Chuck Thomas Sportfishing has been guiding on the Kenai River for over two decades. The Kenai Peninsula is home to the Kenai River and the scenic town of Homer. You can customize your fishing package to include as many salmon and halibut fishing days as you like or add a fly-out day.
If you want a guide service's expertise during the day and no set evening agenda, consider a trip with Chuck Thomas.
After a day of guided fishing, you can head over to the Soldotna River Walk for some self-guided sockeye fishing. You are on your own in the evenings. Several package options are available, and all ages and skill levels are welcome. Each booking has exclusive use of the cabin. A minimum of four is required in July and August (peak season). In May, June, and September, only one angler is required per booking.
Silver Salmon: Silver salmon (coho) begin entering the Kenai River in late July to early August, with peak fishing typically occurring from mid-August through September. Smaller numbers may continue into early October, depending on conditions.
Sockeye Salmon: Sockeye salmon enter the Kenai in early July, with peak numbers through late July. The run generally continues into early to mid-August. Some people consider sockeye to be the best-tasting salmon.
Kasilof River: You can also arrange to fish the Kasilof River, a small, drift-boat-only river. The river has a notable run of silvers in August.
The Fishing Program
Season: The fishing season runs from May through September. Group Size: During July and August, which is peak season, a minimum of four anglers is required per booking. Up to four anglers can go on a river boat, and up to six anglers can go on an ocean charter boat. In May, June, and September, one guest may book the cabin exclusively. Customize your package: Each package usually includes at least one day trip to Cook Inlet for halibut fishing. Guided Hours: Trips are from six to eight hours each day. Guides: The guides are career professionals, each averaging over 20 years of fishing experience in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Equipment: The package includes the use of spin fishing gear, tackle, and all bait. Fly anglers need to bring their own equipment. Fishing License: Your Alaska fishing license is not included in the package; $45. Fish Care: Complimentary fish care is provided. Your fish is cleaned, filleted, vacuum-packed, frozen, and packed in airline-approved fish boxes, with up to 50 pounds per box. Lunch: Please bring your own lunch, snacks, and beverages for the boat. An ice chest and cooler are provided on the boats.
Kenai River Fishing Days: Meet your guide at the river at 6:00 a.m., a five- to 10-minute drive from the cabin. You'll fish from 20-foot open jet sleds with 50 HP outboard motors. Up to four anglers per guide. Depending on the season, you’ll fish for sockeye or silvers. In even-numbered years, you can also fish for pink salmon beginning in late July.
Halibut Fishing Days
Halibut Charters: If desired, packages include a one day halibut fishing trip aboard a 30- to 32-foot saltwater cruiser with covered cabins. The boats can accommodate up to six anglers, plus the Captain and deckhand. You will need to drive your rental car to Homer, a 70-mile, 1-hour 45-minute drive. Halibut fishing runs from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You'll fish for Pacific halibut, which average 18 to 22 pounds. These chicken-sized halibut are the best eating. You may also catch barndoor-sized halibut weighing up to 400 pounds. You will return to the cabin around 4:15 p.m.
The Three-Bedroom Cabin
Your home base is Soldotna, Alaska (pop. 4,163). You’ll stay in a private three-bedroom cabin just five minutes from town, featuring six twin beds and 2.5 bathrooms. Amenities include a flat-screen TV with live streaming, an on-site washer and dryer, and chest freezers in the garage to store your catch. No groups are mixed at the Lodge.
Kitchen at the Lodge
Meals:Meals are not included in the package; however, the cabin features a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, gas range, and microwave. You can cook your own meals or dine in town. A wide variety of restaurants is available, along with a Safeway and a Walmart. Communications: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the cabin. Cell service generally works well, allowing guests to share their phone's data with other devices if needed.
Living Room
Bedroom at the Cabin
Getting to Soldotna, Alaska:
You'll fly to Anchorage, Alaska — Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. From Anchorage, you have two options to get to the Lodge in Soldotna, Alaska. 1.) You can rent a vehicle in Anchorage and drive the scenic Seward Highway to Soldotna, a 2.5-hour drive. 2.) You can fly from Anchorage to the Kenai Municipal Airport (a 20-minute flight), rent a vehicle, and drive 10 minutes to Soldotna.
Ground Transportation: You will need a rental car. On river fishing days, the river is about a five- to 10-minute drive from the cabin. On your halibut fishing day, you will need to drive 70 miles from Soldotna to the marina in Cook Inlet. Due to high demand, you must reserve a rental car as soon as you schedule your trip.
2027 USD Rates
You can customize your package. A minimum of four is required in July and August (peak season). In May, June, and September, only one angler is required per booking. 4 nights / 3 days guided fishing $2,645 per person
(2 days salmon fishing & 1 day halibut fishing)
6 nights / 5 days guided fishing $3,545 per person
(4 days salmon fishing & 1 day halibut fishing)
Halibut Combo Charter: Fish for halibut, ling cod, and rockfish. Add $400 p.p. per day to your package.
• Lodging, two guests per room • Wi-Fi access in the cabin • Guided fishing • Use of spin gear, tackle, and all bait • Vacuum-packaged fish care • Airline-approved fish boxes
The Packages Do Not Include:
• Airfare to and from Anchorage or Kenai • Car rental for the week from Anchorage or Kenai • Ground transfers from the cabin to the fishing • No meals are provided. • Sack lunches for the boat • Alcohol • 3% Kenai Sales Tax on the total package • Alaska fishing license, $45 • Gratuities for guides and staff • Global Rescue coverage • Travel insurance • Anything not listed under inclusions
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Chuck Thomas Sportfishing Policies:
Deposit Policy:
50% of the total is due upon reservation. The final payment is due 90-days prior to arrival. Reservations made less than 90-days prior to arrival must be paid in full.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made 90-days prior to arrival receive a full refund less 10% service fee. Cancellations made 60-days prior to arrival receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made 30-days prior to arrival receive a 25% refund, and any cancellation made less than 30-days prior to arrival is non-refundable.
Travel Insurance: Fishing with Larry strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage and Global Rescue medical evacuation. Visit our Travel Insurance page.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options: 1.) Credit Card: A 2.5% convenience fee applies for all credit card transactions. 2.) Check: Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019. 3.) Wire Transfer: Send money electronically. Typical fees are approximately $15–$30 for domestic transfers and $45–$50 for international transfers. Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions. 4. Please review our Travel Terms & Disclaimers prior to submitting your deposit.
