Big Sky Charter & Fishcamp

Big Sky Charter & Fishcamp sits at river mile 36 of the Kenai River in Sterling, on riverfront property owner Joe Connors bought in 1972; he built the lodge in 1984. Connors, a retired professor emeritus from the University of Alaska Anchorage, has been a professional guide since 1972.

The camp pairs a main lodge with eight furnished chalets and cabins for up to 36 guests. Guided freshwater trips target sockeye, coho and trout on the Kenai, saltwater salmon and halibut charters are also offered, and fish processing is done on site. The guide roster runs deep — Adam Reid (guiding since 1999), Ryan Thompkins (since 2004) and fly-fishing guide Joe Brennan, with Ella Brennan managing camp — and trips are planned around current conditions for all experience levels.