Help with last minute itinerary

Question

My husband randomly decided we should fly to Alaska in July (of this year!) to do some fishing. He's interested in both halibut fishing and salmon river fishing. We spent 12 days in Alaska last May--and had an epic itinerary thanks to help I got here on TA, so I'm reaching out again to get some feedback!

We would only have a week--probably Sat to Sat. Thinking we'd fly in to Anchorage and rent a car (which I can already see will be double the price). We did not visit Denali last summer, so I'm trying to decide if we should try to fit it in, or if we should save it for a later trip. If you only had a week in AK, and at least two of those days were going to be spent fishing, what would you do?

Fishing would probably take place somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula. I am eyeing Soldotna, Ninilchik, and/or Homer. I have emails in to a couple of guides in the region to find out about availability.

Last summer we visited Girdwood/Alyeska (love the Nordic spa) and Seward (did a Major Marine tour which was amazing, and also went kayaking) before taking the train and getting on a southbound cruise out of Whittier.

Answer

With only a week in Alaska and at least two days dedicated to fishing, your itinerary will need to be focused to maximize both fishing experiences and sightseeing without feeling rushed. Since you’ve already visited Girdwood, Alyeska, and Seward last year, you can prioritize the Kenai Peninsula for fishing and consider whether to include Denali based on your interest in seeing the interior wilderness versus keeping the pace relaxed.

Here’s a suggested framework for a 7-day trip:

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival in Anchorage – Pick up your rental car and stay in Anchorage. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxing evening and get stocked with supplies for the week.
Day 2 (Sunday): Drive to Kenai Peninsula – Head toward Soldotna, Ninilchik, or Homer. This gives you access to both river and saltwater fishing opportunities. Settle into your lodge or hotel and prepare for fishing the next day.
Day 3 (Monday): Salmon River Fishing – Book a guided river fishing trip. Soldotna is famous for king salmon and sockeye, and Ninilchik offers excellent silvers and halibut opportunities as well.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Halibut Fishing – Take a halibut charter from Homer or Ninilchik. A full-day trip allows plenty of time to catch limits and enjoy the ocean scenery. In the evening, relax and perhaps enjoy local seafood in Homer.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Scenic Exploration – Use this day to explore the Kenai Peninsula. Options include:

Drive the Sterling Highway for views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
Short hikes or walks, such as Kachemak Bay or local nature trails near Homer.
Visit the town of Seward or Kenai for additional sightseeing and small museums.

Day 6 (Thursday): Optional Denali Excursion or Leisure – If you want to include Denali, you could drive early to a lodge near the park for one night, or do a scenic train ride from Anchorage to see part of the interior. If you prefer a relaxed pace, use this day for additional Kenai Peninsula sightseeing or another short fishing trip.
Day 7 (Friday): Return to Anchorage – Spend your final night in Anchorage, perhaps visiting local attractions or enjoying a farewell dinner.
Day 8 (Saturday): Departure – Return your rental car and fly out.

Additional advice and considerations:

Fishing guides book quickly in July; prioritize confirming your charters early.
If your main goal is fishing, it may make sense to skip Denali this trip. One week with two full fishing days is already tight, and Denali really deserves at least 2–3 full days to appreciate the wildlife and scenery.
Homer offers a classic halibut experience and small-town charm, while Soldotna/Ninilchik is closer to river salmon fishing. Depending on charter availability, you may want to pick one base to minimize driving.
Rental car prices are high in July; book early and consider size carefully. A mid-size SUV may be ideal for comfort and luggage space.
Plan meals ahead for remote areas; some lodges have limited dining options.

In summary, for a week-long trip with two dedicated fishing days, focus on the Kenai Peninsula for both river and halibut fishing, and enjoy one or two days of scenic drives and light exploration. Denali is better left for a longer future trip unless you’re willing to compress the schedule and spend significant time driving or on a train.

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