FAQ

I’m ready to book. What’s next?

We’d love to take you out on the water, and there are two main ways to reach us. First, you can send us a message through the contact form on our website. Please include the dates you would like to fish or stay in our lodge; how many people will be on your trip; and, if fishing, what species you are most interested in targeting. We’ll reach out to you as soon as we can to get you set up with a trip! You can also call or text the booking phone directly at 907-206-1935. We’ll make sure all your questions are answered.

We require a 25% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking, and the remaining balance is due 14 days prior to your arrival. (Please note: due to the nature of running a seasonal business and our commitment to ensuring our guides are compensated fairly, any cancellations or changes to your reservation made after this 14 day period begins will not be reimbursed). We will set you up with an invoice, which is payable online. When you receive your initial invoice please review for accuracy before paying the deposit, and then you will receive an email reminder when the remaining balance is due. 24-48 hours in advance of your trip, I will reach out to let you know the exact start time your guide has chosen based on weather and river conditions and then you will meet us at our shop day-of to get fitted for gear and head out on the water!

Where and when do we meet our guide?

Our trips start and end at the Alaska Troutfitters fly shop – 18230 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing, AK 99572. A day or two in advance of your fishing trip, we will reach out to let you know the exact start time your guide has chosen for your trip. We recommend arriving to the fly shop five to ten minutes early to start getting set up with your waders and boots! One notable exception: for some fishing trips in the Middle Kenai River, you will meet your guide at Bing’s Landing in Sterling. We will let you know in advance if this applies to your trip!

What’s included in the price of a fishing trip?

All of our Guided fishing trips include SIMMS Breathable Gore-Tex Waders and Wading Boots for the day. High quality Fly and Spin tackle is also provided, as well as all flies, lures, and terminal tackle. The only thing you will need to bring other than comfortable clothing is an Alaska State Fishing License.

Where can I purchase an Alaska Fishing License?

You can purchase your Alaska Sport Fishing License online https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Store/Home/Guest. You will need a non-resident (if you’re not from Alaska!) sport fishing license with no additional king salmon stamp. Please ensure that your license is signed before you head out on your trip. We recommended a paper copy, but digital copies are accepted as long as they are signed electronically. Anyone over the age of 16 will need his or her own fishing license. 

What do you recommend I bring on guided fishing trip?

Warm layers, sunglasses, a good rain jacket and rain pants, sun protection, camera, day dry bag or backpack, and something to eat and drink for the day. Since the Kenai Peninsula is situated in a boreal rainforest, we consider ourselves a rain or shine fishery. Fishing trips are cancelled due to weather only if there is a freak weather situation in which it is considered unsafe to be on the river. 

Is lunch provided?

Lunch is not provided; however, we can point you in the direction of a local place that has boxed lunches to go. If you’re planning on making sandwiches or similar lunch yourself, please know that we do not have a grocery store in town – we recommend stopping in Anchorage or Seward on your way here.

What kind of vessels do you operate?

We operate out of custom-built Willie Drift boats and River Sleds. These boats are specifically built for the Kenai and are unmatched in their fishability on the river.

How many anglers to one boat?

Our boats will comfortably accommodate up to 4 anglers, and are all sold as private boats. This means your trip will just be your group and your guide! Pricing varies depending on the number of anglers in your party. Please view our current rates on the Guided Fishing page.

Can you pick me up at Princess Lodge or other location in Cooper Landing?

Absolutely! However, we will need to arrange a pickup prior to your trip.

How long is a full day?

8 hours on the water.

How long is a half day?

4 hours on the water.

What do I do with sockeye I catch?

If you’re fishing with us in June or July and interested in targeting sockeye salmon, please let us know at the time of booking. Due to the seasonality of sockeye runs and limited areas in which we can fish, most of our fishing trips throughout the year are catch-and-release fly fishing trips for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. If you are fishing for sockeye and hoping to take some fish home, here is what you should know. Sockeye limits are typically 3 fish per person per day, but regulations will sometimes change throughout the year. As with any fishing trip, results are never guaranteed and we cannot promise that you will hit that limit. However, if you do snag some sockeye, your guide will assist you in the basic gutting and filleting of the fish. You can cook the fish that day how you like, or you can go to one of the local salmon processors in town such as Salmon Run or Kenai Cache after your trip and they will assist you in long term preservation of the salmon and/or shipment to the lower 48. Please know that shipping fish can sometimes be costly. You can also fly with fish as a checked item on Alaska Airlines, more information for which can be found here. 

Are there opportunities to fish in the area for non-guided anglers?

Yes! We love to talk about our fisheries and help people be successful on their own. Our Fly Shop Staff is helpful and knowledgeable about gear and local fisheries. We also rent waders, fly rods and reels in our Shop (see our Fly Shop page for more info).

What is the best way to get to Cooper Landing from the airport?

Alaska is a big state, but we are fortunate enough to be a 2 hour drive south of Anchorage. Renting a car at the airport is the best option for travel.

Is there anything to do in Cooper Landing besides fishing?

Absolutely! There are a ton of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking and more.

Do you provide food at the lodge?

We do not provide food at our lodge; however, there are a number of quality places in town. In our shop or via email we can provide you with a short list of food options in our quaint town. The Swan Sanctuary has a full kitchen. Other rooms come outfitted with a mini fridge, grill, and microwave.

How do we check in late?

Our lodge rooms are available via keypad locks, so you can check-in any time after 3PM on the day of your arrival. We will send you a message 24-48 hours in advance of your check-in with information about how to get in to your room.

Where and at what time do we meet our guide for fishing?

Your guide will set a meet time for you prior to your trip. We will call you and confirm your meet time the day before your trip (or sooner). All trips will meet at Alaska Troutfitters Fly Shop unless other arrangements have been made prior to trip day.

Do you offer a military discount?

Yes! We offer a 5% military discount for all our guided trips.