Alaska Steelhead Camp

While Alaska’s mighty Kenai River is known to all, far fewer anglers know of its southern neighbor, the Kasilof. Flowing out of Tustumena Lake, which is fed by Kenai Fjords National Park’s massive Harding Icefield, the Kasilof River is a broad, turquoise gem that is not only home to Pacific salmon, but also wild summer steelhead. For many years, renowned steelhead fly tyer and founder of Midnight Sun Custom Flies, Jonathan Farmer has been obsessed with the Kasilof and beginning in the fall of 2026, he will share what he knows of the river with four guests per week.

Jonathan’s camp will be set up in sleepy state park campground overlooking Johnson Lake, very near to the river. Guests will share 10x10 canvas Kodiak wall tents with wood stoves and float the river each day in rafts with an experienced guide, getting out to wade prime swing fishing runs. While fish begin entering the river in August, the camp will operate in the prime months of September and October.

The river is a rather short system flowing less than 18 miles from the outlet of Tustumena Lake to the Cook Inlet. It is a broad powerful system with an enchanting turquoise tint, relatively easy wading, and is widely considered impervious to rain-related blow outs. Each day guests will rotate guides meaning that three of your six fishing days will be spent with the owner, Jonathan Farmer and three with his longtime guiding buddy Bailey Adamavich. Boats will only be used for transportation, and all fishing will be traditional down and across swing fishing. There will be a maximum of four guests per week and there will be a guide for every two guests. During the week, water conditions permitting, guests may have the option to do a walk and wade hike-in day on a nearby smaller piece of water that has been a favorite of Jonathan’s for more than 20 years.

Skagit lines and sink tips will be the norm and all flies will be provided and tied by Jonathan Farmer. We hope that anglers will have 2-3 encounters per day with handsome wild steelhead in the 5 to 15 pound class. With the river being very short, these fish are never far from the sea to bright sea-liced fish are common.

As the operation’s name implies, this is a true steelhead camp, albeit a comfortable one. The camp will be set up in a sleepy, lakefront, state-run campground overlooking Johnson Lake. The location is very near the middle stretch of the river, minimizing morning and evening drives to and from the river. Pairs of anglers will share a 10x10 Kodiak canvas tent with two twin beds, full bedding, electric lights, limited storage, a charging station, a small sink, and a wood-burning stove. The camp will also have an on-demand hot shower and a sauna. Campfires should be expected each night, and Jonathan has gone the extra yard and tracked down heated camping chairs for all guests.

Meals will be thoughtfully prepared in a kitted-out indoor/outdoor kitchen by a skilled chef. Meals are served in a protected dining tent. Hot breakfasts will be prepared each morning and lunches, including hot soup, will be served streamside.

Sunday : Depart home to Kenai, AK, ground transfer to camp

Monday-Saturday: 6 Full days of guided fishing on the Kasilof river

Sunday: Depart camp after breakfast and transfer to the Kenai Airport for home

2026 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy 

• 7 night/6 day package: $4,900

Included: Accommodations, meals and non-alcoholic beverages, transfers to/from Kenai airport, guided fishing, flies 

Not Included: Airfare, fishing licenses, beer and liquor, camp host and guide gratuities. 

Click below to visit our Alaska Steelhead Camp Travel Guide where you'll find a comprehensive page with all the details you'll need to get ready for your trip:

Alaska Steelhead Camp Travel & Tackle Guide

Who is best suited to this destination?
Anyone who enjoys swinging flies for steelhead or wants to learn, camping, and those looking to forgo a lodge environment for an intimate steelhead camp experience. 

Where is the camp?
The Camp is located on Johnson Lake just outside of Kenai, Alaska. 

How do I get there?
Guests will fly into Anchorage Alaska (ANC ) and then onto Kenai, Alaska Airport (ENA) with Grant Aviation.  In Kenai you will be picked up and transferred by car approximately 30 minutes to camp. Most guests in western states can make the trip in one day.  

When should I go?
The steelhead swing season runs from the first week of September to the last week of October. All weeks will have fish in the system and are great time to go. The later weeks have the potential for more steelhead in the system, but the weather often gets colder and wetter. During September, coho salmon are commonly caught with their numbers declining through the month.   

How will I fish?
The program is built around swinging flies, down and across with two handed rods. Skagit lines and sink tips will be the norm and all fishing will be done on foot, while wading. Rafts will be used to transport anglers between runs.  

Is there wade fishing?
Yes. All fishing will be done while wading 

Where will I fish?
Guests will fish several different stretches of the Kasilof River and have the option of spending a day walk and wading much smaller nearby waters. 

How long does it take to reach the fishing grounds?
The drive times to the various sections are 15 minutes or less, with the smaller walk and wade fishery roughly an hour away.  

What type(s) of fish will I catch?
Wild summer-run steelhead and a fair number of cohos in September.  

How many fish will I catch?
We expect anglers to have between 1 and 3 steelhead encounters a day. These encounters may be comprised of light pulls, hard takes, lost fish, or landed fish.  

Will I see other anglers?
Yes, the main river is fished by other outfitters and anglers, although much of the river is private and therefore does not get much in the way of walk-in traffic. Jonathan uses a special take out much of the week to ensure anglers get fresh water at the end of the day. 

What are the guides like?
Jonathan Farmer is a world-renowned fly tier and a longtime Alaska resident who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of wild steelhead. Thoughtful, passionate, and professional, Jonathan will see that every aspect of camp is enjoyable and top notch for you. He will be assisted by Bailey Adamavich. Bailey guides in Alaska as well as in the Great Lakes for steelhead. Together they will guide you to the best steelhead runs daily and help you hone your cast and swing, should you need it.  

What are the physical demands?
They are limited on the main river to getting in and out of the raft, wading and casting. If Anglers elect to fish the smaller walk and wade options, there will be a good deal of hiking. 

Are there any special skills required?
Competency with Spey casting sink tips is very helpful, however if you are a novice spey caster Jonathan and Bailey are happy to teach you. 

Does the operation provide equipment?
Yes. They provide rods and reels, if needed, but guests are more than welcome to bring their own. You will be provided with Jonathan’s hand-tied flies. Camp is fully equipped with bedding and battery banks for charging phones and running CPAPs 

What is your favorite setup for the trip?
The staples are 7 and 8-weight Spey rods ranging from 12 to 14-feet in length. Guest are welcome to string up two rods so that they can be ready with differing tip weights or head lengths.  

What are the top flies?
Jonathan Farmer will have all the flies you could want to fish, but you are welcome to bring your own. Popular patterns are the Hoh-Bo Spey, Graboid Leech, Beast of Burden, marabou tube flies, and the Orange Heron, Polar Shrimp, or Cosmic Shrimp in size 1.5-3/0. It is always good to have a variety of colors. Black and blue are a favorite combination, as well as pink and orange.  

What are the options if water conditions become challenging?
The main river is impervious to blowing out, so every day of your trip is a guaranteed fishing day. Walk-in options may be limited as the smaller coastal streams are affected by rainfall and can become un-wadable overnight. 

What is a typical day like?
All timelines are subject to change based on anglers’ preference. They will accommodate guest who would like to fish dark to dark or take a more relaxed approach, or a mixture of the two. 

Coffee ready: 6:00am 

Breakfast: 7:30am 

Depart: 8:30am 

Return: 5:30pm- sundown 

Apps and Dinner follow 

Generator off 10pm 

What is the general vibe, atmosphere and style of the camp?
The camp is relaxed and friendly with a focus on comfort, fish talk, and laughter around the fire.  

Is there an on-site owner, manager or other point-person at the camp?
Yes, Jonathan Farmer is the owner, camp manager and lead guide and will be on-site. 

Where do we eat, and what are the meals like?
Meals will be thoughtfully prepared in a kitted-out indoor/outdoor kitchen by a skilled chef. Meals will be served outside, weather permitting, or moved to an indoor dining tent. Hot breakfasts will be prepared each morning and lunches, including hot soup, will be served streamside as well as hot coffee or tea available on the river.  When guests return, there will be appetizers followed by dinner and desert.  

What is the alcohol policy?
Only non-alcoholic beverages are included but you are welcome to bring your own. They are happy to stop at a liquor store on the way to camp and will gladly store and keep beverages cold for you. 

Where do we stay, and what are the accommodations like?
The Alaska Steelhead Camp is a comfortable camp. Somewhere in between a lodge and a rustic camp you might set up with your fishing partners. Two guests will share a 10’x10’ lodge tent equipped with a wood stove to ensure you stay warm throughout the night regardless of the weather. Each guest will have a twin sized bed with bed linens, tent lighting, and a gear trunk as well as its own sink for hand washing and teeth brushing.  

There is an on demand hot water shower as well as a sauna in camp. You will also have a heated camping chair for lounging around the campfire.  

Is there internet and/or cell service?
Cell service is spotty but adequate in most locations. There is no WiFi. 

Are there other activities?
No 

Are there any other expenses?
Guests will need to purchase their own fishing license and pay gratuities.  

Do I need a visa?
No 

Are there any health concerns, dangers or annoyances?
Fall steelheading weather is the primary challenge. Bugs are minimal and the area is not known for frequent bear encounters.  

We recommend that guests always consult with the U.S. Department of State and the Center For Disease Control websites for general travel information and guidelines.