Frequently Asked Questions
A trip to Alaska is the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready for some of the most memorable sights and experiences you will ever have the chance to enjoy. But in making your journey and making the most of your vacation you probably still have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common. As always, however, feel free to call us or contact us at any time if you have more questions or need more answers about anything.
Questions.
What should I pack for my Alaska Vacation?
We provide our guests with chest waders, rain gear, rods, reels, tackle, life jackets and most everything you will need for your trip, so you can pack light . You are responsible to make on your own air reservations, and rental car - check with us for best deals. Your fishing license is not pre-paid. You can get licenses at a local store or on line before you leave home.. We have a wide variety of non-alcoholic refreshments and there is a nearby store that will sell you beer, wine and liquor.
What is the best season to visit the Kenai Peninsula?
There are many things that affect your decision, and we have all the packages to suit your needs........
Your targeted fish species; the hours of daylight or average temperature; peak or off peak; fly-in adventure available; the excitement of the large sockeye run; or quiet and solitude of fall fly fishing; ,,,,,,these are the considerations that will dictate your best choice . . .
What activities are there for the non–fisherman?
What type of groups visit Russell's Riverfront Lodges?
Russell gets a wide variety of visitors-families, couples, corporations, generations, fishing buddies . . . and more. We encourage novice to expert fisherman and non-fisherman alike to enjoy our facility.
Do we need to have fishing expertise?
Our guides are highly trained and skilled fishermen and in customer service. They are also experienced in instruction for conventional, spin and fly fishing. You can be a beginner or expert and you will be treated with respect and patience. No matter whta your skill level, you will catch fish and have a great experience.
What is the policy on gratuities?
There is no policy. Gratuities are totally discretionary, however, here are some common practices:
Tips do not dictate the level of our service. We are the ultimate professionals.
What types of boats do you have? How many people per boat?
First and foremost....we own all of our boats......no subcontractor equipment or guides.
Power Boats on the Kenai River are 21 ft aluminum fishing sleds (the max allowed by regulations) with and customized for the Kenai River. They are equipped with 50hp motors allowed by regulations and with all safety and fishing equipment. 4 people per boat are allowed and comfortable for fishing
Drift Boats are 20 ft aluminum and seat 4 people comfortably for salmon fishing. Uniquely, we try to limits our trout fishing charters to 2-3 people per charter
Our Saltwater Boats are fast 31 ft and 28ft Kofflers with 300 hp and with a heated cabin that accommodates 6 people comfortably and safely The larger boat also has a head....nice for the ladies
What is your deposit/cancellation policy?
A refund of any payments less a 10% (of entire booking) cancellation fee will be made on reservations cancelled more than 60 days from arrival date. A 50 % refund will be provided on reservations canceled within 30-59 days from the date of arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment unless at our discretion the amount is applied to a future trip. . We reserve the right to cancel any individual charter or alter without refund any package or itinerary as existing weather conditions may require, and are not responsible for emergency regulatory changes which the Dept. of Fish & Game may impose on specific fisheries. Any damages caused by your group and incurred at lodging facility will be charged to your group
What is the weather typically like on the Kenai Peninsula?
In Alaska, the weather changes regularly. You can expect temps from 55 to 75 and occasional rain..but remember the midnight sun!. We recommend that guests bring layers of clothes and prepare accordingly. We supply rain gear and waders.
Mosquitos?
The Kenai Peninsula is one of the drier regions of Alaska, so there is usually no significant problem...at least not any worse than many areas of the lower 48. In fact, there are no issues when you are on the water. However, you may need some insect repellent on some of the fly out or a walk in charter
What are the daily fish limits?
Fish limits vary by season, body of water and emergency orders but ADF&G, but here is a general guide:
What is the best way to get my fish home?
Your fish will be meticulously filleted, professionally vacuum sealed and frozen, then packed in a styrofoam lined box that stays frozen for 24+ hours. We suggest you check this box as airline baggage. Tanner's Fresh Fish Processing will deliver your fish to your door before you leave. For an additional charge they will smoke, and ship your fish FedEx anywhere
What is the best way to get to the lodge in Soldotna?
145 mile Scenic Drive: Most guests fly to Anchorage, rent a car and drive. Allow 3 hours drive time. Rental Car prices In Anchorage may be expensive so be sure to shop around.
Fly across Cook Inlet: Fly Era or Grant to the Kenai Airport (20-minute flight), rent a car for the 15 minute drive to the lodge
Directions
Do we need a rental car?
We strongly recommend one. The Kenai Peninsula is a large geographic area with numerous rivers and bodies of water that we fish. Your launches are at various locations and our guide schedules typically don't allow for pick up. Moreover, with the midnight sun daylight, there is much to do besides fish. A car gives you the flexibility you will want. See above for our discount partner.
A trip to Alaska is the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready for some of the most memorable sights and experiences you will ever have the chance to enjoy. But in making your journey and making the most of your vacation you probably still have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common. As always, however, feel free to call us or contact us at any time if you have more questions or need more answers about anything.
Questions.
What should I pack for my Alaska Vacation?
We provide our guests with chest waders, rain gear, rods, reels, tackle, life jackets and most everything you will need for your trip, so you can pack light . You are responsible to make on your own air reservations, and rental car - check with us for best deals. Your fishing license is not pre-paid. You can get licenses at a local store or on line before you leave home.. We have a wide variety of non-alcoholic refreshments and there is a nearby store that will sell you beer, wine and liquor.
What is the best season to visit the Kenai Peninsula?
There are many things that affect your decision, and we have all the packages to suit your needs........
Your targeted fish species; the hours of daylight or average temperature; peak or off peak; fly-in adventure available; the excitement of the large sockeye run; or quiet and solitude of fall fly fishing; ,,,,,,these are the considerations that will dictate your best choice . . .
What activities are there for the non–fisherman?
- Hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, birding, canoeing, even dog sledding on wheels
- Wildlife viewing on your own
- Fly-in adventures for sightseeing and/or fishng
- Sightseeing galore- Kenai’s Beaches, Cook Inlet, Resurrection Bay, Seward, Cooper Landing, Hope , Homer, Whittier, State Parks, Wildlife Refuge
What type of groups visit Russell's Riverfront Lodges?
Russell gets a wide variety of visitors-families, couples, corporations, generations, fishing buddies . . . and more. We encourage novice to expert fisherman and non-fisherman alike to enjoy our facility.
Do we need to have fishing expertise?
Our guides are highly trained and skilled fishermen and in customer service. They are also experienced in instruction for conventional, spin and fly fishing. You can be a beginner or expert and you will be treated with respect and patience. No matter whta your skill level, you will catch fish and have a great experience.
What is the policy on gratuities?
There is no policy. Gratuities are totally discretionary, however, here are some common practices:
- Fishing Guides - tip daily rather than at the end of the stay. Your guide will appreciate it. Common tip are 10- 15% of the cost of a charter.
- Housekeeping and lodging staff - tip at the end of the week. Common tips are 2-5% of the cost of your trip. These can be given to lodge manager for distribution
Tips do not dictate the level of our service. We are the ultimate professionals.
What types of boats do you have? How many people per boat?
First and foremost....we own all of our boats......no subcontractor equipment or guides.
Power Boats on the Kenai River are 21 ft aluminum fishing sleds (the max allowed by regulations) with and customized for the Kenai River. They are equipped with 50hp motors allowed by regulations and with all safety and fishing equipment. 4 people per boat are allowed and comfortable for fishing
Drift Boats are 20 ft aluminum and seat 4 people comfortably for salmon fishing. Uniquely, we try to limits our trout fishing charters to 2-3 people per charter
Our Saltwater Boats are fast 31 ft and 28ft Kofflers with 300 hp and with a heated cabin that accommodates 6 people comfortably and safely The larger boat also has a head....nice for the ladies
What is your deposit/cancellation policy?
A refund of any payments less a 10% (of entire booking) cancellation fee will be made on reservations cancelled more than 60 days from arrival date. A 50 % refund will be provided on reservations canceled within 30-59 days from the date of arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the date of arrival will result in the forfeiture of the full payment unless at our discretion the amount is applied to a future trip. . We reserve the right to cancel any individual charter or alter without refund any package or itinerary as existing weather conditions may require, and are not responsible for emergency regulatory changes which the Dept. of Fish & Game may impose on specific fisheries. Any damages caused by your group and incurred at lodging facility will be charged to your group
What is the weather typically like on the Kenai Peninsula?
In Alaska, the weather changes regularly. You can expect temps from 55 to 75 and occasional rain..but remember the midnight sun!. We recommend that guests bring layers of clothes and prepare accordingly. We supply rain gear and waders.
Mosquitos?
The Kenai Peninsula is one of the drier regions of Alaska, so there is usually no significant problem...at least not any worse than many areas of the lower 48. In fact, there are no issues when you are on the water. However, you may need some insect repellent on some of the fly out or a walk in charter
What are the daily fish limits?
Fish limits vary by season, body of water and emergency orders but ADF&G, but here is a general guide:
- Two Halibut per day-one under 30” and one any size
- Two or Three Silvers per day (depending on the month)
- Three-six sockeye Red Salmon per day (depending on location)
- One King Salmon per day and two Kings per year from the Kenai River-season starts July 1
- One King per day from the Kasilof River depending on the season
- One trout per day under 18 inches, however, we encourage catch and release for Trout on the Kenai River
What is the best way to get my fish home?
Your fish will be meticulously filleted, professionally vacuum sealed and frozen, then packed in a styrofoam lined box that stays frozen for 24+ hours. We suggest you check this box as airline baggage. Tanner's Fresh Fish Processing will deliver your fish to your door before you leave. For an additional charge they will smoke, and ship your fish FedEx anywhere
What is the best way to get to the lodge in Soldotna?
145 mile Scenic Drive: Most guests fly to Anchorage, rent a car and drive. Allow 3 hours drive time. Rental Car prices In Anchorage may be expensive so be sure to shop around.
Fly across Cook Inlet: Fly Era or Grant to the Kenai Airport (20-minute flight), rent a car for the 15 minute drive to the lodge
Directions
Do we need a rental car?
We strongly recommend one. The Kenai Peninsula is a large geographic area with numerous rivers and bodies of water that we fish. Your launches are at various locations and our guide schedules typically don't allow for pick up. Moreover, with the midnight sun daylight, there is much to do besides fish. A car gives you the flexibility you will want. See above for our discount partner.
Alaska Fishing Lodges