AusTxMom

We are traveling with our grown kids July 2018 to Kenai Peninsula for 9-10 days to experience Alaska beauty, wildlife, fishing, and adventure (Kayak and hiking). The plan is to stay both the first/last nights in Anchorage, then 3 nights in Seward (Fjords/kayaking/hiking, etc) and 3 nights in Homer (fishing/wildlife). The boys would like to Salmon and Halibut fish. Question is, it appears the better Salmon fishing is on the rivers closest to Kenai/Soldotna and Halibut in Homer, so perhaps a night in Soldotna would be necessary. As best I could tell from online discussion, Soldotna isn't as scenic/attractive of a town as Homer, which is why I wasn't going to consider staying there and making day trip to Homer for Halibut. I just need some clarification on splitting those days and maximizing our time on the water and enjoying the beautiful views. I appreciate any comments, thank you!

Gardyloo

You need to be aware of the timing of the various runs on the Kenai and in saltwater (both Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound.)

Start here - http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm...ortByArea.main . Look for information about northern and central/southern Cook Inlet as well as Prince William Sound and Seward.

There's fine halibut fishing out of Seward as well as Homer, and good salmon fishing from farther down the Kenai peninsula, e.g. Ninilchik and Deep Creek, not far north of Homer and well in "commuting" range.

Soldotna isn't going to win any beauty contests, that's for sure. You might want to look at float trips along the Kenai River starting in Cooper Landing; there's usually excellent fishing downstream from Skilak Lake, but there need to be fish present (aside from Rainbows and Dolly Varden which are always there) in order for it to be worth your while.

AusTxMom

Thank you, I appreciate the comments and will take a look at the link

MichelleY

I was going to say the same as Gardyloo regarding timing of the salmon runs. We spent a week on the Kenai River, near Soldotna, many years ago and were somewhat between runs. We lucked out on our last day. I loved Seward's setting; so beautiful!