Cooper Landing Fish Camp – Fishing on the Kenai River, Alaska

Cooper Landing Fish Camp is a historic and strategically located lodge that positions itself as an expert operation on the Upper Kenai River. Situated in the scenic community of Cooper Landing, the camp has been a fixture for anglers pursuing the river’s legendary rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and salmon runs for decades.

The philosophy is one of deep local knowledge and a focus on the unique fisheries of the river’s upper reaches, where clear, blue water and prolific insect hatches create a world-class fly fishing environment. The camp provides a classic Alaskan angling basecamp, blending tradition with a practical, fish-first approach.

Accommodations range from rustic cabins to riverside campsites, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets.

The atmosphere is friendly and unassuming, attracting a mix of hardcore fly fishers, families, and first-time visitors to Alaska. Cooper Landing Fish Camp embodies the spirit of a classic fishing lodge, where the rhythm of the day is set by the river, the weather, and the pursuit of fish, all within one of Alaska’s most famously beautiful settings.

Specialties and Services – Cooper Landing Fish Camp

• Upper Kenai River Expertise: Operates as a specialist lodge for the Upper Kenai River fishery, offering guided access to legendary trout water known for its clarity, insect hatches, and trophy rainbow trout and Dolly Varden populations.
• Multi-Modal Guided Fishing: Provides a variety of guided trip styles including technical walk-and-wade fly fishing, scenic drift boat trips, and power boat fishing, tailored to target salmon, trout, and the unique conditions of the upper river.
• Historic Location & Local Knowledge: Benefits from a decades-long presence in Cooper Landing, providing guests with unmatched local intelligence on river conditions, insect activity, and productive fishing techniques passed down through seasons.
• Rustic Lodge & Campground Amenities: Features a range of lodging from simple, clean cabins to RV sites and tent camping spots, along with an on-site gear shop, fish cleaning station, and a central lodge area for information and supplies.
• Classic Kenai Angler Basecamp: Serves a diverse clientele of fly fishing purists, family vacationers, and road-tripping anglers seeking an authentic, affordable, and knowledge-driven basecamp in the heart of the Kenai River’s most famous scenic reach.

Contact & Location – Cooper Landing Fish Camp

📍 Address: 16938 Sterling Hwy, Cooper Landing, AK 99572
📞 Phone: +1 907-595-3474
✉️ Email: cooperlandingfishcampak@gmail.com
🔗 Website: http://www.cooperlandingfishcamp.com/

Additional Information – Cooper Landing Fish Camp

Logistically, the camp is easily accessible by road, located right on the Sterling Highway about 100 miles south of Anchorage. It is an ideal stop for those on a driving tour of the Kenai Peninsula. The camp can assist with booking guides, renting equipment, and providing local advice.

The typical guest mix includes serious fly fishers targeting trout, salmon anglers during the runs, and tourists enjoying the stunning Cooper Landing scenery. The fishing program capitalizes on the camp’s prime location, offering guided walk-and-wade trips, drift boat excursions, and power boat fishing on the Upper Kenai and its tributaries.

Specializing in the nuances of this specific stretch of river, the guides are adept at techniques for trophy rainbow trout on dry flies and nymphs, as well as intercepting migrating salmon. The camp’s long tenure means they have witnessed the river’s cycles and changes, allowing them to adapt and provide reliable fishing experiences.

As noted, Cooper Landing Fish Camp’s team is regarded as Upper Kenai River fishing experts, a reputation built on consistent results and an intimate knowledge of the river.

Reviews often praise the fantastic location, the helpful staff, and the genuine, old-school Alaska fishing camp vibe. As upper river experts, they advocate for careful catch-and-release practices for trout, especially the large, wild rainbows that are the pride of the Upper Kenai, ensuring the fishery remains healthy for future generations.