Fresh Water Drift Boat Fishing

Experience two of the most renowned and prolific fresh water sport fisheries in the world: the mighty Kenai and Kasilof River!  These 2 rivers are home to all 5 species of salmon, 3 of which people target:  the mighty King Salmon, that can grow to over 90 pounds, popular Sockeye (Red salmon), and Coho (Silver salmon).  On the Kenai River you can fish for Trophy Rainbow Trout. 

Your guided trip will include a 20 foot drift boat or powerboat that holds up to 4 people per boat.  If you want more space you can purchase an exclusive boat.  If fishing in a drift boat is your goal the Upper Kenai (trout, red salmon) or Kasilof River (king / silver salmon) are your best choices.  If you are not partial to drift boat or powerboat then Middle Kenai is your best option for silvers, reds, and trout.

Kenai River

The upper Kenai River is drift boat only, which some consider to be the more traditional style of river fishing.  There are excellent opportunities for rainbow trout, red and silver salmon in the upper river.  Wade fishing can be done in this section.  King salmon are present spawning but not legal to target.  The start of the glacial fed Kenai River systems calmly flows through the Cooper Landing valley and federal Moose preserve providing blue ribbon fishing.   This section provids a thrilling adventure, wildlife viewing opportunities and breathtaking scenery. 

The Middle Kenai River is a drift and powerboat accessible as you fish thru part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.  This section of river also provides great opportunity for wildlife viewing and amazing scenery.  On the Middle Kenai you can fly or spin fish for some of the biggest rainbow trout in the world.  Silver and Red spawn this section of river in abundance. This section starts at Skilak Lake and ends at Soldotna Bridge.  Drift boats are used year round on the Middle Kenai River but depending on the time of the year a powerboat will provide more access for productivity.  If it is traditional you are after drift boats can be requested.  Usually the salmon are fresher than the upper river because they have been in the river for a short duration of time.

The Lower Kenai is drift boat and powerboat accessible.  Because of the hunt for the next world record king salmon it is the busiest section of the river.  90% of boats will be powerboats so drift boats tend to stick to Sunday and Mondays which are non guide days.  Powerboats are most effective in this section for hunting down king salmon and silver salmon.  If you can handle the crowds and want a chance at a world record king salmon this may be up your alley.    Silver salmon season is often less crowded and productive.  If you want more opportunity at catching king salmon in a quieter setting then you may opt for the Kasilof River described below.

Kasilof River

The Kasilof River is a drift boat only river and is within an hour of Homer.  On the Kasilof you will generally find it less crowded and quieter than the Kenai.  On the Kasilof River you can target King and Silver Salmon.  Kasilof River Kings on average are slightly smaller than Kenai Kings.  Your odds of catching a king salmon however are better on the Kasilof River because there is less fishing pressure than on the Kenai.  The Silver Salmon Fishing on the Kasilof in the month of August is as good as it gets on the Kenai Peninsula.  Typically silver salmon on the Kasilof river can be done in a half day where it is better to book a full day for king salmon.  Your guided trip usually starts at the Kasilof River Bridge and goes into the tidal water producing salmon that are very fresh.

Throughout the Upper Kenai, Middle Kenai, and Kasilof River wildlife is abundant;   Moose, Eagles, Bears and Ducks inhabit the shoreline of these amazing rivers.  We recommend you carry a daypack with sun tan lotion, camera, binocular, light rain gear snacks, bottled water, gloves, hat and first aid kit.

Drift Away offers guided fishing and fly fishing trips for salmon & rainbow trout on the beautiful Kenai Peninsula. Located 2 hours south of Anchorage, Alaska & 1-1.5 hours north of Homer. We guide you along the shores of two of Alaska’s best fishing waterways: the Kasilof and Kenai Rivers.
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Fishing from drift boats on Alaska's Upper Kenai River & Kasilof River, we guide guests staying at Cooper Landing's most prestigious lodges. You can also chose one of our remote float fishing trips on Alaska's best wilderness rivers. These are ideal for independent fishermen who want to fish on premium Alaskan freshwater streams.
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