Your First Alaska Fishing Trip: A Guide for Beginners and Families

A lot of the people who fish with RiverRise Fishing Guides have never caught a salmon before. Some have never held a fishing rod. That’s exactly who a guided trip is built for. Here’s what a first Alaska fishing trip looks like, which trip to pick, and how to make it a good day for everyone in the boat, kids included.

Do you need fishing experience?

No. Your guide sets up the gear, shows you how to cast or drift, tells you when to set the hook, and nets your fish. When the run is in, first-timers often hook their first fish within the first couple of hours. Experienced anglers are welcome too. We’ll adjust the technique to match your skill and what you want out of the day, whether that’s conventional gear or fly fishing.

Which trip is best for beginners and families?

Sockeye salmon (June 16 – August 15) is the trip we recommend for most families and first-timers. When the run is moving there’s steady action, the fish fight hard, and they’re the best table fare in Alaska. The peak is usually mid-July through the first week of August.

Silver salmon and trout (August 16 – September 15) is a great second choice. The crowds thin out, the weather cools off, and silvers are aggressive biters. Trophy rainbow trout fishing is mostly catch-and-release, which suits anglers who enjoy the fishing more than the freezer.

King salmon (June 1 – 15) is a different kind of day: fewer bites and a big fish when it happens. Kenai kings were closed in 2026 to protect the run, so check our updates on the 2027 season before planning a king trip.

Half day or full day?

We offer half-day ($225 per person) and full-day ($275 per person) trips. For younger kids, or anyone unsure how long they’ll want to be on the water, a half day is a good place to start. Morning trips leave at 5 AM and afternoon trips start at 1 PM. If your group has kids who aren’t early risers, the afternoon slot is often the easier choice.

Tips for fishing with kids

  • Dress them in layers. Kids get cold faster than adults on the water. A warm hat and a rain jacket make a big difference. Our what to bring guide has the full list.
  • Pack more snacks than you think. Nothing ends a good day faster than a hungry kid.
  • Let them reel. Your guide will help them hook the fish and let them do the fun part.
  • Talk to us about ages. Call before booking and we’ll help you decide which trip and time slot fits your family best.

What’s included

Rods, reels, tackle, waders and boots in your size, a heated 20-foot Willie drift boat and fish cleaning at the end of the day are all included. You bring your Alaska fishing license, layers, food and water. Non-resident kids under 16 (and Alaska residents under 18) don’t need a license. Adults can find details on our license guide.

Kenai or Kasilof?

We fish both rivers and pick the one fishing best that day. The Kasilof is smaller and often a great fit for families during the sockeye run, while the Kenai is the bigger, world-famous river. Read more in Kenai vs. Kasilof River fishing.

Respect for the fishery

Part of every trip is learning how to handle fish well. We release larger trout and any fish that need to go back quickly and carefully, and we follow every regulation and emergency order on both rivers. It’s a good lesson for kids, and it keeps the fishery healthy for the next generation.

Ready to plan your first Alaska fishing trip?

Tell us who’s coming, how old the kids are and which dates you’re looking at, and we’ll help you build the right trip for your group. Check availability for your dates or call 907.971.1223.