More Frequently Asked Questions: Q & A with Russell Fishing Company

​Our guests are from all over the world....young or old, man or woman, novice or expert.    Some are fishermen and outdoors people but haven't experienced Alaska.  Others are new to an area like Alaska, so no question is "dumb" and deserves an answer.  Nonetheless, as guides, we get many of the same over and over, so I thought it might be fun  to highlight....
 
(I am sure I didn't cover everything so please send your comments)
 
Q. What do you do in the winter?  
A. Most common question and each guide has their own answer.  Personally, I am a Chippendales dancer
 
Q. What is the water temperature?
A.  In season, anywhere from about 45F to 58F depending on the month
 
Q. What kind of tree is that?
A.  Although we have learned some over the years, we aren’t botanists (but we stayed at a Holiday Inn once)
 
Q. What kind of bird is that?
A.  Similar answer...not Ornithologists (probably haven't even spelled it right)
 
Q.  What else is there to do?
A. Have fun   www.kenaipeninsula.org/things-do        www.russellfishingcompany.com/alaska-fishing-report/15-tips-on-how-to-enjoy-alaska-and-the-kenai-peninsula
 
Q. Did you have these (riverbank) rocks shipped in?
A.  Dumbfounded when we heard that one.
 
Q. Where are the caribou?
A.  With Santa Claus in training
 
Q.  How deep is the water?
A.  In the rivers, not as deep as you think.  In the salt, deeper than you think
 
Q.  How fast is the current?
A.  Depends on where you "currently" are.....5-7 mph likely

Q. Do you row back Upstream (on a drift boat trip)
A.  Considering the last answer.....Superman maybe...

Q.  Why does everyone have the same size boats and motors on the Kenai?
A.  Regulations dictate 20 ft boat 50 hp motor for safety

Q. Is that a golden eagle
A.  It could be but it’s likely a young bald eagle. White heads are 4 years old
 
Q. What do those "closed to fishing" signs mean?
A.  Usually means no fishing from the bank to protect the habitat where the smolt and fry hang out and eat bugs
 
Q. Is this fresh or saltwater?
A.  Taste it
 
Q. What do you mean by waterproof shoes?
A.  Check Webster’s or Google it
 
Q. Is that a Dolly Parton?
A.  Dolly Varden-member of char family
 
Q. When will we see Bears?
A.  You never know.... unless they are "fishing", they are wary of people.  Try Chinitna Bay charter or Fly in
 
Q. How are the mosquitoes?
A.  Friendly and LARGE....Alaska State Bird....not as bad as you think...Like many wooded states and a short season
 
Q. What elevation are we at (on lower Kenai 4 miles from mouth)
A.  Does the term Sea Level mean anything ?
 
Q. Why do we have to leave so early in the morning?
A.  Beat some boat traffic?   Get the AM bite?  Stay within the regulations
 
Q.  How big is Alaska?
A. www.russellfishingcompany.com/alaska-fun-facts-and-trivia.html
 
Q. Why can't you keep trout in the river?
A.  Wild fish...no stocking program.  We need to sustain the fishery
 
Q.  (when on the river) Which way is the ocean?
A.  Always downstream...the direction the current is flowing
 
Q.  How do you become a Kenai guide?
A.  Go to guide school in Kenai.   Pass a rigorous course.  Get a coast guard license.
 
Q. How do they know how many fish came into the river?
A.  Sophisticated sonar counters
 
Q. Why do all salmon die after they spawn?
A.  Old age or the one-time sex act was too much for them
 
Q. What time will it get dark?
A. Depends on time of year...just like anywhere.  Because of its location, it stays lighter in summer longer and darker in winter longer
 
Q. Are there snakes in Alaska?
A. Not the animal, but I know a few people who are
 
Q. Do we wear pants under our waders?
A.  If you don’t, we are throwing them out
 
Q. Will we see a moose?
A.  100% unless you are  always sleeping
 
Q. Do we leave are shoes on under the waders
A.  I guess you could try....
 
Q. Are sockeyes Coho?
A. Sockeye are also called "reds" ...even though they are silver... until they are ready to spawn
 
Q. Are silvers reds?
A.  Silvers are Coho although they turn red also
 
Q. What are humpies?
A.  Pink Salmon--silver color until ready to spawn.  Return every 2 years
 
Q. Are kings chinook?
A.  Chinook are also called Kings, Tyee (Canada), Springers (NW in Spring), Jacks if small and not matured
 
Q.  How do you say Kasilof?
A.  Ku-SEE-lof
 
Q.  How do you say Kenai?
A.  KEEN-eye
 
Q. Are there ticks in Alaska?
A.  They are not very populated or popular so currently nothing to worry about
 
Q.  Why are there so many regulations?
A. The Kenai Peninsula is world renowned. However, it is also easily accessed.  The only way to protect the vital Resources is through regulation