1. Where are your Alaska lodges located? And how do I get there?
Scenic Drive: Usually our guests fly to Anchorage, rent a car and drive about 150 miles along the scenic Seward Highway. Allow approx 3 hours drive time from the Anchorage Airport to your final destination at our lodges. Rental Car prices In Anchorage can be expensive so shop around. If you can, rent from a company in downtown Anchorage to save on airport tax.
Quick Flight: Another available option is to fly Era or Grant Aviation (ask us for details) to the Kenai Airport (approx. 25-minute flight), rent a car and take an easy drive to our Alaska fishing lodges. Check out our page of Maps and Directions for more details.
Quick Flight: Another available option is to fly Era or Grant Aviation (ask us for details) to the Kenai Airport (approx. 25-minute flight), rent a car and take an easy drive to our Alaska fishing lodges. Check out our page of Maps and Directions for more details.
Recommended - Scenic Drive from Anchorage, AK
Usually our guests fly to Anchorage, rent a car and drive about 150 miles along the scenic Seward Highway. Allow approx 3 hours drive time from the Anchorage Airport to your final destination at our lodges. Rental Car prices In Anchorage can be expensive so shop around. If you can, rent from a downtown office and save on airport tax.
You need a rental car to drive to and from launches and for various "on own" activities.
You need a rental car to drive to and from launches and for various "on own" activities.
Option 2. Quick Flight to Kenai from Anchorage
Another available option is to fly from Anchorage to the Kenai Airport (approx. 25-minute flight), rent a car and take an easy drive to our Alaska fishing lodges. Car rentals are much more expensive in Kenai, however, than they are in Anchorage, and choosing not to rent a vehicle at all will be a hindrance to your freedom and enjoyment while on vacation. For these reasons this is not our recommended travel option.
If this is the option you choose, however, you can use this app to conveniently find and book your best price flights to Kenai from your home city along with your car rental.
Check out our page of Maps and Directions for more details.
If this is the option you choose, however, you can use this app to conveniently find and book your best price flights to Kenai from your home city along with your car rental.
Check out our page of Maps and Directions for more details.
2. Are the bugs going to be a problem?
The upper Kenai Peninsula is a dry region of the state with less than 2 inches of rainfall a month. However, we advise the use of insect repellent on some of the fly out or hike in excursions.
3. What should I bring on my Alaska Vacation? What arrangements do I make?
Check out our What to Pack page on our website for a list of what you should bring with you. We provide waders, rain gear, rods, reels, tackle and everything else that you will need for your stay. The only arrangements you make on your own are air fare, and auto rental (check with us for best deals) . The cost of your fishing license is not included in your package but can be conveniently purchases at the lodge. We supply your favorite non-alcoholic beverages and there is a local store that will sell you your favorite beers, wine and liquor. Gratuities for the guides and staff are not included and at your discretion.
4. What are the daily fish limits?
Two Halibut per day, two or three Silvers per day (depending on the month), three Reds per day (usually increased to six in good years.) One King per day and two Kings per year from the Kenai River. One or two Kings per day from the Kasilof River depending on the month. We believe in catch and release policy for trout on the Kenai River.
5. How do I get my fish home from Alaska?
You will only pay for what you take home. No surcharges, or prepaid boxes. We fillet your fish and arrange your processing with the nearest professional processor. Your fish will be ready when you leave so you can either take them on the plane or ship at your convenience. Tanner's Fresh Fish Processing are experts in Alaskan seafood will deliver your fish to your door after they freeze and wrap. For an additional charge they will smoke, and ship your fish FedEx anywhere in the world.
6. Do you cater to any particular type of groups?
Because of the variety in choices of lodging, we can accommodate groups of 2-20 persons, albeit family, couples, generations, corporate….you name it. With several Queen and even King beds, as well as a multitude of singles, you can enjoy privacy and romance or the adventure feeling of a true fishing lodge. NO BUNKBEDS HERE!
7. What is the best time of year to visit the Kenai Peninsula?
It truly depends on what you are looking for. That is, the type of fish, the hours of daylight, Fly-in adventure or quiet and solitude, excitement and variety . . . it's your call, and we have all the packages to suit your needs
8. What is the weather like on the Kenai Peninsula?
The weather will range from 55 F and rainy to 75 F and sunny. We recommend that guests bring layers of clothes because the weather can change fast during a fishing trip. Typically, our guests wear jeans, a t-shirt, vest, jacket, hat, and waterproof shoes.
9. What types of boats do you use? And how many people?
- Power Boats on the Kenai River are 20ft aluminum fishing machine (the max allowed by regulations) with comfortable seating and customized for the fishery. These are equipped with the max 50hp motors allowed by regulations. 4 people per boat is very comfortable and the standard.
- Drift Boats are 17-20ft aluminum and fish 4 people comfortably for salmon. Unlike other outfitters, we try to limit our trout fishing charters to 2-3 fisherman.
- Our Halibut Boats are fast 28 ft and 29 ft Kofflers with a heated cabin that fishes 6 people very comfortably and safely on the Pacific Ocean
10. Are you set up for novice or expert?
Both. Absolutely. Our guides are highly trained in customer service and experienced with instruction for conventional, spin and fly fishing that will accommodate any level of fisherman.
11. Do we handle our own fish?
You can handle your fish for photos if you like. But once we are done with that, your guide will filet your catch and get it to the processor as soon as possible. You will not see your catch again until departure and it is ready to be shipped. And, by the way, it will be your fish, not a trade in . . .
12. Is there anything to do on the Kenai Peninsula for non–fisherman?
Lots!
- Hiking, included guided hikes
- Wildlife viewing on your own or with a guide
- Fly-out excursions
- Sightseeing on the Kenai Beaches, Cook Inlet, Resurrection Bay, Seward, Cooper Landing, Hope AK,
- Seward, Homer, Whittier…..more than you can even fit in to a week!
13. What is your deposit and cancellation policy?
A 25-50% deposit is required to book the space with balance due 60 days before arrival. We accept all credit cards, Paypal and checks.
A refund of any payments less a 10% cancellation fee (of entire amount) will be made on reservations cancelled more than 90 days from arrival date. A 50 % refund will be provided on reservations canceled within 30-59 days from the date of arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment. In certain circumstances, Russell reserves the right to offer a credit toward a future trip.
Deposits at Kenai River Lodge are non-refundable
A refund of any payments less a 10% cancellation fee (of entire amount) will be made on reservations cancelled more than 90 days from arrival date. A 50 % refund will be provided on reservations canceled within 30-59 days from the date of arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment. In certain circumstances, Russell reserves the right to offer a credit toward a future trip.
Deposits at Kenai River Lodge are non-refundable
14. How Do You Handle Gratuities?
Gratuities are totally discretionary, however, here are some common practices:
- Guides - tip daily rather than at the end of the stay. Your guide will appreciate it. Common tips are 10-15% of the cost of a charter.
- Housekeeping and lodging staff - tip at the end of the week. Common tips are 2-5% of the cost of your trip. These can be given to lodge manager.
Do we need a rental car?
Yes. The Kenai Peninsula is a large geographic area. There are many rivers, lakes and saltwater areas to fish. Some require only a minute or two drive while others are an hour away. Moreover, there is much to do during the long Alaska days where transportation is a must. We have discount partners in Anchorage we will be glad to share with you
Alaska Fishing Vacation Packages | Alaska Fishing Lodges | Alaska Salmon Fishing | Alaska Halibut Fishing | Alaska Fishing Guides
