King of the River Kenai and Kasilof River Guide Soldotna Alaska Celebrating 24 Years guiding in Kenai, Alaska

Alaska fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers for King and Silver Salmon

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Frequently Asked Questions from Customers

1. What make and size is your boat, how many seats does it have, and how many clients can you take out at one time?

Our boat for the Kenai is a luxury 21 foot custom Willie Predator; it is the largest boat on the Kenai with 4 stroke Yamaha motor (quiet and less carbon monoxide) and with 4 custom seats and a deckhand seat with arm rests. We can accommodate 4 clients. Our drift boat for the Kasilof is a Willie; it is the largest drift boat on the Kasilof and also accommodates 4 clients with a deckhand seat.

2. What do you provide on your trips, how long are they and how many trips per day can you doing?

We provide top quality gear consisting of Gloomis rods and Ambassadeur 7000 C3 reels we fish from Tuesday to Saturday on the Kenai and provide one morning trip from 5:30 am until 11am and one afternoon trip from 12:30 pm until 6pm or one full day trip consisting of 10 hours. One trip per day is permitted on the Kasilof which is open either a half day (5 to 6 hours) or all days (8 to10 hours) except for Sunday in July.  Kasilof fishing gear: Top quality Ambassadeur 6500 C4 and Gloomis rods. We fish the Kasilof in July on Mondays only.

3. What is the difference between a motorized trip on the Kenai and a drift boat (non motorized) experience on the Kasilof?

Many people have a personal preference so we offer both options. The Kenai is a motorized experience and this is the traditional method that most fisherman like to experience because of the challenge and accessibility of covering more of the Kenai and having the option of catching the worlds largest Kings. Others prefer a more tranquil and natural experience of having the guide row while drifting on the Kasilof. In June this may be the preferred method of fishing for Kings as clients are allowed to use bait on the Kasilof. And many take advantage of booking both rivers to take advantage of both experiences.

4. What is the daily limit for Kings and silvers and what days can I fish?

Five Kings are permitted per year. One King per day with a total of two for the season is allowed from the Kenai. Kasilof River: May 16th to June 30th, 2 per day/2 in possession, only 1 may be a wild salmon recognized by the presence of the adipose fin (fish with an adipose fin may be kept only Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). July 1 to July 31, 1 per day/1 in possession. Wild/Hatchery kings can be kept in July. The limit for silvers is 2 per day in August and 3 per day in September (no limit for the season). The limit for pinks is 6 per day in August and September (only on even year for pink only) (no limit for the season). The Kenai is closed to guides on Sundays and Mondays except for Memorial Day. In July, the Kasilof is closed on Sunday to guides but open 7 days in May, June, and August and September. Silver season opens on the 1st day of August on the Kenai and is open all days except for Mondays to guides.

5. What method do you use for fishing for Kings from your boat on the Kenai?

Our method is back trolling while the motor is running.  Anchor is prohibited between May 15th and July 31st except drift boats on the Kenai. It is a similar method as Kasilof River with drift boats (non motorized), anchor is allowed. I use either anchor or rowing while back trolling fishing. I use Spin & Glo and Kiwkfish plugs with baits on both rivers.

6. When is the best time to fish for Kings?

The true fisherman will say there is no bad time to fish for Kings, but traditionally the prime times are in July during the second and fourth weeks when the second run is usually in. But many large Kings are caught in June and the world record was caught in May. Each month brings a different set of rules to the challenges of fishing.

7. Where can I find lodging?

Our web site provides many lodges, cabins, hotels and bed and breakfasts. Our booking agent can offer suggestions based on clients past experiences and proximity of lodging to our sites. We are happy to offer suggestions. Many accommodations offer full breakfasts and some offer full meals with their rates. King of the River offers free accommodation for August and September for Kenai River silver salmon fishing only. Kasilof River and Kenai River king salmon fishing do not offer free accommodation.

8. Where can I get my fish processed and how do I get it home?

There are processing plants close to us. We already have a suggestion for you. A fish processing will Fed Ex your fish for you after it is processed or you may take it home as baggage on your flight. You are allowed to bring your catch in a box or two to the airport. Alaska airlines allow only one checked bag now (which can be a fish box) and charges an additional $25.00 for another box or bag.
Rate per box is range from $25 to $50 depends on number of box and weight. Please read your flights policy (all airlines policies are not the same) before you transport your frozen fish on plane. Your package will stay frozen in your boxes for up to 24 hours.

9. How far are you from Anchorage?

We are approximately 3 hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. This drive has been designated one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Be on the look out for mountain goats and sheep, whales, moose, bear, and American eagles.

10. Where can I get a fishing license, king tag and what are the costs?

License Rates for NON-RESIDENT 2011:
Fishing License: King Salmon Tag:
1 - Day $20.00 1 - Day $10.00
3 - Day $35.00 3 - Day $20.00
7 - Day $55.00 7 - Day $30.00
14 - Day $80.00 14 - Day $50.00
Annual License $145.00 Annual License $100.00

License Rates for RESIDENT 2011:
King Salmon Tag $10.00
Annual License $24.00

Purchase your fishing license online today! Click Here
Important License Info: If you are 60 and an Alaskan resident, you are not required to buy either a King Salmon tag or a fishing license. You are required to have a HARVEST LICENSE (white paper), which is free. Nonresidents are required to buy a license and a tag. Residents and nonresidents under 16 do not require a fishing license but must have a HARVEST license which is free. Fishing licenses may be purchased at sports stores or retail businesses (All guides do not provide fishing licenses at the fishing sites). If you are 16 or above and 60 or above too and a nonresident, you are required to buy a King Salmon tag and a fishing license. King Salmon Tag: May 15th to July 31st. No tag is required from August 1st to September 30th however you must have a fishing license.

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