What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Kenai, Alaska for the first time?

Hire a lawyer to figure out the fishing regulations because NOBODY in Alaska seems to entirely understand them well enough to explain to an outsider and you can't simply look them up online in one place like every other State I've been to. They have emergency orders and many conflicting rules regarding bait, lures, hook types and numbers like they are trying to PROTECT something, but then you get there and everyone is snagging for whatever they can catch like nobody cares... Well, the charters DO follow the rules and it helps to know them.

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!

Know that you can buy an inexpensive styrofoam cooler from a local sporting goods, grocery or general store — and save significantly by taking the cooler with you on your flight home. Remember to keep the cardboard box when you buy the cooler! The airlines won’t check the styrofoam cooler unless it’s enclosed in a cardboard box.

If you're fishing for the very first time, don't worry about what you do no know. Robert takes care of everything...I mean everything! He teaches you how to fish and provides all the gear. Just show up with a fishing license which is only $15 for one day for non residents.

This is historically a good time to fish for both KIng and Sockeye. We (and our guides) were unaware of gillnetting in progress which affected how many fish were upstream. I'm not sure if there is a way to predict if gillnetting will be in progress, just that it very much seemed to affect the fishing, as commented on by the guides

September silvers will be the most action and it's alot of fun. Corey is an awesome captain and he will put you on the fish. I have fished with Chugach a number of days with great success and I am looking forward to my next trip to the kenai peninsula.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Check what Alaska Game and Fish limits you to. Fishermen were limited to one salmon per day in August 2024, but note that each salmon is probably 2-4 meals for a person.

Dress for rain and hope the numbers rebound this year was a bad year in general for fishing in Alaska

Don't worry about knowing how to fish, the guide can teach you how to cast for salmon in just a few minutes. If you enjoy fishing - whether you catch or not - you will have a great time!

Read up on the flossing technique before you go. It’s not hard but it takes a bit of practice to get fluid with it.

Watch how it’s done on YouTube like we did and it will be a lot easier on the sockeye salmon, and the salmon is a very powerful fish to bring in

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Wear/bring a lot of layers. Our trip was cold and started with rain. And clothes that are OK getting dirty.

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.)

Get out on the river early. Book a full day as the experience of being on the river is magical.

Weather was cold and rainy. Dress appropriately with good rain gear if rain is forecast

Would like to say great- but, the fish get there on their own time. No fault of your guid

Dress warm! Have glovers and water proof shoes! And layers of clothing and rain coat or poncho!

Talk to experienced guides. There are a lot of lodges with guides with limited experience.

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