What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Kenai, Alaska for the first time?
Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Kenai
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1 - 21 of 21 answers
1 - 21 of 21 answers

Christopher Mcmillian
Anchorage, Alaska
First time salmon fishing and first time salmon fishing on the river. The fishing is sitting right off the bank anchored down while you lure is diving close to the bottom from the current. Just a lot of sitting waiting for a bite.

Debra Buzdor
Palmer, AK
I would recommend trying to spend some time, even up to a week. Running to one of those rivers from Anchorage, or Seward or out of state...if you just allow one day your taking a chance you'll miss the fish, or go to the wrong part of the river. The folks who do the best have returned year after year and it's usually the last two weeks in July through August for reds and then silvers, which can extend in to Sept, then it's fall rainbow time! Talk to people, check tackle shop boards, and even watch Youtube videos if you have a target area. Personally I would camp at Morgan's Landing for a week in late August and fish for silvers..even into the beg of Sept. I like it because they can't fish from boats there, it's right above some small rapids, so you don't have the boat traffic and the river is peaceful, like a river should be. A pleasant place to be even if you're not catching.
Lastly, if you have limited time, as in any place I go for the first time, I do some research, read the state's fish and game website, then hire a guide. All the ones here work very hard to get folks their fish and a great wild yet safe experience. You'll see more wildlife from a boat, you'll probably fish from shore so you can 'go' into the woods if need be. I recommend the fishingbooker website. Tight Lines!

Jacob Kulzer
Stillwater, Minnesota
If you're after Salmon, pay very close attention to the timing of the Runs and what is happening with the Dip Netting. In hindsight, we should have gone to the Kasilof or down to Seward as both had many more fish than the Kenai during the time we had available.

Matt Scates
Austin, TX
Have a plan for your catch. Grocery stores have coolers you can transport fish home in, local processors can freeze and ship them, or you could catch and release. Ask your guides what the nearby options are and the price range for each.

Scott Ahlgrim
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Get a great guide like Nate. Nate took the guesswork out of fishing the great spots on the Kenai. All you have to do is show up and be willing to listen and you will have a great trip to remember. Lots and lots of fish!

Jeffrey Golden
Powhatan, VA
I would recommend fishing the Kenai if you love fishing, not if you are trying for the first time. The demand for boats and guides and the fame of the Kenai command high prices. While the chance of walking away with a prize fish are there, if it isn't already a passion it can also just turn into an expensive boat ride.

Ben Ruddle
Bethesda, MD
Kenai holds tons of late run sockeye in August, but flossing for sockeye can be difficult. Find a local guide who knows the waters well and is willing to coach newcomers on technique.

John Coburn
Atascadero, CA
check the dates; mid to late july for reds, mid august for silvers. We went in between and it really didn't work out.

Zak Sliuzas
Go with Robert if you can, he’s been doing it a long time and you’ll have a lot of fun.

Marie Price
Dalton Gardens, ID
Being rain grear and waterproof boots, Don’t expect a guarantee to catch salmon.

Christopher Blanks
Frisco, CO
July is on and off just like a lot of people talk about. But if you take your crew there and keep lines in the water there's a good chance you'll have Salmon for dinner

Scott Sartain
Holiday Lakes, TX
Know the regulations, where to go and potential hazards of certain areas- using a guide or going with a local for the first time would be highly recommended

Matthew Luedke
If you need to learn the area and the spots this could be helpful but there are so many spots and other anglers you could figure it out.

Matt Arnold
Make sure the fish are running. I didn’t have choice in Vacation time. Beautiful area nonetheless. Had a great time trying.

Ann Tubergen
Georgetown Township, MI
Wear/bring a lot of layers. Our trip was cold and started with rain. And clothes that are OK getting dirty.

Yoshi Sato
Fort Payne, AL
If you really want to catch fish. You need at least a few days.
with 1 day ,do not complain about no fish result (target is King salmon.)

Paul Gallagher
United States
Bring a change of clothes, in case you fall down in the river the current is quite strong.