Fishing The Kenai River
October 11th, 2009 | Fly Fishing News | No Comments »Do you adore fishing? Have you heard of the Kenai River in Alaska? Kenai River fishing is an angler’s dream come true, actually the mother lode of salmon fishing. The river runs a spectacular 82 miles, from Kenai Lake in southern Alaska to the Pacific ocean, at Cook’s Inlet.
Beginning in May, continuing through mid-October, the Kenai peninsula, just 3 hours south of harbor, offers a smorgasbord of fishing adventures you will not shortly forget.
Among the salmon varieties found are King, Sockeye, Silver and Red, with 2 runs every year. In addition to record-sized salmon, Kenai River fishing offers Steelhead, Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
If you adore fishing, the Kenai River promontory is heaven on earth. The largest salmon ever caught in the world was a 97-pound King Salmon, in 1985. Ardent fishermen head to the Kenai headland, expecting to best this record. A typical catch is 40 pounds! It does not get much better.
Here’s a rundown of the Kenai River fishing season, to help plan your vacation!
round the middle of June, there’s one run of the Red Blueback salmon, followed by another in the middle of July. If you like smoked salmon, you will want to be fishing now, as the Red variety is the king of smoked salmon. Reds are also highly cherished for the griddle, as well as canning.
Also running in mid-June and mid-July are the King salmon. While other rivers in Alaska yield more fish, the Kings of the Kenai river are renowned for their great size. A typical catch in the second run is 40-50 pounds. Do not be surprised to net a King of a larger size!
Kenai River fishing offers 2 runs of Silver salmon, one in early August and another in late Sep. The larger catches are generally found in the Sep run.
If all of this isn’t really enough to whet your appetite, the Kenai River yields trophy sized rainbow trout and dolly varden.
Your holiday plans should include a visit to Cook’s Inlet for a saltwater fishing excursion to Kachemak and Resurrection Bays, where the huge bottom-dwelling halibut live. The Alaskan record halibut which weighed in at 466 pounds was caught in Kachemak Bay!
Drive just 30 miles from Kenai to Clam Gulch, a preferred destination for clamming. Razor clams are abounding here. As the name implies, their shells are pointy, so be careful! Best digging times are when the tide is at minus 2 feet or lower. Check with the office of Fish and Game for local limits.
You will not be surprised to hear that accommodations are bounteous throughout the area of the Kenai River. You will find well kitted out cabins all along the Kenai, with fantastic steered fishing tours. Fishing people come from all around the globe to sample a Kenai River fishing holiday. Be sure to make a reservation! It is an experience you won’t forget. Bon Appetit!
This article was produced by Richard Codd, a keen fisherman who has travelled the world fishing the greatest rivers and lakes. He writes for a well known fishing blog (www.bass-fishing.com) devoted to the subject of Largemouth Bass Fishing.