H'aaaaaaah, yes . . . this photo says it all . . .

Beautiful Alaska sky, expansive Alaska waters, and that's Jim Krausman with the 136 lb halibut he caught here off Alaska's coast.

And here's a couple more "barn doors" taken on a recent halibut charter, the biggest at 150 lbs.

And the Cothran party, with birthday man Kassie, caught this beautiful rack of 6 fish over 40lbs with the largest at 92lbs. Yes sir, that's over 160lbs of great tasting, fresh Alaska fillets on their way back to Oklahoma . . . 

What more could you ask for on a summer vacation? 

Although Fish and Game has put some restrictions on King Salmon in almost all Alaska rivers, the sport of Catching a Giant King is still open, alive and well!.  Moreover, Russell Fishing is converting King trips into King/Sockeye combos if guests request it. This gives our guests the best of both worlds . . . the ability to catch, photograph and release an Alaska King salmon, and then keep fishing for more . . . and then also to catch, keep and eat the hard fighting, delicious Alaska sockeye salmon!
 
Both the Kasilof and Kenai rivers have been producing some nice Kings and the sockeye are starting to come in heavy. Below, young Matt Woolway holds one of a nice catch of sockeye . . .

 And here is the Houston, Woolway and Curly group after a day of sockeye fishing . . .

And here is a nice rack of reds that were taken by the Phillips party first day on the Kenai. These beauties were landed in 3 hours. The Phillips and Ken Chalk were too tired to have photos taken so Cap'n Gilz (guide for the day) did the honors . . .

Sockeye Salmon (Reds) are the most sought after salmon, known for their delicious red meat. They may also be the strongest salmon pound-for-pound.

So expect some fishing . . . expect some fighting . . . expect some fresh 'n fancy feasting . . . and expect some fun!

During the summer months Pacific Halibut move into the shallower waters off the Alaskan cost for feeding. This means that they are plentiful and we are able to fish for them all summer long - with charters running from May through September. We launch our Halibut boat, the Badger, throughout the season out of Homer, Seward, Anchor Point and Deep Creek. An Alaska Halibut can weigh from as little as ten pounds to well over 300 pounds, but they always make for some good fishing and some excellent eating!

Here is some early season big halibut taken already this year on the Badger . . .

The same day guest Robert Holt landed a nice Halibut on a fly with Dustin and the Badger and his party also filled a rack with a 124lbs and a 52lbs. This 20lb halibut was a true brawler for Robert, using his 10 weight fly rod at slack tide.

Besides the fact that Halibut fishing in Alaska is always loads of fun and exciting, as you know, it can also be the gift that keep on giving - to your dinner plate - all year long!

June is a great time to fish in Alaska and the 2012 fishing season has been no exception. Just ask Gayle Schnell. Gayle, pictured here with Russell Fishing guide Brian McLivin, reeled in this trophy King Salmon and a big smile while vacationing here with her husband Dan this month. Yes, that's a 45.5 in, 50lb Alaskan beauty, nailed one day before catch and release regulation.

A little earlier in the month it was hot week for our pro fishing guide Chris Carson as these happy Russell guests landed four King Salmon on the quiet Kasilof River.

And here is Chris again with guest Judy Bibbo and a 35lb King . . .

And it just doesn't stop there. Here is a happy couple - Joe and Judy Bibbo with their his and her's 2 beautiful Kings caught on the Kenai River on a gorgeous Alaska day.

Brian also guided the Avery and Davis party to landing a 35lb and 25lb king salmon.

And last but certainly not least,  what's better than a kid with a salmon and a smile? This is Max Russell, the owner's son, who nabbed his first King Salmon from the Kasilof River.

So if you're wondering whether or not it's worth it to make the trip up in early season before the crowds, wonder no longer! It has been a great month here at Russell Fishing Company with all of our guests, guides and lodging partners, and as we move into July, we'll also be looking forward to Alaska fishing in June of 2013!