Fishing The Kenai River in Alaska
Do you like fishing? Have you heard of the Kenai River in Alaska? Kenai River fishing is an angler’s waking dream, really the mummy lode of salmon fishing. The river runs an impressive 82 miles, from Kenai Lake in southern Alaska to the Pacific ocean, at Cook’s Inlet.
Beginning in May, continuing thru mid-October, the Kenai peninsula, just 3 hours south of port, offers a smorgasbord of fishing adventures you will not shortly forget.
Among the salmon varieties found are King, Sockeye, Silver and Red, with two runs every year. In addition to record-sized salmon, Kenai River fishing offers Steelhead, Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
If you love fishing, the Kenai River peninsula is heaven on earth. The biggest salmon ever caught in the world was a 97-pound King Salmon, in 1985. Keen fishermen flock to the Kenai headland, expecting to best this record. A typical catch is 40 pounds! It isn’t getting much better than that.
Here’s a rundown of the Kenai River fishing season, to help you plan your vacation!
around 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’ll want to be fishing now, as the Red variety is the king of smoked salmon. Reds are also highly valued for the grill, as well as canning.
Also running in mid-June and mid-July are the King salmon. While other brooks in Alaska yield more fish, the Kings of the Kenai river are known for their monster size. A typical catch in the second run is 40-50 pounds. Don’t be surprised to net a King of a larger size!
Kenai River fishing offers two runs of Silver salmon, one in early Aug and another in late Sep. The larger catches are usually found in the September run.
If all of this is not enough to make you salivate, the Kenai River yields prize 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 giant bottom-dwelling halibut live. An Alaskan record-sized halibut of 466 pounds was caught in Kachemak Bay!
Drive just thirty miles from Kenai to Clam Gulch, a well-liked destination for clamming. Razor clams are abounding here. As the name implies, their shells are sharp, so be careful! Best digging times are when the tide is at minus two feet or lower. Check with the Department of Fish and Game for local boundaries.
You will not be surprised to hear that lodging is plentiful throughout the area of the Kenai River. You will find extensively furnished cabins all along the river, with fantastic guided fishing tours. Travelers come from all around the globe to experience a Kenai River fishing holiday. Be sure you book ahead! It’s an experience you won’t forget. Bon Appetit!
This article was penned by Richard Codd, a lifelong angler who has visited some of the finest fishing spots in the world. He writes for a well known fishing blog (http://www.bass-fishing.com) devoted to the subject of Smallmouth Bass Fishing.
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