A guide to taking kids on a Kenai river Fishing Charter
There’s nothing quite like sharing the magic of Alaska’s Kenai River with your kids—watching their eyes light up as they reel in their first fish, spotting wildlife and enjoying the kind of quality time that only comes from being outdoors.
At Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service, we love helping families create unforgettable memories on the water. But as any parent knows, a successful day with kids requires a little extra planning. Here’s how to make your Kenai fishing adventure fun, comfortable, and action-packed for young anglers.
Pack the Essentials
Kids can get cranky when they’re hungry or uncomfortable—who doesn’t? Here are a few must-haves to keep everyone smiling from start to finish:
- Snacks & Drinks: Bring plenty of kid-friendly snacks and drinks. Think easy-to-eat items like granola bars, fruit snacks, trail mix, and water or juice boxes.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Alaska’s weather can change in a heartbeat. Dress in layers and bring waterproof jackets, warm hats, and gloves—even in summer. A little chill or drizzle won’t spoil the fun if everyone’s dressed for it.
- Spare Change of Clothes: Between fish slime, splashes, and the occasional slip in the river, extra clothes are a must. I have lost count how many times a spare change of dry clothes has saved the day on the river. This goes double on sockeye salmon trips. At a bare minimum bring a spare change of socks, shirt and sweatshirt.
- Emergency Entertainment: A tablet, gameboy, or favorite toy can help entertain bored kids between fish.
Consider the Length of the Trip
Kids have shorter attention spans, especially younger ones. A full-day trip might sound great in theory, but a half-day or ¾-day private charter can be the perfect fit for families. This gives everyone enough time to fish, explore, and have fun—without pushing it too far.
When it comes to young kids, we highly recommend booking a private charter so your group gets the full attention of the guide, and the trip can be tailored to your family’s pace and preferences.
Perfect for Little Anglers: Kid Friendly Kenai River Charters
If you have kids, a private fishing charter is the best way to make their first fishing experiences enjoyable and stress free. Young children thrive with extra space, personalized attention, and a slower, more flexible pace. Our private charters give your group the freedom to take breaks, explore the scenery, and cater the trip to your kids’ energy and interest levels. It also allows for us to call the trip early if family needs require it-something we can’t usually do on a shared charter.
We provide kid-sized gear, patient instruction, and plenty of encouragement to help them build confidence on the water. It’s not always about catching the biggest fish—it’s also about creating a fun, safe, and positive experience that they’ll remember forever.
Pick the Right Target for Action-Packed Fun
One of the best ways to keep kids engaged is to choose a species that’s plentiful and active. Fortunately, the Kenai offers year-round excitement—if you know where and when to look:
- May & June: Join us on one of the local lakes for trout and char. Add in a freshly caught shore lunch and this trip is sure to make for a memorable experience. This is quickly becoming one of our most popular family friendly charters due to the laid-back nature and high success rates.
- June & July: It’s sockeye salmon season—fast action and lots of opportunities to hook into fish.
- August & September: Pink salmon and silver salmon. Pink salmon, especially during even-numbered years, are abundant and feisty, and cohos offer a fun challenge with plenty of bites.
A quick note on king salmon: While they’re a prized catch, king salmon can be a slower fishery that requires patience. For kids who thrive on action, they might not be the best bet.
Ready to fish with the whole crew?
Reach out today and let us help you plan the perfect family-friendly fishing trip on the Kenai! We specialize in planning family friendly fishing outings on the Kenai river, Kasilof river and the local Soldotna Lakes.
