What to Pack for a Week of Fishing on the Kenai

Pack light, but pack smart. The weather on the Kenai Peninsula changes through the day, and a fishing week can include a river morning, an open-water halibut day and a quiet evening on the deck of your cabin. This list comes from what we ask our guests to bring, with a few notes from the dock.

Layers beat one big coat

As a rule, our mornings are cool, it warms up by mid-day and the evenings are very comfortable. The early trips call for the most clothing. Rain can drop the temperature by about 15 degrees, and we fish rain or shine, so think in layers you can add and shed.

• A medium weight jacket or polar fleece top.
• Light gloves and a stocking hat or earmuffs for early morning trips.
• A ball cap, flannel shirts, jeans and sweatshirts.
• A rain suit you trust.

Rain gear is worth some thought

Good rain gear makes the whole trip better. We keep loaner rain gear at the lodge, but loaners are loaners, so if you are buying your own, look for lightweight all rubber gear with sealed seams. On a wet morning it is the first thing you will reach for.

Eyes, feet and stomach

Bring sunglasses, and make them polarized if you can. Polarized lenses cut the glare so you can see into the water, which helps on the river and makes a bright day on the ocean easier on your eyes.

For your feet, bring hiking-type boots or knee-high rubber boots. We have a limited supply of rubber boots at the lodge, but do not count on your size being there.

If you will be fishing saltwater, think about Dramamine or Bonine, and talk to your physician about scopolamine patches. Seasickness medicine works best when you take it before you leave the dock, not after the boat starts to roll.

Waders: what changed in 2026

Starting in 2026, you need your own hip waders for self bank fishing. We will have knee-high boots on hand, and you can buy waders at Trustworthy Hardware, Fred Meyer or Walmart. Many of our guests buy hip boots locally for under $65 and leave them behind rather than pack them home.

Guided trips are a different story. We provide waders for all guided river charters, and the package includes premium Simms waders for guided bank fishing charters. All fishing gear is provided for guided charters as well.

Your day bag

Carry a small backpack or shoulder bag for your gear, lunch and a drink. Pack a few zip lock bags to keep your valuables dry, since not every day is a perfect one. We suggest a packed lunch and drinks for every charter, and we have coolers at the lodge for your use. Guided charters run 6 to 8 hours, weather permitting, so bring enough to eat.

If you plan to fish on your own

Plenty of guests fish the property in the evening after a guided trip. We keep limited gear and nets on hand, and a good rod and reel can be rented at the office for $25 for the week with a $100 deposit for damages. Terminal tackle is not included but is inexpensive. If you plan to fish independently, these items are worth bringing:

• For sockeye: needle-nose pliers, split shot, 2/0 salmon hooks, line cutters, ball bearing swivels and a knife for bleeding your fish. You can also buy Kenai River sockeye setups locally.
• For pinks and silvers: bright colored Blue Fox and Mepps spinners.
• Trustworthy Hardware and Sportsmen's Warehouse are both close to the lodge if you forget something.

Your Alaska fishing license

Anyone 16 or older needs an Alaska fishing license, which covers both fresh and saltwater. Options are one, three, seven or fourteen days, and a license can only be bought online at www.adfg.alaska.gov. Buy it before you leave home, print it and sign it, then take a photo with your phone in case the paper gets lost or wet.

What we already have for you

You do not need to haul a duffel full of toiletries. Towels, soap, shampoo and hairdryers are provided, and cabins come with linens, bedding and kitchen utensils. There is coin-operated laundry on property, so pack light and wash after housekeeping finishes. The office has wifi, though with heavy use you may prefer your phone's hotspot.

Not sure about something on your list? Call us at 1-800-625-2324 and we will talk it through.