One Week Fishing Trip on the Kenai Peninsula

If you’re mad about fishing, you’ll love this week-long itinerary that takes you to some of Southcentral Alaska’s most popular fishing destinations. You’ll fish for salmon in downtown Anchorage or alongside humpback whales near Seward, and angle for halibut at the terminus of the U.S. road system in Homer. 

Be sure to purchase your Alaska fishing license before you cast a line. A fishing license is required for visitors 16 years of age or older, and for residents between the age of 16 and 59. Licenses can be purchased online or at most sporting goods stores, groceries stores, and charter operators in Alaska. Prices vary according to length of stay and species fished.

Day 1: Anchorage

If you think you have to travel far to fish Alaska’s waters, think again! Ship Creek is one of the most unique fishing spots in existence, thanks to its location in downtown Anchorage. Collect your luggage, rent a car, and you can be casting flies for silver and king salmon within about 15 minutes of leaving the airport. Several downtown outfitters offer rental fishing equipment, including the hip or chest waders you’ll need to fend of Ship Creek’s notoriously muddy banks. Spend the night in one of Anchorage’s many hotels.

Day 2: Seward

Make the 125-mile drive south to the port community of Seward via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road. This famous stretch of road weaves along the dramatic Turnagain Arm coastline, offering expansive views of Cook Inlet and the snow-capped Chugach Mountains. Most fishing charters depart first thing in the morning, so you’ll spend today enjoying the drive and seeing some sights, with time to rest up for an early start tomorrow. Once you reach Seward, spend an hour or two at the Alaska SeaLife Center, a combination rehabilitation and research facility for marine wildlife, or hike out to Exit Glacier with your camera for a scenic photo op. Choose from a variety of quality lodging options, from hotels to bed and breakfasts to campgrounds.

Day 3: Seward

Get an early start for a full-day fishing charter from the busy Seward small boat harbor to fish for trophy salmon and halibut. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you fish: Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, a hot spot for viewing wildlife like humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, puffins, and more. 

If you’re in Seward in mid-August, make sure you buy a ticket for the Seward Silver Salmon Derby, which runs when the silver (coho) salmon runs are at their prime. Running since 1956, this derby is one of the oldest and largest in the state. There are dozens of prizes for catching tagged fish, including $10,000 for heaviest fish.

Day 4: Cooper Landing and Soldotna

From Seward, it’s a 95-mile drive to the inland fishing town of Soldotna. Along the way you’ll have a chance to stop in Cooper Landing, an outpost at the beginning of the world-famous Kenai River. Cooper Landing offers excellent guided fishing trips, scenic float trips, hiking, and horseback riding. If you want a less crowded fishing experience, stop and fish here. If you want access to more services, more guides, and a number of boardwalks and public fish walks that give independent anglers easier access to bank fishing, keep going to Soldotna and fish there. For any non-fishers in your party, the nearby Kenai National Wildlife Refuge offers family-friendly attractions and displays on the life cycles of salmon. Overnight in Cooper Landing or Soldotna. 

Day 5: Homer

From Soldotna, it’s another 75 highway miles south to the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," also known as Homer. Homer marks the western terminus of the contiguous U.S. road system and some of the best halibut fishing in the world. It’s also the gateway to the spectacular, remote Kachemak Bay State Park. Spend your afternoon exploring the 4.5-mile Homer Spit, a finger of land that juts into Kachemak Bay and is lined with locally owned art galleries, restaurants, and gift shops. Overnight for the next two nights in Homer.

Day 6: Homer

If you haven't had your fill of fishing, head out on a full-day fishing charter from Homer for halibut, salmon, rockfish, or lingcod. Or, rent a rod and reel from a local outfitter and cast a line from the banks of the Homer Spit lagoon, known by locals simply as the “the fishing hole.” Depending on the season, both king and silver salmon are plentiful here.

For other water-based activities, hire a water taxi to access great day hikes in nearby Kachemak Bay State Park, or take a small ferry to visit the picturesque coastal towns of Halibut Cove or Seldovia. Homer also has many sea kayaking outfitters, along with several wide, sandy beaches that are a pleasure to stroll, as long as you keep an eye on the fast-moving tides.

Day 7: Homer to Anchorage

It’s time to head back north. The 220-mile drive back to Anchorage along the Sterling and Seward highways usually takes about five hours, but leave yourself plenty of time to pull over and watch wildlife or take pictures of the dramatic scenery. Once in Anchorage, you can take advantage of the many big-city offerings, including a world-class Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and a number of fine shops and restaurants. Consider spending one more night here so you’ll be well-rested when you start your trip home.