Read Fisheye's response. His information is accurate and I will only add a few points to help you out.
1st point is: You can't do it all. Denali + devoted fishing in AK in 9 days is a very narrow window to try and fit it all in. Factor in variable weather (2011 & 2012 Sept. was blown on the Peninsula i.e. flooding) cancellations and your timeframe shrinks even more.
2nd point (related to first): Decide what you want to focus on. Is Denali a must, or does fishing come first? What species is the primary interest? Rainbows and Coho will be the major players at that time. If on the Peninsula - likely due to its proximity to Anchorage you'll be focusing on the upper Kenai near Coopers Landing (since its a non-pink year and the fires and rains will likely muddy up the middle below Skilak). There are numerous guides for this area - though I am somewhat jaded and don't personally recommend any. Fisheye provided two well known reputable operations that are likely booked (Popular guides book a year or so in advance during this timeframe).
3rd Point: Flyouts are unlikely - There are no really premiere "fly out" options from Anchorage. Everyone flies to another part of AK and then goes out from there to the premiere fishing zones. Anchorage is just a hub. Fly outs to these locations require logistics - lodging and are pricey. The best destinations near Anchorage that can be hit in a day are easily accessible to everyone else and are therefore not worth the $ IMO. Maybe a coho destination, but IMO I wouldn't spend my $.
4th Point: I've fished this area extensively during this same timeframe nearly every year since 2008. I've had some spectacular - world class - fishing throughout much of my experience, but the most recent trips have been major disappointments. Its unclear if AK in this area is suffering through a major down cycle - as is Bristol Bay, if increased pressure has reduced the quality of the fishery, or if my early experiences jaded me. In either case, I have much lower expectations now for AK - and have considered it less as a fishing destination. Keep your expectations in check and you will have a good time. The fishing there can be amazing, and it can also be poor, consider yourself lucky to experience either, but note that it can go either way and that the books and information you will read are WAY out of date. It isn't the AK of old.
Last edited by Tfisher; 07-06-2015 at 02:44 PM.
Carpe Piscis!
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