The season Is upon us!!! going into the third week of June Soldotna is getting busier and more people are out on the water fishing. Although it isn't as busy as the July rush, it is safe to say that June on the Kenai has arrived. I hope this short blog is helpful and interesting before you head up. Kenai Kings There aint nothing I love more than going after some king salmon! King salmon are the prize fish here in Alaska and are the hardest of the five species of salmon to catch. As a guide it takes a lot of preparation and knowledge to get one of these beast. This early run we experimented with our gear, and have found a recipe the big kings can't resist. One of the good problems we have had is the kings we have been catching are above the Alaska fish and game requirements for June of 36 inches (more on Kenai regs). After talking with other guides, we are not the only ones catching some good size kings on the first run. Usually the second run (July) of king salmon will be larger on the Kenai River than the first run in May and June. However, it is known that some of the biggest kings of the season will come up late May early June. In fact, The world record king salmon was caught around this time. On May 17th 1985 Les Anderson caught the world record king salmon on the Kenai River. The monster fish weighed in at 97 and 1/4 pounds (more on Les Anderson). Now I am not saying that someone is going to take over Les Andersons record this season, but I would bet that when it does happen it's on the Kenai River. Insider Info: We have started to se a few Russian reds coming through the stream. So the next 10 days should be a good chance to catch some early run sockeye. Kasilof Kings The Kasilof River in my opinion is one the most hidden gems in Alaska. The Kasilof River is about 15 minutes south of Soldotna and brings the true Alaska adventure. The Kasilof offers excellent salmon fishing, lots of wildlife, a peaceful float, and a lot of history. The first hunting license given in Alaska was given to Andrew Berg. Andrew Berg would take out rick Europeans for hunts and fishing trips on the Kasilof river and Tustemena Lake. The Kasilof has been a little slow on fishing this season. A large part of this can be due to the low and cold water temperatures. Luckily, the last two days we have had rising water levels and an increase in strikes while fishing. The Kasilof should just keep getting better and better as the season goes on. July on the Kasilof is a great time to plan your combo trips. we will start in Tustemena lake, do some sockeye fishing on the upper kasilof, have a beachside lunch, then finish up with king fishing the bottom Kasilof. Halibut Free some freezer space cause were catching limits out in Deep Creek. The halibut fishing has been pretty good out of Homer, Anchor Point, and Deep Creek. After talking with a few other captains it seems pretty aware the halibut are still staying shallow between 80-150 feet. If your looking to catch big halibut try fishing a salmon head, and watch your pole come tide switch. Emergency Orders Alaska Department of Fish and Game made a few emergency orders regarding salmon fishing. The Anchor River and Ninilchik have been closed the rest of June to fishing. Also saltwater salmon fishing has been closed within a mile of Deep Creek. If you have a combo trip planned out of Deep Creek, I would recommend calling your guide/outfitter and just ask them if this emergency order affect your trip in any way. Just recently we got to other emergency orders. We recommend you visit Alaska Fish and Game website to learn about all regulation changes. Pretty much though, the emergency river affected the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers for king salmon fishing. On the Kenai River it is only catch and release for king salmon. On the Kasilof River you can old retain hatchery king salmon.
3 Comments
1/4/2022 05:55:37 am
I loved it when you said that king salmon are the prize fish here in Alaska and are the hardest of the five species of salmon to catch. This is an interesting article to read I'll share this with my aunt. Thank you for the information about salmon fishing it would give her an idea of what he should do.
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10/9/2022 03:24:18 pm
Even story none some food role. She none these.
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11/13/2022 11:36:22 am
Face yes last try old responsibility her.
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