Planning your Alaska fishing vacation is fairly easy. First, you will need to decide which species of fish to target, then determine when you should come (see our charter calendar below). Our most popular fishing trips fill early, so we recommend you determine the number of people in your party and book your trip before our schedule fills.
Kenai River and Homer Charter Calendar |
| Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
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Kenai River King Salmon |
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Kenai River King Salmon - Kenai River king salmon are available during May, June and July. Best fishing is during late-June and July when king salmon runs peak.
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Sockeye |
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Second Run Sockeye Salmon – These fish become available in the lower Kenai River during mid- or late-July and are typically abundant in the middle river by early-August.
Note: First run sockeye salmon are usually available mid-June through mid-July. However, we do not offer guided fishing trips for them, because they quickly migrate to the upper Kenai and Russian Rivers.
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Pink Salmon |
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Kenai River Pink Salmon - Strong returns of Kenai River pink salmon occur during even-numbered years, e.g. 2016, and they are typically available in large numbers mid-July through August.
Note: We generally do not book fishing trips targeting pink salmon. However, if you decide to bring children or family, and want to catch lots of fish, pink salmon are usually abundant and easily caught.
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Kenai River Silver Salmon |
Kenai River Silver Salmon - Early-run silvers begin to enter the Kenai River during late-July, and the late run can be strong into October.
Note: Starting mid-August, we offer incredible combo trips targeting middle Kenai River silvers, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden!
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Kenai Rainbow Trout |
Kenai River Rainbow Trout - Arriving to gorge themselves on loose salmon eggs, large numbers of rainbow trout (and Dolly Varden) become available in the middle Kenai River early- to mid-August.
Note: Starting mid-August, we offer incredible combo trips targeting trophy rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and silvers!
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Homer Halibut, Rockfish & King Salmon |
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Homer Halibut - Halibut are available all season.
Homer Black Rockfish - Black rockfish (a.k.a. black sea bass) are available all season.
Homer Yelloweye Rockfish - Yelloweye rockfish are available all season but catchable only during our multi-species fishing trips to the Gulf of Alaska.
Homer King Salmon - Saltwater king salmon are available all season.
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Homer Lingcod & Silver Salmon |
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Homer Lingcod - The lingcod season starts July 1, and this species is typically available during our multi-species fishing trips to the Gulf of Alaska. Lingcod are occasionally caught in Cook Inlet.
Homer Silver Salmon - Saltwater silver salmon begin to arrive in catchable numbers mid- to late-July, and fishing is typically best during August. Silver salmon can be caught from Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska.
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Alaska Fishing Vacation Planner
We have compiled information that will help in planning your Alaska fishing vacation below. You may also select items under "Your Custom Vacation Planner" below to create a printable or interactive trip planner.
How to get here
We are located on Alaska's beautiful Kenai Peninsula, which is south of Anchorage. If flying, short commuter flights are available between Anchorage, Kenai and Homer. If driving, Soldotna, Kenai and Homer are within reasonable driving distance from Anchorage or Seward.
Note: Summer is a very busy time of year for airlines, auto rentals and RV rentals so, we recommend booking transportation reservations well in advance.
Maps to Fishing Locations
When fishing the Kenai River, Paulk Landing is our standard meeting location during the king salmon fishing season. Please see Bing's Landing and Lower Skilak Lake Landing locations for possible alternates during silver salmon and rainbow trout seasons.
Paulk Landing
Bing's Landing
Lower Skilak Lake Landing
Homer Charter Boat "Red Ryder"
Driving Distances and Times
- Anchorage - Soldotna: 150 miles (3 hours)
- Anchorage - Homer: 230 miles (41/2 hours)
- Soldotna - Homer: 80 miles (11/2 hours)
- Seward - Soldotna: 95 miles (2 hours)
- Seward - Homer: 175 miles (31/2 hours)
Please be sure to give yourself plenty of extra time! Construction, weather conditions and slow traffic can result in delays. Please visit the Alaska Traveler Information website (an interactive highway map) or contact us for the latest highway information.
What we provide
- Licensed captain
- Experienced deckhand (Homer)
- Clean & safe vessel
- All safety equipment
- Quality rods & reels
- Terminal tackle
- Free fish filleting
- On-site taxidermist (Kenai River kings)
What to bring
- Valid Alaska fishing license (buy online)
- King Salmon Stamp (if harvesting kings - buy online)
- Homer Halibut Derby ticket (optional)
- Rain gear
- Layered clothing
- Hat & Gloves
- Non-skid, waterproof footwear
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Lunch, snacks and beverages (avoid hard alcohol)
- Coolers or totes for fish (to parking lot)
Fishing license
RULE #1: You cannot fish with us without a valid fishing license IN YOUR POSSESSION.
There are no exceptions to Rule #1. We typically plan our fishing trips according tides and other factors, so late departures due to breaking Rule #1 may result in difficult fishing.
We do not sell fishing licenses. You can purchase your Alaska fishing license and king salmon stamp at local stores or online at the ADF&G Online Store. A valid king salmon stamp is required to harvest either saltwater or freshwater king salmon.
ADF&G Fishing License and King Salmon Stamp Fees
Licensing and Other Fees (Options & Pricing) |
Alaska Sport Fishing License - Resident or nonresident military |
Annual |
$ 20 |
/ each |
Alaska Sport Fishing License - Nonresident |
1 Day |
$ 15 |
/ each |
Alaska Sport Fishing License - Nonresident |
3 Days |
$ 30 |
/ each |
Alaska Sport Fishing License - Nonresident |
7 Days |
$ 45 |
/ each |
Alaska Sport Fishing License - Nonresident |
14 Days |
$ 75 |
/ each |
Alaska Sport Fishing License - Nonresident |
Annual |
$ 100 |
/ each |
Alaska Fishing License Duplicate - Resident and nonresident |
$ 5 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Resident |
Annual |
$ 10 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Nonresident military |
Annual |
$ 30 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Nonresident |
1 Day |
$ 15 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Nonresident |
3 Days |
$ 30 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Nonresident |
7 Days |
$ 45 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Nonresident |
14 Days |
$ 75 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Nonresident |
Annual |
$ 100 |
/ each |
King Salmon Stamp - Replacement |
$ 5 |
/ each |
Fish Processing & Transport
We will clean or fillet your fish and place them in bulk plastic sacks at no charge, but packaging and freezing are not included in our fishing rates. If you are fishing the Kenai River or plan to transport your fish from Homer, please bring a sufficient number of coolers or totes to the parking lot (not to the boat).
You can package, freeze and ship your own fish or choose any of several processors to do the job for you. If fishing in Homer, we can arrange for a processor to pick up your fish at the boat.
Note: While it's more convenient to have a processor ship your fish, it's cheaper to travel light and transport your fish home as checked baggage (even when paying additional baggage fees).
Soldotna Fish Processors
Homer Fish Processors
Other Activities & Resources
There are numerous things to do and see in Alaska, so for those interested in non-fishing endeavors, we can assist in planning those activities as well. Please contact us if you have questions. We want you to have the best Alaska vacation ever!
The following will get you started...
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Kenai/Soldotna
- Kenai Chamber of Commerce - Their visitor center is worth a stop, and their website provides information on local activities an resources.
- Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - This refuge occupies a large portion of the Kenai Peninsula, you will likely set foot on it during your visit.
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Homer
- Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center - Worth a visit, this is the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge's interpretive, educational, and research facility.
- Pratt Museum - The Pratt Museum features collections, exhibits, and programs in culture, science, and art related to the Kachemak Bay area and the surrounding region of South Central Alaska.
Your Custom Vacation Planner
Simply click checkboxes as desired, then "Save" to create a printable or interactive trip planner. Once saved, "View" and "Print" options will be available.
Our clients say...
Lynn T. - They have amazing talent and knowledge to put you on the best places to fish... a great group of people to spend time with. more
Karlie W. - You guys are so amazing!!! I constantly think back to that day on your boat and reeling in that giant halibut!!! more
Pat N. - ...He told me that you are referred to in Alaska as the "Fish Whisperer!!!" more
NOAA Marine Information
Marine Weather Forecasts & Data
Southcentral Alaska Tide Predictions
You can find detailed tide information for Alaska at NOAA Alaska Tide Predictions.
