COST OF ALASKAN FISHING TRIPS (2024 Update)
For many, the cost of a fishing trip to Alaska will include flights, rental vehicles, fuel, lodging and guide or charter fees. The average fishing trip cost for two people is roughly $5520 - this is for a 7 day and 6 night trip that includes lodging, transportation, flights & 3 full days of guided fishing. Let us help set up your Alaska fishing trip package for you today!
Depending on the fishing experience you choose (Salmon fishing trips or trout fishing trips), a suitable cost-effective strategy can ensure that your money will be well-spent. Check out our trip calculator below to estimate the cost of your Alaska fishing adventure.
*Pricing for rental vehicles, fuel, flights and food will fluctuate from year and from trip to trip. Please use this as a baseline to build your budget for a fishing vacation to Alaska only
pricing your alaska fishing trip
use our COST CALCULATOR Below:
ALASKA GUIDED SALMON OR TROUT FISHING COSTS on the kenai river
Most guide and charter services charge by the angler or by the boat. If you are looking to fish for the day, guided fishing excursions and charters cost $195 per angler for a half day trip and $295 per angler for a full day trip.
“Buying the boat,” or booking a private trip for 1 or 2 anglers usually runs $585 for half a day and $885 for the full day for Alaska Salmon Fishing excursion or for Trout trips.
Salmon fishing trips usually do best on full day and a private trip is a good option. Similarly, trout fishing trips are great for a full day, with private trips available as well.
FLYOUT FISHING TRIP COSTS
Fly out or fly in fishing trips usually cost a bit more per angler than regular daily fishing trips. The extra cost per angler is due to the expense of float plane flights (fuel, etc…)
Whether headed to a remote Alaskan lake or river, these are more exclusive trips, so expect to pay $400 - $650 per angler for the day or more. This includes flight and guided fishing (equipment is usually includedl).
Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips available on most flyouts.
HALIBUT & OCEAN SALTWATER CHARTER COSTS
Saltwater charters and halibut trips are often priced similarly to river trips. The biggest difference is how many anglers can fit on an ocean boat. Some boats take as few as 6 anglers, while most can take 10 - 12 anglers. The cost per angler is around $299 - $425 per person for the full 8 hour day on the water.
These Alaska saltwater trips are not very private, but you can expect to take fish home every time you head out.
Trip options include Halibut, Salmon, Halibut/Salmon Combos, Rock Fish/Halibut and Salmon, Halibut and Rockfish Combos. It all depends on the time of year you take your ocean trip. Alaska salmon fishing trips on the ocean are often very productive during the months of July and August (for Silver Salmon).
WALK-IN (Walk and Wade) FISHING TRIP Costs
Similar to river charters and ocean charters, walk-in or hike-in fishing trips in Alaska are generally priced per angler. They run anywhere between $195 per person for a half day up to $295 per person for a full day trip.
Prices generally include all the tackle, waders and gear you will need for the day. Small rivers and streams like the Russian River and the rivers near Talkeetna and Denali are typical. Expect to have your choice of salmon, trout or salmon/trout combo fishing trips. Fly Fishing and Spin Fishing are both available.
Most walk-in fishing trips can target salmon or trout, but many walk-ins are not exclusively for targeting salmon..
LODGE FISHING PACKAGE COSTS
Alaska fishing lodges price things a bit different than other experiences. Generally speaking, lodges are “all-inclusive.” The cost of lodging, meals, transportation and fishing are all included in one price. The only extra base costs are travel and flights to and from Alaska.
Lodge packages run anywhere from $2500 per person (2 minimum) for 5 nights and 4 days of fishing all the way up to nearly $5-6000 or more per person (not including airfare to and from remote lodges) for up to 7 nights and 6 days of fishing.
DO-IT-YOURSELF (SELF-GUIDED FISHING) COSTS
Self-guided fishing trips to Alaska, also known as “do-it-yourself” trips can be a great way to save a bit of money. The hard part is knowing where and when to fish and what to use to target your species of choice.
There is a bit more leg-work and research involved with self-guided fishing trips, but the rewards and savings can be significant.
If you keep your nightly “hotel” costs low and don’t spend money on guided fishing trips or any other frills, anglers can expect to save up to $2000 per person. Just be prepared to plan out your DIY fishing trip carefully.
Thank you so much for taking the time to check out our article on the cost of Alaskan Fishing Trips & some of the expenses involved in planning your excursion. If you have any questions at all for Alaska Salmon Fishing Trips, or charters on the Kenai River in Cooper Landing, please don’t hesitate to reach out any time!
David Lisi is the owner and head guide for Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC in Cooper Landing, Alaska where he spends most days chasing big fish on the Kenai River.