Frequently Asked Questions

All you need to bring is your valid Alaska sport fishing license (purchased online before departure), weather-appropriate synthetic or wool layers, high-grade waterproof rain jacket and pants, and polarized sunglasses (essential for seeing river current seams and salmon). We provide all custom G.Loomis rods, Shimano reels, terminal tackle, bait, boat, and USCG certified life jackets.

Yes. All anglers aged 16 and older must purchase an Alaska sport fishing license online from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) or at local retailers in Soldotna prior to boarding. If targeting King Salmon during open seasons, an additional King Salmon stamp is required. Non-residents can purchase 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, or annual licenses.

Yes! If the targeted salmon species is in season and within legal ADF&G harvest limits (typically 3–6 sockeye or 2–3 silvers per day), you are welcome to keep your catch. Rainbow trout on the Kenai and Kasilof are strictly catch-and-release to preserve world-class trophy genetics.

Mikey bleeds, cleans, fillets, and bags all your edible salmon in heavy-duty fish bags at the boat ramp complimentary. In Soldotna, several premium fish processors (such as Echo Lake Meats or Kenai River Seafoods) will vacuum-seal, flash-freeze, pack into insulated airline-approved wax boxes, and either ship via FedEx Overnight or have it frozen solid for your airline baggage.

A 50% deposit confirms and locks your charter dates on our calendar after Mikey verifies river tides. Trips cancelled 30+ days prior receive a full refund minus a 5% handling fee. In the rare event of hazardous weather, unsafe river flows, or emergency ADF&G emergency fishery closures, we will offer to reschedule or provide a 100% refund.

We fish rain or shine! Coastal Alaskan weather is famous for rapid shifts—some of our most productive salmon days happen during overcast drizzle. In the event of dangerous river conditions or gale warnings, Captain Mikey prioritizes your safety above all else and will reschedule or refund.

Absolutely! Mikey was raised on the Kenai and takes pride in coaching families, beginners, and young anglers. Our half-day Kenai River sockeye trips are especially popular for kids because the action is fast-paced, high-energy, and builds unforgettable confidence.

Because we follow the moving runs of salmon, exact launch coordinates (Centennial Park, Pillars Boat Launch, Cunningham Park in Kenai, or the Kasilof River Lower Landing) will be texted or emailed to you 24–48 hours before your charter with driving directions.

We fish from top-of-the-line custom aluminum craft built specifically for Alaska: a 20-foot Willie Predator jet boat (with high-output Yamaha outboard and heated cab) for the Kenai, and an 18-foot Willie drift boat for motor-free wilderness solitude on the Kasilof. Tackle includes G.Loomis IMX-PRO rods and Shimano Curado & Stradic reels.

For our powerboat trips on the Kenai, knee-high rubber boots (like XTRATUF) paired with quality rain pants are ideal. If you own breathable chest waders with rubber-soled wading boots (felt soles are illegal in Alaska freshwater), you are welcome to wear them for gravel bar flossing.

Soldotna is approximately 145 miles south of Anchorage—a scenic 2.5 to 3 hour drive along the Seward and Sterling Highways through Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. Many guests also take a 25-minute commuter flight from Anchorage (ANC) into Kenai Municipal Airport (ENA) with Ravn Alaska or Grant Aviation.

Yes. In the Alaskan charter industry, guide gratuity typically ranges between 15% to 20% of the charter cost for excellent service, hands-on coaching, and filleting your catch. Tips can be given in cash or via digital transfer (Venmo).