On a late July day it seems as if they are all fishing the same run as you. In addition, hundreds of local anglers jockey for position in the popular runs. This is no place for a beginner to bring the family dingy. A guide is a must for those new to the Kenai. Top guides know the river intimately, and they use the river grapevine to keep up on what's hot and what's not.
Most guides take four guests to a boat for either half day or full day trips.
I don't recommend the half day trips. Nothing is more frustrating than fishing all morning without a fish, only to see a major bite building just as your half day is up. In spite of its fame, the Kenai seldom provides red-hot action. Good guides typically hook two to five fish per day, per boat. But, oh, what fish.