Trip Planning
Driving Directions to Cooper Landing
From Anchorage…
Alaska’s Upper Kenai River is located approximately 100 miles south of Anchorage within the community of Cooper Landing in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. The breath-taking journey from Anchorage takes approximately 2-hours. Follow the Seward Highway (Rt. 1) South toward the Kenai Peninsula. At the junction with the Sterling Highway turn right toward Soldotna/Kenai/Homer. This takes you directly into the town of Cooper Landing.
From Soldotna…
Take the Sterling Highway East for approximately 50 miles until you hit the town of Cooper Landing. Allow 1-hour drive time.
From Seward…
Take the Seward Highway North for approximately 35 miles. At the junction with the Sterling Highway turn left toward Soldotna/Kenai/Homer. This takes you directly into the town of Cooper Landing. Allow 1-hour drive time.
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Meeting Time and Location
Trip departure times and meeting locations vary based on fishing conditions, time of season, and your travel schedule. Once you have made a reservation we will discuss a tentative meeting time and location. We will then contact you at least 24 hours in advance to confirm the meeting place and time.
What We Provide
• 20’ Kenai-style Willie drift boat (suitable for up to four anglers)
• Professional fly fishing and casting instruction
• Quality fly rods & reels (R.L. Winston Rods / Ross & Galvan Reels)
• Custom hand-tied flies and leaders
• Felt soled hip boots (sizes 5-13)
• Cooler packed with sandwiches, snacks, and hot and cold beverages
What You Need to Bring
In order to remain comfortable and make the most of your Alaskan fishing trip you should come prepared for a variety of weather conditions and experiences. Our boats have plenty of dry storage space to stow your belongings. Do not hesitate to bring along items that could make your day more enjoyable. From our experience we highly recommend you bring the following items.
Warm Clothes - Dress in layers and try to wear fleece and/or wool clothing (avoid wearing cotton as best as you can). Recommendations include: fleece jacket, extra pair of warm socks, gloves, wool or fleece hat, and a brimmed hat (i.e. ball cap).
Rain Gear – Bring quality waterproof jacket and pants. Do not short yourself here. Our trips run rain or shine! Believe me you do not want to be out on the river all day in a cheap rain poncho.
Chest Waders and Boots – Although we provide hip waders, we strongly recommend you bring your own breathable chest waders, if you have them. Please do not bring studded wading boots. To avoid the possibility of spreading aquatic invasive parasites and diseases from one river to another we recommend using rubber soled wading boots.
Polarized Sunglasses – Not only do polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays but they will reduce glare off the water and help you see fish.
Camera – If you want to document your fishing experience we recommend bringing a camera or video camera. We practice catch and release on rainbow trout and Dolly Varden so taking pictures will be the only way to document your catch of these species. Please stow your camera in a dry bag (or zip-lock bag) to avoid getting your camera wet.
Fishing License – An Alaskan fishing license valid for the day of your trip is required. It is critical that you purchase your fishing license in advance. You can purchase a license at most convenient stores or gas stations once you are in Alaska. However, the easiest method is purchasing it online before you arrive. Click here - buy your fishing license now!
Lodging and Accommodations
We would be happy to assist you in planning your Alaskan Fishing Vacation. The following are our favorite places to recommend in the Moose Pass and Cooper Landing area. When you make reservations or visit any of these fine establishments be sure to mention that you are fishing with Keen Eye Anglers.

Moose Pass
Trail Lake Lodge
888-395-3624
www.traillakelodge.com
Spruce Moose Chalets
907-677-7543
www.sprucemoosealaska.com
Cooper Landing 
Upper Kenai River Inn
907-595-3333
www.upperkenairiverinn.com
The Hutch bed & Breakfast
907-595-1270
www.arctic.net/~hutch
Alaska Heavenly Lodge
866-595-2012
www.alaskaheavenly.com
Kenai Riverside Campground & RV Park
888-536-2478
www.kenairv.com
For more information on local services please check out the following Chamber of Commerce links:
Moose Pass -- www.moosepassalaska.com
Cooper Landing -- www.cooperlandingchamber.com
Soldotna – www.soldotnachamber.com
Seward -- www.sewardak.org
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