Cooper Landing Alaska
Cooper Landing Alaska
Enjoy planning your Alaska vacation.
Transportation/Getting Here
Food
Shopping
Activities
Trails- Chugach National Forest
Trails- Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Camping
Before Your Trip
Research
Learn about the area! Study the geography of the area you will be visiting and the waters you will be fishing. Do some reading up on the fishery, the culture/history, the climate/forecast, and the other area attractions you might want to check out while you are here.
Communicate
Let us know at the time of booking your requests. We will use this information to formulate a strategy using the right flies, covering the right type of water, and sometimes even scheduling your trip during the right time of year to maximize the chances of meeting your goals. Do you prefer fly fishing or spin fishing? What species do you want to target? Do you have a special shoe size that we need to know about? Do you want us to pick you up from your campground?
On the day of your trip, when you meet your guide, remind him about your preferences, expectations, and limitations. Would you rather fish dry flies on top than nymph, even if it means you may catch less fish? Tell your guide. Are you hiring a guide so you can learn how to fish streamers? Tell your guide. If you don’t have specific expectations, rest assured, we will make the best call possible to ensure you end the day with a smile.
Gear Up
Make sure you have everything you need in preparation for your trip. You will want to be warm, dry, and comfortable not only while out on the water but also during the rest of your travels in Alaska. We will provide you with all the gear you need for our trip, but you’ll want to make sure you are dialed for all your adventures. Many of your stops might be pretty remote, with little chances for adding that extra crucial piece of gear to your kit.
Upper Kenai River Fishing Gear Recommendations
Fly Rods: 5-8wt, 5wt is good for small stream trout fishing and dry-flying on the Kenai, for salmon 8wt. We typically fish 10′ 6 & 7wt for trout out of the boat and 8wt for salmon. If you could only bring one rod for salmon and trout, an 8wt would do the job.
Spinning rods: We find 6-12lb with medium-light action to be a versatile setup.
Rods we use: St. Croix, Sage, G. Loomis, Redington
Any reel with good disc drag that is balanced well for your rod works nicely. We prefer large arbor reels from Ross.
Either pant or chest style waders work best. We prefer chest waders since it rains so much. Felt soled wading boots are banned in AK, but also make sure to avoid studded boots for float fishing since they can damage the boat.
For fly lines, floating, weight forward fly line one to two weights more than your rod is best (nymphing lines). For spinning lines, we prefer mono for the stretch and use Maxima.
We prefer mono for the stretch for spinning & fly, 12 lb to 6lb-8lb.
Spring Patterns for Trout: Spring water is still cool and rising so usually flesh flies work well, white/gray/brown sizes 4-10.
Early Summer Patterns for Trout: Leeches (egg sucking/standard) in black & purple, sizes 4-10.
Late Summer Patterns for trout: Late summer sunshine will bring some bugs, just depends on the day, top water or bottom- bead head prince nymph size 12-14, coachman, humpy, parachute adams, size 12-16.
Fall Patterns for trout: Beads or glow bugs, any pattern that looks like fresh roe with a few washed out pale ones thrown in as well, size 8mm-10mm.
Patterns for Salmon: Sockeye don’t bite, so any bucktail style “Russian River Fly” in any color will work. Bright colors help you to see your fly in shallow waters for sight fishing. Silvers- streamers in pink, purple, or chartreuse, the bigger the better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an Alaska fishing license?
Licenses are available online in two ways. Get the whole scoop here. The link at the bottom of our page is to buy using the ADFG app. This allows you to have a digital copy on your mobile device.
Do I need an Alaska King Salmon stamp?
Where do we meet for our Kenai River guided fishing trip?
Please meet us at Kenai River Float-n-Fish, our shop in Cooper Landing, for your trip. You can park your car or RV there while we shuttle you to the boat ramp and back at the end of the day. Our address is 18251 Sterling Hwy, Cooper Landing, AK . 99572.
What time do we meet for our Kenai River guided fishing trip?
What time do your Kenai River guided fishing trips go out?
Our half day trips generally depart at 7am and 2pm. Our full day trips can start anywhere from 5am to 11am, depending on the time of year, section of river we are fishing, and your personal preferences. We are flexible, so if you need a specific start or end time just let us know and we can work around your schedule if possible.
When will we be done with our Kenai River guided fishing trip?
Our half day trip is 4 hours fishing time on the Kenai River and our full day trip is 8 hours fishing time on the Kenai River. We do have some time on either end driving, launching, and retrieving the boat. We generally pull off of the Kenai River 4.5 hours after the start time on a half day and 8.5 hours after the start time for a full day. Depending on where we fish, there could be anywhere from a 10 minute to 45 minute van ride back to our shop.
When is our remaining balance due for our trip?
Your trip balance is due 14 days prior to your trip date and we will send you a payment reminder at that time. You are welcome to pay your balance any time before this by clicking the pay now button on the bottom of your reservation invoice.
Can you pick us up from our Cooper Landing lodge or campground?
Do you take young children on your Kenai River guided fishing trips?
Can you accommodate people with special needs?
We have never fished before, is your Kenai River guided fishing trip good for beginners?
What is included with the Kenai River guided fishing trip?
We provide all the gear you will need for your trip fishing on the Kenai River including fly rods and reels, spinning rods and reels, all terminal tackle, chest waders, heavy duty rain gear, personal flotation devices, and safety equipment.
What should we bring for our Kenai River guided fishing trip?
You need to bring your fishing license, whatever you would like to eat or drink on your trip (feel free to bring a cooler), any personal items you need (medication etc.), polarized sunglasses if you have them, camera, and a great attitude for a fun day fishing on the beautiful Kenai River.
What kind of boat will we be on for the Kenai River guided fishing trip?
Our boat is a 20 foot Fish Rite custom aluminum drift boat. This boat is 6 feet wide and can accommodate 4 anglers (sometimes 5 for trips with young or small people on the Upper Kenai) plus your guide. The Upper Kenai is drift only, so we will be rowing this section. Middle River trips will involve a bit of motoring and rowing.
How should we dress for a Kenai River guided fishing trip?
Someone in our group wants to go on the trip but is not interested in fishing. Can they ride along?
We are glad to have folks ride along for a scenic float. For each scenic rider, add $75 to the boat rate for fishing for half-day and $150 to the boat rate for fishing for full day trips. Example: a group of 2 guests would like to fish, one guest wants to ride along for a half day. Boat rate for 2 guests fishing half day =$450, plus $75 for scenic rider, plus tax.
Will we be fishing mostly out of the boat, wading, or both?
Where do we go when nature calls?
Can I bring my own rods/reels/waders on the trip?
Do you guarantee we will harvest our limit of salmon on our trip?
Where can we have our salmon vacuum sealed, frozen, and shipped home for us?
We have a group larger than fits in one boat. What do you recommend?
There are some great larger outfitters in town that we gladly recommend to accommodate groups requiring more than one boat.
We do partner with other guides on occasion for groups needing a second boat.
Get in touch and we will be glad to help get your group set up.
Who We Are
We are a small, family owned "Mom & Pop" guided adventure company. We are year-round residents of Cooper Landing, Alaska and are honored to share our wealth of knowledge and passion for the incredible waters of the Mighty Kenai River. We love helping folks enjoy the adventure of Alaska.
Read more about our story here!
What We Do
We offer first-class Kenai River guided fishing trips by drift boat for Trout and Salmon. We love to fly fish and spin fish and instruct in both. We welcome anglers of every age and skill level! Our personal service to you is of utmost importance to us, and we strive to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Read more about our trips here.
What We Believe
Having good stewardship for our resources and respect for our fellow anglers matters. Nothing is more important than time with your family. There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Any day on the water beats a day at the office. Kids need to play outside. Life is short, dream big and have fun!
Read more about our values here.
Special Use Permits
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
We are an equal opportunity provider.