1. What is the best way to get to the Kenai lodge?
- Scenic Drive: Usually our guests fly to Anchorage, rent a car and drive about 150 miles along the scenic Seward Highway. Allow approx 3 hours drive time from the Anchorage Airport to your final destination at our lodges. Rental Car prices In Anchorage can be expensive so shop around. A local, off airport company (no airport tax) is High Country Car and Truck Rental, and they will discount for Russell Fishing guests. You will also get personal customer service. Call Randy at 907-562-8078 or 888-685-1155 and mention Russell Fishing instead of booking on line. Another option is to rent through Alaska Car and Van Rental (Lee) 907-243-4444. After you book with us, we will give you a code number for a 10% discount.
- Fly across Cook Inlet: Fly Era or Grant Aviation to the Kenai Airport (20-minute flight), rent a car for the10 minute drive to Alaska Hooksetters
- See driving directions for both options.
2. Are the insects bad?
The Kenai Peninsula is ones of the driest areas of the state, so there is usually no significant issue. However, you may need some insect repellent on some of the fly out or hike in excursions.
3. What should I pack for my Alaska Vacation? What arrangements do I need to make?
See our What to Pack page for a list of what you should bring. We provide chest waders, rain gear, rods, reels, tackle, safety vests and everything else that you will need for your stay, so pack light . The only arrangements you make on your own are air fare, and rental car (check with us for best deals) . Your fishing license is not pre-paid but can be purchased at our lodge. We supply your non-alcoholic refreshments and there is a nearby store that will sell you beer, wine and liquor. Tips for the guides and lodge staff are at your discretion.
4. What are the daily fish limits?
Fish limits vary by season and by river, but here is a general guide:
- Two Halibut per day
- Two or Three Silvers per day (depending on the month)
- Three Red Salmon per day (increased to six in good years)
- One King Salmon per day and two Kings per year from the Kenai River
- One or two Kings per day from the Kasilof River depending on the season
- We encourage catch and release for Trout on the Kenai River
5. How do I get my fish home?
We handle it all. Your fillets will be vacuum sealed and frozen, then packed in a box that stays frozen for 24+ hours. We suggest you check this box as airline baggage. Tanner Processing will deliver your fish to your door after they process. For an additional charge they will smoke, and ship your fish FedEx anywhere
6. Do you cater to any particular type of groups?
At Alaska Hooksetters Lodge any and all are welcome - families, couples, corporations, generations, fishing buddies . . . you name it. We encourage fisherman and non-fisherman alike to enjoy our facility. We cater to your comforts. Private cabins and rooms with no shared baths. NO BUNKBEDS HERE!
7. What is the best season to visit the Kenai Peninsula?
The type of fish, the hours of daylight, fly-in adventure or quiet and solitude, excitement and variety; these are the considerations that will dictate your best choice . . . it's your call, and we have all the packages to suit your needs
8. What is the weather typically like on the Kenai Peninsula?
Its Alaska so it changes regularly. You can expect temps from 55 to 75 and occasional rain..but remember the midnight sun!. We recommend that guests bring layers of clothes and prepare accordingly (see what to pack)
9. What types of boats are used? And how many people are fished?
- Power Boats on the Kenai River are 20ft aluminum fishing machines (the max allowed by regulations) with and customized for the Kenai River. They are equipped with 50hp motors allowed by regulations and with all safety and fishing equipment. 4 people per boat are allowed and comfortable
- Drift Boats are 17-20ft aluminum and seat 4 people comfortably for salmon fishing. Uniquely, we try to limit our trout fishing charters to 2-3 people per charter
- Our Saltwater Boat is a fast 28ft Koffler with a heated cabin that accommodates 6 people comfortably and safely
10. Are you set up for novice or expert, fisherman or non-fisherman?
All . . . Absolutely. Our guides are highly trained and skilled in service. They are also experienced in instruction for conventional, spin and fly fishing.
11. What specifically is there for the non–fisherman?
A Lot!
- Hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, birding, canoeing
- Wildlife viewing on your own or with a guide
- Fly-in adventures
- Sightseeing galore- Kenai’s Beaches, Cook Inlet, Resurrection Bay, Seward, Cooper Landing, Hope AK, Seward, Homer, Whittier, State Parks, Wildlife Refuge…..now you need to stay 2 weeks
13. What is your deposit/cancellation policy?
A 50% deposit is required to book the reservation with your balance due 60 days before you arrive. Alaska Hooksetters Lodge accepts all credit cards, Paypal and checks.
A refund of any payments less a 10% cancellation fee will be made on reservations cancelled more than 60 days from arrival date. A 50 % refund will be provided on reservations canceled within 30-59 days from the date of arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment.
A refund of any payments less a 10% cancellation fee will be made on reservations cancelled more than 60 days from arrival date. A 50 % refund will be provided on reservations canceled within 30-59 days from the date of arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment.
Alaska Hooksetters Lodge
