alaska fishing trip 2023

• The Eagle Tree Cabin
• The Eagle View Cabin
• The Eagle Perch Cabin
• The Eagle Nest Cabin
• The Eagle Catch Cabin
• Ultimate Alaska Fishing Trip

Kenai Peninsula Special

Early season fishing trip, fall fly fishing trip.

• Fishing on the Kenai
• Exploring the Wilderness
• Guest Reviews

• Photo Gallery

• 35085 Betty Lou Drive, Sterling, AK 99672
• (907) 260-3377

Deluxe Alaska Fishing Trip Packages

Alaska Eagle Head Resort and Russell Fishing Company, two of the finest and most preferred lodges and fishing charter companies, have partnered to bring you the very best in accommodations and Kenai Peninsula fishing and sightseeing.

You will be in exquisite comfort in our modern handcrafted log cabins, which are richly decorated in the Alaska theme with furnishings and appointments designed for your utmost comfort. The Eagle Head grounds and view of the Kenai River and the surrounding mountains are nothing short of breathtaking. At Eagle Head, you will enjoy 225 feet of Kenai River frontage with private fishing docks, three fish cleaning stations, equipment to vacuum pack your days catch, and ample freezer space.

Russell Fishing, one of the best known and most respected fishing charter companies on the Kenai Peninsula, will provide your guided fishing excursions. These fully guided trips include all of the necessary gear, tackle and fish filleting, and are often the highlight of our guest’s trip to Alaska. Russell Fishing knows where the fish are and how to maximize your success.

The following fishing vacation packages match what many guest are looking for and reflect our efforts to give you the most Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has to offer at various points during the season. Each package can also be customized to your specific needs or upgraded with various options.

Ultimate Alaska Fishing Trip Package

7 nights lodging, 6 days guided fishing charters.

• 1 Remote Fly-in Fishing Trip (Premium trip Upgrade to Chuitt, Bachatna or Crescent Lake)
• 1 Cook Inlet Halibut Fishing Charter
• 4 Alaska Salmon Fishing Charters and/or Trout Fishing Charters (Kenai & Kasilof Rivers)
• 7 nights stay in one of  our beautiful cabins
• All gear included: equipment, conventional and fly fishing tackle, rain gear and waders
• 1 50lb box of “flight ready” fish processing to bring home your catch

[Price] per guest – Pricing is based on double occupancy.

Package Details → Contact Us

6 NIGHTS LODGING, 5 DAYS GUIDED FISHING CHARTERS

• 6 nights stay in one of  our beautiful cabins
• 4 Alaska Salmon Fishing & Trout Fishing Charters (Kenai & Kasilof Rivers)
• All gear, equipment, conventional and fly fishing tackle, rain gear and boots.
• 1- 50lb box of fish processing.

5 NIGHTS LODGING, 4 DAYS GUIDED FISHING CHARTERS

Available: September – October

• 5 nights stay in one of  our beautiful cabins
• 2 salmon fishing trips
• 2 trophy trout fishing trips
• Fly, Spey or Spin Fish – novice or expert welcome
• Fly rod instructions from experienced guides
• Fly fishing boats are limited to 2-3 guests
• All gear, equipment, conventional and fly fishing tackle, rain gear and waders
• Fish Processing can be added at our wholesale rates

[Price] per guest – Pricing is based on double occupancy. Package Details → Contact Us

Availability: June 2022

• 6 nights stay in one of  our luxury cabins
• 2 Alaska Halibut Fishing / Salmon Fishing Combo Charter (available until mid-June)
• 2 Alaska Salmon Fishing Charters – 1 Kasilof River and 1 Kenai River
• 1 50 lb box of fish processing.

September Reel Fisherman Special!

River Charter: [Price] per person Halibut Salmon Charter: [Price] per person Multi Species Salt-water Charter: [Price] per person. Ling Cod Opens 7/1 Fly-in for salmon fishing with possible bear viewing: [Price] per person Fly-in for Trout [Price] per person Spectacular Boat Cruis to Chinitna Bay to see numerous grizzlies in their natural habitat ... along with whales, puffins, eagles, seals, otters and more. On-board fresh fish BBQ included. [Price] per person Sewards Fjords Cruise: Call for Pricing! Kayaking / Rafting: Call for Pricing!

E-mail or call us

When to Book Your Vacation

Fishing seasons.

Fishing seasons are generally as follows, but are subject to change without notice:

• May 1 – September 30: Halibut
• May 1 – June 30: Saltwater King Salmon
• May 15 – July 31: Kenai/Kasilof King Salmon
• June 10 – August 20: Sockeye Salmon
• June 11 – October 31: Rainbow Trout
• August 1 – October 31: Silver Salmon
• August on even years: Pink Salmon

Additional information

All charters are considered full day and are a minimum of 8 hours. When limits are reached charter may be deemed over unless other arrangements have been made. All guides are fully licensed and permitted by all agencies and associations including the Coast Guard. 

• Guided Saltwater Fishing
• Guided Kayak Fishing
• Guided Freshwater Fishing
• Unique Opportunities

Fish with us!

Whaler’s cove lodge is simply the best alaska fishing vacation.

Calm waters enable unspoiled Alaska fishing opportunities enhanced by low angling pressure.

Drop a line just 10 minutes from our private dock for Pacific Halibut, Silver Salmon, and Sablefish. 

  All-inclusive guided Alaska fishing charters: all gear, all tackle, an experienced guide, all fuel, snacks, mixers, and fish processing.    

Delicious meals made from scratch, cooked by our professional culinary team. 

All of this is included in our package pricing to make your Alaska fishing vacation easy.

We are family owned and operated and have been in business for 42 years. W e are passionate about sharing our Alaska Fishing Paradise and giving our guests an unforgettable Alaska fishing experience. 

Whaler’s Cove Lodge is located in Southeast Alaska, Killisnoo Island , near the Tlingit village of Angoon, Alaska  and the famous  Kootznoowoo Wilderness  and  Admiralty Island National Monument .

Call us to talk with our team to coordinate Alaska Fishing for 2024!

We offer a personalized service to reserve your space and coordinate logistics for your remote Alaska fishing vacation.

 We look forward to seeing you (again!)

What a few people had to say about their Alaska Fishing Adventure:

Call Us to Book Your Vacation at Whaler’s Cove Lodge!

It’s time to plan your once-in-a-lifetime Alaska fishing adventure

Let’s Get Social! Check out the latest in Alaska fishing!

Packages & Rates

The best of remote alaska: quality, service and value.

Fishing Lodge Home › Trip Planning › Rates & Packages

2024/2025 Alaska Fishing Lodge Packages: Now booking 2024 and 2025 fishing lodge packages! We are a top-reviewed Alaska fishing lodge! Fly-in fishing packages are all-inclusive at Wilderness Place Lodge. We include round-trip float plane trip from Anchorage, private deluxe cabins with bath, all meals, personal fishing guides, daily guided fishing, beer and wine, all fishing equipment, waders, and much more!

Trip Policies, Booking Information

2024, 2025 Alaska Fishing and Adventure Bundles For those interested in blending a fishing experience with other amazing off-grid activities, our custom adventure bundles fit the bill! Check out our pre-set packages below, or contact us to build a custom itinerary for your group.

More information on Adventure Trips

Current 2024 Couples and Family Bundled Activity Specials Exclusive, Diversified Couples and Family retreats continue to be one of our premier offerings at Wilderness Place Lodge. We offer very special experiences, deluxe accommodations and the very best in service. We also allow you to customize your experience as you feel best fits your group. Please check out some of our most popular trip packages below:

Featured alaska adventure packages.

All-Inclusive, Fly-in, Full Service Alaska Fishing Lodge Packages

• Summer-Long
• Lodge-Based
• Starting at $1295/person

Couples Alaska Northern Exposure Adventure

• 2 Lodges, Guided Fishing, Heli-Glacier experience, Island Cabin Overnight, Float Trip, Fine Dining
• from $4,995/person

The Remote River Experience Bundle

• Lodge, Guided Fishing, Outpost Cabin, Float Trip
• from $4,070/person

"Ultimate Alaska Off-Grid Adventure Package"

• June - July
• 2 Lodges, Guided Fishing, Fine Dining, Helicopter Glacier Tour, Dog-Sledding
• From $3,100/person

(907) 953-6688

• Build A Trip
• The Alaskan Package
• The Novelist Package
• The Ultimate Fishing Package
• Freshwater Fishing Package
• All Inclusive Packages
• Customizable Packages
• Fishing Packages
• Adventure Packages
• Family Packages
• Romantic Packages
• Gold Prospecting Adventure
• TripAdvisor
• Accomodations
• Clothing & Packing Information
• Driving Directions to Soaring Eagle Lodge
• Food And Restaurants
• Safety Tips
• About Kenai Peninsula
• Westwood House Lodging
• Travel Tips
• Group Leader
• Liability Waiver
• Agreement Acceptance
• Additional Guests Form
• Guest Fishing Gallery
• Guest Adventure Gallery
• Alaska Scenery Gallery
• Cottage & Property Photo Gallery
• Fall Fishing Gallery
• #AdventureAK

All-Inclusive Alaska Fishing Lodge Packages

“the most diverse alaska fishing vacations”.

Fishing trips in Alaska are truly one-of-a-kind experiences, even for those who take them frequently. We’re known for our guided fishing packages because they highlight all that Alaska has to offer. Our Alaskan fishing adventures include salmon fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, halibut fishing in Homer and Ninilchik, rockfish and cod fishing, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a solo getaway, unforgettable couples retreat, or a family adventure, the peninsula offers boundless opportunities for experienced and beginner anglers alike.

Take the hassle out of vacation planning with one of our Alaska fishing packages today. Booking is easy. Simply choose from one of our three popular Alaska fishing trip packages or use the Trip Planner to get in touch with an expert who can help you customize your Alaskan holiday today.

The Alaskan

$3,695/person, package includes.

• 7 Nights Ocean Front Lodging
• 7 Day Rental Car
• 1 Day Guided Homer Halibut Fishing
• 1 Day Guided Ninilchik Halibut Fishing
• 1 Day Guided Kenai River Salmon Fishing
• 1 Day Guided Kasilof River Salmon Fishing
• 2 Extra Days To Enjoy Alaska!

Complimentary Fish Processing + Packaging

The Novelist

$4,310/person.

• 1 Day Guided Fly Out Salmon Fishing
• 1 Extra Day to Enjoy Alaska!

The Ultimate

$4,615/person.

• 1 Day Rockfish, Salmon + Cod Fishing

Trips DO NOT Include: Airfare, food, gratuities, sales taxes, 3% service fee, travel insurance, or credit card processing fee.

** Alaska fishing vacation packages can be changed at an adjusted cost for better customization **

The Kenai Peninsula is home to many species of fish and each new season provides new possibilities for a unique adventure. When you book your fishing trip to Alaska with us, you get all-inclusive convenience without the need for compromise. We offer three distinct Kenai Peninsula fishing packages, each designed to maximise your fishing experience in Alaska. However, our trips are fully customizable and therefore only limited by time and your imagination.

Your Alaskan holiday should be everything you imagined and more. Our all-inclusive fishing trips include several fully-guided day excursions with a certified expert, all new tournament-grade fishing gear, 7 days in a private lodge overlooking Mount Iliamna and Cook Inlet, a rental car, and fish processing and packaging.

We’ve remained the go-to vacation hub for anglers within Alaska and the lower 48 year after year because we make vacation planning easy and offer a wide range of customizable adventures for salmon fishing, halibut fishing, fly-out fishing and more. Don’t wait another year. Start planning your guided Alaska fishing trip today.

Full Adventure Planning:

With Soaring Eagle, your guided fishing adventure is just clicks away. Our experienced customer service team will handle all of the details for you, including creating your customized week-long fishing itinerary, booking your rental car, and securing comfortable lodging in one of our oceanfront cottages .

Variety in Fishing Adventures:

We are conveniently located on the Kenai Peninsula close to the action! From Seward down to Homer, we offer a variety of fishing experiences for your vacation. Whether you’re looking to create your own week with us or choose from one of our popular all-inclusive Alaska fishing trip packages, we have you covered!

5-Star Rated Guides:

When it comes to fishing, we understand that experience counts. We only work with the best guides to lead our fishing expeditions. Our team consists of guides who consistently receive the highest ratings on TripAdvisor and have extensive industry experience. Each one is eager to make your fishing trip in Alaska an exceptional experience!

Tournament Grade Gear:

As a premier Alaska fishing lodge, we understand you’re only as good as the tools at your disposal. With sponsorships from Cabela’s, Penn, Shakespeare, SpiderWire and more, our charters are equipped with only the best fishing gear every season.

EXCELLENT DISCOUNTS:

If you’re looking for the ultimate fishing vacation, there’s no better place than Soaring Eagle Lodge. With EXCLUSIVE vendor rates and an expert team by your side, booking an affordable Alaska fishing trip has never been easier.

We look forward to helping you create your dream adventure!

LOCK IN LOWER RATES!

FOR SUMMER 2024

Call Us Now

Best Fishing Lodge in Alaska

Call us to learn about our alaskan adventures, fish 1st class guided fishing with free fish processing learn more…, camera alaskan adventures that create life-long memories learn more…, utensils meals that your waist will remember learn more….

Fish with us on the famous Kenai Peninsula. Unpack your bags one time and fish the Cook Inlet, Gulf of Alaska, Kenai River, Kasilof River, or even remote lakes and rivers.  King salmon, silvers, sockeyes, giant rainbows,  and salt water halibut are only some of the species we fish. 

Try some guided sea kayaking, take a Kenai fjords day cruise, hike along glacial streams, fly out in a float plane to see bears, or go sightseeing.

From three-course dinners to the largest box lunches around Kenai, our lodge feels like the comfort of home after a Thanksgiving meal.

Have questions about an all-inclusive trip to Alaska?

We’ve helped 100s of people like you over the past 15 years with planning a trip of a lifetime. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, retirement, or other family celebration, we know what it takes to make this trip a fantastic, memorable experience. We know this because our guests tell us.

Lindsey, Crooked Creek’s owner, is ready for your call.

Memories made at Crooked Creek

Alexander D. from IL 2023

I just got back from the trip, and for now, this is going to be my temporary review with 5 stars. There is a lot to say, and describe, all I can say for now: it's worth every single penny that you spend, the service, the food, the views, the handling absolutely everything it top service. Miss Dorothy, Lindsey, and her entire crew will not leave you disappointed.

Oh, and last thing, lots and lots of fish!!!!

David B. from LA 2021

Crooked Creek lodge is amazing!! That really says it all. Dorothy welcomed us and told us from before we arrived if we needed anything at all, just let her know and she would do her best. Before arrival we had so many choices of things to do during our stay but she really helped in figuring it out for us. This was our first trip to Alaska and Crooked Creek made the stay so enjoyable. The nightly meals were just wonderful and having the opportunity to share stories each night with the other guests was so much nicer than eating at a restaurant by ourselves. It was so nice to have them pack us a lunch for the days adventure. They even packed a special lunch and did special meals for my son who is a picky eater. We had incredible experiences fishing, seeing scenery, and meeting the wonderful people of Alaska. If this is your first or 10’th time traveling to Alaska, you should contact Crooked Creek about staying at their lodge. Words are just hard to describe the wonderful time we had. I am ready to book my next stay already!!

Chris S. from SC 2023

Dorothy and her team are nothing short of amazing. We were spoiled from day 1, and didn't have to worry about any aspect of our trip; from meals to guides. They took a bucket list trip for my son and I and turned it into a life changing experience where we got to see beyond the tourist areas to real Alaska. I will never be able to say enough good things about Crooked Creek!

Ken H. from UT 2023

We had such a sun trip to Alaska and thank Crooked Creek Retreat for making our experience so memorable. We simply let Lindsey know what activities we wanted to participate in and everything was set up from there. Our food, accommodations, and our daily activities were top-notch. Lindsey and Dorothy were exceptional hosts, and we'd love to return sometime soon.

Ernest J. from OH 2022

My son and I just spent a fabulous week at the Crooked Creek Retreat and it was one of the best weeks of my life. From the first day, being greated by Dorothy, Lindsey and Remy the resident dog, the week only got better each day. Their responsiveness to whatever we needed was nothing less than first class. They kept us well fed and informed each day of what was going on the next day. When to get up, where to be and how long it would take to get there. Each day was a treat to be at the Retreat. They were flexible with excursions we wanted, adding a fly in trip that ended up being the best and most productive of all. I want to thank them for a memorable experience that will never be forgotten . Highly recommend them.

What do you get when you book your Alaskan trip with us?

• Professional Alaskan guides
• Fishing gear (waders, boots, raincoats)
• Fishing equipment (rods, lures, bait)
• Fishing icense
• Unique Alaskan sites
• Beautiful scenery
• Wildlife viewing
• Grab and go breakfast
• Home-made boxed lunches
• Seated dinners
• Well-appointed rooms
• Private bathrooms
• Multiple indoor and outdoor social areas

Letter From Lindsey

I invite you to come spend a week with us in our lodge, Crooked Creek Outfitters.  The doors were first opened by my mother, Dorothy, in July 2007 and we have been growing ever since.  She built this lodge log by log alongside her family.  My niece and I helped pull wire for outlets – it was truly a family affair!  The lodge is her primary residence, so she is here year-round.  At the end of the 2023 season she decided to step back just a little from the daily operations and even though I had already been managing the lodge with her, she left big shoes to fill!  But not to worry- she is still at the lodge full-time and you will still get to see her and chat with her when you visit.

What makes us special is that we take care of all the details.  Our goal is to make sure you have the best experience possible from the moment you arrive until we are waving goodbye as you are pulling out of the driveway.

I know that it is difficult to pick the right location and then the right outfitter when there are so many on the web.  The Kenai Peninsula gives you accessibility and variety.  Most remote lodges and lodges in the southeast you fish the same thing and the same place every day.  On the Peninsula you will have variety- salt fishing halibut and multi-species, salmon, trout, rivers, lakes, streams, something different every day, or repeat your favorite.

Arrange your flight from your hometown into Anchorage, rent a car, and drive down to us or fly into the Kenai airport and you can rent a car there.  With a vehicle you can go out and about for sight-seeing and other activities.

I would love to have you stay with us for the first time or visit us again.  All of you who have stayed with us in the past helped make the last many years a great success.  You have made memories together with Dorothy, and I have truly enjoyed making memories with you as well.  I would love to see you again or meeting you for the first time!

I will welcome you like your favorite cousin would- I will take care of details, serve wonderful fresh food, and schedule the best activities and fishing trips I can.  You will love it here and immediately feel at home once you walk in the front door.  We have worked hard to make this a high-end lodge/outfitter and balance that with real, down-home comfort.  I love to see our guests down at the fire pit throwing horseshoes or sitting around the tables after dinner laughing.  When the cars pull in, I can't wait to hear how your day was.  Sometimes my daughter, Ruth, or my husband, Jonathan, will come to help grab lunch boxes and want to hear your stories too.  This is a family business built with love, and after you stay with us, you’re family too!  Come join us!

I look forward to hearing from you,

Owner/Outfitter

Crooked Creek Retreat & Outfitters    |    59325 Sterling Highway  Kasilof, AK  99610 | 907.802.2302

Privacy Policy   •   Lodge Policies

Designed & Hosted by Artogenic Creative   •    Updated 01/28/21

• King Salmon
• Lingcod & Rockfish
• Coho Salmon
• Regulations/Licenses
• About Sitka
• Charter fishing
• Sitka Alaska Weather
• Crew & Boat

• Lodging/Hotel
• Sitka Fishing Blog
• Booking Inquiry
• Things to Know

Alaska Fishing Trip 2023

Your Alaska fishing trip 2023 starts by making a plan on where to fish. From there, determining when to make the trip revolves around a number of factors. Run timing and personal scheduling issues are typically the leading concerns, followed by availability at the location you want to visit. Prime dates fill up fast at successful lodges, so the time to secure dates for a 2023 trip is now.

At North Pacific Saltwater, we can provide a high-quality angling adventure for many of Alaska’s sought after saltwater species. These include king and coho salmon, in addition to halibut, lingcod and rockfish. While halibut, lingcod and rockfish are available most of the fishing season, migratory species like salmon have a more defined window when they are available.

When to Book

If your Alaska fishing trip 2023 is going to include angling for king salmon, then consider booking a trip in late May through early July. If coho are more your style, then push that trip into late July or August. Regardless of which window you choose, fishing is excellent near Sitka, and we certainly know how to put you on fish.

Targeting Species

Rockfish and lingcod populations around Sitka are healthy. Pelagic rockfish species like black rockfish are abundant and worth targeting. Limits are generous, and this species of fish makes for excellent table fare.

Lingcod, the largest member of the greenling family and not actually a cod, are another highly desirable fish to catch. They get large—50-pound specimens are not out of the question! Although they look like a sea monster and their gruesome visage evokes a grimace from a percentage of anglers, they produce exceptionally delicious, flaky white fillets. They will smash most anything shiny that gets in their vicinity. It’s not uncommon to catch one that hitchhikes to the surface on a rockfish. If you do catch one that grabs hold of a rockfish or another lingcod, we’ll take a few pics and let it go, as ADF&G rules dictate. If lingcod and rockfish are high on your list of target species, then May through August is right in the wheelhouse.

For many anglers who come to fish in the saltwater on their Alaska fishing trip 2023, halibut will be at the top of their list. Halibut fillets are mild, white and this flatfish is one of the best fish to eat in sea. They are abundant throughout Alaska and are usually targeted by just about every saltwater outfit in southcentral and southeast Alaska. Halibut are fun to catch and made up of about 75% muscle, so they fight hard. They readily eat jigs and bait, so anglers have a choice on how to fish.

If you want to make an Alaska fishing trip 2023 this summer, contact us today at North Pacific Saltwater  and we’ll help you figure out the best time to come to Sitka.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

• TACKLE AND GEAR
• WHAT TO BRING
• CAPTAINS BLOG
• KENAI RUN TIMING
• KING SALMON FISHING
• SILVER SALMON FISHING
• TROPHY TROUT FISHING
• HALIBUT FISHING
• SOCKEYE SALMON FISHING
• LINGCOD FISHING
• PROJECT HEALING WATERS
• BEAR VIEWING
• FLY OUT TRIPS
• GLACIER TOURS
• KAYAK TOURS
• WHALE WATCHING

Call To Book

907-252-5464

ALASKA FISHING AND LODGING

Alaska Fishing Lodge & Tour Packages

See Our Package Options & Prices

Our Alaska Fishing Lodge has been guiding Alaska fishing trips and providing Alaska fishing and lodging packages for decades. If you’re looking for an amazing Alaska fishing vacation and adventure package , or if you’re short on time or just passing through and would like to do a day trip, give us a call and let our experienced team help you put together your Alaska vacation.

NEW FOR 2024 ****** RAISED LIMITS FOR KENAI RIVER SOCKEYE FROM 3 TO 6 *******

Sockeye Fishing

Our Sockeye Salmon fishing trips are very successful because of how enthusiastic and dedicated we are about the trips we provide to our guests. Our service is what sets us apart from the other Alaska fishing lodges and charter services. Our guest service is unmatched anywhere throughout the industry.

Silver Fishing

Our Silver Salmon fishing trips are very successful because of the enthusiasm and dedication that we provide to our guests. Our service is what sets us apart from the other Alaska fishing lodges and charter services. Our guest service is unmatched anywhere throughout the industry.

King Fishing

Our King Salmon fishing trips are an adventure of a lifetime! These monsters of the stuff that dreams are made of. Our fishing and guest service is the best in the industry.

Rainbow Fishing

Have you ever caught a 30″ rainbow trout on a fly? Have you had your face splashed with water while releasing a giant wild rainbow trout ? How about sharing the fishing hole with some of Alaska’s wildlife? Sound like something that you might be interested in trying?

Lake Fishing

Alaska is known for the vast number of lakes. This is a great trip to get out and see what the lakes have to offer.

Halibut Fishing

Our Halibut is not only the largest, ugliest flat fish, but hands down the best non-fishy white meat demanded by all wives. So add a halibut trip to your fishing package and get your thrill of a lifetime.  

Follow Us On Instagram

alaskafishingandlodging

Didn’t find the King of Kings on derby day but had a great time with John and Travis chasing feeder Kings around kachemak bay. It won’t be the first or last time our luck was on practice day. This tournament lets us know another winter is behind us. Thanks to all that helped put on another great tournament. #homerwinterkingtournament winterkingtourney2024 #winterkingtournament #pennfishing #berkleyfishing #fxrprofish #winterfishing #kings

Didn’t find the King of Kings on derby day but had a great time with John and Travis chasing feeder Kings around kachemak bay. It won’t be the first or last time our luck was on practice day. This tournament lets us know another winter is behind us. Thanks to all that helped put on another great tournament. #homerwinterkingtournament winterkingtourney2024 #winterkingtournament #pennfishing #berkleyfishing #fxrprofish #winterfishing #kings ...

If you didn’t make it out Saturday for Trustworthy’s Kick - Off Party you missed out on a lot of fun. This party was for everyone but the spotlight was on the young anglers. While there was plenty of cookies and hotdogs there was also lot of hot drinks and warm tents to fish in and warm up. There was also a tent with an underwater camera so the parents could help teach the young anglers to jig and set the hook. Trustworthy gave away a lot of ice fishing tackle including rod and reels. If you couldn’t make it out this weekend you still have till Feb 29 to have your young anglers win some prizes. Sign them up at trustworthy. To check Current standings https://soldotnahardware.com/2024-ice-fishing-derby/ #kids #kidsstyle #getkidsoutside #getkidsfishing #younganglers #familytime #family #makingmemories #makingadifference #makingfamilymemories #alaskalife #kidsfirst #kidsfirstfishingtrip #fishingfamily #trustworthyhardware #getoutthere #fxrprofish #berkley #berkleyfishing #shakespeare

If you didn’t make it out Saturday for Trustworthy’s Kick - Off Party you missed out on a lot of fun. This party was for everyone but the spotlight was on the young anglers. While there was plenty of cookies and hotdogs there was also lot of hot drinks and warm tents to fish in and warm up. There was also a tent with an underwater camera so the parents could help teach the young anglers to jig and set the hook. Trustworthy gave away a lot of ice fishing tackle including rod and reels. If you couldn’t make it out this weekend you still have till Feb 29 to have your young anglers win some prizes. Sign them up at trustworthy. To check Current standings https://soldotnahardware.com/2024-ice-fishing-derby/ #kids #kidsstyle #getkidsoutside #getkidsfishing #younganglers #familytime #family #makingmemories #makingadifference #makingfamilymemories #alaskalife #kidsfirst #kidsfirstfishingtrip #fishingfamily #trustworthyhardware #getoutthere #fxrprofish #berkley #berkleyfishing #shakespeare ...

Our yellow brick road doesn’t lead to a wizard, but does lead to a well organized boat or garage. Organizing your flies to your plugs. #plano #planotackle #protectyourpassion #protectyourplugs #berkley #berkleyfishing #berkleytackle #berkleyplug #tackle #tacklebox #tackleboxes #organized #organizedbox #organization #2023recap #organized #alaskalife #guidelife #guidelifestyle #pluglife #catchmorefish

Our yellow brick road doesn’t lead to a wizard, but does lead to a well organized boat or garage. Organizing your flies to your plugs. #plano #planotackle #protectyourpassion #protectyourplugs #berkley #berkleyfishing #berkleytackle #berkleyplug #tackle #tacklebox #tackleboxes #organized #organizedbox #organization #2023recap #organized #alaskalife #guidelife #guidelifestyle #pluglife #catchmorefish ...

I sped up my voice so didn’t miss anyone that has helped us stay in business doing what we love to do for another year. I also want to say thank you to my family for the long days, and to all my captains for making fun fishing memories with the guest. And to all our guest that are now like family and to all our business partners and most of all my son for helping me all year long. I want to thank everyone for another great fishing season and look forward to a fishy fun 2024 season. #2023 #2023season #2023fishing #endofsummer #endofseason #best #bestfishing

I sped up my voice so didn’t miss anyone that has helped us stay in business doing what we love to do for another year. I also want to say thank you to my family for the long days, and to all my captains for making fun fishing memories with the guest. And to all our guest that are now like family and to all our business partners and most of all my son for helping me all year long. I want to thank everyone for another great fishing season and look forward to a fishy fun 2024 season. #2023 #2023season #2023fishing #endofsummer #endofseason #best #bestfishing ...

Pause those video games And get the kids hooked on the outdoors Let us help you get them hooked on Fishing #family #familytime #makingmemories #makingfamilymemories #familylife #familyvacation #vacation #vacations #alaska #alaskavacation #getoutside #getkidsoutside #getkidsfishing #pausegame #fishing #fishingfamilies #fishofalifetime #kids #kidsactivities #kidsfirstfishingtrip #firstfish #firstfishingtrip #2024 #2024vacation #2024vacationplanning #2024fishing

Pause those video games And get the kids hooked on the outdoors Let us help you get them hooked on Fishing #family #familytime #makingmemories #makingfamilymemories #familylife #familyvacation #vacation #vacations #alaska #alaskavacation #getoutside #getkidsoutside #getkidsfishing #pausegame #fishing #fishingfamilies #fishofalifetime #kids #kidsactivities #kidsfirstfishingtrip #firstfish #firstfishingtrip #2024 #2024vacation #2024vacationplanning #2024fishing ...

A shot of crown would have helped me and the trout Cold weather didn’t stop me from try trying out a couple Aetos rods, loved this 7/8 worked out great for throwing my larger flies. The 6/7 was perfect for my bead set up. Didn’t bring the 8/9 all 3 rods are 11’1” #fenwickrods #fenwickfishing #fenwickaetosrods #hardy #hardyreels #catchandrelease #keepemwet #troutonthefly #catchandreleasefishing #catchandreleasewildtrout #lifestyle #stayoutside #slowfishing #rainbowtrout #rainbowtroutfishing #bestlife #bestlifeever #wildtrout #wildtroutstream #fortunate

A shot of crown would have helped me and the trout Cold weather didn’t stop me from try trying out a couple Aetos rods, loved this 7/8 worked out great for throwing my larger flies. The 6/7 was perfect for my bead set up. Didn’t bring the 8/9 all 3 rods are 11’1” #fenwickrods #fenwickfishing #fenwickaetosrods #hardy #hardyreels #catchandrelease #keepemwet #troutonthefly #catchandreleasefishing #catchandreleasewildtrout #lifestyle #stayoutside #slowfishing #rainbowtrout #rainbowtroutfishing #bestlife #bestlifeever #wildtrout #wildtroutstream #fortunate ...

Hope I’m not only one that names my favorite rods and talks to them when it’s tough fishing. My custom Carbon Center Pin is nick name, Sensuous. As in, “Sensuous in the water, catch me a fish.” #centerpinreel #centerpinning #centerpinangling #centerpinfishing #alaska #alaskatrout #troutfishing #fishingfortrout #trout #dollyvarden #rainbows #rainbowtrout #livingthedream #fishing #havingfun #getoutside #getoutdoors #bestlifeever #bestlife #bestoffice #bestofficeever #makingmemories #colvilleprecisionreels lastfrontierrods.com

Hope I’m not only one that names my favorite rods and talks to them when it’s tough fishing. My custom Carbon Center Pin is nick name, Sensuous. As in, “Sensuous in the water, catch me a fish.” #centerpinreel #centerpinning #centerpinangling #centerpinfishing #alaska #alaskatrout #troutfishing #fishingfortrout #trout #dollyvarden #rainbows #rainbowtrout #livingthedream #fishing #havingfun #getoutside #getoutdoors #bestlifeever #bestlife #bestoffice #bestofficeever #makingmemories #colvilleprecisionreels lastfrontierrods.com ...

Why is it the older we get we stay out in the nastiest weather praying for that one mondo of a bite ! #makingmemories #havefun #wildnature #wildfishing #fishingweather #happy #happyplace #havesomefun #getoutside #getoutdoors #fall #fallvibes #fallfishing #nastyweather #berkleyfishing

Why is it the older we get we stay out in the nastiest weather praying for that one mondo of a bite ! #makingmemories #havefun #wildnature #wildfishing #fishingweather #happy #happyplace #havesomefun #getoutside #getoutdoors #fall #fallvibes #fallfishing #nastyweather #berkleyfishing ...

Although ice was a little thin we had to get a day on ice before @captain_james_gilbertson had to leave see ya in the spring #ice #icefishing #icefishinglife #alaska #char #rainbowtrout #rainbowfishing #havingfun #havesomefun #berkleyfishing

Although ice was a little thin we had to get a day on ice before @captain_james_gilbertson had to leave see ya in the spring #ice #icefishing #icefishinglife #alaska #char #rainbowtrout #rainbowfishing #havingfun #havesomefun #berkleyfishing ...

Our company would enjoy your company this summer making many memories #greatcompany #goodcompany #bestfriends #goodfriends #goodfriend #greatguests #makingmemories #family #friends #friendship #familytime

Our company would enjoy your company this summer making many memories #greatcompany #goodcompany #bestfriends #goodfriends #goodfriend #greatguests #makingmemories #family #friends #friendship #familytime ...

Mother Nature’s way of having food for many things this coming spring. #mothernature #frozen #frozenriver #frozenfood #springfood #fish #fishfood #bearfood #springof2024 #springfishing

Mother Nature’s way of having food for many things this coming spring. #mothernature #frozen #frozenriver #frozenfood #springfood #fish #fishfood #bearfood #springof2024 #springfishing ...

That means only 991 dollars more and its mine #garminlivescope #garmin garminmarine #freshwaterfishing #lakefishing #fishing #fishingalaska

That means only 991 dollars more and its mine #garminlivescope #garmin garminmarine #freshwaterfishing #lakefishing #fishing #fishingalaska ...

CALL TO BOOK 907-252-5464

Kenai River Alaska Fishing Lodge

Comfortable Cabins

Fast forward to now we keep trying to stay ahead of the times. Our cabins now have things like internet, cable television that you’ll watch on a flat screen t.v., as well as top notch coffee. Basically, we have everything you need to be very comfortable on your Alaska Vacation.

Fish Processing

To help you put your worries behind you, we have built a 16×32 processing room.  It includes commercial vacuum sealers as well as a walk in freezer to keep your fish frozen until we box it up for you to take it home to your friends and family.

Why Fish With Us?

Professional Alaska Fishing Guides

To those who have never fished with us, we hope to earn your trust and business.

We hope you will choose Alaska Fishing and Lodging for your Kenai River fishing trip or Alaska Adventure.

CALL US 907-252-5464

Trip Advisor Reviews

Alaska Fishing Videos

Find Us on Facebook

Alaska Fishing and Lodging

ANNOUNCEMENT (Important changes for 2023)

Due to the low abundance of king salmon stock, Fish & Game has put in place more temporary regulations. They usually come out with them around the first of the year. This Kenai River overview should help guests’ decide when they would like to come vacation on the Kenai Peninsula. If Fish & Game open things up and we’re good to fish, then we will keep our guests informed on Instagram.

May 14th to June 10th

Kenai River – Fish for sockeye salmon and kings if they are open. Saltwater – Fish for one halibut of any size and one under 28″, one king salmon, while trolling for kings you have chances to land a feeder king, white king, marbled king or the largest which is a spawner king. On the Kenai River the kings are usually open with a slot limit until around the 11th of June. If we’re doing a king trip and the first run of sockeye is running then we will do a combo king and sockeye trip. Basically, we are going to go after whatever species that is running at the time.

June 11th to July 10th

This is roughly around the area of when Fish & Game shut down the kings in previous years. On June 11th the opening for trout fishing starts, and also the opening of the Russian River sockeye fishing limit of 3 sockeye.

July 1st (starts the second run of king salmon)

If Fish & Game predict a low abundance of second run kings then they could start us out with a slot limit, go to catch and release, or even close us down. If you’re looking at this time, check into the regulations or give us a call.

July 11th – Aug 15th

We’re in full swing fishing off the bank for sockeye salmon. We start early in the morning to make sure we get a good spot and get a chance to get a limit of 3 sockeye salmon. Around the 24th of July there is a chance that the slot limit will be increased to 6 sockeye.

August 16th to August 31st

Starting on Aug 16th Fish & Game allows us to start fishing bait out of our boats for silver salmon on the Kenai River. The limit is 2 silvers per guest and if the limit is 3 on the sockeye salmon then you would be able to get 2 silvers and 1 sockeye. If the limit goes to 6 sockeye the guest would be able to get 2 silvers and 4 sockeye basically 2 silvers toward whatever the sockeye limit. This is also a great month to add a halibut trip to your package. The trout start moving up river slowly around the 24th of Aug, a great time to intercept them.

September 1st to September 31st (Sept 1st starts the second run of silvers)

Starting Sept 1st the limit goes to 3 silvers and they are usually bigger, our camp record is a 21 pounder. Also Sept is the month that produces some great trophy rainbow and dolly fishing, this is a catch and release guided adventure. Our Sept guests that want to add some pearl white halibut meat to their box usually book until around the 15th of the month, you could add feeder kings to this trip as well. Another favorite of Sept is a flight to Crescent Lake, which I think is as close to fishing with wild bears as you’re able to get in Alaska.

Our Sponsors

How Do I Book a Fishing and Lodging Package?

Booking a trip with us is very simple. Just give us a call or drop us an email to get your trip started. We will personally work with you to arrange the best Alaska fishing vacation package itinerary to fit your specific needs. Together we can formulate the best dates and any other special needs you might have. Choose the best guide, reserve the appropriate lodging, discuss options on rental cars or any adventure tour add-ons. Once we settle in on a specific trip, a security deposit will hold the reservation for the dates and activities for you and your group.

Our Fishing Lodge Location

Alaska salmon fishing at our Soldotna fishing Lodge is truly unlike anywhere else. We are located about 2.5 miles from Soldotna, which means we are very close to all of the world famous Kenai River fishing and activities hotspots.

An Affordable Alaska Fishing Lodge

Our budget priced, fully equipped, Alaska Salmon Fishing Lodge located in beautiful Soldotna, Alaska is one of the most reasonably priced Alaska Fishing Lodges anywhere on the Kenai River. Our comfortable cabins now have things like high speed internet & smart tvs that you can watch your streaming services on. All the cooking essentials you need, just ask if it’s not in the cabin. Whether you’re interested in catching our powerful King Salmon, hard fighting Silver Salmon, native Rainbow Trout, barn door Halibut, or just want to stay at a premier Alaska fishing lodge, these discount Alaska fishing packages can make your wishes come true.

Prices include lodging in one of our nicely equipped cabins, guided fishing on the Kenai River for salmon and trout, as well as guided halibut fishing in Cook Inlet, Alaska’s foremost halibut fishing waters. We now offer complete Alaska fishing combo trips for king salmon, silver salmon, sockeye salmon, halibut, and other saltwater species, in our adventure tours.

Limited availability for 2024 season.

All inclusive alaska fishing packages, fishing, lodging, meals and more included.

Discover the Kenai Peninsula with one of our Fishing Packages. Nestled amidst the pristine wilderness, our lodge offers all-inclusive vacation packages that ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable fishing adventure. From comfortable lodging for rest and rejuvenation, delectable meals showcasing local flavors, and all essential fishing equipment including bait, tackle, and waders. Let Alaska Hooksetters provide you with the unparalleled joy of hooking the finest catches in the Last Frontier.

8 days to experience South-central Alaska. This is Our Supreme Fishing package with fully guided fishing trips for Halibut, Salmon, Trout and includes a Premium Fly in Adventure.

Enjoy 6 nights lodging and 5 full days of combo fishing in the salt and freshwater fisheries of Cook Inlet, Kenai River, Kasilof River , and multiple tributaries

A couples and family Alaska Kenai vacation at a reasonable price. Inclusive 6 days / 5 nights and all meals, of Alaska adventure and relaxation.

A Spectacular Combination of Fly Fishing Venues! Includes 5 nights 4 Charters.

Don't want to fish everyday? Create your own all inclusive vacation trip

Alaska Hooksetters isn't just any fishing lodge - we're your gateway to a tailor-made Alaskan fishing adventure. We pride ourselves on crafting personalized fishing vacations attuned to your unique desires. Whether it's aligning with your ideal travel dates and seasons, targeting specific fish species, or working within your budget, we have you covered. Allow us to design your dream fishing getaway, where the majestic beauty of Alaska meets the thrill of the catch, all tailored flawlessly to you.

For guests who prefer not to fish daily or even at all, we can arrange the following:

• Kayaking in Resurrection or Kachemak Bay
• Whale watching, glaciers calving and other sea life cruise
• Guided glacier hikes
• Ididaride sled dog rides
• Gold panning
• Seldovia cruises
• Upper Kenai River rafting
• Fly in bear viewing-land on beach and get up close
• A new and exciting charter in June for trophy Lake trout
• Walk in charters in Fall for Steelhead and Salmon

Our vacation packages are 20% less than our competition. We offer low deposit and payment plans.

We have popular fishing packages that are designed to ensure a great Alaska Fishing Vacation with packages including: lodging, fishing, meals, fish processing, as well as use of fishing gear.

Fishing Charters are guided by a licensed professional.

Our fishing packages include flight ready fish processing. You're catch will filleted, vacuum sealed and packed on ice in a cooler ready for you to bring on your flight home!

Our vacation packages include all you can eat breakfast, packed lunch, and evening meals featuring soups and appetizers

We provide all the necessary fishing equipment for your fishing trips and charters. This includes rods, bait, tackle, lures, a cooler for your lunches, waders and rain gear.

We also provide gear if you wish to fish on your own.

Our schedule manager lives on-site. This offers our guests the flexibility for changes to Fishing Charters on short notice.

guest review

My family . . . spent the week with Alaska Hooksetters the last week in July. We had a wonderful time - one cannot discount the convenience of having everything planned for you. They though of everything! The food was delightful as well - from the appetizers straight through to desserts every evening. The lodge is centrally located to many of the outings/fishing trips we wanted to go on. We are already making our bucket list for the next time we get to go!

- Sheri Gordon Robinson

. . . honestly one of the best trips of my life, I really wish I could come back next summer. What a truly amazing place.

- Kelsey Ball

A snug cabin and a warm campfire are the perfect way to end a wonderful day fishing in Alaska.

- Larry Hodge

Thank you for an amazing vacation and an amazing bonding zone for father and son. This Trips like these are few and far between for us but we had an amazing time with yall and hope to be back as soon as possible. Great Guides, Great hosts, and AMAZING food service!!!

- Kasey & Rod P.

Thank you all for making our vacation the best we have ever had! Been a tough year and this made it all better. We hope to be back soon!

- David & Christine H.

Thank you for a fabulous fishing experience! Everyone was so patient and kind with us novice fishermen! Dan wants to bring our sons back one day for another run at those kings.

- Dan & Marilyn S.

Thank you Glenn, Karen, Carmen & Heather. This week has been amazing. The memories made this week will last a lifetime. You have made this week one of the best trips ever that I have taken. Tons of fish, time by the firepit, great food, but most importantly, your care and kindness. Thank you again for making this so special.

- Michael C.

A hearty thanks to: Glenn, Karen, Carmen, Heather, Austin, Josh, James, Mike for your kindness, patience, warmth, guidance & service. This was a once in a lifetime experience that far exceeded our expectations. Fishing out in the ocean and DKDKDK The Kenai and Kasilof Rivers was great and the Deep Freezer will be FULL!!!! Extra shout out to Heather and Carmen for all the wonderful soups, appetizers, dinners and desserts... Hoping to have gained less than 10 pounds, couldn't stop eating.

A huge thank you to you all! This has been the best Father, Son experience I could have imagined! God bess you in your business and all you do.

- Steve & Colin

It has been a great week. I made some great memories with my nephew and great nephew and we are going home with some fish. The staff here at Hooksetters have been awesome. We met some very nice people around the campfire. I enjoyed sharing fishing tales and life stories. This trip was a lifetime dream and on my bucketlist. Alaska Hooksetters delivered. It was everything I hoped for. I hope to return someday.

All I can say is THank you! Thank you! Thank you! Unbelievable week couldn't of have a better time! The food and hospitality was amazing! We'll be back!!!

What a great week! We've been thinking about fishing Alaska forever and now the week is over. Already thinking about when I'm coming back! Thank you all! Tight lines, good food, great people!

Just like that, it's over... We had another great stay here @ Alaska Hooksetters. This time we lacked the company of the Nortons, but we still managed to meet new people and have a great time. The last time we came. I would say we caught "SOME" fish. This time, we did incredible, limiting out every day except one. It was a bummer we couldn't fish for kings this year, but that only means one thing... we'll be back! THank you, Glenn and Karen!

- The Newhouses

An Uncommon Kenai Alaska Vacation Lodge with a Unique Philosophy

Alaska Hooksetters is a unique fishing lodge in Kenai, Alaska, offering exceptional fishing packages at competitive prices. It was founded by three businessmen to serve as a "home away from home" for a diverse clientele including families, couples, and corporate groups.

The lodge caters to both fishing enthusiasts and non-fishers, with flexible scheduling for various adventures. It's an all-inclusive venue featuring a well-maintained property with full amenities; guests just need to arrive.

Compare us against our competition

Alaska Fishing Vacation

WHEN CHOOSING SR LODGE YOU WILL EXPERIENCE

LUXURY LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

GOURMET CUISINE

LARGE FULL WALK_AROUND BOATS 30’, 31’, & 32’ IN LENGTH

A PROFESSIONAL & FRIENDLY STAFF

*Season Dates May – September

ALASKA FISHING ADVENTURE

4 Nights / 3 Full Days Saltwater Fishing

Parties of 5 or 6 Guests $3,600 Per Guest

Parties of 4 Guests $3,800 Per Guest

PREMIER SOUTHEAST ALASKA EXPERIENCE

4 Nights / 4 Days Saltwater Fishing

Parties of 5 or 6 Guests $4,650 Per Guest

Parties of 4 Guests $4,850 Per Guest

*Parties less than four have the option to reserve the boat to cover the four-person minimum or choose to be paired with a like party on the above package pricing.

Rates are per person, based on four to six guests per Full Walk-around boat.

Package price includes: All taxes; fully guided saltwater fishing with US Coast Guard licensed professional captains and fully trained deckhands; gourmet cuisine; premier fishing gear by G-Loomis and Shimano; use of Grunden’s rain gear & rubber boots; unlimited professional fish processing; vacuum packaging; boxing of fish for travel home as baggage. Round trip transportation to Klawock airport.

Not included: Roundtrip airfare from home city to Ketchikan and travel to Prince of Wales Island; Fishing License and King Salmon Stamp; alcohol; gratuities.

Fishing Adventure Details: Day 1: PM Arrive at Lodge Day 2: Full Day Fishing (8-10 hrs) Day 3: Full Day Fishing (8-10 hrs) Day 4: Full Day Fishing (8-10 hrs) Day 5: AM Depart the Lodge

Gratuities are customary for the lodge staff, captains, deckhands, and fish processing team. Typically averaging 15 percent of your package price, tips are dependent on your satisfaction with the level of service provided and are at your individual discretion. The staff appreciates your generosity for their level of service provided on your trip of a lifetime!

Reservations/Payment Policy

Reservation requests will be held for 10 days pending a $1,000 USD non-refundable per person deposit. Due to our short season and high demand for space, your reservation may be released for further bookings if deposits are not received within the 10-day period. The remaining balance is due by March 15th. Full payment is required for reservations made after March 15. Screamin’ Reels Guide Service & Lodge accepts checks and all major credit cards with a 4% convenience fee.

Cancellation Policy

All deposits received are non-refundable. Cancellation insurance for your fishing package and flights is highly recommended. No final balance payments received will be refunded unless we are able to rebook your scheduled date. If a member within your party cancels thus reducing your overall party size, your party is subject to the tiered pricing package listed. A refund cannot be issued for any matters out of our control including the weather, fish run timing, fishing regulations/closures, pandemics, illnesses, missed or delayed flights.

Screamin’ Reels Guide Service & Lodge will not be responsible for loss of fishing time, baggage and fish box losses, flight/transportation delays and any other incidents resulting in conditions beyond our control.

We highly encourage our customers to purchase adequate travel insurance to cover the cost of your fishing package and your flights.

Travel Insurance : Contact Travelex  at  800-228-9792 or a travel insurance company of your choice!

We offer trip insurance with a cancel-for-any-reason policy.

Alaska Fishing Trips

Alaska Fish On Charters provides you a full service Alaska salmon fishing and halibut experience that is second to none. With over 70 years of Alaska fishing experience combined on the Kenai River and the Halibut fishing grounds, our fishing guides provide you with all the tools you need to have a spectacular fishing adventure. We don’t brag we let our repeat clients do it for us, our goal is to send clients home with fish for their freezer and memories that last forever. Thank you for your interest in our Business!

Looking to book an exciting and rewarding Alaska fishing trip? Alaska Fish On Charters provides full service Alaska fishing trips with salmon fishing and halibut fishing experience that is second to none. With over 70 years of experience guiding Alaska fishing trips on the Kenai river and the Halibut fishing in the Cook Inlet. The Kenai river is world renowned for salmon fishing and the Cook Inlet is highly regarded for its halibut fishing. Alaska Fish On Charters is located in the perfect location for Alaska fishing trips.

Our Alaska fishing guides provide you with all the tools you need to have a spectacular Alaska fishing trip. We don't brag - we let our repeat clients do it for us, and our goal is to send clients home with fish for their freezer and memories that last forever. Thank you for your interest in Alaska fishing trips and in Alaska Fish On Charters!

Alaska fishing trips vary greatly depending on what river you fish, and many of Alaska’s rivers offer breathtaking locations for you to enjoy. The Kenai River is a prime location for reeling in King Salmon , Silver Salmon , Red Salmon and Pink Salmon, as well as Trophy Trout . Other great rivers to utilize during Alaska fishing trips are the Kasilof River, the Ninilchik River, Deep Creek and more. Alaska is also known as the best place in the world to go halibut fishing , and once you boat a halibut during your Alaska fishing trip you will understand why. If you book an Alaskan fishing trip with us, we’ll ensure that you will get the most out of your trip to the Last Frontier.

Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips

Alaska salmon fishing may be some of the best fishing in the world, especially when your trip has a guide with experience, patience, and professionalism on the Kenai and Kasilof  Rivers. Our passion for salmon fishing on these Rivers, providing exciting and fulfilling Alaska fishing trips for eager fishermen, and teaching the craft to others makes salmon fishing with Alaska Fish On Charters a personal experience, and one you’ll remember for years. Whether you are looking for the thrill of fishing King Salmon, Red Salmon or Silver Salmon, we have it all.  Our clients enjoy the company of our knowledgeable salmon fishing guides.  We have a high success rate of satisfied customers who rave about our Alaska fishing trips, along with letters of recommendation to prove it, too. We have a high success rate of satisfied customers who rave about our Alaska fishing trips, along with letters of recommendation to prove it, too.

Alaska Halibut Fishing Trips

Alaskan halibut are some of the most sought after fish in the world and can be a great addition to the best Alaska fishing trips. Clients like the moist, flakey texture of halibut that goes with just about anything. The Cook Inlet is known for some of the best Alaskan halibut fishing around, and definitely a must-visit spot on any Alaska fishing trip. In fact, Homer is the Alaskan halibut fishing capital. Alaska Fish On Charters has an abundance of knowledge, from the best time of day and year to fish to the type of bait to use, to provide you with the ultimate Alaska Halibut fishing trips. Halibut are thrilling to fish for. These flatfish that linger at the depths of the water provide an exciting challenge for everyone during their Alaska trip, and you never know what size you’re going to catch when you drop your line down. Halibut range anywhere from 10 lbs to 410 lbs…

Alaska Trophy Trout Fishing Trips

Alaskan trout is highly sought after by many fisherman. Enhance your Alaska fishing trip by committing to catching a trophy trout, and let Alaska Fish On Charters help you accomplish it. If you choose to embark on an Alaska fishing trip, you’ll learn that this state has many different places to fish for these brightly-colored, acrobatic fish.The Kenai River is a fly fisherman’s paradise and an essential stop on the best Alaska fishing trips. The state of Alaska has rivers that will produce trophy trout, but many people can’t afford to pay $5,000 to $7,000 for a week of fishing. At Alaska Fish On Charters, we offer trophy trout fishing for less than $2,000, which is an option that is great for your budget, but that still provides a stellar Alaska fishing trip experience.

Alaska Fly-in Fishing & Bear Viewing

Alaska fly-in fishing trips are a great addition to any Alaska fishing package.  When you are fishing for salmon or trout on a secluded Alaska fly-in trip you have a good chance of seeing bears in their natural habitat. Alaska bear viewing is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska! If you have never witnessed bears in their natural habitat, it is something you will remember forever. The best place to experience this is on a fly-in fishing trip. Compliment your Alaska fishing trips with this exciting addition – Alaska Fish On Charters can help you plan a day trip to witness a truly unique Alaska experience. Don’t forget to bring your camera.

View All Fishing Trips

Alaska Fishing Packages

Alaska Fish On Charters offers a wide variety of feature-filled, competitively priced Alaska fishing packages out there. We have reduced the prices of our Alaska fishing packages to meet your budget and allow you to eat at some of the finest restaurants in Alaska! Our Alaska Fishing Packages have very competitive prices but that don’t mean we don’t have a quality guide service. We have some the best guides money can buy, and they are all available to help make the most of your trip in our Alaska Fishing Packages. We don’t like bragging about it – we catch fish to prove it. With our Alaska fishing packages, we don’t like to put you on a time frame and tell what time of the day you have to eat, so enjoy the savings and we will show you where to eat. If you want to put all your focus on the fishing, we’ll take care of making the food decisions for you. If you enjoy cooking and want to be hands-on in that aspect of your Alaska fishing trip, we also have kitchens in all of our lodging that is yours to use while staying with us. Our Alaska fishing packages are flexible so that you are guaranteed to have the experience you desire and catch the fish you came to Alaska for.

Captain’s Special (Aug & Sept)

Salmon & halibut package.

• 4 Nights of Lodging
• 1 – guided halibut fishing trip
• 2 – 5 1/2hr trips of Guided Silver or Sockeye Salmon Fishing
• First 50 lbs. of Fish Processing and 1 Airline approved box.
• (All Fishing Gear and Lodging Necessities are Included)
• (All packages are changeable upon your request before booking add to or take away just ask)
• $1,450 per person for 4 guests | $1,565 per person for 3 guests | $1,750 per person for 2 guests |$2,500 for 1 guest

Relatives Paying for Shipping (May)

Halibut & king salmon combo package.

• 6 Nights of Lodging
• 2 Full Days of Guided King Salmon Fishing on the Kenai or Kasilof River
• 2 Full Days of Guided Halibut & Salmon Combo on Cook Inlet or Gulf of Alaka Waters
• First 100 lbs. of Fish Processing and 2 Airline approved boxes.
• Discounted Rate Per Person – $2,165

Fish & Go (June)

King salmon package.

• 3 Full Days of Guided King or Sockeye Salmon Fishing on the Kenai or Kasilof River
•  First 50 lbs. of Fish Processing and 1 Airline approved box.
• (All packages are changeable upon your request before booking add to or take away  just ask)
• Discounted Rate Per Person – $1,435 

Should Have Stayed Longer (June)

Halibut & king salmon package.

• 5 Nights of Lodging
• 2 Full Days of Guided King or Sockeye Salmon Fishing on the Kenai or Kasilof Rivers
• 1 Day of Guided Halibut Fishing on the Cook Inlet or Gulf of Alaska Waters
• 1 Day of Sight Seeing or Fishing on Your Own – We Will Point You in the Right Direction
• Discounted Rate Per Person – $1,595

View All Fishing Packages

Kenai Peninsula

Your Alaska fishing trip doesn’t have to solely focus on fishing. There are many great restaurants and stores to enhance your Alaska fishing trip. Why pay top dollar for an all inclusive Alaska fishing trip when you can eat at some of the finest restaurants on the Kenai Peninsula to truly experience the life of the locals in the great Frontier? Check out the great food and stores within minutes of all our lodging as an added bonus of our Alaska fishing trips. The Kenai Peninsula has a lot of options to meet your needs.

Find Local Establishments

Alaska Fishing Guides

While fishing guides are common throughout the state, having the right guide makes a tremendous difference on your Alaska fishing trip. At Alaska Fish on Charters, we provide services that will make your adventure meet all of your expectations and enhance your Alaska fishing trip experience to the highest level. Alaska is a wonderful land of breathtaking beauty, and the best way to experience Alaska fishing trips and the Kenai River is with a trusted guide at your side. Alaska Fish on Charters is the go-to place to find the best guides to take you on the Alaska fishing trip of a lifetime.

Meet Our Fishing Guides

Alaska Fishing Vacation

An Alaska fishing trip vacation wouldn’t be complete without a guided Kenai River adventure . You can choose between a variety of Alaska fishing trips with complete packages and stay in our comfortable fishing lodge for four to seven nights. Of course, there will be plenty of Alaska salmon on this Alaska fishing tip, but there are also days when you can explore other great features of the beautiful Kenai Peninsula. From high-end shops and restaurants to plane and helicopter rides, to exploring the wildlife, you’ll never run out of things to do on your Alaska fishing trip.

Book Your Alaska Vacation

Our Favorite Blog Articles

Getting the Best Alaskan Fishing Adventure and Tour Package

Alaska is beautiful state that offers one of the most magnificent fishing experiences in the country. ...

Best Salmon Fishing Trips in Alaska

If you, your family, or your friends love fishing, then taking an Alaskan fishing trip with Alaska Fish On Charters should be to...

Chinook Show No Mercy

As you may already know, King Salmon can become real-life river monsters. Once you hook into one, they’ll offer up the fight of a lifetime....

Need A Salmon Fishing Guide?

There are an endless number of ways to prepare salmon, but there is nothing better than savoring the taste of wild Alaskan salmon....

Explore The Hidden Jewels Of Alaska

The Beautiful Kenai River

Visit the most famous fishing river in all of Alaska. The Kenai River is a destination fishing spot like no other...

Alaska Fish On © 2017 All Rights Reserved | Also Find us At: Alaska Halibut Fishing Charter

Your Name: *

Your Email: *

Phone Number: *

Type of Trip: --- Day Trip Package Trip

Ask Us Any Questions You May Have:

Your 2023 Alaska Fishing Trip

If you’ve been waiting for that perfect moment to book an Alaskan fishing trip, then NOW is the time.  Each year our season fills up quickly, so make sure you reach out to let us know your preferred dates. Plus, we’ve expanded our season with special pricing for early June, late August and even into September for 2023!

Why book early?  Because we can talk with you about the details of an Alaskan fishing trip or perhaps accommodate special occasions or even special surprises like father/son trips, anniversaries, retirements, graduations, birthdays, or just when you’ll have time off work.  

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an Alaskan fishing lodge and deciding which is best for you.

Is the fishing ocean or inland? 

Fishing in Alaska provides a number of fishing experiences – everything from fly-fishing rivers to deep ocean fishing.  At Waterfall Resort, we provide ocean fishing in some of the most fertile waters in the world.  Our 52-acre property is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest on our 2,770-square-mile island’s craggy west coast. Here, nutrient-rich spring runoff and a confluence of ocean currents attract millions of bait fish, which in turn feed vast populations of halibut, lingcod, and rockfish—as well as the extraordinary annual returns of king and silver salmon . 

The advantage of ocean fishing in addition to the variety of fish is the variety of fishing experiences – deep ocean a couple of miles out to bay and close to shore fishing and everything in between.

What is required in terms of gear?

At Waterfall Resort, we provide all the gear.  You need not weather the expense or worry of flying with any gear of your own.  You step onto a comfortable, 26-foot North River Sounders boat ready with all the bait, tackle, and all-weather gear you may need while fishing with us, including:

• Berkley and G. Loomis rods
• Shimano Tekota-A 500LC reels
• Maxima fishing line, Eagle Claw hooks
• Helly Hansen bib overalls and hooded jackets
• XtraTuf waterproof neoprene boots

Who are the fishing guides?

Collectively our crew of U.S. Coast Guard licensed guides share well over 200 years of guiding wild Alaska fishing trips. And they work together, with more eyes on the water to put you on the bite . Upon arrival, you’re assigned a boat and guide for the duration of your stay. We fish four to a boat  and all our guides are trained in working with guests of any skill level.

What are the boats like?  

Our custom North River Sounder boats are built for safety, performance, comfort, and convenience. All feature  heated cabins , air-suspension seats, private heads , powerful fuel-injected Mercury outboards, and a full complement of Furuno marine electronics, not to mention the microwave ovens for a warm lunch while fishing made to your liking by our Waterfall Resort chef.

What else can be expected?

Not surprisingly, such a  thriving ocean habitat supports jaw-dropping wildlife. At Waterfall Resort, not only do we share our coast with vast populations of fish, humpback whales, orcas, otters, crabs, starfish, murrelets, and puffins, but we also share our densely wooded acres with black bears, bald eagles, bats, minks, Sitka black-tailed deer, and more.

While fishing, guests often see humpback whales breaching quite close to the boat although Alaska Fish and Wildlife forbids boats moving closer than 100 yards.  Orca pods have also been known to appear close to our boats.  

Bald eagles work in congresses of huge numbers to spot bait-balls and will fish alongside the boat.  Otters loll in the wake of you passing boat.  Puffins may be seen, too.  Simply inform your guide as to what you’d like to see and your priorities as to what you’d like to land – halibut, salmon, lingcod or rockfish.  The total experience is rich in wildlife and delicious fish to take home.

What are accommodations and food like?

After an exciting day of wild Alaska sport fishing, relaxing in comfort and enjoying good food is all a part of the experience.  Waterfall Resort’s inviting accommodations include oceanfront Lodge Rooms , historic Boardwalk Cabins , executive-style Egg House Suites , and family-size Tongass Townhouses .  And every room and suite is within walking distance (or a courtesy golf-cart ride) of the docks, Dining Room and Lagoon Saloon .

After a day or afternoon on the water, the Lagoon Saloon is the lively gathering place for guests and crew alike, and the Dining Room  offers views of the docks and Ulloa Channel. Guests often give our chef high marks for meals including hot breakfasts and nightly buffet feasts  that showcase fresh Alaska seafood (salmon, halibut, spot shrimp, Dungeness crab ) and select Pacific Coast wines.

What is there to do onshore after fishing?

In addition to the Lagoon Saloon at Waterfall Resort, for golf enthusiasts, there’s the challenge of driving a 165-yard golf shot over the saltwater lagoon to a small green where our local black bears and deer often enjoy grazing.  For our nature and photography enthusiasts, a mile-long walk to our waterfall features more bears, deer, the beauty of the Tongass forest and spectacular sunsets.  Remember there’s a midnight sun during Waterfall Resort’s summer fishing season so you’ll have plenty of time to work off that delicious dinner before settling in to rest for tomorrow’s fishing.

What does the total cost include?

Our packages are all-inclusive: 

• Comfortable accommodations,
• 3 delicious meals a day,
• 4 guests to a boat with an expert guide,
• Professional fishing gear
• All-weather coat, overalls and boots,
• Comfortable, custom-built boats
• We clean, cut, fast-freeze and box your fish plus transport it to Alaska Airlines for you to check it with your luggage and board the plane home.

The beauty, the bald eagles, humpback whales, Orca, incredible wildlife and wilderness, the light, sunsets and sunrises, the colors and even the sea spray and smell… it’s all part of the indelible memories that Alaska creates for each and every guest. 

Contact us to arrange the perfect Alaskan fishing trip for you.

Let's go fishing!

• Sustainability
• Visiting Ketchikan

Alaska Fishing Packages

Plan your Alaskan Vacation with Russell Fishing Company, choose from one of our prebuilt packages or customize a fishing and lodging package that fits your needs. Our prebuilt fishing packages include lodging, fishing, bait, tackle, fishing gear, waders. Choose between four of our Alaska Fishing Lodges each having it's own personality, features and various levels of comfort.

Excellent Saltwater fishing for Halibut and King Salmon. Exciting Steelhead and Salmon on Smaller Rivers

• 5 nights lodging
• Call for photos
• 1 Saltwater Salmon
• 2 Combo Salt Fishing Charters
• 1 Steelhead / Salmon Fishing Charter
• Bait & Tackle

This is the premier Alaska fishing trip package for your 2024 vacation. Fully guided fishing trips for Halibut, Trout, Salmon, a Fly-in Fishing Adventure and an all-inclusive stay at one of our lodges.

• 7 nights lodging at one of our lodges
• 1 Alaska Fly-in Fishing Trip
• 1 Alaska Halibut Fishing Charter
• 4 Salmon or Trout Fishing Charters
• 1 50lb. box of "flight ready" fish processing

A fisherman's dream at a reasonable price. Inclusive Alaska fishing vacation package where you'll enjoy guided fishing charters for Halibut, Salmon, Trout and stay at your choice of our lodges.

• 6 nights lodging at one of our lodges
• 4 Salmon & Trout Fishing Charters

Fishing and Lodging. Available for novice or expert. This is your chance to be "one with the river" in later season serenity.

• 2 Alaska Salmon Fishing Charters
• 2 Trophy Trout Fishing Charters
• Fly, Spey or Spin Fishing - novice or expert
• Fly rod instructions provided by experienced guides
• Fly fishing boats are limited to 2-3 guests

Great variety with no crowds... Halibuts, Silvers, Trophy Trout, Steelhead

• 5 nights lodging at one of our lodges
• 1 Kenai Trophy Trout and Silver Combo-fly or spin
• 1 Walkin Steelhead or Silver on Deep Creek or Anchor River-fly or spin
• 1 Kasilof Drift Boat Silver Salmon
• 1 Cook Inlet Salt-Halibut

Call and ask about Discount Car Rentals!

Upgrade your Alaska Fishing Trip up-to 75 days before your trip

Upgrade any river fishing charter, upgrade your halibut / salmon combo charter, upgrade standard fly-in to a premium fly-in.

• Chuitt River, Bachatna Creek or Crescent Lake for $100 per person

DISCOUNTS ARE NOT GIVEN FOR DOWNGRADING FISHING CHARTERS

Customize your fishing package with these add-ons, add an extra fishing charter.

• Sewards Fjords Cruise: Call for Pricing!
• Kayaking / Rafting: Call for Pricing!

Refunds and Cancellations

​Deposit of 25%. Balance due 90 days prior to arrival unless payment plan is arranged. Payments and balance will automatically be charged to the credit card on file. Additional charters or other charges will automatically be charged to card on file.

​A refund of any payments less a 25% (of entire booking) cancellation fee will be made on reservations cancelled more than 90 days from arrival date. Cancellations made less than 90 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment unless at our discretion the amount is applied to a future trip. We reserve the right to cancel any individual charter or alter without refund any package or itinerary as existing weather conditions may require, and are not responsible for emergency regulatory changes which the Dept. of Fish & Game may impose on specific fisheries. On late cancellations, we reserve the right to allow for a credit toward a future trip.

If the fishing regulations change and you wish to change your scheduled trip within 90 days of your booking date, it will be at full retail price.

If your group causes any property damage, you will be charged accordingly.

Additional Information

All charters are considered full day and are a minimum of 8 hours. When limits are reached charter is over unless previous arrangements are made. We are fully insured and all guides are fully licensed and permitted by all agencies and associations including the Coast Guard. Our boats are customized Willie power and drift boats. Call for discounts for groups in increments of 4 people, 8 people, 12 people or more. Family and military discounts are also available.

(800) 548-3474

Soldotna, AK

ALASKAN FISHING ADVENTURES

These dates are the best dates of the year. The price will never get this good.

SAVE OVER $1,100 per person!

Call Catherine today at 800-548-3474

Book your Alaskan Fishing trip soon. You know by now how hard it is to find seats later.

Book Seward, Homer or just come down to one of our lodges and fish for Sockeye from the bank right in front of the lodge. Stay a night and get the full meal deal. Fill your six fish Sockeye limit right from the lodge. Anglers OR Castaway Lodges! Hurry and book!

Just $250 Per Person double occupancy.

Save now on a minimum stay of 5 nights during select 2024 dates

$500 savings!

YOUR DREAM ALASKA FISHING EXPERIENCE AWAITS YOU

Make the most of your alaska fishing trip about alaskan fishing adventures.

When you go fishing in Alaska with Alaskan Fishing Adventures , you decide each day what type of fishing and what species you would like to catch during you Alaska Fishing Adventure .  Our location, here at the middle of the peninsula, means you can easily reach game fish waters in all directions.  Watch Big Water Adventures host Mark Davis talk all about it or check out his site for more information about his multiple fishing trips with us.

Outstanding! Awesome! Incredible! Unbelievable! Thats how our guests describe the legendary fishing found at Alaskan Fishing Adventures, LLC, located in the heart of Alaska’s famed Kenai Peninsula!

ALASKA FISHING AT ITS BEST

A true anglers paradise, the beautiful Kenai Peninsula draws travelers from all over the world each year to experience trophy-class fishing for Salmon and Halibut. More King Salmon over 70 lbs. have been landed here than in all other parts of Alaska combined! Experienced, professional guides and world-class Alaska Fishing that will literally “take your breath away” await you here at Alaskan Fishing Adventures.

Embark on an Epic Alaskan Fishing Trip: Our Day Charters Are Selling Fast

Important Things To Consider For Your Alaskan Fishing Trip

Generally speaking, when packing for a fishing vacation to Alaska, there are several impor...

5 Reasons Why You Should Take An Alaskan Fishing Adventure

If you’re an avid fisherman or just someone who loves the great outdoors, an Alaskan...

What to Expect for Your 2023 Alaskan Fishing Trip

We know that you are starting to get excited for the 2023 fishing season and we are too! I...

WE HAVE THE PERFECT ALASKA FISHING TRIP OPTION FOR YOU

Ocean Trips

Halibut, Ling Cod and Salmon are Just Some of the Species You Will Catch

Freshwater Fishing Trips

Catch Trout and Salmon in Alaskan Rivers

Long Range Overnight Fishing Adventures

Stay up all night and experience the most exciting fishing in ALASKA!

Flyout Trips

Amazing scenery, wildlife and fishing accessible only by air.

Want to know what fishing in Alaska is like?  This video is full of great footage provided by our guests, our captains, our guides, our in-house production team as well as the production crew of Mark Davis’ Bigwater Adventures on the Outdoor Channel.  The Bigwater Adventures crew shoots a show with us every year and this is just a sampling of the great footage that they have captured with us.  Check out their website at:   https://www.bigwateradventures.com

2022 Season Highlights

Your tackle and equipment is top notch and your boats are first class. I have never seen in all my travels throughout the world a harder working, friendlier staff at the lodges and on the boats.

Trevor Gowdy

The Overnight Long Range trip we did this year is absolutely off the charts. We landed over 200 fish, including 16 Halibut over #100 lbs. PLUS a new IGFA World Record Yellow-eye.

Mark Davis - Host of "BigWater Adventures"

Lonely Plan-it: A fishing trip to Alaska

Apr 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Bird Creek in the shadow of the Chugach Mountains is lined with fisherman hoping to catch silver salmon © Karen Timmons / Getty Images

For many Alaska visitors, the chance to drop a line in the briny depths of the ocean, or cast a fly rod upon a rushing river, is the reason they’ve traveled north – and for good reason. There is nothing quite like fresh fish – caught amid the stunning scenery of Alaska – consumed over a dinner table filled with tales of the day itself.

Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is its second-largest economic generator, with a wide variety of species found across the state. From mid-April to August, saltwater fishing vessels of varying sizes and shapes take to the sea and net or line-catch salmon, halibut, cod and other species for markets around the world. Sport fishing is also a huge business in Alaska, including the Arctic and Northwest regions, where species like Arctic char are considered a fly-fisher’s dream for their fight on a line. 

For these reasons, you’ll need to consider the seasons, types of fishing and the most accessible locations for your fishing holiday. In a state with 3,000 rivers, three million lakes, and over 6,000 miles of coastline, the toughest part is deciding where to go. 

What are the regulations for fishing in Alaska?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the state’s overseeing agency for all things sport fishing, and it tightly controls where, when, and what species you can catch. Dividing the state into three regions (Southcentral, Interior, and Southeastern) the agency provides up-to-date listings of open and closed areas, and forecasts for salmon runs each spring, when many anglers are making  plans for fishing trips. 

All nonresidents aged 16 and older must purchase and carry a current fishing license , available either online or at retail outlets in just about every city. Additionally, those wanting to fish for king salmon must secure a stamp indicating this intention, which is added to your license. It must be noted here that the ADF&G does not take fishing without a license lightly: officers are constantly patrolling shorelines and salt waterways – and fines for non-licensed fishers are hefty.

Know your halibut from chinook

It behooves the fishing visitor to have an idea of what type of fish they’d like to catch while in Alaska. Those looking for salmon have the choice to fish in either saltwater near Whittier, Seward, Valdez or Homer and nearby environs; or in the rivers and streams flowing near these communities, but also in Anchorage and along the Southwest regional areas like Dillingham and Katmai National Park. 

Know that the farther away from the road system one goes, the more expensive fishing will get, especially if you need a float plane to reach a river. Alaska's waters house five species of salmon: chum, sockeye, pink, chinook and coho. Each spawn at different times of year, beginning with chinook (also known as king salmon) in late spring.

Other freshwater fish include Arctic char, grayling and trout – the latter usually fished in September and October. 

Saltwater species are abundant and accessible in any harbor community, but halibut are predominant in the community of Homer at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula . In fact it is known as the “halibut capital of the world” with fish hauled in here reaching 200 pounds in weight. 

Best destinations for a DIY fishing trip

• Cast a line into the river for world-class salmon fishing on the Kenai River near Cooper Landing .
• Head out to deeper waters of Cook Inlet from Homer to fish for halibut. 
• Show up to Ship Creek in Anchorage and rent the entire kit to fish like a local. 
• Fly-fish the sparkling waters of the Little Tok River near the community of Tok, in the Yukon-Charley Rivers Preserve.
• Try the family-friendly Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour in Ketchikan for a look at the dangerous deep-sea crab industry.  

Top tips for fishing in Juneau

Located along Alaska’s Inside Passage, Juneau is a great landing spot for Southeast fishers wanting to haul in a halibut or salmon. Charters depart from both downtown docks and Auke Bay about 15 miles from the city center. 

Where to stay: Spend the night downtown at the Silverbow Inn and take in the charm of Alaska’s capital city. 

Where to eat: For fresh seafood and local atmosphere, dine at the Hangar on the Wharf and watch floatplanes and ships come in and out. 

What to expect in Seward 

A popular destination for both cruise ship and independent travelers, Seward is also a hotspot for Anchorage residents looking for a weekend getaway. The calm waters of Resurrection Bay glean salmon, halibut, rockfish and cod and are great places for youngsters to learn the art of saltwater fishing. 

Where to stay: Harbor 360 hotel sits right at the small boat harbor and offers a complimentary breakfast and access to downtown Seward activities, including fishing charters.

Where to eat: The Cookery in downtown Seward is small but its menu of fresh seafood and produce packs a delicious punch. 

Visiting Valdez

This scenic Prince William Sound community lives hard by the sea, with daily salmon, halibut, and rockfish charters departing from its small boat harbor. Visit during the pink salmon run in early July and see the commercial purse seiners hauling up enormous nets of delicious fish.

Where to stay: Totem Hotel and Suites is a good option and a short distance from the downtown docks. 

Where to eat: Try The Fat Mermaid for locally-sourced seafood right along the main street of Valdez and within walking distance to activities.

Remote fishing experiences in Alaska

If a remote fishing experience is on your bucket list and within budget, these lodges provide a truly immersive once-in-a-lifetime Alaska fishing trip. 

Waterfall Resort

Located on scenic Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, this homey lodge is reached via a 45-minute floatplane ride from Ketchikan and offers pristine scenery while fishing for salmon in the calm waterways around the island. This former salmon cannery-turned fishing lodge is a wonderful choice for groups and families. 

Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge

A luxury resort located near one of the most productive sockeye salmon waterways in Alaska, the Kvichak River, this lodge is for serious fishers, with daily guided forays into the wilderness to cast a line. Want to fly fish for trout? This is the place for that as well, with large fish regularly caught and released. 

Tordrillo Lodge

Want to throw in some other adventures while still finding time to fish? This hidden lodge deep in the Tordrillo Mountains just an hour floatplane ride from Anchorage is pretty much perfect, with salmon and trout fishing intermingled with heli-skiing, hiking, and rafting. 

Be bear aware

Alaska’s bears frequent the same fishing rivers and streams as humans, and they always have the right of way. If you are fishing without a guide, review the Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules and guidelines for fishers , and always keep an eye out for bears, especially if fishing in the long, dusky Alaska evening hours. 

What to pack for your fishing trip to Alaska

If taking a charter vessel, dress for inclement weather and a near-constant day of wetness and fish scales. Wear rubber boots, or non-slip, close-toed shoes – and bring rain gear, a warm hat and gloves. 

For those heading out into the open waters of Prince William Sound or the Gulf of Alaska, consider pre-dosing with an anti-seasickness medication or wearing a behind-the-ear patch to prevent nausea during the trip. Even the most ardent sailors sometimes feel the rolling ocean swells to be too much to manage without medicine. 

For river fishers, waders are a must, and non-felt wading shoes. 

Don’t have gear? There’s no need to worry: most guiding outfits provide everything you need for a comfortable experience. 

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Alaska:

The best time to go to Alaska? Save this guide on when to visit .  Get around in Alaska with these  transport tips .  Be sure to add these top experiences to your Alaska itinerary. And make time for some epic road trips  to the highlights in Alaska.

Explore related stories

Jan 19, 2024 • 7 min read

From rainforests to glaciers Alaska is distinctive, and adventures here are shaped through each of its different regions

Apr 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 25, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 19, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 13, 2023 • 12 min read

Alaska Fishing Trips

• Lodges & Camps
• Overnight Float Trips
• Guides & Charters
• Featured Trips

View By Region

Southwest Alaska

Southeast Alaska

South Central Alaska

Interior & Far North Alaska

View By Species

• King Salmon
• Silver Salmon
• Sockeye Salmon
• Pink Salmon
• Chum Salmon
• Rainbow Trout
• Arctic Grayling
• Arctic Char
• Dolly Varden
• Northern Pike
• Kenai Peninsula
• Kenai River
• Kasilof River
• Russian River
• Cooper Landing
• Anchor Point
• Inside Passage
• Prince of Wales Island
• Alagnak River
• Kvichak River
• Naknek River

Nushagak River

Kodiak island.

• Denali National Park

Alaska Parks Highway

• Susitna River
• Top 10 Fishing Trips

Planning Your Trip

Sport Fishing Species

Places to Fish

• Goodnews River
• Lake Iliamna
• Talachulitna River
• Ask the Pros
• Favorite Alaska Fishing Videos From 2023

Favorite Alaska Fishing Videos from 2023

Would you like to contact to check availability or learn more?

No Thanks Yes - Contact

Fill out the info below and someone from will get back to you.

Cancel Send Email

Best Video of a Float Trip in Alaska: "Trip of a Lifetime"

Special award…our favorite video of the year (because of the info it gives). This video is really interesting and a good watch if you are thinking of doing a float trip. Posted by the Canal Life YouTube Channel , four first timers in Alaska planned a 100-mile trip down the Kanektok River and this catches them on day 10 of 11. They had a good discussion on what they would do differently and some tips for planning a float trip. They also mix in some solid shore fishing too.

Thinking about a float trip? - Check out our Top 10 Fishing Float Trips list will get you started.

Best Video of Remote Fishing: "Trout Fishing Blowout!"

So many anglers that check our site out are interested in getting away from crowds and this video shows why getting remote is popular. In this video from Fly Fish Dan (some other solid content from him) he is fly fishing a creek that looks fairly remote…at least no other anglers are there. He gets some nice trout on the line and has some nature shots along with a story about running into a bear or moose…he wasn’t certain.

Looking for remote fishing? - Check out our Top 10 Remote Fishing Trips .

Best Halibut Fishing Video: "Epic day of Halibut Fishing!"

This video actually covers a couple of our top ten lists…it's a charter targeting halibut, during a family fishing trip. We have Top10 lists for those three topics but chose this video for the halibut fishing. It’s got constant fish on board and some real nice halibut…really shows what a solid Alaska fishing charter trip can be.

Interested in halibut fishing? - Check out our Top 10 Halibut Fishing Charters .

Best Alaska Helicopter Fly-In Trip: "Fly Fish Remote Alaska Streams"

Getting remote is half the battle sometimes and that's why many Alaska guides and lodges offer options for helicopter fishing trips. Not too many videos out there but we liked this one because it shows the experience of flying over potential fishing spots and getting dropped off in a quiet spot for some fishing. Just a quick trout at the end of this video but the person that posted it says they will have a full length video out soon. By the way, he was referred to the helicopter service by FishHound Expeditions , a friend of our site.

Interested in helicopter fishing in Alaska? - Check out our Top 10 Alaska lodges/guides that offer helicopter fishing trips here .

Best Video of a Family Trip to Alaska: "Four Days of family camping & fishing"

This video is a little longer than our norm (just about 30 minutes) but it breaks it up in chunks of the trip so it seems quick. A family that goes by The Outdoor Boys on YouTube stays in a cabin one night and does a bunch of good fishing on their own and then camps for a few days, going out on a charter for some salmon fishing (which includes a really nice King Salmon catch). A family trip to Alaska can be different for every family but this is a nice video of what one can be and includes some good scenery shots and fishing.

Taking your family to Alaska? - Check out our list of Top 10 Alaska Family Fishing Trips .

So, there you go. The top five videos that relate to our lists of Top 10 Alaskan Fishing Trips . Each give a good overview and tips of that type of trip and great Alaska fishing.

Popular Alaska Fishing Destinations

The Hailibut Capital of the World - Located at th Southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Offers easy access to excellent saltwater & freshwater fishing as well as a wealth of activities, restuarants & lodging options to choose from.

The largest city on the Kenai Peninsula - Kenai sits is located on the shores of the Cook Inlet at the mouth of the Kenai River, which gives you easy access to both saltwater & freshwater fishing.

Located on the banks of the Kenai River - World-Class Fishing & Recreation - Easy Access to the Kenai River, Kasilof River, Cook Inlet & Russian River

A 358-mile adventure from Anchorage to Fairbanks - There are many fishing spots along the Parks Highway...most are smaller walk & wade streams but there are also some small lakes as well.

One of the Best King Salmon Rivers in Alaska - Located in remote Southwest Alaska & stretching for 280 miles...if you are looking to target big King Salmon in Alaska the Nushagak might be the place for you.

Recent Articles

Ask the Pros: Graying & Pike Fishing near Wasilla or Fairbanks

Ask the Pro's: Fising the Kodiak Road System

Ask the Pros: Fly Fishing Alaska In June

Ask the Pros: Family Fishing from Shore near Homer & Seward

• Flightseeing (Opens in new window)
• Boat Trips (Opens in new window)
• Glaciers (Opens in new window)
• Fishing (Opens in new window)
• Hiking (Opens in new window)
• Denali (Opens in new window)
• Wrangell-St. Elias (Opens in new window)
• Trail Tips (Opens in new window)
• Wildlife (Opens in new window)
• Marijuana (Opens in new window)
• Downtown Anchorage (Opens in new window)
• Arts & Culture (Opens in new window)
• Anchorage Trails (Opens in new window)
• Dining (Opens in new window)
• Coffee Culture (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Breweries (Opens in new window)
• Juneau (Opens in new window)
• Fairbanks (Opens in new window)
• Mat-Su (Opens in new window)
• Kodiak & Southeast Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Girdwood, Whittier & Seward (Opens in new window)
• Kenai Peninsula (Opens in new window)
• Valdez (Opens in new window)

Casting call: Urban and remote Alaska are where fishing dreams come true

Anglers fish during the Coho Rodeo Derby at Ship Creek in Anchorage. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

Sensational silvers and killer kings. Trophy-worthy trout and fantastically finned grayling. Hearty halibut and rewarding reds. It’s a lineup of Alaska’s finest fishing action, and these spectacular species — and many more — are all within casting distance, driving distance and short-flight distance of Anchorage.

Yes, Alaska’s largest, busiest and most populated urban hub is also a sport fishing fantasy … and that isn’t a fishing tale. Even the most secretive fisherman brags about this fishery, and it couldn’t be kept secret anyway: Anchorage is a mainstay on any “America’s Best Fishing Cities” list.

“We’re very fortunate here in Southcentral, where we have so many diverse fisheries,” said Jay Baumer in a 2022 interview. Baumer is a sports fisheries manager biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game who manages the Anchorage, Prince William Sound and North Gulf Coast regions. He added: “You can go fishing for a wide variety of species and have different opportunities, whether it’s a remote experience or you just want the convenience of something nearby. We’ve got it all here, which is fantastic.”

“You can go fishing just about anywhere in Anchorage,” Dan Bosch said in a 2018 interview. Bosch is a passionate fisherman, now retired from a longtime role at Fish and Game, most recently as regional management coordinator for the Anchorage area. “It’s some of the best fishing around. And the accessibility — it’s so easy. Right at your doorstep.”

For Anchorage visitors, that includes the doorsteps of local lodging. The community is covered in streams, creeks and lakes that are packed and stocked with tens of thousands of fun, fighting fish. And there are seemingly endless fishing options in areas around Southcentral Alaska.

Sportfishing is a year-round activity in Anchorage and Alaska, but the action surges in summer. From May to September, the fish counts are generally high, the midnight sun is warm and bright, and fishermen are giddy.

And after a tenuous 2023 fishing season that saw unprecedented restrictions and closures on sport and personal-use fishing of king salmon around the state’s Cook Inlet region, 2024 angling appears to be back to business as usual. And for fishermen in Alaska, that’s a big catch.

Where should you wet a line? Around Anchorage, practically anywhere there’s water, there are fish. Many of these fishing holes also offer peace, quiet and the natural vibe of wild Alaska. As you cast and relax, it’s easy to forget you’re in Alaska’s biggest city.

Ship Creek — Anchorage

One of Anchorage’s most exciting fishing holes is set in one of the city’s most popular hospitality hot spots — downtown. Ship Creek carves across Anchorage’s northern side, passing by the William Jack Hernandez Hatchery before depositing downtown into picturesque Cook Inlet. It’s a fishing oasis on the edge of Anchorage’s cityscape. Its waters are home to regular runs of summer salmon — kings early in the season, silvers (coho) later — and its banks are usually bustling with fishermen.

“Right downtown you can fish for king salmon and coho salmon,” said Bosch, himself a Ship Creek regular who has worked and fished the Anchorage area for decades. “If you haven’t fished there before, just watch what everyone is doing, if they’re using eggs or spinners, and where they are setting up along the creek.”

In its 2023 Season Summary, Fish and Game noted that “King salmon fishing in Ship Creek was good,” and added that “an estimated 1,326 king salmon were counted in Ship Creek for viewing and natural reproduction below the hatchery.” Coho, or silver, salmon fishing was especially hot, as the area’s bag limit was increased to six in August.

Other urban hot spots

Ship Creek might be the most visible venue, but incredible fishing opportunities abound in every corner of town and every direction of Southcentral Alaska. Anchorage lakes (Campbell, DeLong, Jewel, Mirror, Sand Lake) are loaded, and creeks (Bird, Campbell and Ship) and rivers (Eagle and Eklutna) are jamming with an array of fish: from several freshwater and landlocked salmon species to Dolly Varden/Arctic char and awesome Arctic grayling. Chester Creek runs through the center of town and can be great for rainbow trout (8-12 inches!), too.

Outside Anchorage action: Road trip reeling

Anchorage is also the jumping-off point for fishing adventures all over Southcentral Alaska and beyond. A short drive or quick hike in practically any direction from urban Anchorage adds more casting spots. For next-level groundfish and salmon fishing, drive south for an hour (Prince William Sound out of Whittier) or two (Resurrection Bay out of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula) or five (Kachemak Bay out of Homer on the Kenai Peninsula), or drive north for 30 minutes to two hours (Matanuska-Susitna Borough).

People fish for sockeye salmon in the Russian River in Cooper Landing. (Emily Mesner / ADN)

Some of Alaska’s — and the world’s — most exciting salmon fishing goes down on the Kenai Peninsula, a few hours’ drive south of Anchorage, where the Kenai, Russian, Anchor and Kasilof rivers flow flush with fish. This is action-packed angling for Alaska’s salmon species. It can also be combat fishing at its gnarliest. When the fish are running, anglers line the banks, practically shoulder to shoulder, while locals and guides motor boats up and down the rivers, homing in on hot spots. For most, that work is worth it when they land one of Alaska’s bright and hard-fighting salmon, creating photo-worthy only-in-Alaska moments that can be social media profile shots for years.

The fishing is also sweet in port towns like Whittier, Seward and Homer, which are all beautiful drives south of Anchorage. You can cast from their banks for salmon, but improve the odds and options by jumping aboard charter boats to chase the big, barn-door halibut and cruise along salmon runs as they return to their freshwater spawning grounds. Catching a big halibut is tough work, but it’s a different kind of fish fight. Instead of running and splashing like salmon, these flat lunkers are more likely to turn into dead weight as you slowly reel them up from the dark ocean bottom. They sometimes freak when nearing the surface and daylight, but handy deckhands are ready with a net and/or a gaff to snatch the flopping fish.

Fishermen clean halibut and lingcod, far left, in Kodiak harbor on Sept. 4, 2021, in Alaska. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

The port town of Valdez is an even longer drive away, but the roads there are about as scenic (glaciers, mountains, wildlife, waterfalls) as it gets, and once you’ve arrived, the fishing around Port Valdez and Prince William Sound is equally impressive.

Point your vehicle north from Anchorage and you’ll soon have awe-inspiring Denali looming large in your windshield, guiding you toward the glacier-carved and fish-filled Matanuska-Susitna Borough. You’ll find exciting fishing all around the Mat-Su, some less than an hour from Anchorage, some a little farther. When the salmon are running, the region’s rivers are slamming with fish and fishermen, especially the Deshka River, Willow Creek, Susitna Rivers, Eklutna Tailrace and Montana Creek. If you prefer a slower pace, there are dozens of lakes packed with grayling, trout, Arctic char and landlocked salmon; favorites include Nancy Lake, Big Lake, Rolly Lakes and Knik Lake. If you like lakes, consider packing a lunch and your gear, renting a canoe, and soaking up the evening sun and the peace of Alaska’s outdoors.

Outside Anchorage action: Flying fishing

If you’ve come all the way to Alaska to chase fish, you might as well dial up the fun to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by booking a fly-in fishing adventure. From Anchorage, floatplanes, skilled pilots and savvy guides will get you to the fish in high-flying fashion.

You’ll typically take off in a floatplane from Anchorage’s Lake Hood, which buzzes with around-the-clock activity during Southcentral’s warm, bright summers. If you think the lake takeoff is thrilling, wait until the landing! And that’s just the start of the fun. (Of course, more conventional plane rides are available; you could fly commercial to great fishing towns like Kenai, Cordova, Ketchikan, Homer, Juneau, Valdez and more.)

What do you want to catch? A fighting salmon? A plump trout? A vicious pike? All of the above? Your guides have you covered. How long do you want to cast? Half-day, full-day and multiday trips are available.

Want to go really big? Hook up with an outfit that will get you to a remote, fly-in lodge, where you can spend your days fishing until you can’t stop smiling, and your nights recovering like royalty in massive cabins or lodges. This is the ultimate in Alaska fishing experiences.

Fishing factoids

Overwhelmed by the options? Too excited to think clearly? Contact Fish and Game in person, on their Sport Fish Information Center phone line (907-267-2218) or online ( [email protected] or the Fishing section of adfg.alaska.gov ) for questions about fishing, licenses, regulations or anything else Anchorage or Alaska fishing related. Fish and Game’s We Fish AK and Go Fish AK sport fishing websites are especially helpful and informative for ambitious anglers and families looking for fishing fun.

Fish and Game now has a smartphone mobile app that provides information about licenses, permits, tags and regulations, allows fishermen to record their catches, and even has a sport fish species identifier. It’s available for free download at popular app stores.

The Sport Fish Information Center (333 Raspberry Road) provides up-to-date information on all the fisheries. You can even borrow fishing gear! There are also area fishing blogs and message boards, and friendly fishermen and retailers who are happy to share tips while you shop for tackle or gear.

Lures and lines, rods and reels — the choices are endless. But there’s one piece of equipment fishermen (residents 18 or older and nonresidents age 16 or older) must carry: a sport fishing license. Nonresidents have many sport fishing license options, from one day ($15) to a week ($45) to 14-day ($75) to annual ($100), and other options in between. If you are on a quest for a king, you will also need a king salmon tag, which runs an additional $15 for one day and up to $100 for a year, with 3-, 7- and 14-day stamps also available. For residents, there are numerous license options, including special rates for military, low income, senior citizens, disabled and elderly, so do your research. Savvy shoppers will note that these are great deals, as many license prices dropped from prior seasons following a dip in sales during the pandemic.

Note: You might hear about and see Alaskans dipnetting for salmon to fill their freezers. Yes, it can be an awesome and fruitful fishing experience, but only Alaska residents are legally allowed to do it.

Alaska sport fishing licenses are available at most sporting goods shops, and even grocery and convenience stores, and online , of course. It’s also a fisherman’s responsibility to know regulations, which are easily available in print in most places you can buy fishing licenses or gear, and online . Bosch said the key to figuring it out is to read the general regulations for each region (example: the Anchorage area), then look for site-specific regulations for streams (example: Ship Creek). In other words, know where you are fishing and what you are fishing for. Oh, and always be bear aware — clean your fish and dispose of fish waste responsibly.

If you’re plotting a chartered or guided fishing experience, whether by road, boat or plane, shop around. Most reputable charter companies have years of experience, tout their safety and fun, and are easy to study up on via their websites and social media. Find a perfect fishing fit by being specific about what you want to catch, how long you want to fish, and how much you want to spend.

One charter fishing bonus: It often comes with sightseeing in some of Alaska’s most incredible landscapes and wildlife, including water wonders like whales, orcas, porpoises and countless seabirds. Charter fishing out of Seward is practically overwhelming with the natural and wild wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park.

And don’t forget the bevy of fishing derbies that take place all summer in regions across Alaska. Catching a trophy fish in Alaska is memory making; neglecting to buy a derby ticket and then landing a potentially winning fish is bittersweet, if not heartbreaking.

Baumer recommended that visitors and residents alike spend time on the sport fishing section of Fish and Game’s website — adfg.alaska.gov — for updates on everything from hot fishing spots to places to borrow, rent or buy gear.

“Nothing really different or changed over the past seasons, but it is always good to remind people to check for most recent regulations and emergency orders, which are all posted online,” he said, noting the recent COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on tourism and fishing around Alaska, which began a big rebound in 2021. “From the old-time fisherman or someone going for the first time, it’s always good to refresh your memory on that.

“And we’re always here to help with questions, whether they’re planning their trip or there’s a specific detail they’ve got a question about,” he added. “And we’re ready to get people here to go fishing. You can come up and fish, be careful and, like always, do it safely.”

• 907-301-6957
• Fishing Trips
• Fishing Photos

Fish Species

• Buy License
• Boat Launch Map
• Kenai Fly Fish Videos
• @kenaiflyfish

• Alaska Fishing Reports
• Alaska Fishing License
• Half-Day Fishing
• 3/4 Day Fishing
• Full-Day Fishing
• Fish Species Overview
• Kenai River Rainbow Trout
• Kenai River Dolly Varden Char
• Kenai River Steelhead
• Kasilof River King Salmon
• Kenai River King Salmon
• Kenai River Sockeye Salmon
• Kasilof River Coho “Silver” Salmon
• Kenai River Coho “Silver” Salmon
• Kenai River Pink Salmon
• Kenai Peninsula Halibut
• Kenai River month of May
• Kenai River month of June
• Kenai River month of July
• Kenai River month of August
• Kenai River month of September
• Kenai River month of October
• Kenai River month of November
• Kenai River month of December
• Rainbow Trout Photos
• Dolly Varden Photos
• Steelhead Photos
• King Salmon Photos
• Sockeye Salmon Photos
• Coho “Silver” Salmon Photos
• Pink Salmon Photos
• How to Get to the Kenai Peninsula
• Lower Kenai River Fishing
• Middle Kenai River Fishing
• Upper Kenai River Fishing
• Kenai River Map – Boat Launch Sites
• Kenai River Gear List
• Buy Alaska Fishing License
• 2024 Fishing Season
• Half Day Fishing Trip Rates
• 3/4 Day Fishing Trip Rates
• Full Day Fishing Trip Rates
• Contact KFF

(907) 301-6957

Alaska salmon fishing season 2023: plan your trip now.

The 2023 Alaska salmon fishing season is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your trip. Alaska is known for its crystal clear, cold waters and its abundance of salmon, making it one of the top destinations for salmon fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, the 2023 Alaska salmon fishing season is the perfect opportunity to reel in the catch of a lifetime. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to plan the perfect Alaska salmon fishing trip.

• Research the species: The most popular species of salmon in Alaska are king, sockeye, coho, and pink salmon. Each species has its own unique characteristics and fishing techniques, so it’s important to research the species you’re interested in catching and the best time of year to target them.
• Choose the right location: Alaska has many rivers, streams, and estuaries that are known for their excellent salmon fishing. Some of the most popular fishing spots include the Kenai River, the Naknek River, and the Kvichak River. Consider the species you want to catch and the services offered by the fishing lodge or outfitter when choosing a location.
• Plan your trip in advance: The 2023 Alaska salmon fishing season is expected to be busy, so it’s important to plan your trip in advance to ensure availability during peak fishing season. Book your lodging, transportation, and guided fishing trips as early as possible to ensure that you get the best deals.
• Pack the right gear: Make sure you have the right fishing gear for the species you’re targeting. For king and coho salmon, a 9 or 10 weight rod with a strong reel is recommended. For sockeye and pink salmon, a 6 or 7 weight rod with a medium-sized reel is recommended. As for flies, it’s best to use flies that mimic the natural food sources of the species you’re targeting.
• Dress in layers: Alaska weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. Wear waterproof and breathable clothing to keep you warm and dry.
• Get a fishing license: Make sure to get a valid fishing license before your trip. You can obtain a license from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
• Hire a guide or charter service: To increase your chances of catching the best salmon of your life, it’s recommended to hire a guide or a charter service. These experienced anglers know the best spots, the best times, and the best techniques to increase your chances of catching a trophy salmon.

In conclusion, the 2023 Alaska salmon fishing season is the perfect opportunity to reel in the catch of a lifetime. By researching the species, choosing the right location, planning your trip in advance, packing the right gear, dressing in layers, getting a fishing license and hiring a guide or charter service, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable fishing trip in Alaska. Don’t wait and start planning your trip now to ensure you secure your spot for the upcoming season, and make sure to experience the thrill of catching a salmon in the cold and clear waters of Alaska.

Boat Launches

• Lower Skilak
• Bings Landing
• Izaak Walton
• Swiftwater Campground
• Centennial Park
• Kasilof River
• Tustumena Lake
• Kenai, AK 48° Sunny 6:16 am 9:49 pm AKDT Feels like: 45 °F Wind: 11 mph W Humidity: 55 % Pressure: 29.87 "Hg UV index: 3 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 48 °F 46 °F 45 °F 45 °F 43 °F Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 48 °F / 34 °F 46 °F / 36 °F 50 °F / 32 °F 50 °F / 34 °F 50 °F / 36 °F Kenai, AK weather forecast for tomorrow ▸
• Sterling, AK 52° Sunny 6:14 am 9:47 pm AKDT Feels like: 48 °F Wind: 9 mph WSW Humidity: 47 % Pressure: 29.86 "Hg UV index: 3 4 pm 5 pm 6 pm 7 pm 8 pm 52 °F 52 °F 48 °F 48 °F 46 °F Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 52 °F / 36 °F 52 °F / 37 °F 54 °F / 30 °F 55 °F / 32 °F 57 °F / 36 °F Sterling, AK 10 days weather forecast ▸

Fishing by Month in Alaska

Protect Your Trip »

The best time to cruise to alaska in 2024.

Plan your bucket list adventure to explore the extraordinary beauty of the 49th state.

The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska

Getty Images

Alaska's astounding beauty and vast wilderness are unlike any other destination in the U.S. – and even in the world. While you can plan land-based trips to the state, many of Alaska's majestic snowcapped mountains, pristine forests, glacial waterways and abundant wildlife are in remote locations, only reachable by plane or by boat. That's just one of the many reasons why Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world.

If you're ready to stop dreaming and start planning a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Great Land, here are tips on the best times to cruise Alaska.

Best Overall Time: Shoulder Seasons

Best time for warmer weather, best time for wildlife viewing, best time for salmon fishing, best time for the northern lights, best time for shore excursions.

If you want to score a deal and have fewer crowds, travel during the shoulder seasons: May and September. In these months, cruise fares are typically lower and ships are not as full, offering more cabin availability. However, with changes in the global climate bringing more moderate temperatures to Alaska, and the cruise season now extending into April and October, cruisers can also expect to find deals in April and October. There will be fewer sailings to choose from, but you may find lower pricing and avoid the peak-season crowds on the ship and in the ports.

In addition, select shore excursions may be available at a discount in the spring and fall. If you're planning on exploring Alaska on your own before or after your cruise, you'll also find cheaper hotel rates at the beginning or end of the cruise season.

Alaska's weather can change dramatically, especially the further north you go, no matter the month or season. While the weather may not be as predictable in April as in the middle of summer, Alaska can be beautiful in springtime with temperatures in the mid-40s, according to Tyler Hickman, senior vice president of Icy Strait Point, an Alaska Native-owned port in Hoonah and a port of call in Southeast Alaska. Hickman says there are long stretches of sunny days and crisp, clear evenings, offering the opportunity for late-season viewing of the northern lights . He also adds that April is one of the favorite times of year for local Alaskans.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska in April, Norwegian Cruise Line has a few options, including weekly sailings on Norwegian Bliss beginning April 6. The line also offers Alaska itineraries through the end of October. Other lines sailing the extended season in Alaska in late April include Princess Cruises , Holland America Line , Royal Caribbean International , Carnival Cruise Line , UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions.

If you prefer to travel in the fall, early October temperatures are usually in the 50s, while the end of the month brings snow in the higher elevations. The days are longer and there are no crowds, so it may be an ideal time to visit if you're not interested in the summer outdoor experiences. Norwegian, Holland America and Seabourn Cruise Line offer sailings in October.

Read: The Best Alaska Cruise Deals

If you'd prefer warmer weather for your cruise, the summer season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September. During that period, daytime temperatures typically range from 60 to 80 degrees, though they can drop into the 40s overnight. You can expect to have between 16 to 24 hours of daylight in the warmer season. May is considered the driest month, with around a 25% chance of precipitation, but the rain becomes more frequent throughout the summer.

Alaska.org, a website run by local Alaskans that provides travel information and recommendations, advises that the best time to visit in summer is from June 15 to July 15. This 30-day period is regarded as the peak season for warm, dry weather – and it's the perfect time for outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. If you want to experience the most "midnight sun," plan to cruise a few weeks before or after the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which falls on June 20 in 2024.

Come September, the days are generally shorter, rainier and cooler – but not always. You might get lucky with some unseasonably warm days amid the beautiful fall foliage ; as a bonus, September also means no bugs and fewer crowds.

If you have school-age children, you'll probably need to travel midsummer, during peak season. However, if you're flexible on dates, there's really no bad time to visit this magical destination. Mountain peaks shrouded in clouds or misty days cruising Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in late April are as beautiful as sunny days hiking through Tongass National Forest or whale watching on an excursion out of Icy Strait Point in July.

Read: The Best Places to Visit in Alaska

According to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of the top destinations on the Inside Passage itinerary, wildlife viewing is possible year-round, especially if you have your binoculars at hand. When you're not watching for turquoise ice calving in the bay from the glaciers, you might see humpback whales as long as 65 feet or black and brown bears up to 10 feet tall – as well as orcas, harbor and Dall's porpoises, sea otters, harbor seals, mountain goats, sea lions, seabirds, and bald eagles soaring overhead. And that's just what you can view from the ship.

During cruises through the park, rangers board the ships to offer commentary and information about the marine and terrestrial wildlife. They also help spot whales or other animals along the way. One of the highlights while cruising slowly through the park is to go outside on the bow of the ship – or even out onto your veranda – to listen to the incredible silence of this otherworldly place. You may hear nothing at all, or perhaps you'll be treated to the sounds of birds in the distance or the swoosh from a whale's blowhole before it dives down below the water's surface.

It's possible to view certain animals and marine life throughout the year, according to Hickman. "Whale sightings are consistent from May through September, with fewer occurring in April and October as they migrate from or to Hawaii for the winter," he says, adding: "Even on a foggy day when you can't see the whales, you can still hear them and feel their presence – and that's almost as incredible as seeing them from a ship or along the coastline."

If you're interested in spotting brown bears, here is Hickman's advice: "Bear sightings in the spring will depend on the snowpack and when they are leaving hibernation. This year we had very good bear viewing along the Spasski River starting in May when the coastal brown bears emerged from hibernation."

He adds, "They feed on the grass of the valley and eat skunk cabbage roots in May and early June. As the berries start to emerge in June, it holds many of the same bears, and as we get into mid-July, the salmon start heading upstream. There is a constant food source from May through September at Spasski. Many of the other bear viewing areas do not have the same features we have, and it leads to people thinking that bears are only around when fish are in the rivers."

Chichagof Island – the location of Hoonah and Icy Strait Point – was given the nickname "Bear Island" by National Geographic. The island boasts one to two brown bears per square mile, making it one of the largest brown bear populations in the world. Hickman says you're nearly guaranteed to see bears on one of Icy Strait Point's bear-watching tours. Icy Point Strait also offers whale watching adventures and other treks into the wilderness.

Alaska.org points to May through September as the best time for wildlife viewing, though you can spot some animals year-round, like moose or orcas. The website also advises that fly-in bear viewing starts in May but is at its best in July.

Looking to book a cruise to see Alaska's wildlife? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

If you are an avid angler – or just want to watch the bears fish for their supper – then visit Alaska during the peak salmon runs, from May to September. King salmon season begins in May and goes through the end of July. The silver salmon run lasts from July up until the end of November. Red salmon are available between mid-June and mid-August, while you can catch pink and chum salmon in the brief window from mid-July to mid-August.

If you prefer halibut or just want to get out on the ocean, the best time for this wild Pacific species is from May to September. You can also seek out many other river and ocean species, such as rainbow trout, arctic char and northern pike. Cruise lines offer fishing excursions, or you can arrange for a private or group charter in an Alaskan town like Ketchikan.

If you want to see brown bears during the salmon run, book a bear-viewing excursion in one of the ports, such as Icy Strait Point. Or, extend your trip by combining a visit to Katmai National Park and Preserve and the renowned Brooks River with a stay at Brooks Lodge. Brooks Falls is the site for iconic photos of bears catching salmon that are jumping over the falls, and you may be able to view the bears feasting in salmon season when the property is open, from June through mid-September. The lodge is accessible by floatplane from King Salmon. You can also add a flyover tour during your stay to see the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, an area in southern Alaska transformed by ash from the 1912 Novarupta-Katmai volcanic eruption.

Aurora season – the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska – runs from mid-August to mid-April. While some passengers cruising the Inside Passage may catch a glimpse of the phenomenon in late summer and early fall, it's not guaranteed. As southeast Alaska typically has more precipitation and clouds since it's a temperate rainforest, you likely won't find optimal conditions for aurora viewing here.

Your chances to see the lights are better the further north you go, so you may want to look at booking a cruisetour: a land and sea package that's usually offered by some of the major cruise lines from May through September. These combined trips generally include the cruise, overnight accommodations in lodges, railway journeys and motorcoach travel between destinations.

With these tours, you'll be able to visit the vast landscape of Alaska, where you can explore cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks or spend time in Denali National Park and Preserve – and you'll have a better chance to view the northern lights. Lines that offer cruisetours include Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises , Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

Since 2024 is projected to be one of the best years to view the aurora borealis in Alaska, you might want to extend your trip to venture above the Arctic Circle or into Alaska's interior for a prime viewing opportunity. Fairbanks and the Arctic region are under the auroral oval, which is where the northern lights activity is concentrated. You can watch the forecast for the aurora borealis online at Explore Fairbanks' Aurora Tracker and the Geophysical Institute's Aurora Forecast .

Read: The Top Places to See the Northern Lights

Some of the excursions offered on an Alaskan cruise may be the most expensive tours you've seen on a ship, but they're also probably some of the coolest things you've ever thought about doing while on vacation.

Note that the probability of a tour being canceled for weather is almost the same for all tours offered between April and October, as the weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Some of the more extreme tours, however, may not be available early or late in the season. If you want the best chance for optimal weather, consider the advice from Alaska.org and book your cruise between mid-June and mid-July.

If you're looking at splurging on a bucket list adventure while in Skagway – like Alaska Shore Tours' flightseeing helicopter adventure, which includes a dog-sledding experience on a glacier – you should check to make sure it's available the month you'll be cruising. This particular tour may not be open for booking before May or after September due to the conditions for the sled dogs.

Another over-the-top excursion dependent on optimal weather conditions is the Heli-Hike and Rail Adventure that begins in Skagway. This tour includes a helicopter ride from town that flies over glaciers and mountains, then drops you off for a roughly 5-mile guided hike to view Laughton Glacier and learn about the natural history of the area. After the hike, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad at Glacier Station for the scenic journey through the mountains back to Skagway.

If you're interested in the Misty Fjords Flightseeing tour in Ketchikan, this thrilling ride is also best on a clear day. This Alaskan bush plane tour soars over the Misty Fjords National Monument, which has more than 2 million acres of pristine lakes, waterfalls, ancient forests and snowcapped mountains.

Tours that include activities like mountain climbing or navigating suspension bridges might also be best when done on a sunny day. The prime time for wildlife viewing and fishing, as mentioned above, will depend on what animals you're interested in seeing and which species of fish you want to catch.

The ship's excursion desk, local guides or tour providers can offer the best advice on how to plan your activities. No matter which tours you opt to take, be prepared for the ever-changing weather patterns by wearing layers – and make sure to bring a waterproof rain jacket. Before booking, you should check the individual tour operator's cancellation and refund policy.

Read: The Best Alaska Tours

The Bottom Line

If you're flexible as to when you can travel to Alaska, you may be able to take advantage of lower pricing, travel incentives and added perks in the shoulder seasons – and you'll have fewer crowds than in the busy summer months.

If your goal is to view wildlife, then most of the cruise season, especially from May to September, will offer ample opportunities to see bears, humpbacks whales, bald eagles and other amazing animals – depending on the itinerary and excursions you choose. You'll also be able to catch Alaska's prized salmon throughout much of the cruise season.

And if extreme adventures are going to be the highlight of your vacation, then be sure to check with the tour providers to make sure your top picks are offered when you're planning to travel. Not all tour providers operate the full seven months of the season.

No matter when you decide to visit, a cruise to The Great Land will be one of the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.

Planning a cruise to see Alaska? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship to seek year-round outdoor adventure, view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• Do You Need a Passport to Go on a Cruise?

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

How much does a cruise cost.

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Bangor Daily News

Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries

Spring trolling can be a blast, even for ‘snobby’ fly fishers

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

This story was originally published in April 2021.

I did not grow up fishing. My first serious introduction to fishing was fly fishing in my 20s, and I was hooked (pun intended).

I’ve since fly fished for salmon in Alaska, sea-run brown trout in Iceland, brook trout at Libby Camps, salmon at Grand Lake Stream and striped bass at York Beach. I now consider myself a bonafide snobby fly fisherman. So, when my better half, Travis, suggested we go trolling, I looked down my nose in disgust and replied, “Isn’t trolling for people who can’t fish? You just sit there and don’t really do anything, right?”

“It’s relaxing. Trust me, just try it,” he responded.

“Ok fine, but I’m using my fly rod,” I said.

Truth was, I didn’t own anything other than fly rods. I grabbed my 6-weight rod with a sinking line from L.L. Bean, and tied on a black ghost. Travis grabbed his lead core rod and we climbed into our 16-foot aluminum boat. Argos, our dog, jumped gracefully and enthusiastically into the bow. We recently purchased a home on Crystal Lake in Gray, and it was our first-time open water fishing it. It was April 5 and the ice had only recently melted. The water was as flat and smooth as a mirror.

Travis put the motor in gear but did not give it any throttle. We putted along at about 2 mph. I let some line off my reel and held the rod in my hands. Travis turned on the fish finder — a large number 12 lit up on the screen indicating we were only in 12 feet of water. We were so close to shore that I could see people watching tv inside their homes.

Fifteen minutes into our troll, I heard the clicking of my reel and felt the familiar tug on my line. The tip of the rod bent over and bounced. I started striping in line and Travis put the boat in neutral. The fish came in easily.

“It’s a brown,” Travis said as he scooped the fish into the net. The silvery fish was long and slender and speckled with large black spots.

“Our first open water fish from the lake! Let’s keep it for dinner. We can call this cove, ‘Brown Town,'” I said. Argos licked the fish in approval, and we continued our evening troll along shore.

As I let the line back out into the water, I noticed a juvenile eagle take flight from a nearby pine tree. A half dozen mallards also took flight, undoubtedly nervous about the presence of the eagle. A week prior, I had seen an eagle half-heartedly try to catch a duck. The mallard dove for long periods of time before finally flying off, away from the eagle.

“I’m on!” I shrieked as my rod bounced up and down.

Fifty feet behind the boat a fish leapt into the air. “Get the net!” I squealed.

“It’s not even close to the boat, calm down,” Travis replied, chuckling.

“It just leapt again! Feels decent sized!” I said excitedly. When the fish was close to the boat, Travis slipped her into the net. It was a healthy rainbow trout. I admired the iridescent rainbow strip down her otherwise silver side. After a quick photo and with a strong kick, she swam off with purpose into the icy water.

A neighbor on his lawn gave a thumbs up. His two pugs yapped incessantly at us.

“Let’s call that spot, ‘Pug House.'”Travis suggested. “Now do you like trolling?” He asked with a smirk.

“You’re right, it’s a good mix of relaxation and excitement and I still get to fight the fish on my fly rod,” I replied as I studied the sky, now shades of cherry and plum as the sun began to set. The cry of a distant loon reverberated over the low hum of the motor.

I began making a mental list of things to bring for our next evening troll: a more comfortable chair, rod holders, a speaker for music and snacks.

“I could get used to this, ‘not doing anything’ fishing,” I thought, as we putted our way home with fresh dinner.

More articles from the BDN

Christi holmes elliott, outdoors contributor.

Christi Holmes Elliott is a Registered Maine Guide and Appalachian Trail thru hiker. Christi is the founder of Maine Women Hunters and works as a design engineer. She lives in Gray. Follow her @christiholmes... More by Christi Holmes Elliott, Outdoors contributor

Alaska Department of Fish and Game

  Hide Section Navigation

Section Navigation Section Navigation

Run Forecasts and Harvest Projections for 2024 Alaska Salmon Fisheries and Review of the 2023 Season Published — ADF&G Press Release

Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner P.O. Box 115526 Juneau, Alaska 99811-5526

Press Release: April 23, 2024

CONTACT: Forrest R. Bowers, (907) 465-6139, [email protected]

Run Forecasts and Harvest Projections for 2024 Alaska Salmon Fisheries and Review of the 2023 Season Published

(Juneau) — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announces publication of the annual statewide salmon run forecast and commercial harvest projection report: Run Forecasts and Harvest Projections for 2024 Alaska Salmon Fisheries and Review of the 2023 Season. (PDF)

The Alaska all-species salmon harvest for 2023 totaled approximately 232.4 million fish. More than half of this harvest was comprised of pink salmon (154.9 million fish), followed by sockeye salmon (51.9 million fish). While the 2023 pink salmon harvest was well distributed across Southeast, Central, and Westward regions, Bristol Bay continues to be the largest sockeye salmon producing region in Alaska.

The 2024 commercial salmon harvest forecast is 69.0 million pink salmon, 39.5 million sockeye salmon, 24.3 million chum salmon, and 2.6 million coho salmon. If realized, the forecasted 2024 total Alaska commercial salmon harvest will be approximately 135.7 million fish.

For additional information and area-specific details about harvest projections and forecasts, please see the report at the link above.

Return to ADF&G's Press Releases Home

• Alaska Insight
• Watch KAKM Live
• Indie Alaska
• Ways to Watch
• There is Hope
• AK Passport
• In My Family
• KSKA Schedule
• Hometown, Alaska
• Listen to KSKA Live
• All Radio Programs
• Outdoor Explorer
• Addressing Alaskans
• State of Art
• Alaska Economic Report
• Hear me now
• Military Voices
• One Small Step
• Alaska Morning News
• Talk of Alaska
• Alaska News Nightly
• Traveling Music
• Black History in the Last Frontier
• Latest News
• Environment
• Mental Health
• Rural Health
• Alaska Legislature
• Washington, D.C.
• Public Safety
• ANCSA, 50th Anniversary
• Midnight Oil
• Daily Digest
• AKPM Community Education Engagement
• Race Matters
• Ready to Learn
• Library Explorers
• Molly of Denali
• Learning Media
• Parent Resources
• Watch PBS KIDS
• Workforce Development
• Ways to Give
• Benefits of Membership
• Together We Are Stronger
• AKPM Merchandise
• E-Newsletters
• Organization
• Public Documents
• Public Meetings
• Accessibility Commitment
• Donor Portal

Unalaska school district asks city for nearly $6M as it faces large deficit

The Unalaska City School District is predicting a deficit and is asking the city for nearly $6 million to fund its fiscal year 2025 budget. That’s about half a million dollars more than  last year’s ask , and includes the maximum allowable contribution from the city’s general fund.

Superintendent Kim Hanisch said at a recent city council meeting that the school is projecting an $8.2 million budget and a significant deficit.

“We anticipate being in the deficit by $485,000,” Hanisch told council members. “Our fund balance will be zero, if not just a little bit below zero by the end of this year.”

That balance is projected to drop to around $30,000 in the red, according to information presented to the Unalaska City Council. It’s not uncommon for the district to dip into its fund balance to make up for losses in the budget, but that sum of money has dropped significantly over the last few years. In fiscal year 2023, the district accumulated a final deficit of more than $500,000  mainly due to major increases in energy costs , which dropped the fund balance to just under $400,000.

School administrators have said in the past the district can’t sustain such large deficits.

Still, Hanisch said the district and budget committee worked hard trying to build a conservative budget.

“The revenues that we anticipate for this upcoming year will decrease by 5.66%,” she explained. “So our projected revenue is approximately $7.7 million. Our projected expenditures will increase only 2.2%.”

Unalaska schools get the majority of their funding from the state and city. The state’s funding is built mainly around the student population. This year, the budget committee projected an enrollment of 350 students.

Hanisch said they built the status quo budget around the assumption that per-student state funding would remain close to where it has been for several years, at about $6,000. That puts the state’s estimated contribution at roughly $3.2 million.

“They aren’t inflation proofing the budget — they’re not increasing to go along with inflation, which puts us in the situation that we’re at right now,” she said. “So we built our projected budget that they’ll flat fund because that’s what they’ve been doing.”

Schools across Alaska have been asking for more money from the government for years, and Legislators passed an education bill that would have increased the state’s per-student contribution by nearly $700, but Gov. Mike Dunleavy  vetoed the bill last month . The Legislature  failed to override the veto  by one vote.

Hanisch told council members she doesn’t think Dunleavy will be providing any extra money for education this year.

However, he did approve a broadband assistance grant, which gives the district an unexpected boost of about $125,000.

Hanisch said they built the budget to be status quo.

“With that, we had to take into consideration that we can avoid some increases — increases just due to inflation, as well as our movement on the salary schedule,” Hanisch said. “So we built a budget with a 3% known increase in salary, 5% anticipated increase in insurance, and then a 2% increase in student travel due to inflation, not extra trips.”

She said the budget committee brought the administration a list of places the district could decrease spending.

“Reduce the purchase of library books, not eliminate, but just reduce,” Hanisch said. “Look at supplies in all departments, professional development and maintenance projects. They asked us to consider, very last, any reduction in staff or technology supports.”

While state funding has decreased steadily over the past several years, the city’s contribution has continued to grow. Still, Hanisch told the city council she understands that these are tough economic times for everyone.

“ So when we ask this, it is coming with that recognition that it may not be possible to fund everything that we need,” she said.

The state establishes caps for municipal funding for public school districts based on an assessment of the value of local properties. The City of Unalaska caps out at $4.4 million, which comes from its general fund. But the school can accept funding beyond that limit for additional programs. For Unalaska, those include community schools, food services, student activities and preschool, and this year, total almost $1.9 million in requested funding from the city. One area within those programs that is seeing a major increase in funding requests is community schools. That’s shot up more than $700,000 in the last year.

“In the past, the district has, in their operating fund, paid 60% of those costs and the city has contributed approximately 40%,” Hanisch said. “Staying there has been bringing us into the red in that fund balance.”

She said the district believes that deficit has been caused by drastic increases in swimming pool use as well as more community school activities being held at school buildings. She said this request puts the district and the city close to a 50/50 split.

The city generally gives the district full funding, including requests beyond the state’s cap. Several council members spoke at the recent work session in favor of granting the district its full request.

Council member Thom Bell said it’s money well spent.

“In my opinion, the school is probably the very last place we would look at cutting anything in our budget,” Bell said. “And I don’t see why we can’t fund the schools at what the ask is, but once we get into the budget, we’ll have a better idea.”

Council members have until May 1 to determine how much funding they will give to the district. They’re scheduled to make a decision at their meeting Tuesday.

Maggie Nelson, KUCB - Unalaska

Related articles more from author, university of alaska gets $20m to study effects of climate change on fishing and harvesting in the gulf of alaska, alaska an important special operations training ground, as arctic sees interest from russia and china, u.s. bans noncompete agreements for nearly all jobs.

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Unwelcome Catch: Fishermen's Stewardship Role Reeling in Marine Debris

April 22, 2024

Commercial fishermen are helping tackle marine pollution, one balloon at a time.

It's hard to live near or visit our beautiful ocean without coming across marine debris. Trash is leftover by beachgoers and coastal communities; garbage is carried across the ocean from distant shores; lost and abandoned fishing gear floats away on winds and currents. This debris becomes hazardous to life on shore and at sea. Balloons are a particularly pervasive form of marine debris—and some fishermen are going the extra (nautical) mile to address.

A small group of fishermen are making a big impact by catching more than just seafood on their fishing trips, collecting any balloons they see while out on the water. We recognize their stewardship this Earth Day and invite you to join in their efforts to combat marine debris, one balloon at a time!

Balloons Cause Harm on Land and Sea

The act of releasing balloons—deliberately or not—may seem harmless. But no matter how far they travel, balloons eventually return to Earth and wash up in our ocean, Great Lakes, and waterways. In 2019 alone, volunteers around the globe collected more than 104,000 balloons during the annual  International Coastal Cleanup organized by the  Ocean Conservancy . Approximately half of those balloons were found in the United States. One of the most common types of balloons found on these coastal cleanups are Mylar, also known as foil, balloons. Mylar is crafted from plastic nylon sheets with metal coating, which can conduct electricity.

On land, Mylar balloons can become entangled with power lines and circuit breakers. Their conductivity causes power outages with  thousands occurring in California  every year alone. Many wayward balloons also end up in the ocean, where they sink down to pollute habitats far below the surface. A 2013 expedition by  NOAA Ship  Okeanos Explorer discovered balloon remnants in approximately half their deep sea dives—including a Mylar balloon  wrapped around a dead deep-sea coral nearly a mile under the ocean surface. And because Mylar balloons never biodegrade, they will linger where they land forever. Through exposure to winds, waves, and the sun, a Mylar balloon that lands on the ocean surface will break into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually  creating microplastics that may never go away.

A Deadly Catch

Fishermen are acutely aware of balloons’ ill-fated travels. Off the coast of Cape Cod, Captain Nate Severdija and the crew at  Downeast Charters frequently spot them while fishing for striped bass and tuna. “I’ve been fishing my whole life and can’t think of a time when I wasn’t finding balloons,” shared Captain Severdija. “Their reflective coloring can resemble a fish—or school of fish—to a predator, and they often have lengths of ribbon still attached that can lead to entanglement. As they lose their color they become clear and they start to look more like a jellyfish.”

Sadly, Mylar balloons made the news for this very reason in November 2023 when one was found in the stomach  of a young Gervais’ beaked whale in North Carolina.  Like many other ocean creatures , the calf likely mistook the balloon for food.  Ingested balloons obstruct animals’ ability to properly digest food, leading to starvation and sometimes death. Instances like these emphasize the importance of education and individual action against balloon debris. “I’ll redirect my boat to go pick up a balloon if I see one,” explains Captain Severdija. “In the region where we fish, last season alone we collected 50 balloons.”

Captain Severdija and  other fishermen are encouraged that more cities and states are introducing legislation to ban intentional balloon releases. Many fishermen are thinking beyond their traditional role of sustainably harvesting seafood and getting  directly involved in such conservation efforts. “I enjoy working with science and research groups to deepen my own knowledge about conservation,” reflected Captain Severdija, who also partners with projects tagging and tracking sharks and other marine animals. “Collecting these balloons and raising awareness about their hazards with my charter guests is just one more way I can contribute to ocean conservation.”

Think Like a Fisherman (How You Can Help)

As we enter the celebratory season of graduations, outdoor weddings, and more, you can play an important role in preventing balloons from becoming marine debris. First, don’t intentionally release balloons. There are many ways that you can have a litter-free celebration using alternatives such as bubbles, streamers, and sparklers.

You can also follow in the footsteps of our nation’s fishermen and get directly involved with cleaning up the ocean. National initiatives like the Environmental Protection Agency’s  Trash Free Waters program offer  regional projects . You can also get involved in the next  International Coastal Cleanup . You can even host your own community cleanup using  these guidelines created by  NOAA’s Marine Debris Program .

With increased awareness about the issue, we can help to reduce this very preventable form of marine debris and safeguard our ocean.

Learn more about how to get involved with marine debris efforts in your region

More Information

• Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project
• The Scary Truth About Party Balloons
• Host Your Own Community Cleanup
• Party Balloon Leads to Whale Death

Recent News

Reaching a major oyster restoration milestone in virginia’s york river.

Celebrating Earth Day 2024: Accelerating Our Response to Rapidly Changing Oceans

Earth Week: Climate and Fisheries

Last updated by Office of Communications on April 22, 2024

More On This Topic

Why You Should Try Monkfish

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks: A Plan for Recovery

What Fish Stock Rebuilding Means to Communities

Story Map: Long Island Sound's Shellfish Growers Are Citizen Scientists