The first step in planning your trip to Alaska will probably begin with what time of year do you want to visit? Alaska is seasonal, just like where you live. We have four seasons too; almost winter, winter, still winter, and the fishing season.
If you want to visit during the fishing season, then we can help! Even in this time period of the ‘fishing season’ there can be many variables to think about.
Perhaps the most important question…
What you want to catch?
Kings: May 15 thru July 31
Reds: 2nd week of July (roughly) thru 2nd week Aug
Silvers: July 18 thru November 30
Pinks: Even years in August, Great family fun!!! Lots of Hook ups!
Rainbows: June thru November
Halibut: May thru Sept
Bear Viewing: July thru Sept
Plane tickets
You Can Fly into Anchorage: Kenai/Soldotna is a 3 hour drive from Anchorage, through the Kenai Mountains. The drive is very scenic and includes a few popular points of interest. Portage Glacier, Animal Refuge Center, and the Headwaters of the Kenai River. Alaska air: www.alaskaair.com
Or You Can Fly into Kenai: Kenai is a short 20 minute flight from the Anchorage Airport.
Era Aviation: www.flyera.com Era offers flights from (Anchorage) to Kenai
Car rentals
AVIS Kenai Airport 907-283-7900 Anchorage Airport 907-249-8260 Toll Free 800-831-2847
Budget Kenai Airport 907-283-4506 Anchorage Airport 907-243-0150
Hertz Kenai Airport 907-283-8080 Toll Free 800-654-3131
Payless Kenai Airport 888-663-4542 Anchorage Airport 907-243-3616
What kind of lodging?
Whether you're looking for quiet Kenai lodging for you and your spouse, clean hotel accommodations for your family, or just an Alaskan lodge where your entire group can stay together, and fish together . . . we are your Alaska fishing lodge headquarters. Eric Loomis has many return guests so please Reserve Now for the dates you desire. And if we can't accommodate your group we will help you find exactly what you are looking for.
How many fishing days?
Do you want days off of fishing? Is this a strictly a fishing vacation? Or do you want time to go see the sights? Like taking a day to go to Homer and visit the Salty Dog? Or taking a trip to Seward and going on a glacier tour? All these are wonderful side trips to take, they are with in driving distance and are worth taking the time to go see what else Alaska has to offer.
Do you want a fly out charter?
We offer fly out charters across Cook Inlet that include fishing and bear viewing trips. You fly in float planes to your destination. When you book a fishing trip you will either fish from the bank or from a boat. Check out our bear viewing page for more information on bear viewing trips. What ever you decide this is an exciting way to spend a day in Alaska.
Halibut is the main salt water sport fish in Alaska. Although we can also make arrangements for you to fish for sea bass, salmon, ling cod, rock fish, or shark. Our launch sites are Deep Creek, Homer or Seward.
Taking care of your catch
Our guides will fillet your fish at the end of your trip. They will bag up the fillets so you can take it to a local processor. The processors will vacuum seal and freeze your fish and store it until your trip is over. You can either take it on the airplane with you as luggage, or you can ship it Fed-Ex or UPS. Here is a money saving hint: Shipping fish can be expensive. My recommendation is to check your fish box as luggage with the airline. Even if you have to pay the extra bag fee, you will still come out on top. The processor will keep your fish in their freezer until you are ready to head to the airport. Here is another helpful hint: The Anchorage airport has a freezer where you can store your fish until you are ready to fly.
What else is there to do besides fishing?
Wildlife watching - eagles, moose, beluga whales, bear viewing, caribou
Clam Digging at Clam Gulch, just 20 miles from Soldotna, all you need is a clam tide, a shovel, some rubber boots and a fishing license.
Fly out bear viewing and sight seeing, view glaciers from above
Kenai Fjords Tours
Exit Glacier Tours
Hiking
Seward Sealife Center
Kayaking/Canoeing
Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center
Saturday Market in Kenai
Rafting the Kenai River
Gift shops and Museums
Homer: Kachemak Bay, Halibut Cove, Restaurants - boat only accessibility
Beach combing
