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Fishing the Cook Inlet - Best Fishing Options & Top Rated Fishing Charters & Guides


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Cook Inlet is a saltwater body of water that stretches from around the Shuyak Island area past Anchorage and ends near the towns of Wasilla and Palmer, where the Knik River joins Cook Inlet. The area is remarkably beautiful and one of the most heavily visited areas for fishing and outdoor recreation.

Cook Inlet is surrounded by Parks and National forests, including Chugach State Park, the beautiful Chigmit Mountains, and their fantastic volcanoes as well as the Kenai Mountains. Near the seaward beginning of Cook Inlet is Kachemak Bay State Park, the McNeil River Game Range, Katmai National Park and Preserve, and Shuyak Island State Park. All of these destinations offer world-class fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and outdoor recreation, including glaciers, whales, and trophy fish.

View of the Cook Inlet near Homer, Alaska
View of the Cook Inlet near Homer, Alaska

Why Visit the Cook Inlet Area?

The southeastern side of Cook Inlet is home to the Kenai Peninsula and small towns that dot the landscape. The area is easily accessible by car from Anchorage, and several cities have commuter airports make traveling from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula easy. People flood into the Kenai Peninsula each summer to stay at Homer, Anchor Point, Ninilchik, Soldotna, and Kenai, all of which are either along the shores of Cook Inlet or just slightly inland.

Each of these towns is a world-famous fishing destination. Still, many also offer a range of outdoor activities, including whale-watching cruises, glacier viewing/hiking, bear viewing, beach boat launching, hiking, biking, and miles of beachcombing. Some offer festivals and many are open year-round for fishing and winter outdoor activities such as snow machining.

There is a beautiful range of lodging from RV parks and state-run campgrounds to remote cabins, five-star fishing lodges, vacation rentals, and resorts. The bigger towns, such as Homer and Soldotna, have grocery stores while the fishing lodges offer their guests chef-prepared meals.

On the Northwest side of Cook Inlet are the wildlands with few access points other than bush planes and seaplanes. Even there, you will find world-class fishing lodges. Activities on the Northwest side of Cook Inlet include Bear viewing and hiking, glacier viewing, backpacking, flyout fishing for Salmon, and Trophy Rainbow Trout.

With so much to do and so many places to visit and world-class fishing, it is little wonder that so many people visit the Cook Inlet Area each summer.

Why Fish the Cook Inlet Area?

Visitors to the Cook Inlet have so many options for fishing that there are few reasons not to fish Cook Inlet. First, you have access to fantastic saltwater fisheries and access to amazingly famous freshwater rivers, such as the Kenai River. You also have access to all five species of the Pacific Salmon - King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Silver Salmon, Chum Salmon, and Pink Salmon in saltwater settings and most freshwater rivers. In addition to Salmon Fishing is the incredible Halibut fishing here too. Homer, for example, is the Halibut Capital of the World.

The primary targets when fishing the Cook Inlet are King Salmon, Silver Salmon & Halibut. In additional to Salmon & Halibut you are likely to pick up a few Lingcod & Rockfish along the way as well which. Some trips will target a particular species like a Halibut or Salmon only trip while others are combo trips targeting all of the above.

This is not something you do yourself…the best way to experience a Cook Inlet fishing adventure is aboard a Charter Fishing boat with an experienced boat captain. They can help you pick the right trip for you whether you’re just looking for some consistent action or you’re looking to go for a huge halibut. Some trips also stay closer than others so be sure to ask questions to make sure you book the right trip for your group. There are plenty of quality charters to choose from as this is one of the best areas in Alaska for a saltwater fishing charter.

When fishing the Cook Inlet unless you are just doing a single day charter & moving on you'll likely be staying at one of the seaside towns along the shores of the Cook Inlet so you will have access to fantastic freshwater fishing on the Kenai Peninsula as well. For freshwater fishing, there are guided and self-guided opportunities. Rivers like the Kenai River, Kasilof River & Russian River have excellent runs of salmon and residential populations of Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden.

There are so many fishing opportunities here that people come year-after-year and still discover new fishing adventures.


Top Rated Cook Inlet Fishing Charters & Lodges

Salmon Catcher Fishing Lodge
Salmon Catcher Fishing Lodge
Experience a fully guided fishing & adventure trip in one of the Kenai Peninsula’s premier fishing lodges offering outdoorsmen and families luxury accommodations in the finest handcrafted spruce log cabins
126 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Soldotna B&B Trophy Lodge
Soldotna B&B Trophy Lodge
Top Rated Alaska Fishing & Adventure Lodge | Whether you are looking to fish, canoe, hike or just enjoy Alaska, we have packages for you.
250 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $400 to $499 Per Person
Package: Fly Fishermen's Focus
Package: Everything But the Kenai Sink
Jimmie Jack's 'Original' Alaska Lodge
Jimmie Jack's 'Original' Alaska Lodge
All-Inclusive Top Quality Guided Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing Trips | Expect a High Quality Experience Both On & Off the Water at an Affordable Price!
321 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,000 to $4,500 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Package: Signature Seven Package - June/July/Aug/Sept
Package: Big River Combo Package - July
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Affordable Kenai Peninsula Fishing & Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Kasilof River, Cook Inlet & Fly-In Fishing Options
71 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $500 to $1,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Current Special: 4-Day Salmon & Halibut 'Captain's Special' Package (August & Sept)
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
Top-Rated Fishing Guides & Affordable Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Cook Inlet & Remote-Fly Out Fishing
109 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $500 to $599 Per Person
Jimmie Jack's Alaska SeaScape Lodge
Jimmie Jack's Alaska SeaScape Lodge
All-Inclusive Fishing Trips Combined with Five-Star Luxury Accommodations | Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing & Fly-Out Fishing Options along with Fine Dining, Wine & Drinks When You Get Back!
81 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $5,000 to $5,500 Per Person
Package: SeaScape All Inclusive Package
Alaska Ocean Pros
Alaska Ocean Pros
52 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person
Alaska Fishing & Lodging
Alaska Fishing & Lodging
118 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
O'fish'ial Charters
O'fish'ial Charters
149 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
Inlet Charters
Inlet Charters
105 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Angler's Lodge
Angler's Lodge
70 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Kenai Wild Fishing
Kenai Wild Fishing
46 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Captain Bligh's Lodge & Guide Service
Captain Bligh's Lodge & Guide Service
2 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $150 to $199 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
North Country Charters
North Country Charters
297 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Gotta Fish Charters
Gotta Fish Charters
48 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Discover Alaskan Adventures
Discover Alaskan Adventures
35 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Soaring Eagle Fishing & Adventures
Soaring Eagle Fishing & Adventures
114 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Kodiak Wilderness Adventures
Kodiak Wilderness Adventures
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Silver Fox Charters
Silver Fox Charters
37 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Ninilchik Charters
Ninilchik Charters
809 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaska Northern Outfitters
Alaska Northern Outfitters
169 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Kenai Riverbend Resort
Kenai Riverbend Resort
54 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Denise Lake Lodge
Denise Lake Lodge
23 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Deep Creek Fishing Club
Deep Creek Fishing Club
33 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Crooked Creek Retreat
Crooked Creek Retreat
81 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Reel Salty Fishing Charters
Reel Salty Fishing Charters
25 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaskan Widespread Fishing Adventures
Alaskan Widespread Fishing Adventures
126 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Afishunt Charters
Afishunt Charters
69 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
Manns Charter Service
Manns Charter Service
246 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person
Eric Loomis Fishing
Eric Loomis Fishing
11 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Reel 'Em Inn - Cook Inlet Charters
Reel 'Em Inn - Cook Inlet Charters
41 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Seldovia Fishing Adventures
Seldovia Fishing Adventures
43 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person
Central Charters & Tours
Central Charters & Tours
137 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person

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