Alaska Freshwater Fishing
Fishing for King Salmon in freshwater takes place in two different rivers, the Kasilof River and the world-famous
Kenai River. These are two distinctively different rivers, each with its own appeal. The one thing they have in
common is King Salmon, lots of Kings, minutes from the ocean and full of fight!
Here's the story on each river, tackle, and best fishing.
Kasilof River Salmon Fishing
Slate gray in color, the Kasilof River is fed from a huge glacier. The average depth of this is less that four feet,
dictating the use of drift boats.
Our drift boats accommodate 2, 3, or 4 anglers, and your guide will row you down the river and fish selected areas
as the Salmon enter the river twice each day on the flood tides. Your float trip will take you through the middle of
the Kenai National Moose Range, a very scenic area that abounds in wildlife. Moose, Beaver, Loons and Eagles
are daily participants involved in your trip here.
The Kings will average about 20-25 lbs. on the Kasilof, with occasional fish in the 40-50 lb. range. Because your
boat will be propelled only by your guide rowing the boat, you in most cases will not be able to chase your fish.
This creates great excitement as you try to battle your king and force him back up river.
Your gear consists of medium to heavy graphite rod, usually in the 8-8 1/2 foot range, with a level wind reel filled
with 175 yards of 25 pound test. The tackle varies, but typically large quickfish with a sardine wrap or an
egg-cluster with a spin-n-glow are standard. Each guide has his own secrets and formulas, and half of the
fun is trying to get the recipe from him.
The first kings to show on the Kasilof can be expected the last week of May, with the run being very consistent all of
June through July 10th.
Kenai River Salmon Fishing
Home to the all time sport caught world record King Salmon, the Kenai River stands alone for trophy class King Salmon.
The ten (10) largest sport caught King Salmon of all time have come from this beautiful glacier fed waterway. There
is no where else in Alaska, or the entire world where you have the chance at catching such large trophy size
King Salmon.
The genetics of this strain of King Salmon are unmatched in the entire world. This truly is a trophy fishery, and as
such you fish here not for the quality of hookups or action, but rather for the chance of a lifetime. For it is
here on the mighty Kenai River that the next world record will be produced. It is here that you can catch the largest
Salmon of your life!
These mighty fish start entering the Kenai River the first week of May. Consistent action can be expected around May
15th, and one world record king salmon was actually landed on May 17th, 1985.
There are two distinct runs of big Kings. The first run generally runs May 15th -June 30th, and the second run July
1st - July 31st. During the entire King Salmon season on the Kenai River, (May-July), the average King Salmon will
weigh between 40-50 pounds!
During your charter on the Kenai river you will typically be fishing with a total of four anglers, (including yourself),
plus your guide. Our 20 Predator river boats, powered by Yamaha four stroke technology, are built by Willie
Boats of Medford, Oregon, and comfortably seat and fish four anglers.
Tackle for king salmon fishing is generally a 8 1/2 to 9 foot G-Loomis rod with a Shimano level wind reel, filled with
200 yards of 30 lb. test. Techniques for catching these big Kings range from back-bouncing egg clusters, back-trolling
jet-divers with eggs or sardines or free drifting selected areas of the rivers. A charter usually lasts about six
hours.
This IS Awesome Alaska Salmon Fishing!
|
|
Take a look at other , larger pictures of 
