Alaska Fishing Charters: Early Season Package
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevennight Alaska fishing package includes river and saltwater tripsTargets salmon, halibut, and trout with flyin aircraft accessBased in Kenai with local expertise and changing seasonal conditions
You know that feeling when the ice finally breaks and the fish start moving? That's what this 7-night package is all about. Running from May 19 to June 2, this is prime time for getting on some serious fish before the crowds show up. Based right here in Kenai, we've put together three river trips, one deep sea saltwater outing, and a fly-in adventure that'll get you into spots most folks never see. You're looking at solo fishing at its finest – just you, your guide, and whatever Alaska decides to throw at you that day.
This package hits all the right notes for serious anglers. Your river trips focus on early season salmon runs and resident trout that haven't seen much pressure yet. The timing here is key – late May into early June means you're fishing during some of the most productive periods before peak season kicks in. Your saltwater trip takes you out into Cook Inlet where the halibut are hungry and the salmon are staging. The fly-in component? That's where things get really interesting. We're talking about remote lakes and streams where you might be the only angler for miles. Each day brings different water, different techniques, and different opportunities. Weather can change fast this time of year, so flexibility is part of the game plan.
River fishing this time of year means adapting to water conditions that change daily. We're talking spinning gear for versatility, with everything from small spinners for trout to larger presentations for salmon. Drift fishing, back-bouncing, and casting hardware are all in play depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. Your saltwater day involves trolling for salmon and bottom fishing for halibut – completely different gear and approach. We provide all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but if you've got favorites, bring them along. The fly-in trips open up everything from lake trolling to stream fishing, depending on where we decide to go. Water temperature, clarity, and fish activity all factor into daily decisions about technique and location.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Alaska fishing for good reason. These fish can push 30, 40, even 50 pounds, and they fight like nothing else in fresh water. Late May is prime time for early Chinook runs on the Kenai system. They're moving through the river mouth and starting to stage in deeper holes. What makes Chinook fishing special is the power – these fish will test your gear and your patience. They're notorious for long, powerful runs and stubborn fights that can last 20 minutes or more. The meat quality is outstanding, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a genuine Alaska king salmon.
Pacific halibut fishing in Cook Inlet during late May means targeting fish that have been feeding hard after winter. These flatfish can range from 20-pound "chickens" perfect for the table up to barn doors pushing 100 pounds or more. Halibut fishing is all about patience and technique – feeling the bottom, working your bait properly, and recognizing when something big picks it up. What anglers love about halibut is the surprise factor. You never know if that tap on the bottom is a 25-pounder or something that'll take half an hour to get to the surface. The meat is some of the best eating in the ocean.
Coho salmon, or silvers, are just starting to show up in decent numbers by early June. These fish are pure energy – they jump, run, and generally put on a show that makes them a favorite among sport fishers. Coho in the 8 to 15-pound range are common, and they're aggressive enough to hit a variety of presentations. What sets them apart is their acrobatic ability once hooked. They'll clear the water multiple times, strip line on blistering runs, and keep fighting right up to the net. For eating, they're hard to beat, and their fighting spirit makes every hookup exciting.
Early season fishing in Alaska is all about timing and local knowledge. This package combines the best of what Kenai has to offer during one of the most productive periods of the year. You're getting variety, quality fishing, and access to spots that produce consistently when conditions are right. The single-angler format means personalized attention and the ability to adjust plans based on what's working each day. With only two weeks of this specific package timing, spots fill up with repeat clients who know what late May and early June can deliver. If you're serious about Alaska fishing and want to experience it before the peak season rush, this is your window.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our custom 20'6" RiverWolf Alaskan SideDrifter, built specifically for Alaska's challenging waters. This sturdy motorboat handles the Kenai River's currents with ease while giving you plenty of room to land those prized salmon and trout. The boat's design maximizes fishing space and stability, perfect for casting lines and fighting fish in Alaska's unpredictable conditions. Whether you're drifting downstream or holding position in prime fishing spots, this reliable vessel gets you where the fish are biting. With comfortable seating and ample gear storage, you'll have everything needed for successful days on the water during prime early season fishing from mid-May through early June.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Alaska waters, typically running 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These silver-sided beauties with black-spotted backs prefer deeper, cooler water and tend to hug the bottom during bright daylight hours. Late May through early June is prime time here in Kenai - they're fresh from the ocean and fighting hard. What makes kings special is their incredible strength and that rich, red meat that's perfect for the grill. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are your best shots. My go-to tip: use heavier tackle than you think you need and keep your bait near the bottom with plenty of weight. These fish will test every knot you've tied.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of Alaska fishing - these 8-12 pound fighters will jump clear out of the water and put on a real show. They love cooler river mouths and estuaries, often holding in deeper pools or around structure like logs and boulders. Late May into June is fantastic timing as they're staging before their spawning runs. What makes cohos special is their aerial displays and that bright orange meat that tastes amazing smoked or grilled. They can leap 6 feet vertically, so keep your drag smooth and rod tip up. In our Kenai waters, I like swinging bright spinners through the deeper runs or twitching jigs in the holding water. Pink and chartreuse work great in our glacial conditions.
Hippoglossus StenolepisPacific halibut are the barn doors of the deep - these flatfish can stretch 6+ feet and weigh over 200 pounds, though most we catch run 20-80 pounds. They live on sandy bottoms in 150-400 feet of water, lying flat and ambushing prey that swims overhead. Summer months are best when they move into shallower feeding areas. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know if you're into a "chicken" or a real monster. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. Here's the trick: once you feel bottom, lift your rod tip 2-3 feet and hold it there. Halibut hit from below, so keep that bait dancing just off the sea floor. Patience pays off with these giants.
Soldotna, AK