What to Expect on Your Alaska Fishing Vacation

Bring your camera for wildlife!

Beautiful Scenery

No Bad Days on the Kenai River

World Class Fishing

FISH PROCESSING - Fish are processed at Snug Harbor Seafoods located 1 mile from Jimmie Jack's Alaska fishing Lodge.  We, at Jimmie Jack Fishing, offer 1 free 50# box of processed fish in our posted packages.  Following this initial 50 pounds, the normal fee for vacuum seal and freeze is approximately $1.35 per pound.   Jimmie Jack's guest receive an additional 10% off at Snug Harbor Seafoods.  Other services like smoking, lox, or canning are available at different costs.  During your stay, your fish are packed in Styrofoam lined boxes, and will be held at the processor.  There are two (2) ways that guests usually bring fish home.   Option one (1) is to pick up your fish up at the processor and check it in as baggage with your airline.  Option (2) is to fly home, and call the processor for FedEx service (FedEx pricing varies between cities).  Jimmie Jack's guests also receive 20% off on their FedEx shipping through Snug Harbor Seafoods.

WEATHER - Early summer will have temperatures in the 40's and 50's with mid-summer temperatures reaching into the 70's on some days. Rain is always a possibility during Alaska's summers. Wearing layered clothes and bringing lightweight rain gear will prepare you for all the possibilities. A hat and polarized sunglasses are highly recommended as well as a good sun screen for sunny days. And always remember to bring along your camera to capture the excitement of your trip.

LICENSE & KING STAMP - All fishing trips and clam digging require an Alaska fishing license. If you plan to fish for king salmon you will also need to purchase a King Salmon Stamp. There are different rates for resident and nonresident anglers. See the License and Stamp chart here. The king salmon stamp is not required if you are fishing only for halibut, trout, silvers or red salmon. You can get your license in advance: Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Online Licenses.

TAXIDERMY- Since the Kenai River is famous for producing great numbers of genuine braggin' size wall-hangers, we are fully prepared to assist you in getting your trophy to a local professional taxidermist if you choose to have it mounted. Fiberglass mounts are available and can be shipped directly to your home when they are complete.

OUR EQUIPMENT - We provide state-of-the-art fishing tackle, fly rods, flies, baitcasters, bait, lures and equipment (waders, rain gear, etc.) while you're fishing on any of the Lodge charters. You may provide your own freshwater tackle if you wish. Fly rods should be five to seven weight, with the reel(s) filled with floating line(s) and at least 100 yards of backing. Include in your fly selection: egg simulators, glo-bugs, flesh patterns, leeches and muddlers/sculpins. Salmon/steelhead rods should be medium to fast-action graphite rods, 8- to 10-feet long, combined with level-wind reels with 30-40 lb. test line. Light spinning outfits for trout fishing should be in the 6-12 lb. range. We want to make your vacation experience as worry-free as possible so you can leave your gear at home. All our trips are fully guided and outfitted with G Loomis rods, and Shimano reels.

BOATS & GUIDES -  Jimmie Jack's guides use the best boats on the water, Willie Boats.  These boats are custom made for Jimmie Jack's guides.  Come experience fishing in comfort in our 21 foot Willie Boats!   All the boats you will fish from as well as your guides and skippers are Coast Guard licensed and approved and registered with Alaska Parks where applicable. The saltwater charter boats are equipped with a cabin to keep you warm, dry and comfortable during the run out and back as well as for eating your lunch and stowing your gear. Our guides are top guides on the water. 

MEALS - You will enjoy a hearty breakfast and an Alaska-size fisherman's lunch prepared by our chef. We can also cater to those who have special dietary needs if needed. We are constantly expanding our versatility and repertoire to present a world class dining experience for our guests.  Dinners are on your own.   In the evenings, Jimmie Jack's guests go out to eat at recommended local restaurants, or use the lodge kitchens and barbecues for that salmon or halibut on the grill!