Salmon Run Lodge

Salmon Run Lodge is not just a lodge; it is an entire fishing outfit. The lodge sits next to a general store; that is also a huge convenience as everything in Cooper Landing is a drive. They have an outstanding fish processing business and speaking from first-hand knowledge, I could not have asked for better service. Rodney is the owner, and he takes good care of all of his customers, whether you stay here or not.

They offer a variety of rooms such as cabins with multiple beds. Expect electricity 24-7, hot water, and TV. Are these the ritziest rooms? No, in fact, they are rustic, but they offer a lot of comfort and everything that fishermen needs for a fishing base. Let me tell you, fishing here starts early so you do not spend a lot of time in your rooms. If you are Halibut Fishing out of Homer, your day starts at 4 am. If you are salmon fishing, your day starts as early as 5 am. If you are not fishing with a guide, then its combat fishing and you want to get up and find a spot on the river as soon as it is light outside. I cannot find a fault with staying here, especially since you can find shelter here for as little as $40 a night, there are more exclusive cabins too.

There are a lot of guides available, and you should ask about booking a guide when you set up your reservation. We used Alaska Clearwater Fishing and loved them. This is the epicenter for fishing. There are King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Silver Salmon, Pink Salmon ( on even years) and Chum Salmon. There are also trophy sized - 30" Rainbow Trout, and some pretty good sized Dolly Varden.

A good guide knows where the fish are. This is the Upper Kenai, so the fish run dates are just different from those posted on the Alaska Fish and Game site and other lodge sites. My best advice is to ask your guide. The guides know where the King Salmon spawning beds are and when fishing there the Kind Season is closed, but this is where you find the 30" Rainbows. The Sockeye run is insanely large. I can tell you a million or two million fish, but it will not sink in until they are swimming by your ankles. There is a ton of fishing to be had here, and Salmon Run Lodge is just the place to make your fishing base.