Cooper Landing

18 Fishing Charters

Cooper Landing Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Cooper Landing
Cooper Landing: 18 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(59 reviews)
Cooper Landing
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $800
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(24 reviews)
Cooper Landing
trips from $200
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(66 reviews)
Cooper Landing
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $200
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(18 reviews)
Cooper Landing
trips from $200
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(33 reviews)
Seward
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $175
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(30 reviews)
Cooper Landing
trips from $235
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(123 reviews)
Seward
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(8 reviews)
Cooper Landing
trips from $201
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(25 reviews)
Sterling
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $200
Sterling
trips from $200

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Cooper Landing

According to customer reviews, Jasonโ€™s Guide Service, Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River, and Kenai River Trout Anglers are some of the most popular fishing charters in Cooper Landing, Alaska. Full list of top fishing charters in Cooper Landing.

The average price for a private 4 hour Cooper Landing fishing trip is $616, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $1,007 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Jasonโ€™s Guide Service, Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River, and Kenai River Trout Anglers all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Cooper Landing.

The most popular fish species you can target are Dolly Varden, Coho Salmon, and Sockeye Salmon. Top fishing techniques include Fly Fishing, Light Tackle, and Drift Fishing. River fishing, backcountry fishing, and lake fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

A Cooper Landing fishing experience is nothing short of incredible. Known as the gem of the Kenai Peninsula, these emerald waters have a lot to offer anglers. Cooper Landing is located at Kenai Lake, where the famous Kenai River begins. It may be small, with just 300 people living there, but the options for world-class fishing are huge. In the fall, the number of anglers triples here, with over 1,000 coming to fish these waters during the area’s annual Salmon run.

Cooper Landing Fishing Spots

If you’re fishing in Cooper Landing, chances are you’ve come for the Salmon run along the Kenai River. When this gets too crowded, remember, you’ve also got the Russian River very close. The Salmon run is from late summer into the fall. Yet the action doesn’t stop during the winter – this is the perfect time to go ice fishing at one of the many local lakes, such as Juneau Lake, Watson Lake, or Skilak Lake.

In the Kenai Peninsula, you’ll find four of the top Salmon species – Sockeye, Humpback, Coho, and Chinook (also called Red, Pink, Silver, and King respectively.) Although delicious, to maintain the high quality of fishing opportunities here, catch and release is highly recommended.

Upper Kenai River

Kenai River is the reason this area is on the map. Near Cooper Landing, you have Kenai Lake and the Upper Kenai River. These waters are home to Sockeye Salmon, Dolly Varden, Rainbow Trout, and Coho Salmon. The Kenai River is more shallow and swift than the lower sections, making it perfect for drift fishing. A lot of anglers ride out to the hot spots then jump in and wade fish. During the Salmon run, be careful you don’t get knocked down by this powerful, single-minded fish!

Russian River

This beautiful water is well worth visiting even if you choose not to fish – although, with the best population of Dolly Varden around, that’s unlikely! You’ll also fish Rainbow Trout and Sockeye here – from the shoreline, these can even be seen jumping out of the water, so have your camera ready. This is one of the main rivers that Sockeye spawn in, so there are regulations and seasons for fishing here. Your Cooper Landing fishing guide will let you know when the waters can be accessed, and how many fish you can take home.

Fishing Tips

  • Ask your guide to teach you the “Sockey Swing,” the best technique for reeling in Sockeye Salmon. These bad boys need a completely different approach compared to Coho and Chinook. For best results, use small hooks baited with worms, eggs, small flies, or small spoons. Try to get your lure right in front of the fish to provoke a reflexive strike – remember, when spawning, these guys are not hungry, so traditional lures won’t work.

  • For Chinook and Coho Salmon, the presentation of the lure is vital. Position the lure directly ahead of the fish so they can’t miss it, with a good sinker to get it to the right depth. Lures that work well include eggs, spoons, spinners, and wobbling plugs

Need to Know

When out and about, remember to take your bear spray with you – this can be bought in most stores once you land in Alaska. Where there are fish, it’s likely there will be bears. Read up on bear protocol before you head out.

Rules and Regulations

It’s best to check the regulations for limits and other restrictions that apply during the season you’ll be fishing. These change regularly and vary from river to river. Your fishing guide is the best source to inform you what you can fish for and when. Emergency regulations can be put into place at any time to protect the productivity of the rivers.

You’ll need to buy a fishing license before your first line is cast. These can be purchased in most places – a day license will cost around $25 (price subject to change). If targeting King Salmon, you’ll need an additional King Salmon stamp to go after them legally.

Budget

Fishing trips in Cooper Landing generally cost around $175 per person for a half day trip, and $275 per person for a full day trip.

Getting There

Cooper Landing is 2 hours south of Anchorage International Airport. From here, a two-hour drive along the Sterling Highway can get you to Homer. You’ll notice that main roads are few and far between – it’s much easier to fly between towns.

A vacation in Cooper Landing fishing is fabulous – you’ll have a stunning backdrop to fish against, a huge range of Salmon to fish, and a choice of lakes and rivers that offer year-round fishing.

Cooper Landing
Excellent
4.4 / 5
Based on 27695 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

Ice fishing for Burbot is great at Juneau Lake Cabin, found at the south end of the Resurrection Pass Trail. You can snowshoe or cross country ski to get there – it's well worth the journey.

 
February

Head one hour to Soldotna for the annual Frozen RiverFest. Live music, bonfires, food, and a beer garden await you. Temperatures can dip as low as 19° F, so dress in layers.

March

Head to Homer and join in the Homer Epic 100K. Ski, cycle, or run the trails in 24 hours. Only 100 participants allowed, so book your place early.

April

Fishing is quiet this month. If you’re lucky, you can catch Dolly Varden at the Russian River.

May

Chinook begins to heat up – this is the fish that put the Kenai River on the map! Keep an eye out for emergency fishing regulations for this species.

June

From late June, Humpback Salmon begin their journey into Cooper Landing. This is great till the end of July. Dolly Varden is hot till July too.

July

If you’re going after “Humpies,” this is the last opportunity you’ll get this year. Temperatures reach 68° F with very long days. Sockeye heats up this month.

August

Sockeye continue to be great. Dolly Varden comes back into the river, and Coho action is fantastic. This is a great month for fishing.

September

Drive one hour to Seward for the Music and Arts Festival, for plenty of art, live music, dance performances, and food.

October

This is the last month for Dolly Varden. Last chance to catch Salmon, as they start to die off after breeding. The rivers become less crowded, but it becomes harder to get a bite overall.

November

This is the beginning of the ice fishing season. Winter months are also a great chance to book a trip to northern Alaska to see the aurora borealis.

December

There are plenty of Christmas activities to keep you feeling festive and warm this month. The lakes are usually frozen enough to ice fish safely now.

Cooper Landing Fishing Calendar

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Make plans with your guide before booking your room. They may be able to help you find a good place and a better deal right in Cooper landing. I booked a room in Soldotna before I made fishing plans and spent a little extra time traveling. It wasn't too bad, but it would have been nicer to be right there.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make plans with your guide before booking your room. They may be able to help you find a good place and a better deal right in Cooper landing. I booked a room in Soldotna before I made fishing plans and spent a little extra time traveling. It wasn't too bad, but it would have been nicer to be right there.
Kevin  G.
Kevin G. United States
Book with Mike, excellent experience , even though in between Salmon runs he took us rite to where he thought fish might be hanging. We limited out in several hours. Thanks Mike, Rick and Tina
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Mike, excellent experience , even though in between Salmon runs he took us rite to where he thought fish might be hanging. We limited out in several hours. Thanks Mike, Rick and Tina
Rick  L.
Rick L. Washington, NJ
Great river to fish. When I was there the river was high, so it will always depend on the conditions at the time of your planned trip. Beginning of July 2023.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Great river to fish. When I was there the river was high, so it will always depend on the conditions at the time of your planned trip. Beginning of July 2023.
Matthew  H.
Matthew H. Manassas, Virginia
It was cold, we fished on June 2 before salmon season was open. None the less,we had fun and caught 10 fish in half a day. Dress in layers then add an extra one.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was cold, we fished on June 2 before salmon season was open. None the less,we had fun and caught 10 fish in half a day. Dress in layers then add an extra one.
Deborah  S.
Deborah S. Tice, FL
Check the Alaskan wildlife site to see which fish are running or if they have closed the season for certain fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Check the Alaskan wildlife site to see which fish are running or if they have closed the season for certain fish.
Dustin  J.
Dustin J. Herndon, VA

Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(24 reviews)
Capt. Ron is an excellent guide and has a great command of the oars as well as the best trout spots on the Upper Kenai. We had a great time.
Clayton  B.
Clayton B. Sterling, Alaska
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Ron is a truly excellent guide and excellent conversationalist. He has a fantastic knowledge of the river and has a fishing technique for every aspect and area to ensure that there never a dull moment.
Chad  L.
Chad L. Tacoma, Washington
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Had a great day of fly fishing from boat and shore. Had a variety of gear to use. Was an excellent time. Would do it again.
Rebecca  V.
Rebecca V. Harrisville, UT
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
For My wife and I, this was our first time fly fishing and captain Ron was great with explaining and showing us what to do, what to use, where to do it and why. He knows where all the best areas in the river are, we had a great day with him. Thanks Captain Ron
Ron  A.
Ron A. Washington, MI
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Only regret was not booking a full day. Would highly recommend: 10/10 experience.
Nicholas  T.
Nicholas T. Charlotte, NC
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Great trip...Ron was very patient and helpful withe boys 13 & 11...they thought it was awesome! Would definitely recommend Ron as your fishing guide.
Donna  G.
Donna G. Lakewood, CO
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Had an awesome day out on the Kenai with Ron. Was incredibly helpful with us being novice fly fisherman.
Chase  B.
Chase B. Anchorage, Alaska
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Ron was awesome. Was very professional, patient and friendly. I would highly recommend the charter... it was a great experience and my daughters loved the memory.
Sean  S.
Sean S. Tampa, Florida
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Had an awesome time on our daddy/ daughter trip and my best friend! Captain Ron was an amazing guide full of knowledge, fun facts, stories, advise m and the best fishing holes. 100% would do this trip again and hope I can before leaving back to Tennessee.
Ginny  K.
Ginny K. Anchorage, Alaska
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Ron was great to spend the day with. He used several different fishing techniques to put us on the fish. Highly recommended!
Allan  C.
Allan C. Anchorage, AK
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Despite the rainy, wet weather Ron made the trip so enjoyable with my kids.
Mike  W.
Mike W. Nampa, ID
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(24 reviews)
Hopefully weโ€™ll get there during the salmon run next time. Did get one on the line just couldnโ€™t reel it in. Had a nice experience learning how to fly fish. Recommend Ron if you have a small group.
EDWARD  Y.
EDWARD Y.
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Ron Doebler Fly Fishing โ€“ Kenai River
Fishing charter in Cooper Landing
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(24 reviews)
Ron was a great guide and individual. Good equipment and knowledge. Patient with low skill fisher people. River was real high and resulted in no take of fish. Would use Ron again, with normal river levels
Mark  M.
Mark M. Ingram, TX