22 inches and many smaller ones. We say seals, eagles, loons and other birds. We are hooked and will be coming again. I recommend JJ and Brandon if you are looking for the best guides!
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Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Dolly Varden
Sockeye Salmon
Response from Captain
September 26, 2025
Thanks so much for thr great review. So happy Capt Brandon put you guys on some big beautiful trout. Hope to see you both again here on thr Kenai!
0
Richard Evans
Richard Evans
5.0
Verified
Great day fishing an awesome river!
Full Day Trip on July 9, 20251 adult
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!
Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Dolly Varden
1
Jerry Caldwell
Jerry Caldwell
5.0
Verified
Epic Fishing Day
Half Day Trip am Trout on September 25, 20252 adults
Owen and his black lab Buck did an amazing job. Had a great time and caught plenty of fish. Owen was very knowledgeable about not only fishing but also educated us well about the Kenai River and surrounding area. Kudos to Owen and Buck! Keep up the good work. Thank you for a fantastic day of fishing!
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0
David Kenee
David Kenee
5.0
Verified
Perfect June Day on the Kenai
Half Day Trip am Trout on June 14, 20253 adults
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!
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Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Dolly Varden
Response from Captain
June 17, 2025
Thanks so much for fishing with us and leaving a great review of your day with Owen!
0
Nate Burns
Nate Burns
5.0
Verified
Great day with Owen and Buck
Full Day Trip on August 11, 20251 adult
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.
0

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
February 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Half Day Trip am Sockeye
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jul 10 - Aug 12
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US $430
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day Trip am Trout
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 11 - Oct 20
US $430
Shared tour: 2 people
Half day pm sockeye
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jul 14 - Aug 15
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US $430
Shared tour: 2 people
Half day trip pm
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jul 10 - Aug 12
US $430
Entire boat: 2 people
Half day trip pm Trout
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 1:00 PM
US $430
Shared tour: 2 people
am Half day private boat 3 anglers
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $574
Entire boat: 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 11 - Oct 20
US $630
Shared tour: 2 people
Half day trip private 2 people am
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $646
Entire boat: 2 people
Full day trip private boat 3 people
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $830
Entire boat: 2 people
Private boat full day 2 people
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip
starts at 7:00 AM
US $930
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 5 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.9
103 reviews
5
91
4
4
3
1
2
0
1
1
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (88)

Epic Fishing Day
Epic Fishing Day
Epic Fishing Day
AMAZING!
AMAZING!
AMAZING!
+82

What anglers say

96%
Great experience
83%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
91%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (103)

Filter
Showing 15 of 103 reviews
Mary Sherman
Mary Sherman
5.0
Verified
AMAZING!
Full Day Trip on September 13, 20252 adults
What an experience! This was my husband bucket list trip and the fishing trip was the highlight. Capt JJ was wonderful and answered all my “southern girl” questions via text very promptly. Upon arrival we met Brandon and off we went. We had the most perfect weather and there were lots of boats in the water. Brandon knew what he was doing and we started catching fish quickly! He was very patient and helpful. We caught 4 rainbow trout over 22 inches and many smaller ones. We say seals, eagles, loons and other birds. We are hooked and will be coming again. I recommend JJ and Brandon if you are looking for the best guides!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Review media 3
Review media 4
Review media 4
Review media 5
Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Dolly Varden
Sockeye Salmon
Response from Captain
September 26, 2025
Thanks so much for thr great review. So happy Capt Brandon put you guys on some big beautiful trout. Hope to see you both again here on thr Kenai!
0
Richard Evans
Richard Evans
5.0
Verified
Great day fishing an awesome river!
Full Day Trip on July 9, 20251 adult
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!
Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Dolly Varden
1
Jerry Caldwell
Jerry Caldwell
5.0
Verified
Epic Fishing Day
Half Day Trip am Trout on September 25, 20252 adults
Owen and his black lab Buck did an amazing job. Had a great time and caught plenty of fish. Owen was very knowledgeable about not only fishing but also educated us well about the Kenai River and surrounding area. Kudos to Owen and Buck! Keep up the good work. Thank you for a fantastic day of fishing!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
0
David Kenee
David Kenee
5.0
Verified
Perfect June Day on the Kenai
Half Day Trip am Trout on June 14, 20253 adults
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!
Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
Reported catch:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Dolly Varden
Response from Captain
June 17, 2025
Thanks so much for fishing with us and leaving a great review of your day with Owen!
0
Nate Burns
Nate Burns
5.0
Verified
Great day with Owen and Buck
Full Day Trip on August 11, 20251 adult
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.
0

FAQs about Kenai River Trout Anglers

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Unpowered boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
20 ft
Year built
2003
Boat manufacturer
Willie
Boat type
Drift boat

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 10HP
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