Itinerary
A trip down the Kenai River canyon (Jim’s Landing to Skilak Lake) takes you deep into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is part of the upper river, and classified as drift only. It is comprised of the last three miles of the upper Kenai River and flows into beautiful Skilak Lake. This less-traveled section has some of the most dramatic Alaskan scenery as well as extremely productive trout waters. Here, nice rainbow trout and Dolly Varden congregate with spawning salmon to eat their eggs and get fat! Kenai River Canyon trips are weather dependent. The boat take-out is at the other end of Skilak Lake, and high winds coming off the Harding Ice Field can make crossing Skilak Lake unsafe. A decision to complete the canyon will be finalized the day of the prospective float.
See Availability.
Traveler pickup is offered
pick up at Cooper Landing hotels and lodges only
8 hours(approx.)
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : adamvV6360ZZ
I have been going each year with my dad and uncle for 6 years on the Kenai River float with JJ Brown for trout in September. This guide knows the Kenai River better than anyone. He will get you up before the sun rises to get to the best water--and it's always good. JJ is hardworking, good company, and good luck. Not to mention the fishing is any angler's dream.
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Posted On : 2023-10-10
Posted By : 56terrenceh
Took my father and nephew on the drift boat trip with Matt. It was the first time to ALASKA for my nephew and first time ever with a fly rod for them and we still caught a ton a fish! Matt put us on fish all day long and had the best view and we saw a bunch of wilflife.
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Posted On : 2023-08-24
Posted By : U6565ZTds
Being able to see Alaska from the river is amazing…but to then add in a day with Kenai River Trout Anglers-priceless! We started hitting fish real quick and all in our party brought fighters into the boat. This was one of my top 10 Alaska days! Never fished before-they’ve got you…experienced fisher-your trip will be one of your most memorable! Enjoy every minute.
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Posted On : 2023-08-17
Posted By : T8031GGtoms
Professionally run outfit! Great equipment, and incredible knowledge of the River. I have been fishing with JJ and Kenai River Tout Anglers several times now and will not ever go with another guide service. JJ and his crew are true professionals! Fish with them, and you will not be disappointed
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Posted On : 2023-08-03
Posted By : I9969ZHconnorh
I’ve been on a handful of guided fishing trips on the Kenai and going forward I will be sticking with Kenai River Trout Anglers. The guides are professional, knowledgeable, and personable. Whether you’re a novice or proficient, you’ll have a great experience. JJ and his crew have a breadth of expertise that they pass on during the trip. If you are looking for a great day fishing on the Kenai, I can’t recommend the Kenai River Trout Anglers enough!
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Posted On : 2023-07-30
Posted By : 422robh
Had a killer day with Kenai River Trout, Matt was our guide and he put us on the fish and gave us a lot of info about the fish, the river and the surrounding area. Highly recommend. Already planning our next outing with these guys! Thanks again : )
At a few points it was just one after another after another. Matt took care to make sure we handled the fish properly and got quick pictures when we wanted. We got them back in the water to keep swimming for other days.
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Posted On : 2023-06-30
Posted By : meantamal
After 13 years of fishing on the Kenai, I can say with certainty that JJ is the best guide I've ever worked with. He is professional, patient, provides all the needed gear, and knows where to find the fish! JJ was so helpful and helped me schedule the charter to target the salmon run I wanted. You can tell he's a respected guide on the river because his boat was a welcome addition everywhere (it maybe helps that we were a boat-full of ladies). If professionalism, fun, AND catching fish are important to you, JJ is your guy!
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Posted On : 2022-09-19
Posted By : fishinmomma
We come back to Cooper Landing to fish with JJ every year. JJ is the best guide for every level of angler: beginners to expert will have a world class experience. He puts you on the fish because he knows the river so well. The water was high when we were there and JJ handled the boat with precision. We were fishing for Trout and Dolly Varden and we weren't disappointed, JJ put us on large fish all day. I highly recommend JJ if you get the chance to fish the Kenai River in Cooper Landing.
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Posted On : 2022-09-11
Posted By : bends768587
Our trip with JJ was amazing! His knowledge of the river is very impressive. He was an excellent, patient teacher and actively engaged throughout the entire trip. Plenty of species and action as well. Definitely coming back!
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Posted On : 2022-07-07
Posted By : 430ericn
We started planning this trip pre-pandemic and were so happy this day finally came. JJ and Matt took out our family of 5 our on an adventure on the Kenai River. They were so accommodating and helpful teaching my 13yo twin girls and 11yo son how to use a fly rod as well as plugs to fish for salmon. As this was the beginning of the sockeye run, we had a challenging time catching them, but did hook a number of beautiful rainbow trout (some of the largest i've seen) and dolly varden; we did get a few sockeye to take home. Despite this, we saw over 20 bald eagles and got to paddle down class 2-3 rapids. The two of them really know every inch of the river. This was truly an amazing day. We will be back to fish with JJ and Matt the next time we're in Alaska!
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Posted On : 2022-06-26
