Alaska Fishing on the Kenai PeninsulaThere are two words that best describe the amazing fishing opportunities available on the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet- Big and Abundant. Everything else is just a variation on these. Large, giant, enormous, plentiful, myriad, hundreds-of-thousands, everywhere-you-look, etc. As the hours of sunlight extend dramatically in the spring and warmer weather sets in, Alaska's mighty glaciers relent to the rising temperatures, releasing trillions of gallons of some of the purest, mineral-enriched waters on Earth into a dizzying array of natural glacial run-off systems. These are the Kenai peninsula's numerous rivers and lakes, which all begin high in the mountains and steadily make their way to the sea. The conditions are ideal for wildlife, in any and every native form, whether on land, in water, in the air or at sea. At the center of much of the activity is Alaska's King Salmon, which, after spending a lifetime in the salt waters of the Pacific Ocean, find that it's time to make their way into the rivers, swimming against the outward flow, back to their original birthing grounds to breed, spawn, and to die, and begin the circle all over again. While Moose feed on the now plentiful grasses and foliage, and eagles swoop from the sky to catch whatever may be swimming close to the surface, awakening Grizzlies make their way toward the same waters, with as much interest in the prolific fisheries as people, if not just a bit more. Alaska's Kenai Peninsula is in fact home of the famous world record holding Kenai River as well as the Halibut Capitol of the world, Homer. But it is more than that. It is a summer vacation wonderland offering an Alaska Vacation experience that will be forever etched in your memory. And with up to 22 hours of daylight during the peak summer months, ample time is afforded by nature to experience it all.
|
|
The Kenai River, Alaska
(left) Follow the Kenai River all along its winding route throughout the Kenai Peninsula.
|
Stretching 82 miles from Kenai Lake to its mouth at the Pacific Ocean in Kenai, this magnificent glacial run-off river runs mostly east-west, twisting and turning from the Kenai mountains down to the the flatland grasses at sea-level.
The Lower Kenai River from the Soldotna bridge to the mouth is a wide, fast-moving and cold river best known for its two seasonal runs of giant King Salmon. The majority of world record King Salmon - including Les Anderson's 97 pound giant - are caught here. A variety of fishing methods, such as back bouncing, dragging and back trolling, are used in this part of the Kenai River to entice these wild, natural wonders. Regulations abound regarding the use of bait and legal places for fishing so it is important to fish with a fully licensed and professional Kenai Fishing Guide.
The lower river is also the summer home of Coho Salmon, the season for which opens August 1st when the King fishing season closes. These wild salmon, also known as Silvers, can be caught using conventional, spinning or fly-gear. Spanning both fishing seasons on the Kenai River is one of the largest runs of Sockeye Salmon in the world. Reds, as they are also called, can be caught right from the river banks by both novice and expert alike. Pink Salmon, or humpbacks make their spawning run in late summer and offer a fun fishery on light tackle. Finally, resident Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden occupy the spawning areas of the lower Kenai River waiting for Salmon of all kinds to drop their eggs and for fisherman to throw the enticing flesh in to the water after cleaning
The Middle Kenai River from Skilak Lake to the Soldotna bridge looks like a different river. With rocky riffles and small rapids, guides pick their way along fishing the pockets, holes and runs. In many years, bait fishing for Kings is limited here but scores of sockeye, and silvers can be taken from the shore, popular drift boats or professionally operated power boats. This stretch of the river is also known for its enormous trout. 5 lb rainbows are common with fish over 20 lbs caught every year. Huge Dolly Varden gorge on eggs and flesh as well and offer a spectacular sight in their fall colors. Both fly fishing and spin fishing are very popular in this area.
The Upper Kenai River from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake is a turquoise blue, almost indescribable color due to the abundance of natural minerals in its waters this close to its original, glacial source. Falling from the Kenai mountains, this stretch is narrower, shallower and full of small-medium rapids. Sockeye, Silver and some King Salmon spawn here and the variety of fishing for the light tackle or fly fisherman is simply tremendous. Drift boats only (no motors) navigate these waters looking for the still bright spawning salmon or the abundant trout waiting to see an artificial egg or flesh fly swing by.
All along the Kenai River wildlife like Moose, Caribou, Grizzly and Black Bears, Ducks, Loons, Seals and Eagles seem to be everywhere you turn. And no matter where you turn, you will have views of one of the mountain ranges that surround the Peninsula. Although it is one river, the Kenai offers the angler so much variety in size, flow, habitat, species and technique, it is truly like having many rivers in one.
Key Fact: West Coast US King Salmon stay in the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean for an average of 3-4 years before swimming upstream in fresh water rivers to spawn. Kenai King Salmon, found in the Kenai River, Alaska, stay in the Pacific Ocean's saltwater for average of 5-7 years before doing the same. This is in part what makes the Kenai King Salmon, truly the King of all Salmon. Learn more interesting facts about Alaska
The Lower Kenai River from the Soldotna bridge to the mouth is a wide, fast-moving and cold river best known for its two seasonal runs of giant King Salmon. The majority of world record King Salmon - including Les Anderson's 97 pound giant - are caught here. A variety of fishing methods, such as back bouncing, dragging and back trolling, are used in this part of the Kenai River to entice these wild, natural wonders. Regulations abound regarding the use of bait and legal places for fishing so it is important to fish with a fully licensed and professional Kenai Fishing Guide.
The lower river is also the summer home of Coho Salmon, the season for which opens August 1st when the King fishing season closes. These wild salmon, also known as Silvers, can be caught using conventional, spinning or fly-gear. Spanning both fishing seasons on the Kenai River is one of the largest runs of Sockeye Salmon in the world. Reds, as they are also called, can be caught right from the river banks by both novice and expert alike. Pink Salmon, or humpbacks make their spawning run in late summer and offer a fun fishery on light tackle. Finally, resident Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden occupy the spawning areas of the lower Kenai River waiting for Salmon of all kinds to drop their eggs and for fisherman to throw the enticing flesh in to the water after cleaning
The Middle Kenai River from Skilak Lake to the Soldotna bridge looks like a different river. With rocky riffles and small rapids, guides pick their way along fishing the pockets, holes and runs. In many years, bait fishing for Kings is limited here but scores of sockeye, and silvers can be taken from the shore, popular drift boats or professionally operated power boats. This stretch of the river is also known for its enormous trout. 5 lb rainbows are common with fish over 20 lbs caught every year. Huge Dolly Varden gorge on eggs and flesh as well and offer a spectacular sight in their fall colors. Both fly fishing and spin fishing are very popular in this area.
The Upper Kenai River from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake is a turquoise blue, almost indescribable color due to the abundance of natural minerals in its waters this close to its original, glacial source. Falling from the Kenai mountains, this stretch is narrower, shallower and full of small-medium rapids. Sockeye, Silver and some King Salmon spawn here and the variety of fishing for the light tackle or fly fisherman is simply tremendous. Drift boats only (no motors) navigate these waters looking for the still bright spawning salmon or the abundant trout waiting to see an artificial egg or flesh fly swing by.
All along the Kenai River wildlife like Moose, Caribou, Grizzly and Black Bears, Ducks, Loons, Seals and Eagles seem to be everywhere you turn. And no matter where you turn, you will have views of one of the mountain ranges that surround the Peninsula. Although it is one river, the Kenai offers the angler so much variety in size, flow, habitat, species and technique, it is truly like having many rivers in one.
Key Fact: West Coast US King Salmon stay in the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean for an average of 3-4 years before swimming upstream in fresh water rivers to spawn. Kenai King Salmon, found in the Kenai River, Alaska, stay in the Pacific Ocean's saltwater for average of 5-7 years before doing the same. This is in part what makes the Kenai King Salmon, truly the King of all Salmon. Learn more interesting facts about Alaska
Let our expert guides put you on the Trophy Fish of a lifetime from May - July
The Kasilof River, AlaskaAlso known as the “Loaf” or the "Ditch”, the blue-green Kasilof River starts at Tustemena Lake and empties 20 river miles later into Cook Inlet, about 15 miles south of Kenai.
The Upper Kasilof River from the Sterling Highway bridge up to the lake, is an under-fished Steelhead river in the late spring and is excellent for Sockeye and Silvers later in the year. From the bridge to the ocean, the Kenai's little sister has been gaining notoriety as an excellent King, Silver and Sockeye fishery. Unlike the Kenai, the Kasilof River has a hatchery program which adds to the large counts of Kings. Salmon limits are more generous and regulations more lenient. This drift boat only river has become a “go to” fishery at any time during the summer, especially when tides lure the salmon on from their ocean lives. (Left) The Kasilof River through interactive map and satellite.
|
This quiet and beautiful drift boat only trip is many client's favorite.
Our guides will take you from one productive fishing spot to another on this pristine river.
The Russian River, AlaskaAs a tributary to the Upper Kenai River, The Russian River starts miles up in the mountains in the Russian lakes. Although it is home to some large Trout and migrating Silvers, the Russian River is actually famous for the confluence where it meets the Kenai and hundreds of thousand of Sockeye Salmon (reds) are moving up to spawn. . . . and where Grizzlies come to fish right alongside the angler.
Alaska's Russian River is also where the world renowned "combat fishing" takes place as hundreds of fisherman line up to get their limit of these beautiful, incredible tasting fighting and jumping fish…maybe the strongest salmon pound for pound. Explore the Kenai Peninsula's Russian River (Right)
|
Our expert guides will teach you the unusual techniques needed to catch these prized salmon.
Anchor Point, Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, AlaskaJust a short ride south of Kasilof, these narrow tidal rivers all have salmon runs but are highly regulated during the season. They all also boast a strong steelhead run in the fall where fly fishing can be excellent. An outfitter like Russell Fishing Company, with local guides, know the timing of these runs, Alaska regulations, and the favorite holes where fish stack up.
Anchor Point and Deep Creek have tractor launches to get you out into the salt in a “Disney-like” ride. Close to Halibut and other bottom fishing grounds, these launches also can put you on large migrating or “resident” kings from mid-May through July. Explore Anchor Point, Alaska (Left)
|
Because Russell owns their own saltwater boat, these opportunities are at your disposal.
Homer, AlaskaThe next stop south is the “Halibut Capital of the World–Homer." The spectacular spit sticks out in to the Pacific Ocean and provides a great launching area for Halibut fishing and bottom fishing for Yelloweye, Ling Cod and Black Bass . . . all exceptional table fare.
Surrounded by snow capped mountains that rise out of the inlet and Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet, Homer, Alaska is absolutely breathtaking. Excellent seafood restaurants, bars, artisan shops, seafood processors and bakeries line the spit on both sides. The Time Bandit of “Deadliest Catch “ moors here much of the season. 
|
Take an interactive tour of Homer, Alaska.
|
Let Russell Fishing Company make Homer a memorable part of your adventure itinerary.
Seward, Alaska (Resurrection Bay)Not far away to the east “as the crow flies” is Seward and Resurrection Bay. Know for its fjords, calving glaciers and magnificent wildlife, Seward is not only an exceptional Salmon and Halibut fishery, but the home of many beautiful day cruise ships. Whales, Stellar Sea Lions, Eagles, Puffins and Bears are regular sights for tourist and fisherman.
Seward, which rebuilt itself after a fire caused by the famous earthquake of the 60s, is an incredible “comeback story”. Awesome scenery is immediate as your drive in to Seward puts you minutes up the road from Exit Glacier one of the few remaining ice fields where you can “walk right up to its blue ice.” Explore Seward, Alaska (Left)
|
For those who like variety, our May - August trips from Seward are a must.
Where else can you catch a huge Ling Cod, Black Bass, Pink Salmon, Halibut, Yelloweye and Silver Salmon
all in the same water! A trophy lies at the end of your line, but what will it be?
Where else can you catch a huge Ling Cod, Black Bass, Pink Salmon, Halibut, Yelloweye and Silver Salmon
all in the same water! A trophy lies at the end of your line, but what will it be?
Remote Alaska Fly in FisheriesFlying across Cook Inlet only takes 30-45 minutes as your float plane pilot takes you along and between mountains, glaciers and Mt. Redoubt, an active volcano. Depending on the season and specific salmon run, you will land at Wolverine Creek, the Kustatan or Chuit River, Big River Lakes or Crescent Lake, another turquoise-blue jewel lacking the crowds of the other more popular fly-out areas. Without exception, each and every trip guarantees jaw-dropping sights, excellent fishing and close encounters with Grizzly Bears and other Alaska wildlife.
Kenai Alaska Hike-in FisheriesThere are numerous other rivers and streams that weave their way throughout the Kenai Peninsula. Many are accessible by hiking in and Russell's fly fishing specialists can help you access the best choice for your trip. Try your hand at fly fishing for the unusual Grayling found only in the high mountains, lakes and rivers.
|
Expert Russell Fishing Guides - no subcontractors.
CONTACT US NOW !
Alaska Fishing Vacation Packages | Alaska Fishing Lodges | Alaska Salmon Fishing | Alaska Halibut Fishing | Alaska Fishing Guides
Russell Fishing Company
59325 Sterling Highway, MP 111.4, Kasilof, AK 99610
907-398-0053 (Summer)
541-254-0679 (Winter)
glennrussellfishing@gmail.com
907-398-0053 (Summer)
541-254-0679 (Winter)
glennrussellfishing@gmail.com
