What to Bring on an Alaska Fishing Trip: A Guide’s Packing List

Most people overpack for their first Alaska fishing trip. The good news is that on a guided trip with RiverRise Fishing Guides, the heavy stuff is already handled. Here’s exactly what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to dress for a day on the Kenai or Kasilof River.

What’s already included on your trip

You don’t need to pack any fishing gear. Every guided trip includes:

  • Rods, reels and all the tackle, matched to the species and river conditions that day
  • Waders and wading boots in your size
  • A heated 20-foot Willie drift boat
  • An experienced local guide who handles rigging, netting and everything in between
  • Fish cleaning at the end of the day

If you have a favorite rod you’d love to bring, that’s fine. Just know you won’t need it.

What to bring

1. Your Alaska fishing license

Non-residents 16 and older (and Alaska residents 18 and older) need a valid Alaska sport fishing license, and anyone of license age fishing for kings also needs a King Salmon Stamp. Non-residents can buy 1-, 3-, 7- or 14-day licenses online before the trip. We put together a plain-language guide: Alaska Fishing License & King Salmon Stamp. Buy it before you travel and keep it on your phone or printed in a zip bag.

2. Layers, not one big coat

Our morning trips leave at 5 AM, and summer mornings on the river are cool even in July. By early afternoon it can feel like a different day. Dress in layers you can add and shed in the boat:

  • Base layer: a synthetic or wool shirt. Skip cotton; it stays cold once it’s wet.
  • Warm layer: a fleece or light puffy jacket.
  • Outer layer: a waterproof rain jacket. Alaska weather changes fast, and a good shell is the one thing we’d never leave home without.
  • Under your waders: fleece pants or leggings and warm socks (wool is best).

3. Hat and polarized sunglasses

A ball cap and polarized glasses cut the glare off the water, protect your eyes from hooks and flies, and help you see fish. On cooler days, a warm beanie is worth having in your bag.

4. Food and water

Bring snacks, lunch for a full day, and plenty of water. A small soft cooler or dry bag works well in the boat.

5. Bug spray and sunscreen

Mosquitoes and white sox can show up on calm days near the bank, and the long summer daylight means more sun than most people expect.

6. A camera or phone with a waterproof case

Your guide is happy to take photos of your fish. A floating phone lanyard or waterproof pouch is cheap insurance.

7. A cooler or fish box if you’re taking fish home

We clean your fish at the end of the day. If you’re flying home with fillets, bring an insulated fish box or plan to use one of the local processors in Soldotna and Kenai, who can vacuum-seal, freeze and ship.

What to leave at home

  • Fishing rods, reels and tackle (all provided)
  • Waders and boots (provided in your size)
  • Jeans and cotton hoodies (cold and heavy once they’re wet)
  • Anything you’d be upset to drop in the river

Packing checklist

  • Alaska fishing license (and King Salmon Stamp if fishing kings)
  • Synthetic or wool base layer
  • Fleece or light insulated jacket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Fleece pants or leggings and wool socks for under waders
  • Hat, beanie and polarized sunglasses
  • Lunch, snacks and water
  • Bug spray and sunscreen
  • Phone or camera with a waterproof case
  • Fish box or cooler if you’re taking fish home

Questions before your trip?

Every trip is built around current river conditions, so we’ll confirm meeting details closer to your date. If you’re not sure about something on this list, just ask. You can reach us at 907.971.1223.

Still picking dates? See our Alaska fishing season guide or check availability for your dates. Let’s get you on the water.