How do I get to TRL?
Good question! Usually our guests fly to Anchorage, rent a car and drive 147 miles along the scenic Seward Highway. Allow approx 3-4 hours drive time from the Anchorage Airport to Tower Rock Lodge. Another option is to fly Grant Aviation, Kenai Aviation or Ravn Alaska to the Kenai Airport (approx. 25-minute flight) where we will pick you up. Transfers from Kenai Airport (ENA) to and from the lodge are included with your package.
What about the bugs?
Despite rumors, mosquitoes are not the Alaska State bird. We are located in a comparatively dry region of the state with less than 2 inches of rainfall a month. However, we advise the use of insect repellent on the fly-out trips. No worries, we have plenty of insect repellent available.
What should I bring and what is not included in my package?
We are a full service lodge.. We provide ORVIS PRO and SIMMS waders, Grundens rain gear, rods, reels, tackle and everything that you will need for your stay at the lodge. Of course we always recommend bringing your own waders and your favorite rain jacket. We will fit your waders for size and comfort (unless you're in the NBA, we have your size for a good fit)! Alaska Fishing license, gratuities, beer and liquor are not provided. There is a liquor store 15 minutes away from the lodge that is on the way from Soldotna or Kenai.
What are the fish limits?
Two Halibut per day, one of which must be under 28 inches. Three rockfish per day. Two Silvers per day in August, three in September. Three Reds per day (bumped up to 6 during high abundance). One King per day; two Kings per year from the Kenai River. We adhere to a catch and release policy for all trout and steelhead.
How do I get my fish home?
We will handle all of your fish processing. All of our packages include at least 50 poundsof fish processing per guest. The guides will filet your fish at the end of the day, and we will transport it to a local processor for sealing and flash freezing. At the end of your stay your fish will be packaged in an airline approved insulated shipping box. Most of our guests check the fish boxes directly with their airline as baggage. You also have the option to ship your fish via FedEx (shipping is not included in the package). The fish filets are vac-packed and flash-frozen, then packed in a wet lock box that stays frozen for 36 hours. The airline industry will allow two pieces of checked luggage, not to exceed 50 lb per piece. The good news is, your first box of fish processing is included in the package price of your trip!
Do you get many couples?
Yes! Many honeymooners and anniversary celebrators have joined us at Tower Rock Lodge. We even have a honeymoon suite. We are very much a couple’s kind of place and fun for the entire family, and pets are welcome too! The ladies really appreciate our stylish and immaculate cabins!
What is the best time of year to visit Alaska?
Whenever you arrive! We hear this question a lot and it depends on what you are looking to catch and what kind of experience interests you. We are open for business from late-May to mid October. You will want to time your vacation to the fish you wish to target. Give us a call at (907) 953-2656 and we can review a few fishing scenarios and let you choose what fits best for you and your party. Customizing your package is our specialty.
What is not included in my fishing package at Tower Rock Lodge?
We specialize in all-inclusive fishing packages. Arrive in Kenai, Alaska and we will have you covered! Things that are not included:
- ADF&G Fishing License
- Staff and Guide gratuities
- 3% borough sales tax
- Beer and Liquor (store located 15 minutes from lodge)
- Transportation to and from Kenai, Alaska.
How many people can you accommodate?
We have beds for 28 guests though we tend max out during the season at around 25 guests. We welcome groups anywhere from 2 to 24 people. For salmon trips, our boats take 4 guests per boat. Halibut trips take up to six guests per boat.
What if some people in my group don’t want to fish?
Nearly all of our guests that stay at the lodge will fish everyday during their stay. Need not be a hardcore fisher person to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and places we will take you to. We cater to all experience levels and our guides are excellent teachers. However, if some people in your group would prefer not to fish some of the days, we can put together a custom package to best fit your group’s needs.
Will I see bears?
Like any wild animal, black bears and brown bears are unpredictable. We most often see bears on the flyout excursions and on the Middle Kenai. Our guides ensure your safety and allow viewing at safe distances.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included on all your fishing days (not arrival or departure days, please make arrangements prior). When fishing the Lower Kenai behind the lodge, you will return to the lodge for hot lunch. When not fishing the Lower Kenai, the guide will provide lunch and beverages to enjoy riverside.
How long will we fish each day?
We generally fish for salmon until we either catch our limit or people have had enough fishing for the day. We do not stick to rigid time limitations, but we will not continue salmon fishing after we catch our daily limit for the day. Most importantly, all of our trips are full day trips and we only run one trip per day per guide.
How do the halibut trips work?
Our halibut trips leave from Homer and are a full day from start to finish. You will start your day early in the morning, grabbing your “breakfast to go” at 4:30 AM, then you will drive to Homer to meet your captain. We will provide you with your lunch, fish box, and a car if needed. After fishing, the crew will clean your fish and you will bring them back to the lodge!
Do I need a rental car?
Most of our guests rent a car in Anchorage and drive to the lodge, but we do not require guests to rent a car. Once at the lodge, you will use your rental car minimally throughout the week. Transportation on river trips and flyouts are included The exception to this are the halibut trips in which case we can loan you a vehicle if needed.
What time is check in and check out?
Check out is 11 AM and Check in is 3 PM. Lunch and guided fishing are not included on arrival and departure days, but can be added upon request.
Do you take single guests?
Lodging prices are based on double occupancy. If you are a single, give us a call and we will see what we can do.
Whats the deal with King Salmon recently?
We have seen ups and downs when it comes to our kenai king salmon runs in the last 15 years. ADF&G tries to manage the resource for a sustainable future. The regulations can change weekly based on the run strength as assessed with inriver sonar. Fortunately for us there is far more to fishing in our area than just king salmon fishing.
What should I Pack?
A Variety of Clothes
Plan to layer clothing. Our summers are often long and sunny, sometimes 20 hours of daylight, with average temperatures in the mid to upper 60’s, with cool mornings and temperate evenings. It is cooler from mid-August to the end of September. A wool shirt and socks are always good. A pair of sweatpants or yoga pants works well under waders. Up top go with a synthetic layer under a hoodie or micro puff jacket then bring your rain jacket for extra wind cutting and dryness. We have extra rain jackets at the lodge if needed.
Shoes
Bring something comfortable to wear apres fishing for hanging around the campfire and dinner (crocs for example). If you have a pair of rubber boots or ankle boots (xtratuf for example) bring those for your halibut trip or fishing from the boat on the Lower Kenai. Hiking or just regular boots fill the same niche and will get you by just fine.
Rain Gear
Rain gear just might come in handy anytime that you are in Alaska. The Kenai Peninsula averages about two inches per month during the summer. Often our guests like to pack a rain jacket. Your waders will keep your bottom half warm and dry. However, we do offer a pretty good inventory of rain jackets at the lodge if need be.
A Small Travel Bag
Small day pack or tote bag can come in handy to stow gear for the excursions away from the lodge ie., halibut, fly-outs, Kasilof drift boat fishing, trips to Homer, etc.
Personal Items
Bring your camera and its charger. Don't forget your personal fishing items like your baseball cap, sunglasses, bandanna, and lucky charm 🙂
We have some great convenience stores close by for liquor, cigars, and anything that you forgot!
