When you hear someone say they are going to Alaska on a guided salmon fishing trip, it's typically a guy going with a group of friends. At Kenai River Charters/Thorp Outdoors we love those trips, but they aren't the only kind we offer. They aren't even the norm. Our favorite chartered trips are the kind where the whole family comes along. We love to have everyone in our boats--men, women, and kids. The more the merrier. For large family groups there is no better time than when the Sockeye (Red) salmon hit the river. That's when you'll see the Thorp family in Alaska because it's a great time for everyone to catch fish (even the kids)!
Sockeye (Red) salmon hit the river by the hundreds of thousands starting in mid-July and run through mid-August. The amount of fish you can catch is amazing. We often have groups of people limit out, and that makes for a fun trip! This is a great time to bring kids fishing because they stay busy the whole trip. Someone is always catching a fish or casting out again--there's little to no down time. Kids also aren't confined to a boat since this type of fishing is from the shore.
Another reason we love this time of year for family fishing is the ideal weather. The peak of summer brings long, sun-filled days in Alaska that are mild and perfect for all ages. Even on rainy days you'll be comfortable with a bit of rain gear.
While we love to fish all day, there are endless opportunities for adventure on the Kenai Peninsula. You could see a moose, bear, bald eagle, and otter on any given day and that's just the wildlife. There are lots of family friendly hikes along the rivers or you could go on an adventure to see the glaciers. Don't think that going on a trip to Alaska only means fishing!
We would love to help your family have the vacation of a lifetime in Alaska. Please reach out with any questions about fishing or the many other activities the Kenai Peninsula has to offer!