SALMON FISHING

Marlow's on the Kenai offers guided salmon fishing trips on Alaska's legendary Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, where millions of sockeye, silver, and pink salmon return every summer. Guests fish with experienced local guides and return to riverfront cabins just steps from the water.

The Kenai Peninsula is home to some of the strongest salmon runs on the planet. Every summer, millions of salmon return to the rivers and streams that feed into Cook Inlet, drawing anglers from around the world. Sockeye, silver, and pink salmon flood these waters in staggering numbers, making the peninsula one of the most productive and accessible salmon fishing destinations anywhere. At Marlow's on the Kenai, you're positioned right at the heart of it all.

THE KENAI RIVER

The Kenai River is the largest river on the Kenai Peninsula and one of the most famous salmon rivers in the world. Stretching over 80 miles from Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet, it supports massive runs of sockeye, silver, and pink salmon each season. The river's sockeye runs alone can exceed four million fish in a strong year, and the Kenai still holds the world record for the largest sport-caught salmon — a 97-pound, 4-ounce king caught in 1985.

What makes the Kenai truly unique is how different each section of the river feels. The upper river above Skilak Lake offers crystal-clear water, a gentle current, and a more intimate, wilderness-like experience. The middle and lower sections are wider and more powerful, with glacial water flowing through broad gravel bars and towering spruce forests. Whether you're wading into a quiet side channel or drifting through a deep canyon run, the Kenai offers a range of experiences that few rivers can match.

THE KASILOF RIVER

Just south of the Kenai, the Kasilof River is a hidden gem that offers its own incredible fishing. The Kasilof's salmon runs typically pick up earlier in the season than the Kenai, giving anglers more time on the water and more opportunities to connect with fish. It is also one of the few rivers on the peninsula that still allows king salmon fishing — a rare opportunity that draws serious anglers every spring and early summer.

The Kasilof is a smaller, more intimate river, and it is drift boat only — meaning the experience is quieter, less crowded, and deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness. Sockeye and silver salmon fill the river through the summer months, and when fall arrives, the Kasilof becomes an excellent destination for targeting steelhead. It's a river that rewards patience and offers a different pace from the Kenai, making it a perfect complement to any trip.

BACK AT THE LODGE

After a day on the water, there's nothing better than heading back to the lodge to unwind. Fire up the smoker or the grill and cook fresh-caught salmon right on the riverbank. If you prefer to process your own catch, we have a fully equipped fish cleaning station on site. Or, if you'd rather leave it to the professionals, you can drop your fish off at a local processor who will fillet, vacuum-seal, and freeze your catch for you.

Either way, you're going home with a full freezer of wild-caught Alaskan salmon — the kind of fish you simply can't find in a store. It's the ultimate reward for a week spent on some of the best salmon rivers in the world.

ON THE WATER

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