Explore Kenai | Kenai and Kasilof River Guided Fishing, Alaska | Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

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Region: Kenai River and Kasilof River, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Species: King (Chinook), Sockeye and Silver (Coho) Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden

Water Type: Glacial river, freshwater to tidal estuary

Service: Guided boat trips (gear provided)

Explore Kenai LLC has guided salmon and trout anglers on Alaska's Kenai and Kasilof Rivers for 9 years. Guide Dallas Voss runs trips from a private river lot with free parking and an on-site fish processor, and is one of the few female guides in the area.

What is a day with Explore Kenai like?

Dallas arrives at the private river lot about 30 minutes before you do and gets the boat ready: tackle, rods, a restocked cooler and the motor warmed up. You get a spot to change into waders and boots, a quick license check and a safety briefing, then a short 5-minute run through the canal to the main river channel. At the end of the day Dallas cleans and fillets your fish at the river property and points you to the on-site processor, so there is no extra drive to a third party.

Who is it for?

Women and first-timers especially. As one of the few female guides on the Kenai, Dallas puts women at ease, and the bead technique used for trout is beginner friendly: anglers who have never held a fly rod can learn it in about an hour.

What is provided, and what should you bring?

Waders, boots, rods and all tackle are provided, so there is less to pack for the flight to Alaska. Bring your fishing license and your own food and drinks. Trout trips use 10ft 7-weight Orvis rods and reels, with right- and left-hand retrieve available.

When is the best time to go?

Late May to June: King (Chinook) salmon season begins.
Mid-June to mid-August: peak sockeye (red) salmon season.
August to September: silver (coho) salmon.
Rainbow trout: all season after the June 11 trout opener (closed May 1 to June 10), with late August through September the time for trophy fish.

Typical sizes from Dallas: sockeye 6-7 lb, silvers 8-10 lb, kings 10-20 lb, and trout 6-20 inches, with 30 inches the stretch goal.

Conservation

All trout are catch and release, with safe handling practiced as much as possible. The bead rig keeps the hook on the outside of the trout's mouth to minimize harm.