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Detailed
Fishing and Lodging Information
Thank you for your interest
in Mark Glassmaker Fishing.
 Since
I began taking people fishing in Alaska, I have always tried to assist
them in planning their entire vacation. From their lodging,
fishing, sightseeing and travel
arrangements, I have made it a priority to provide my guests with
only the highest quality of services. I offer honest, detailed
information for the customer to base their decisions on. I know for
most, a trip to Alaska is a very special occasion and I want it to meet
all of your expectations. This is why it is very important for
you to research your destination and the various activities you intend
to pursue. Sit down with your party and discuss the details of
your trip and establish a game plan well before you arrive. Make
all necessary lodging and fishing reservations as soon as possible to
secure optimal dates. Many weeks are filled over a year in advance.
You will not receive any high-pressure sale tactics from me, just factual,
pertinent information that will allow you to make up your own mind.
I will provide everything
for all guided fishing. I am very particular about the equipment I use
and you can expect nothing but the best. My boats are new, clean,
comfortable and designed for guided fishing in Alaska. With 20-foot,
custom-built power and drift boats, you can be confident that you will
float the rivers in style. Once aboard you will only see top of
the line fishing equipment. With factory sponsorship from Lamiglas
fishing rods, I have the privilege of testing the most advanced rods
on the market today. With over fifty years of experience designing
salmon and steelhead rods, Lamiglas has established an industry standard
that I am proud to represent. To compliment these fine fishing rods,
I exclusively fish Shimano reels.
This combination gets the job done every day against some of the most
demanding fisheries in the world. In addition to premium rods and
reels, I only supply the sharpest hooks, most effective lures and the
freshest bait. I hand wash every inch of my boat after all of my
trips so you can expect it to be spotless when I meet you in the morning.
During
king season, we often divide our days between morning and afternoon fishing
trips. On the Kenai, guides are restricted to fishing between the
hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Accordingly, our morning trip begins at
5:30 AM and ends at 11:30 AM and our afternoon trip begins at 12:00 PM
and ends at 6:00 PM. This allows for approximately five and a half
hours of fishing in each half-day trip, which is typically ample time
for a good shot at a king. The limit is one fish and you must cease
fishing once you retain a fish. Full day trips are also available
if you would like to spend the entire day on the water. Full day
trips extend your fishing time by two to four hours. On some days when
the fishing is tough, a couple extra hours can certainly pay off and most
find the overall experience of a full day trip, worth the added cost.
Unfortunately, the Kenai is
not known for producing daily limits or extraordinary numbers of kings. In
fact many other rivers in Alaska surpass the Kenai in sheer numbers of
king salmon. The Kenai is a trophy river. It holds the largest
STRAIN of king salmon in the world with the average fish weighing 35-40
lbs. King salmon over fifty pounds are common, and nine out of the
ten largest kings ever caught were taken from the Kenai River. The
world record was set here in May 1985 with a Kenai king that weighed 97lbs. The
Kenai is a very refined fishery where it has been accurately portrayed
that 10 % of the guides catch 90 % of the king salmon.
The Kenai has two runs of
king salmon. The early run begins
in May and lasts until the end of June. The late run starts July
1 and ends with the last day of king season on July 31. The early
run has less fish than the late run and is less predictable.
Recent (February 2002
/ March 2003) Alaska Board of Fish regulations have imposed new rules
for the early run of king salmon. From the beginning of this fishery
in early May and extending through June 10, the retention of kings will
be limited to those below 44 inches and those over 55 inches. All
king salmon between these lengths will need to be released. If the
run is strong, it is very likely we will be allowed to use bait after
June 11 (this increases catch rates dramatically). Remember that
this early run has far less fishing pressure than the late run and can
result in some remarkable fishing. Fish average 25-35 lbs., although
many of the largest kings ever caught, including the world record 97-pounder,
have been early run fish. The 13-year average for the early run
is 17,600.
The late run of Kenai Kings
is one of the most popular fisheries in all of Alaska. The average
fish is 35-40 lbs. and the return typically peaks in the last two weeks
of July. The Kenai opens to the use of bait on July 1 and this greatly
improves fishing success. You can expect excellent king fishing during
the entire month. The annual average for this run is close
to 40,000 fish. This late run of king salmon represents the peak of our
season and combined with the late run of sockeye salmon, one can expect
the Kenai River and surrounding communities to be quite busy. We
suggest making reservations up to a year in advance, especially for the
last two weeks of July.
The Kasilof, a neighboring
river 15 miles south of the Kenai, should not be overlooked. This
smaller, more glacial river offers a robust hatchery king run from mid-May
to late June. The fish average 15-25 lbs., but are highly concentrated
in a 4-5 mile section of the river just below Crooked Creek and Crooked
Creek Hatchery. This all takes place within tidal influence so fresh
blasts of bright kings arrive daily. You can expect far more action
on the Kasilof, but do not expect many kings over 50 lbs. The Kasilof
is too shallow for powerboats and is drift-boat only. Drift-boat
fishing is very peaceful (until you hook-up!) and provides a very unique
fishing experience. Like the Kenai, the king limit is one fish and
you must quit fishing once you keep your limit.
The Kasilof also sees some
wild fish in the early run (May and June) and we are required by regulation
to release this less abundant wild component to the run. We can distinguish
between the two by looking for a clipped adipose fin, which identifies
the king as being of hatchery origin. Only adipose clipped hatchery origin
kings can be retained.
In July, the Kasilof has an
entirely wild return of late run kings. Since fishing pressure is very
low and the run is quite stable in number, we encourage our July guests
to consider a day of drift boat fishing in addition to the more popular
(and crowded) Kenai fishery. This late run of Chinook in the Kasilof
is a big, hard fishing fish often exceeding 40 pounds. Since the Kasilof
is a faster moving river in July than the Kenai and is again fished from
non-motorized drift boats, the experience of landing a bring Kasilof king
in July is extremely challenging, exciting and quite rewarding.
All Kasilof trips, both early
and late run, are full day only. Since this is a drift only trip,
this allows ample time to shuttle our trailer to the take out and cover
all the water necessary to make the day as productive and enjoyable as
possible.
Even
though Kenai King Salmon have the most lore of the Peninsula's fishing
opportunities, this fishery barely scratches the surface of the angling
opportunities available. From late July into August, we offer bank-fishing
trips into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge for sockeye
salmon. These powerful fighters are mint bright, just out of
the saltwater, and average 8-12 lbs. Sockeye are considered the finest
table fare of all the pacific salmon.
Trout
fishing opens in mid-June and this is an outstanding fishery that will
consistently provide multiple fish days. Kenai River rainbows
average 14-20 inches, but many fish exceed this range considerably.
Fish well over ten pounds are caught regularly. Along with the rainbows
we catch dolly varden and arctic char.
These fish are very aggressive and strong fighters. Our company
maintains a strict catch and release policy for both these species and
we highly recommend at least one day of trout fishing if possible.
We fish inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge below Skilak Lake and
this has always been one of our most popular destinations.
During
August and September, our primary pursuit becomes Silver,
or Coho salmon. The Kenai and the Kasilof receive very robust early
runs of silver salmon with good to excellent fishing from early August
to early September. The limit is two fish and once you retain your second
silver, you cannot fish for silvers from a boat for the remainder of that
day. In addition to the silvers, we also
have pink salmon in August and September,
but ONLY in EVEN years. The Kenai also has a prominent late run
of silver salmon that begins in September and continues well into October,
even though the season closes to silvers on September 30. Trout
fishing in the late season is especially productive due to the abundance
of spawning salmon. With light tackle, the action is often non-stop.
On most days, we can fish for both trout and silvers in the same portion
of the river, making for a very well rounded fishing experience.
We also offer fly out fishing
for sockeye and silvers in a variety of remote rivers across Cook Inlet.
Since these fish see very little fishing pressure, they are aggressive
beyond belief. Our flight service will take us to one of many premier
salmon rivers directly across Cook Inlet where they have boats waiting. This
is an excellent way to view the spectacular scenery from the air, and
the remote fishing experience is unforgettable. Safe, but close
bear viewing makes for great photo opportunities and certainly adds to
the superb fishing.
We
have steelhead trout in a handful of smaller
Kenai Peninsula Rivers during late fall. We can help you pursue these
elusive sea-run trout on the fly. You will hardly believe such a
beautiful, enormous fish could be caught in such tiny rivers. Steelhead
Trout are completely catch and release, you're not even allowed to take
them out of the water for a picture. Trust me, the memory will last
forever.
If
you would like to enjoy some of the best halibut
fishing in Alaska, neighboring Cook Inlet is your destination. Fishing
remains good to excellent for most of the summer with tides and weather
being the biggest factor. Cook Inlet has the second highest tides
in the world and water movement can be 20+ feet each way, twice daily.
The force of the incoming or outgoing tide can make it very difficult
to sink even several pounds of weight to the bottom. The best fishing
is usually at the high or the low when the tide has ebbed. Tides
with the least amount of water moving between the high and the low are
optimal. For example a 12-15 foot high with a 2-5 foot low would
be ideal. Unfortunately these tides are few and far between although
on most tides you will get an ample window to experience red-hot halibut
action. We will help you pick the best tide for your stay.
We use a select few halibut captains in both Deep Creek and Homer.
They are experienced skippers with very professional operations and excellent
people skills. They will assure your safety with 28-32 foot off
shore boats with enclosed cabins and powerful twin outboard engines.
They are the "specialists" at what they do and this is why I
do not personally guide on the salt water. I stay on the river where
I am tuned into the pulse of the fishery just as they are with the ever-migrating
Cook Inlet halibut fishery.
Whether you're after a record
size king salmon or the chance to hook a wild Alaska steelhead on a fly
rod, we have the experience, expertise and versatility to make it happen.
We are not a "charter service," with a boat tied up to the same
dock, fishing the same holes, day in and day out. Like the fish,
we are always moving, trying to stay one step ahead of our competition
and the fish.
Fishing with an experienced,
professional, courteous and knowledgeable guide will help guarantee your
fishing trip is successful. I always give 100% effort from the beginning
to the end of each trip. I will go out of my way to make sure you are
comfortable and well taken care of. I enjoy answering questions about
the techniques I use and the fish we are pursuing. I consider myself
a guardian of the river and greatly respect the resource that is my livelihood.
I encourage you to check my references to
affirm the quality of my services. I have included a list of previous
customers with this letter and can provide many more upon request. In
the event I am already booked for the day you plan to fish, we have a
hand picked staff of associate guides that we
use. You can be sure that these are only first class captains that will
treat you with the utmost of respect. They hold high standards for their
fishing techniques and equipment and most importantly, they all will do
everything possible to ensure you have a great experience. We will not
place you with another guide that does not meet our high standards, as
many do not.
It is important to understand
that the Kenai Peninsula is very popular. This is largely due to
its proximity (3hrs.) from Anchorage, Alaska's largest city and the variety
of fishing opportunities it offers. Since the Kenai is road accessible,
it does attract an abundance of summer anglers, with June and July (particularly
the last two weeks of each month) being especially busy. There are
many guides in this area, and just like any other business, prices vary.
Some may be offering discounted "cheap seats," but buyer beware;
you usually get what you pay for. Another option may be to stay
at a lodge where all activities, lodging and meals are included in a package
price. This package price is usually inflated and often the guides
are inexperienced, over worked and under paid. I have found that
most would prefer to avoid the set schedule of packaged activities and
establish their own fishing schedule.
Our rates are not based on
"package prices." All trips are priced per day.
This allows us to create a custom package for every customer. We
have people fish from one day to two weeks; it's totally up to you.
We have three of our own cabins adjacent to our Lodge on the Kenai River
and we use over a dozen high quality rental cabins that we can book for
you. This simply allows you the ability to keep both lodging and
fishing in one "package" with one deposit and one balance.
We are very proud of our cabins and the cabins
we use. They are all new, clean and well furnished. You can
expect full kitchens, full baths, cooking and eating utensils, and linens.
Many have televisions and phones. Most of the cabins have a unique
location, either on a Lake, with a view of the mountains or even right
on the Kenai River! Once we know your arrival and departure information
along with the size of your party, we will be glad to provide you a list
of lodging choices including descriptions, pictures and prices.
We will also make all of your saltwater and fly
out fishing arrangements and include them as part of your package.
Again, one invoice and one
deposit.
In addition to the lodging
and fishing, there are several other costs associated with your trip.
One is airfare to Anchorage. Once you arrive
in Anchorage, you will need to rent a car
and drive approximately 3 hours south on the Kenai Peninsula or take a
20 minute commuter flight with ERA
Aviation: 1-800-866-8394. They have flights every hour, but
you will need advance reservations. Fares are approximately $150-$175
round trip. Another expense will be food. I will provide coffee,
juice, water and snacks on all trips. You will be responsible for
all other meals. If you would like to save money, I recommend taking
advantage of the full kitchens in the cabins to cook your own meals.
Many prefer to barbeque a filet of fish they caught that day on our outdoor
gas grills. If you prefer not to cook, there are a wide variety
of restaurants in the immediate area.
Between Soldotna and Kenai you will find everything from fresh seafood
to fine Italian dining. There is also pizza, several major fast food
establishments and large modern grocery/super stores.
Our home and business headquarters
is located five miles upriver from the town of Soldotna in a small section
of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. We have over 2 acres and
225 feet of prime Kenai River front property for you to enjoy and fish
from during your stay. Although there are many places to fish on
your own, having private access, especially during the busy red salmon
season, is very convenient. In cooperation with Alaska Fish and
Wildlife, we have installed two sets of light penetrating, galvanized
walkways along the river. This allows our guests to enjoy the riverside
fishing without damaging the sensitive shoreline habitat.
An Alaska State Fishing
License is required and you will be able to purchase this at any of
the local grocery stores, gas stations, etc., they offer a variety of
licenses to suit the length of your stay. If you will be fishing
for king salmon, you will be required to purchase a king stamp in addition
to your regular sport fishing license. For all of the current
rates and license options or to purchase your license online, please
visit:
http://www.state.ak.us/local/akpages/FISH.GAME/
Your fish will be cleaned
and prepared for processing as part of your trip. We have an excellent
processor located in the town of Soldotna that will be awaiting your
catch. Although you are welcome to take care of your catch any way
you like, we highly recommend having your salmon and halibut filleted
in to meal size portions and vacuum-sealed into individual packages.
Smoking and lox services are also available in a variety of flavors.
Vacuum sealing averages $1.00 per pound and smoking $3.00 per pound.
You can store all of your fish in the processor's freezer until you are
ready to depart. They will then package your fish in an insulated,
wax-coated box for transportation home on the airplane as luggage.
They also offer over-night shipping services, although this is considerably
more expensive.
We hope this gives you a good
impression of how our business operates. We will always do everything
we can to make sure your trip is everything you expected and more. Please
call, email or write any time
if you would like to establish reservations and/or would like additional
information. Thank you very much for your interest and we sincerely hope
to have you aboard some day very soon. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Mark and Cindy
Glassmaker
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