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Resources
Resources for your
The resources below can help make preparation for your trip to River Rock Lodge frustration-free. In particular, be sure to check out the information regarding fishing licenses – getting your Alaska fishing license squared away first-thing is the best way to maximize your time at the lodge and on the water. Happy planning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license and where do I get it?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and up require a fishing license to fish the Kenai River or anywhere else on the Kenai Peninsula. If you’re planning to fish for kings and other species, you’ll need both the license and a king stamp. If you’re only going for kings, the king stamp is all you’ll need.
Please arrive at the lodge with your license in hand, or make sure you have planned enough time to get the tag in Soldotna before departing on any fishing excursions. Alaska fishing licenses and king stamps can be purchased at a number of locations in town, including Trustworthy Hardware, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Ken’s Tackle – all just short drives from the lodge.
If you have a guided or chartered trip planned and you show up at the boat with no license, unfortunately, there is not much we can do for you! Please be sure to have your license in hand, because most trips are timed with the tide, and therefore, the boat can’t wait!
Do I need to bring my own rod, reel, and tackle?
Whether or not you decide to bring your own gear depends on you! If you know you prefer your own fishing equipment, feel free to bring it to the lodge. Guests who book a fishing package with us, however, enjoy access to our collection of fishing rods, hip boots, and nets – so if you purchased a fishing package, it’s not necessary to bring your own gear up to Alaska if you don’t want to.
If you did not purchase a package but want to use our fishing equipment anyway, you can rent a rod, boots, net, and a bonker for $15/day.
If you didn’t bring your own tackle and are not renting from the lodge, it can be purchased at Trustworthy Hardware, Ken’s Tackle, or Sportsman’s Warehouse – all just 10 minutes from the lodge.
What do I need to bring to the lodge?
Visitors to River Rock Lodge will enjoy fully equipped cabins, so as far as cabin supplies go, you’re only on the hook for your own groceries/food. If you arrive and find that there is anything you need at the cabin (other than groceries) – just ask and we’ll try to get you what you need! Don’t forget – we also have cars available to rent, so just inquire with Lodge staff!
For those fishing from River Rock Lodge, we suggest packing the following items:
- Warm clothing
- Rain gear
- Good footwear
- Heavy jacket
- Binoculars
- Pepper spray (not a necessity, but you may want it)
- Sunglasses
- Camera
And don’t forget your fishing license and/or king stamp!
Does the lodge offer fish processing and shipping?
Fish processing, freezing, packaging, and shipping is available at the lodge – see our prices below. We offer FREE freezer storage if you stay at the lodge and process your fish with us. We charge $20/day to hold your fish beyond your departure date, up to a week.
Fish Processing Prices
All prices are based on incoming weight – we guarantee you will get your own fish back!
Vac-pac & Freeze Fillets……………………….$1.50 lb.
Steak, Vac-Pac & Freeze..………….………….$1.75 lb.
Clean, Fillet, Cut, Vac-Pac, & Freeze…..……..$1.99 lb.
Shipping Boxes……………30lb………………$19.99
50lb………………$27.99
Gel Packs each………………………………….$2.99
Shipping Your Fish
The cheapest way for you to take fish home is to check it to your final destination as baggage – airlines will not insure the fish if lost or damaged. We will be glad to ship your fish home for you via FedEx. Note, however, that FedEx insurance does not cover loss or delay due to weather. River Rock Lodge charges current shipping charges plus a $10 service fee.
What are the fish limits for each species?
Fishing Regulations can change weekly so please refer to Alaska Fish and Game regulations online. You can view 2019 sport fishing regulations for the Southcentral region, which includes the Kenai Peninsula, by clicking here.
How far away are you from the grocery store?
River Rock Lodge is located in the heart of Soldotna, so our guests are just a short ride away from local grocery stores. Safeway and Fred Meyer are less than a 10-minute drive from the lodge and the perfect place to shop for groceries for your rental cabin. Need a car? Don’t forget that River Rock Lodge has access to rental cars – just inquire with Lodge staff!
Can you offer any restaurant recommendations?
Soldotna boasts an array of restaurants, all within 10 minutes of River Rock Lodge. Local favorites include Kenai River Brewing, St. Elias Brewing Company, Jersey Subs, Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, and Lucy’s Market. There are plenty of options for any budget or taste, feel free to ask at the lodge for additional recommendations!
Getting to the Lodge
Most out-of-state visitors to River Rock Lodge arrive in Anchorage at Ted Stevens International Airport. Count on a minimum of 4 hours after your arrival in Anchorage to get your baggage, rent a car, drive to the lodge, etc. The drive itself is about 2.5-3 hours, but since it’s one of the most scenic drives in North America…give yourself some extra time!
Our fishing days normally start early in the morning (4am), so we ask that all guests plan to arrive at the lodge no later than 7pm. If you arrive in Anchorage later than 3pm, consider staying overnight in Anchorage to allow yourself time to enjoy the drive down to Soldotna without being in a rush.
Alternatively, there are daily commuter flights from Anchorage to Kenai. This is a good option for less stress and less time on the road on the ends of your fishing trip. The flight from Anchorage is a 30-minute puddle jump, and the Kenai airport has car rental options and is only 15 minutes from the lodge. We also have access to rental cars right at the Lodge, so just inquire with Lodge staff and we can get you squared away.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
River Rock Lodge requires a $500 per person deposit down to reserve your dates. Your dates are not reserved for you until you have received receipt of payment. Your balance is due in full May 1st.
Deposit payment must be instant pay with credit card, Venmo, etc. Each booking must be paid in one transaction by person booking. Unfortunately, we can not wait for checks to come in the mail. Deposit is 50% refundable for 30 days from date of payment if request for refund is made in writing.
There are no refunds on missed fishing trips or fishing trips/lodging that you decide to cancel after May 1 (due to bad weather, sickness, or environmental causes.) For all of these reasons, we highly recommend trip insurance. You are also welcome to find someone to come in your place if you cancel.
Get Trip InsuranceWELCOME PACKET
Are you already booked at River Rock Lodge? Download our Welcome Packet and get a head start on your packing and planning for your trip! To download the Welcome Packet, click here.