Ice Fishing Adventure on Kenai Peninsula
Shared Trip
River Fishing
4hour guided ice fishing experience on Kenai PeninsulaSmall group maximum of 3 anglers targeting cod and flounderWinter fishing adventure through ice starting at 6AM
Picture this: you're standing on a frozen lake in Alaska at dawn, drilling through thick ice while the sun paints the snow-capped mountains pink and gold. That's exactly what you'll get with our shared 4-hour ice fishing trip on the Kenai Peninsula. Starting at 6AM sharp, this top-rated winter fishing experience puts you right in the heart of Alaska's legendary fishing grounds—but with a cold-weather twist that'll have you hooked from the first drop. At just $165 per person with a max of 3 anglers, you're looking at an intimate, hands-on adventure that's perfect for anyone wanting to try something beyond the typical summer charter scene.
This isn't your typical day on the water—it's better. We'll meet you bright and early when the ice is solid and the fish are active. The Kenai Peninsula offers some of the most reliable ice fishing in Alaska, with frozen lakes and protected bays that hold serious fish all winter long. You'll be targeting cold-water species like cod, flounder, Atlantic halibut, and even sockeye salmon that hang around deeper holes. The beauty of ice fishing here is the peace and quiet—no engine noise, no waves, just you, the ice, and whatever's swimming below. We provide all the specialized ice fishing gear, including augers for drilling holes, ice fishing rods, and warming huts when you need a break. The small group size means plenty of one-on-one instruction if you're new to the game, plus more fish per angler when they're biting.
Ice fishing is a completely different animal from open-water angling, and we've got all the specialized equipment to make your day successful. We start by drilling 6-8 inch holes through ice that can be anywhere from 12 inches to 3 feet thick—that's where our heavy-duty power augers come in handy. Once the holes are open, we set up with short, sensitive ice fishing rods paired with reels that can handle the cold without freezing up. The technique is all about vertical jigging and dead-sticking with baits that work in frigid water. We'll have you working everything from bright jigs tipped with herring to whole baits fished near bottom. The key is staying mobile—if one hole isn't producing after 20-30 minutes, we punch new ones until we find where the fish are holding. Portable fish finders help us locate structure and schools, while our warming shelter gives you a place to thaw out your hands between fish. Don't worry about staying warm; we'll brief you on the right layering system and provide hand and foot warmers to keep you comfortable throughout the morning.
Atlantic Halibut might surprise you as an ice fishing target, but these flatfish are absolute bruisers when you hook one through the ice. Even smaller halibut in the 15-30 pound range will test your tackle and technique on an ice rod. They tend to hug bottom structure in 30-60 feet of water, and when one takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fight is different through ice—more of a sustained pull than the head-shaking runs you get in open water. What makes halibut special here is that you're targeting them in their winter feeding mode when they're bulked up and aggressive.
Red Irish Lord are one of Alaska's best-kept ice fishing secrets. These rockfish look prehistoric with their spiny fins and mottled coloring, but they're fantastic eating and surprisingly strong fighters for their size. Most run 2-5 pounds, but they're scrappy and love to dive for cover when hooked. They're also one of the more reliable species through the ice, often holding in rocky areas where other fish cruise through. Kids especially love catching these because of their unique appearance—they look like something from another planet.
Atlantic Cod are the bread and butter of winter ice fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. These fish school up in deeper water during winter months, and when you find them, you can often catch multiple fish from the same hole. Cod typically run 3-8 pounds through the ice, with occasional larger fish pushing 15-20 pounds. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy for beginners to catch once you locate a school. The bite is usually subtle—more of a gentle tap than a hard strike—so paying attention to your rod tip is crucial.
Sockeye Salmon might seem like a summer fish, but holdover sockies provide some of the most exciting ice fishing action you'll find. These fish are typically smaller than their ocean-fresh cousins, running 3-6 pounds, but they're still classic sockeye—bright chrome with that distinctive hooked jaw. They're not as common as the other species, but when you connect with one, the fight is pure salmon magic. They'll make screaming runs even in the confined space under ice, and landing one feels like hitting the lottery.
Ice fishing on the Kenai Peninsula is a world-class experience that most people never get to try, even in Alaska. This customer favorite trip gives you authentic winter fishing in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable, with professional guides who know exactly where to find fish when the lakes freeze over. The early 6AM start time means you're fishing during prime hours when these cold-water species are most active, and the small group size ensures you get plenty of personal attention whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up an ice rod for the first time. At $165 per person for 4 hours of guided fishing with all gear included, you're looking at exceptional value for a truly unique Alaska adventure. Winter fishing seasons fill up fast, especially for intimate trips like this one, so don't wait to secure your spot on what could be the highlight of your Alaska visit.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic cod are solid fighters with that distinctive barbel under their chin and white lateral lines running down their sides. They typically run 2-4 feet long and can hit 80+ pounds, though most you'll catch are much smaller. These bottom-huggers prefer rocky or sandy areas in cooler water, usually between 50-600 feet deep. Winter and early spring are your best bets when they're more active and feeding heavily. What guests really love is the combination of a good fight and some of the best eating you'll find - that white, flaky meat is restaurant quality. They're smart fish, so here's what works: use fresh bait like squid or clams, and don't be afraid to bounce your rig along the bottom. They often follow the bait before committing, so patience pays off.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the world's largest flatfish, and while they're more common on the Atlantic side, we do see them occasionally in our waters. These diamond-shaped giants average around 30 pounds but can reach massive sizes - the record was over 700 pounds. They're strong swimmers that hunt cod, squid, and crustaceans along the bottom in 150-500 feet of water. What makes them special is the fight they put up and that incredible white, flaky meat that's prized by chefs everywhere. Winter through spring gives you the best shot when they move into shallower water. My advice: use heavy tackle and tire them out completely before bringing them up - they've been known to break bones with those powerful tails when you least expect it.
Hemilepidotus HemilepidotusRed Irish Lords are colorful bottom-dwellers from the sculpin family that make ice fishing interesting with their vibrant reds, browns, and yellows. These camouflage masters average about 12 inches but can reach 20 inches and over 3 pounds. They hide in rocky areas and around structures, perfectly still until a crab or shrimp gets too close, then snap! You'll find them in shallow waters down to about 165 feet, and winter is actually prime time since that's their spawning season. Guests love targeting them because they're beautiful, fight harder than you'd expect for their size, and make decent table fare. Here's the trick: once you feel that tap, don't jerk the rod - let your bait sit there and wait for them to fully commit before setting the hook.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon aren't your typical ice fishing target since they're anadromous and head to the ocean, but you might encounter some landlocked kokanee in deeper lakes. These silver-sided fish average 4-15 pounds and turn that famous bright red color during spawning. They're incredible fighters for their size and will test your gear with long runs and jumps. The meat is what really gets people excited - deep red, rich, and oily with amazing flavor that beats anything from the store. While our winter ice trips focus on cod and flounder, if you're here during summer months, the Kenai River system is world-famous for sockeye runs. Pro tip: when targeting any salmon, keep your flies or lures at mouth level and match the water conditions - smaller presentations work better in clear, low water.
Alaska