“Jim Rusk Fishing” offers guided trips on Alaska’s famous Kenai River! With over 30 years of experience in these waters, Captain Jim Rusk can easily call himself an expert in hooking Salmon and Rainbows. After you experience the thrill of hooking into one of these epic fish, you’ll realize there’s nothing like it!

Hop aboard Capt. Jim’s 20’ Willie aluminum fishing boat. She’s the ideal choice for up to 4 anglers and gets you to the good spots fast, thanks to twin 50 HP Mercury engines. She features all the necessary safety equipment and has enough fishing space for you to get your hands dirty going after your trophy.

The Kenai is well-known for its incredible Salmon fishery and you’ll go after everything from King Salmon to Silver, Coho, and Sockeye! These trips take place from May through to September, with peak season hitting in July. In the spring and fall, add delicious Rainbow Trout to the mix and now you’ve got a true Alaska fishing adventure on your hands!

All the gear you need to successfully spin, troll, drift fish, and jig already awaits on board. Capt. Jim even brings along fly fishing gear if you’re up for a challenge! Any catch you choose to keep is cleaned and filleted at the end of the trip for easy transport home.

For Captain Jim, fishing isn’t just a pastime, it’s something that gives him precious memories that will never fade. Join him and see why!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Late Summer Salmon
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Aug 1 - Sep 30
    US $500
    Get your hands on the last of King Salmon and switch your focus to hooking equally delicious Silver Salmon! It's a great way to get out for 8 hours in breathtaking nature and go home with some delicious fish. Capt. Jim provides all the gear you need for a successful day. Just remember to pick up a fishing license beforehand and pack any drinks and snacks you'd like to enjoy.
  • Private trip
    Spring Salmon
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip May 1 - Jun 30
    US $500
    Avoid the big summer crowds by heading out at the very beginning of King Salmon season to get your hands on the delicious fish! You'll spend 8 hours in the stunning Kenai River and have a good shot at hooking your limits. No need to worry about gear – Capt. Jim brings along everything you need. Pack drinks, snacks, and a fishing license and you're all set!
  • Private trip
    Trophy Rainbow Trout
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 16 - Oct 31
    US $500
    Rainbow Trout is not be overlooked when it comes to tastiness or it's incredible game qualities! Spend 9 hours cruising the Kenai River and hook a monster fish to brag about. Drinks, snacks, and a valid Alaska fishing license are all you need to bring on this adventure!
  • Private trip
    Early July Salmon
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jul 1 - Jul 15
    US $550
    It's almost peak King Salmon season and you're fishing with one of the best guides in the area on this full-day adventure! Hook big fish and catch your limits with relative ease. Capt. Jim provides all the gear you need for a successful day so all you need to bring are drinks, snacks, and a fishing license.
  • Private trip
    Peak Salmon
    FREE Cancellation 60 days notice
    9 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jul 16 - Jul 31
    US $550
    If you're looking for certified catches – late July is your best bet for bringing massive King Salmon onto the boat! Spend a full day in the Kenai River and make good use of Capt. Jim's gear and guidance. Bring along any drinks and snacks you'd like to enjoy, as well as an Alaska fishing license, and you're all set!

FAQs about Jim Rusk Fishing

Jim Rusk Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $250 per person - Late Summer Salmon (8 hours)
  • US $250 per person - Spring Salmon (9 hours)
  • US $250 per person - Trophy Rainbow Trout (9 hours)
  • US $275 per person - Early July Salmon (9 hours)
  • US $275 per person - Peak Salmon (9 hours)

Trips booked with Jim Rusk Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Jim Rusk Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing
  • Lake Fishing

Jim Rusk Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Jim Rusk Fishing include:
  • Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
  • Salmon
  • Salmon (Chinook)
  • Salmon (Coho)
  • Salmon (Sockeye)

Meet the Captain

Jim Rusk
Kenai, Alaska, United States
13 Customer reviews
Member since March 2017
I was born in Soldotna Alaska in 1966, to parents who have homesteaded in Alaska since 1953. As a young boy, I spent my summers fishing on the banks of the Kenai River and became an avid fisherman at a very young age. When I was a teen, I often worked in the summers as a bait boy on some of the first charter boats in this area. By the time I graduated from high school and was old enough to get my guide license, I knew that was what I wanted to do. In 1987 I started Jim Rusk Fishing. As a fisherman, I enjoy all types of fishing and will always use whatever technique I feel is best to give my customers the best chance at success.

About this listing

Targeted species

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
Salmon Salmon
Salmon (Chinook) Chinook Salmon
Salmon (Coho) Coho Salmon

Boat specs

Willie boat (Aluminum fishing) originally built in 1995, and restored in 2015. Powered by 2 50HP Mercury engines.

Length
20 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

River Fishing
Lake Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing

Amenities

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 60 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 60 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

Listing policies

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child Friendly
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Checks

Kenai Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.6 / 5
out of 5 stars from 13 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (22)
Great Day
Kristie\u2019s first salmon
Kristie\u2019s first salmon
+19
Angler rating
10
0
3
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
90%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
77%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
89%
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Featured  
Showing:
5 of 13 reviews
Garry C.
Homer, Alaska
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Early Season Salmon Trip on Kasilof

VERIFIED   Spring Salmon on June 2, 2021
Jim is a little rough on the edges, but I appreciated it because it was obvious his focus was on finding fish. It appeared...
Garry C. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Garry C. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Steve T.
Waxahachie, TX
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   Spring Salmon on June 11, 2021
Jim Rusk is a fantastic fishing guide.  Professional. Has al the gear.  Great boat.  Knows the best spots on the kenai...
Steve T. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Steve T. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Grady M.
Chandler, AZ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Day trip with Jim

VERIFIED   Spring Salmon on June 26, 2019
We are here at a time when the Salmon isn’t the best of the season. Jim offered any kind of Salmon fishing we wanted and...
Grady M. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Grady M. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Tom W.
Grove City, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   Late Summer Salmon on August 12, 2021
Very professional put us on the fish got limit cleaned and back.  Jim know this area
Tom W. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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Tom W. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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William H.
Hanover, PA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day

VERIFIED   Late Summer Salmon on September 15, 2021
Great memories!
William H. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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William H. recommends Jim Rusk Fishing
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