Kenai Drift Anglers
Kenai River Fishing Charters & Alaska Fishing Trips
Welcome to Kenai Drift Anglers, your premier Kenai River fishing charters for unforgettable Alaska fishing trip. Based in Soldotna, Alaska, on the beautiful Kenai River, we specialize in guided fishing tours on the Kenai River and Kasilof River, offering top-notch experiences for salmon and trout fishing.
Unlike large Alaska fishing lodges with out-of-state guides, we are local Alaskan fishing experts with deep knowledge of Kenai River fishing and the best techniques for catching trophy fish. Whether you’re looking for a Kenai River charter, a family-friendly Alaska fishing trip, or an expert guided salmon fishing trip, we’ve got you covered. Join us for an authentic Alaska fishing adventure and discover why we are the go-to choice for guided salmon fishing on the Kenai and Kasilof River.
Local Kenai River Fishing Guide Authentic Alaska Fishing Trips
Owned and operated by Scotty Daletas, a year-round Alaskan resident based in Soldotna, we take pride in being a locally rooted guide service dedicated to providing authentic Alaska fishing trips. We believe your Alaska fishing trip deserves expert local guides who know these waters firsthand. As full-time Alaska residents, we are committed to supporting the local economy in Soldotna, Sterling, Kenai, Kasilof, Homer, and Seward, while also advocating for the sustainability of our fishery.
Scotty Daletas serves on the State of Alaska Fish and Game Advisory Council for Kenai and Soldotna, holding one of the three Kenai River guide seats on the board to help protect and preserve our fisheries. Our mission is to provide world-class Alaska fishing trips while ensuring the future of this incredible resource for generations to come.
Timing Your Alaska Fishing Trips with Kenai Drift Anglers
Kenai Drift Anglers offers guided fishing trips on the Kenai River and Kasilof River, home to some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska. The 2025 Upper Cook Inlet sockeye salmon run is forecasted at 6.93 million fish, making this an incredible year to experience the peak of the run. Whether you’re fishing the world-famous Kenai River or the scenic, drift-only Upper Kasilof River near Tustumena Lake, our expert Alaska fishing guides will put you in the right spots during prime fishing conditions.
Best Times to Fish the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers 2025 Alaska Fishing Season Guide
- May 16th Season Opener – Kasilof River King Salmon: The Lower Kasilof River opens for King Salmon fishing, offering an exciting opportunity to hook these powerful fish in a drift-only setting. Fishing in May in Alaska offers a peaceful and tranquil experience, providing a private setting on the river with fewer crowds and pristine natural beauty. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the serenity of the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, surrounded by stunning landscapes while targeting early-season King Salmon on the Kasilof River.
- June – A Hidden Gem for Early Season Fishing: We fish both the Upper Kasilof River near Tustumena Lake and the Lower Kasilof River for the Kasilof Sockeye Salmon Run, which begins in early June. This coincides with the Russian River Sockeye Salmon Run, which kicks off on the Kenai River in Soldotna around the same time. June is a great month of Alaskan fishing, with lighter crowds, great fishing, and a true Alaskan experience before peak crowds arrive.
- July – Peak Season & Busiest Month: July is the busiest month of the season, bringing incredible fishing action to both rivers. The Kasilof River remains strong for Sockeye Salmon, while the Kenai River Sockeye Run builds momentum, offering some of the largest Salmon runs of the season.
- August – Peak Kenai River Sockeye & Silver Salmon Arrive: Sockeye Salmon fishing is at its best on the Kenai River, with outstanding opportunities for anglers looking to catch limits of these prized fish. Silver Salmon (Coho) also begin to show up, providing exciting fishing that extends into fall.
- September & October – Silver Salmon Action & Fall Fishing: The Silver Salmon run peaks, offering aggressive, hard-fighting fish on both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. With fewer crowds and crisp fall weather, this is a prime time for those looking for an incredible fishing experience in Alaska.
Prime Fishing, All Season Long
The guided salmon fishing trips are endless, and at Kenai Drift Anglers, our goal is to exceed your expectations on every trip. We’re passionate about sharing the beauty of Alaska—our home—with you and ensuring your Alaska fishing trip is nothing short of incredible. Whether you’re looking for expert guidance from experienced Kenai River fishing guides, need local Alaska travel tips, or want to learn more about planning the perfect fishing adventure, we’re here to help. Even if you don’t book with us, we’re happy to answer any questions to make your next Alaska fishing experience unforgettable.
"Owned and Operated by Scotty Daletas – Local Alaska Fishing Guide on the Kenai Peninsula."
Why Kenai Drift Anglers?
Simply put, we catch a lot of fish.
Kenai Drift Anglers
Our fishing story
A TRUE ANGLING TEST
Kenai Drift Anglers, owned and operated by Scotty Daletas, is dedicated to making your next Alaska fishing trip an unforgettable experience. At Kenai Drift, we focus on the fish—period. We’re not a full-service lodge, but rather a full-service Kenai River and Kasilof River fishing guide service committed to providing expert guided salmon fishing trips.
We customize our Kenai River fishing charters and Kasilof River fishing trips to match your Alaska fishing goals, whether you’re targeting sockeye salmon, silver salmon, or trophy trout. Let us show you why Kenai Drift Anglers is a top-rated Alaska fishing guide service on the Kenai Peninsula, delivering the best guided salmon fishing experiences for salmon and trout.
Listen to Our Fishing Guest
Don’t just take our word for it, see what our fishing guests have to say. Hear firsthand from anglers who have experienced our Kenai River fishing charters and Alaska salmon fishing trips with Kenai Drift Anglers.
It Starts With The Fish
Which Alaskan fish will you target
Featured on
Alaska Fishing Trip Bucket List
King Salmon - Chinook Fishing
After all, we don’t call it the King Salmon for nothing. Also known as the Chinook salmon for our lower 48 friends. The King salmon is the largest of the Pacific Salmon, also the least abundant Pacific salmon.
It should be noted; the Kenai River and Kasilof River definitely have a lot of Alaska King salmon history. For the record, the Kenai River holds the World Record, for the largest King Salmon caught rod-n-reel, Les Anderson massive 97 pounder. In addition to the World Record, the Kenai River holds 7 of the top 10 largest King Salmon caught in the world.
Undoubtedly, your Alaska fishing trip for King Salmon on the Kenai River holds many accolades. Above all, why book Kenai Drift Anglers for your guided King salmon trip? First, it’s all about versatility for your Alaska fishing trips.
In fact, Kenai Drift Anglers guides both Kasilof River and the Kenai River. In addition, it gives our fishing guest more flexibility for their Alaska King Salmon charter. Secondly, it’s important to note we’re guiding everyday; Kenai Drift Anglers is dialed on all recent changes on King Salmon activity. Making sure you stay on top of the fish.
“We Back Up Our Fish Stories”
Alaska King Salmon guided fishing begins for Kenai Drift Anglers earlier than most guide services. We begin our Kasilof River King Salmon drift boat charters, May 15th. This is the Alaska experience, most guest don’t get to partake in, even local Alaskans.
The Kasilof river King fishing is an absolute riot! In fact, catching a Kasilof River King Salmon out of a drift boat is a once in a lifetime experience. The Kasilof River, First Run of King Salmon peaks mid-June and continues to the end of June. The Second Run King Salmon on the Kasilof River begins July 1st and the Alaska King Salmon season comes to an end July 31st.
Kenai River King Salmon season usually starts in July for us. Moreover, we find the Kasilof River more productive early season for King Salmon. However, in July or even late June we make the switch over to the Kenai River when the King Salmon fishing starts to improve.
With flexibility, expertise, and years of experience, our guided salmon fishing trips at Kenai Drift Anglers are committed to providing the ultimate Alaska fishing adventure for King Salmon.
$ 295 p/person
Sockeye Salmon - Red Fishing
As a local Alaskan resident, we choose to fill our freezers with fresh wild Kenai River Sockeye Salmon, also known as “Reds.” Your Alaska fishing trip without a doubt should include a Sockeye salmon charter or two, also better known as pound-for-pound the hardest fighting salmon in the world! Our wild Kenai River Sockeye salmon are highly flavorful, richly textured, Alaska delicacy.
In fact, Sockeye salmon eat more Plankton & Shrimp than any other salmon species, making Sockeye a popular salmon to eat, serve and target. Kenai River Sockeye salmon are a prized possession among world-famous sushi chiefs. More importantly, you can catch your Sockeye salmon on a Fly Rod or a Baitcaster, once hooked, you’ll understand why it’s no easy task landing these hard fighting Kenai River Sockeye salmon.
“Sockeye Salmon a Sushi Chief Favorite”
Kenai Drift Anglers guides the most location along the Kenai River & Kasilof River for Sockeye Salmon; you could say we follow the Sockeye run. In addition, we only fish the most productive stretches of Sockeye areas. We don’t have a Sockeye Salmon routine; we take our fishing guest to where the Sockeye are.
Usually, we start seeing Sockeye as early as the first week of June on the Kasilof River. Furthermore, the Kasilof River allows our June guest to be extremely productive for Sockeye salmon fishing. Each year, the Kasilof River averages 300,000-450,000 Sockeye a season. The Kasilof River Sockeye Run peaks, usually early-mid July.
The moment we report large amounts of Sockeye salmon moving into the Kenai River, which are headed for the Russian River, a tributary of the Kenai River, in Cooper Landing, we move our guest to the Kenai River. Along with exceptional Sockeye salmon fishing on the Kasilof River in June, the Kenai River “Early-Sockeye-Run” can be exceptional in June as well.
Furthermore, the Sockeye salmon Second Run also called the “Late-run,” is the most popular Sockeye Salmon run in the world. In fact, we start receiving Second Run Kenai River Sockeye Salmon in the start of July, which peaks usually the last two weeks of July and well into August!
“Largest Road Accessible Sockeye Run in the World”
In July at times, we see over 100,000 Sockeye Salmon per day. However, we have guest who book years in advance for these dates, however the Kenai River and Kasilof River truly provides quality Sockeye salmon fishing all season long. Kenai Drift Anglers 2019 Sockeye Salmon season on the Kenai River saw 1,849,054 Sockeye salmon between “July 1st – August 19th.”
Furthermore, that’s 37,000 Kenai River Sockeye salmon coming into the Kenai River daily. It should be noted, the areas we guide and obtain Sockeye Salmon permits to take our clientele to, we usually need to see around 20,000 Sockeye salmon per day, to provide our guest a limit of Sockeye Salmon! We can’t wait to take you Sockeye salmon fishing on your Alaska fishing trip.
$ 295 p/person
Pink Salmon - Humpback Fishing
Pink salmon, also known as Humpback or Humpies are the most abundant of the Pacific salmon. Even though Pink salmon are the smallest of the five species of salmon, they provide great fishing opportunities for all ages. In fact, kids absolutely love Pink salmon fishing; with an average size of 5-7lbs, is a large fish for a lot of people!
If you’re lucky enough to have your Alaska fishing trip fall on an even-year, you’re in for some great Alaska fishing opportunities. In fact, Pink Salmon literally flood both the Kenai River & Kasilof River in the millions beginning late-July.
We book a variety of Alaska Pink salmon trips on the Kenai River along with the Kasilof River combined with Silver salmon. With humpies returning every semi-annual year: 2020, 2022, 2024 etc. provides our guest with many Alaska fishing options.
“Pink Salmon Fun for the Entire Family”
When the Pink Salmon run becomes strong on the Kenai River in the middle of August, we routinely take Pink salmon fly-fishing trips. Surprisingly, there aren’t many salmon fisheries in the world where you can be a complete novice fly fisherman and catch one after another on the fly rod.
Believe it or not, Pink salmon are the most consumed salmon in the world; they taste great if caught while immediately entering the river. Luckily for our guest, when we want to retain Pink salmon, we take our clients down to the tidewater of the Lower Kenai River. This provides the highest quality Pink salmon fillets for our guest.
Truly, Pink Salmon have a huge impact to our Kenai River and Kasilof River fisheries. Firstly, they provide great tasting meat for our guest if caught in tidewater. Secondly, the limit usually is six Pink salmon per person, which is more than enough for many Alaska fishing trips. Thirdly, Pink Salmon create great catch and release options for fly fisherman, to catch a lot of fish and improve a skill!
“Alaska Fishing Trip of a Lifetime”
To summarize, Pink Salmon really provide that fun Alaska fishing experience many families are looking for. Kenai Drift Anglers educates our guest with similar techniques used for catching Silver salmon to target Pink salmon. Moreover, into the months of September and October on the Kenai River, Pink salmon start to spawn and slowly perish which means one thing to us Kenai River guides.
Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden fishing on the Kenai River greatly improves! When visiting us, think about a Pink salmon fishing experience for your next Alaska fishing trip!
$295 p/person
Silver Salmon - Coho Fishing
Kenai River Silver Salmon, also known as Coho Salmon are highflying acrobatic, thrilling salmon to catch on your Alaska Fishing trip. When Kenai Drift Anglers flips the calendar to August, it’s time for Silver salmon on the Kenai River & Kasilof River. Not only do we recommend the Kenai River guided Silver salmon fishery, but also the Kasilof River can boast, unbelievable Silver salmon fishing opportunities.
The Kenai River starts to see Silver salmon coming into the river, the 1st of August. This first run of Kenai River Silvers usually peaks the last two weeks of August. However, depending on each Silver salmon run, we guide on both the Lower Kenai River and Middle Kenai River, providing our guest the flexibility and best Silver fishing opportunities.
In addition, the Kasilof River also starts to get flooded with Kasilof River Silver salmon; we tailor our trips accordingly to what is fishing best for our guest. Not only do we see World-Class Silver Salmon fishing in the month of August, but also we use a variety of fishing techniques to target Silver Salmon on both the Kenai River and Kasilof River.
“Local Alaska Resident Fishing Guide”
As August passes, the month of September begins which means our fall-time Silver salmon fishery begins. Unlike the First-run Silver salmon, where we usually see the limit of two Silver salmon per person, per day, September increases the limit to three Silver salmon per person, per day on the Kenai River.
It’s important to note, our Second-run Silver Salmon along with the Alaska fall colors, makes the Kenai River truly a special place to be. In addition to the beautiful Alaska Silver salmon scenery, we have a variety of Alaska fishing options. One day, we can be bouncing eggs on the Kasilof River in just a few feet of water, to the next day casting spinners, Kwikfish, Bobber-doggin, fly fishing and back trolling on the Kenai River for Silver salmon.
Our Kenai River Silver salmon range from 8-15lbs, with silvers being caught over 15lbs. As guides on the Kenai River we truly look forward to sharing our Silver salmon fishing season with you. Along with the variety of fishing locations Kenai Drift Anglers can provide, too the array of knowledge we have on Silver salmon fishing techniques.
Without a doubt, if you get the opportunity to come to take a guided Silver salmon fishing trip with us in August, September or October we are here to make your Alaska fishing trip, the best fishing experience on the Kenai Peninsula.
$ 295 p/person
Rainbow Trout - Dolly Varden
It’s no surprise; the Kenai River is commonly overshadowed from the World-Class salmon fishing. Years ago, only the select die-hard rainbow trout fly fisherman knew about the Trophy Rainbow Trout, that call the Kenai River home.
Now, fast-forward to 2020, the Kenai River provides great Trout fishing to novice Fly fisherman to even advanced anglers. In fact, Kenai Drift Anglers offers Fly Fisherman and Spin Fisherman a unique Rainbow Trout experience tailored to all levels of anglers on their Alaska Fishing trip.
Why does the Kenai River hold so many Trophy Rainbow Trout & Dolly Varden? Simple, it begins with the Salmon. With all the salmon returning to the Kenai River in the summer, they slowly spawn and begin to perish, this is what the Rainbow Trout devour on, it’s pretty much a Steak and Egg buffet for our resident Rainbows.
“Trophy Rainbow Trout Fly Fishing”
The Kenai River Rainbow Trout fishery opens every year at 12:01 a.m. on June 11th below Skilak Lake. This is your opportunity to catch, Rainbow Trout & Arctic char/Dolly Varden in Alaska’s finest Trout fishery. First, it’s important to note, the Kenai River Trout fishery is broken into 3 areas along the 82 mile stretch of river: Upper Kenai Trout Fishing, Middle Kenai River Trout Fishing and Lower Kenai River Trout Fishing.
As we routinely guide all three areas, we’re regularly found fishing the Lower Kenai River & Middle Kenai River for Trout. We find the most success down in the lower sections of river, near Sterling, Soldotna and the town of Kenai. This is due to the bulk of the Salmon coming through this prestigious part of the Kenai River; also the use of powerboats makes running drifts efficiently for Trout.
Kenai Drift Anglers is setup with our Sponsor Streem Outdoors for our fly rods and Lamiglas Spin rods for Trout. Along with using light tackle, we also use only the highest quality gear on both Salmon & Trout trips.
Planning your Alaska fishing trip around the Kenai River Trout feeding season, not only do we recommend the months of August, September and October, but also Trout fishing is an all season event on the Kenai River with June and July providing great fishing opportunities. Moreover, the later months is the time, Salmon are actively spawning and really gets our Kenai River Trout hormones going.
“Kenai River Steak & Egg Buffet”
To summarize, we really do have a special Rainbow Trout fishery on the Kenai River. Along with the lengthy Trout season, it also allows great flexibility for all types of fisherman to catch a Kenai River Rainbow Trout on their Alaska fishing trip. Make sure when looking into a Alaska Trout trip, you keep in mind that local Alaska fishing guide knowledge goes along ways in your success out on the river. Here at Kenai Drift Anglers we can help with our local Kenai River fishing guide insight.
$295 p/person
Alaska Fly-Out Fishing Charter Plane
It’s no surprise the Kenai Peninsula is home to World-Class Salmon and Trout fishing on the Kenai River & Kasilof River. Furthermore, it’s truly just the beginning of your Alaska fishing trip.
Luckily for our guest, you’re just a 30-minute flight across the Cook Inlet to some unprecedented Alaska salmon fishing. We combine our freshwater-guided Kenai & Kasilof River trips with our Fly-out fishing trip options to Wolverine Creek, Crescent Lake, Big River Lakes, Bachtna River, Chuitna River, Kustatam and the Nushagak River.
The West Side of the Cook Inlet is home to the untouched prestigious land of Alaska you’ve only seen on T.V. or something out of a National Geographic Magazine. Sockeye salmon and bears frequent this area in June through July, while the Nushagak King Salmon run peaks in the last two weeks of June and the 1st week of July, seeing King salmon numbers nearly reach 100,000 a season.
“Experiences Alaskas Remote Wilderness”
Along with the great fishing opportunities the Kenai Peninsula offers, we love providing our clients the opportunity to see a part of Alaska many don’t get the chance to see. Many streams on the West Side of the Cook Inlet provide Silver salmon opportunities before the Kenai River & Kasilof River do. It’s not uncommon to see Silver salmon entering these streams in the last week of July through September. These Alaska Fly-out fishing trips provide ample opportunities to catch Silver salmon on the fly.
To summarize, imagine waking up to your own Turbine Otter or Beaver Plane just minutes away from takeoff to Alaska’s most untouched rivers. We have many customized options from the short Alaska Fly-out fishing trips to, as remote as your would like to get. From Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dollies, Grayling, Northern Pike to Bear Viewing. Reach out to Kenai Drift Anglers to plan your Alaska Fly Out fishing trip of a lifetime.
Price depends on destination*
Alaska Fishing Trips
Not All Boats Are Created Equal
Our boats are the most customized Willie boats in Alaska, built for comfort and performance. Our Kenai River fishing charters offer heated seats and walk-through seating to enhance your experience and maximize success. Whether you’re booking Alaska fishing trips or looking for the best guided salmon fishing, our fleet is designed to provide the ultimate fishing adventure.
Our Alaska Guide Fleet
Imagine a crisp early Alaskan morning, the anticipation building as your Alaska fishing trip begins. Start your day with fresh, locally brewed Alaskan coffee while settling into a heated seat on our Kenai River fishing charters or enjoying the warmth of a built-in propane heater on our Kasilof River drift boat charters. With two boats and access to both rivers, we offer the flexibility to fish where conditions are best, something not all Alaska fishing guides can provide.
The Kasilof River delivers a true wilderness experience, as motorized vessels are prohibited, allowing for a peaceful and scenic Alaska fishing adventure. Drifting down this untamed river is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska while targeting sockeye or king salmon.
The world-famous Kenai River is home to some of the best fishing in Alaska, offering the opportunity to battle some of the largest salmon in the world. Along with its legendary salmon runs, our custom-built Kenai River powerboat is designed for ultimate comfort and performance, providing a top-tier experience while you fight for the fish of a lifetime.
Kenai River Guided Salmon trips & Kasilof River Guided Salmon trips.
Kenai River Power Boat Charter
Kasilof River Drift Boat Charter
Kenai River Power Boat
Our Kenai River fishing boat is a work-horse, fully custom from bow to stern, we have designed this boat over the years to be hands down the most productive Salmon fishing boat on the Kenai River. Not only does our boat provide the room needed to land that big salmon or trout, but also the added comfort for whatever weather Alaska may throw at us. With the only heated seats on the water, we make sure that our guest stay warm.
Along with providing heated seats just as hot as your fishing experience, we’ve added special addition memory foam Willie seats and tons of storage for your gear. We can’t wait to share with you our Kenai River guide boat and show you difference of fishing with Kenai Drift Anglers.
Kasilof River Drift Boat
A Kasilof river guided trip is the fishing adventure that many Alaska travelers don’t get the opportunity to experience. Furthermore, most guest traveling to Alaska don’t get the opportunity to fish on a boat like this. We’ve added this drift boat to our Alaska fleet in 2020 and can’t wait to share it with you.
Our new Willies drift boat comes fully loaded with a built-in propane bow heater and even a bow pizza oven! All 19 feet of this boat is designed to be more productive for our Kasilof River King salmon and Silver salmon trip. The walk-thru design helps our guest have the extra room when for comfort and also landing that fish of a lifetime. Do yourself a favor and see why everyones talking about the Kasilof river guided fishing trips.