The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20060321031723/http://www.mgfalaska.com/news.html
Alaska Fishing and Lodging on the banks of the Kenai River. Vacation rental cabins and guided fishing from our lodge in Soldotna.

Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker • 1-800-622-1177

Alaska Fishing News Page

Alaska Fisheries News

The Kenai River and surrounding waters are taking a much deserved winter respite. Our next target will be early-run King Salmon on the Kenai and the Kasilof in May 2006 but until then please take a look at our 2005 Year in Review.

Welcome to our news center.  Here you will find:

  • Alaska fishing reports during the fishing season
  • Alaska fishing forecasts
  • Articles of interest related to salmon, trout and steelhead fisheries around the world
  • News articles related to Alaska fisheries resources in general.
  • News articles related specifically to the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet fisheries.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Southcentral Region

FROM: George Pappas
Area Management Biologist
Northern Kenai Peninsula SUBJECT: 2005, NKPMA Season Summary

Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Fishery

The department anticipated a slightly below average return of Kenai River early-run king salmon based upon the preseason forecast of 13,000 fish. The preliminary in-river sonar estimate for the early run was 12,391 fish through June 30, but this estimate will likely change post season as described below in the Kenai River Inseason King Salmon Sonar Adjustment section. Based upon the preliminary sonar results, of 17 years on record, 12 years were higher and 5 years were lower than this season. The average return is 16,000 fish. We estimate an escapement of approximately 7,600 early-run king salmon, which is slightly above the mid-point in the optimal escapement goal range of 5,300-9,000 fish. A below average run with normal water level conditions and good to excellent water clarity through May and June resulted in fair to good catch rates for most of the run. When the department projected that the early run was going to exceed the escapement goal, the early-run king salmon sport fishery was liberalized on June 18 to allow the use of bait from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to 100 yards below the Moose River confluence. The 44"-55" slot limit performed as expected in its third year on the Kenai River. Approximately 20% of the early run catch was between 44" and 55" in length and therefore returned to the river. Fishing success was slightly below average at 14 hours per fish for guided anglers (average - 12 hours per fish) and 27 hours per fish for unguided anglers (average 24). The estimated total catch (4,602) and harvest (3,079) below the Soldotna Bridge were both below average for the early run fishery (average catch is about 9,000 fish and average harvest is about 6,000 fish). During 2005, department staff sealed the first trophy (55" and greater in length) early-run king salmon since the inception of the slot limit in 2003.

Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Fishery

The pre-season forecast of 61,000 Kenai River late-run king salmon was significantly above the preliminary in-river passage estimate of 37,765 fish. The preliminary late run escapement estimate of approximately 19,000 fish is slightly above the lower end of the escapement goal range of 17,800-35,700 late-run king salmon, but this estimate is likely to change as described below in the Kenai River Inseason King Salmon Sonar Adjustment section. The 2005 sport fishery was the fifth highest total harvest on record with the preliminary total inriver sport harvest estimate of approximately 18,000 fish (average harvest is about 13,000 fish). Angler success was considered good to excellent overall. The catch rate for guided anglers was approximately 8 hours per fish (average 12 hours) while the catch rate for non-guided anglers was 10 hours per fish (average 24 hours). On two "Super Tuesdays" during July, anglers harvested over 1,000 king salmon per day in the Kenai River below the Soldotna Bridge.

Regulations require sport caught king salmon over 55 inches in length to be sealed by the department. A total of 14 late-run king salmon were brought to the department to be sealed during the 2005 season. Of these 14 fish, only 7 were over 55 inches in length and the remainder of the fish were slightly less than 55 inches in length.

The commercial fisheries in the Central District of the Upper Cook Inlet Management Area harvested approximately 23,100 king salmon. Of this commercial harvest, approximately 20,800 were harvested in the east-side set-net fishery (average 11,500 fish). This harvest is preliminarily the third largest in the East Side set net commercial salmon fishery since 1966. The preseason forecast of the marine sport and commercial harvest was 20,000 Kenai River late-run king salmon.

Kenai River Inseason King Salmon Sonar Adjustment

A calibration problem with the Kenai River king salmon sonar resulted in under estimating the number of king salmon in the river. The problem was recognized at the beginning of the season but was not believed to significantly impact estimates of king salmon abundance. A mid-July re-evaluation of the calibration and sonar data indicated that the effects of the problem were greater than previously thought and had resulted in abundance estimates that were much lower than the likely number of fish in the river. These data were analyzed to produce a better estimate of late-run king salmon abundance in the Kenai River, though even the revised estimates may still be somewhat conservative. After the season, the sonar equipment will again be shipped to the manufacturer for calibration tests. After these tests are completed, sonar data will be reanalyzed to provide a more accurate estimate of the inriver return of both runs of Kenai River king salmon. Fortunately, the type of sonar system currently in use for estimating king salmon passage in the Kenai River has a data-storing feature that allows for post-season analysis. The final king salmon sonar estimates will be release post season and these estimates are likely to be higher that the inseason estimates.

Russian River Sockeye Salmon Fishery

Fishing was good from the beginning of the season (June 11) through the first week of July. The Russian River fly-fishing-only area opened to sport fishing 4 days earlier than in recent years due a regulatory change made at the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting in January 2005. The Sanctuary area at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian rivers was opened to sport fishing by Emergency Order on June 16 when the sustainable escapement goal range of 14,000-37,000 fish was projected to be achieved. The daily bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon were liberalized from 3 per day and in possession to 4 per day and 8 in possession on June 25 when the escapement goal was projected to be exceeded. This is the second year the daily bag and possession limits were liberalized to 4 per day and 8 in possession, instead of the usual 6 per day and 12 in possession. The lower limits were implemented to provide additional angler opportunity by increasing the cyclic rate of angler rotation through the fishery that is limited by access. Harvest levels are not yet available; however, the early-run sockeye salmon escapement through the Russian River weir was 52,903 fish. This was about twice the long-term average of 27,000 fish.

Sport fishing for late-run sockeye began strong in mid-July and daily success rates ranged from fair to good for the duration of the season. A total of 59,473 (goal 30,000-110,000) late-run sockeye salmon passed through the Russian River weir through September 6.

Late season angler success was considered to be fair and steady. As the season progressed into late August, anglers wishing to retain bright sockeye salmon were required to sort through water marked fish to do so. In-river harvest information is not yet available.

Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Fishery

The 2005 preseason forecast for the Kenai River late-run sockeye salmon was for a run of 3.3 million, which reflects the long-term average run size (over 3.0 million). The Kenai River sockeye salmon sport fishery bag and possession limit was liberalized from 3 per day and in possession to 6 per day and in possession on July 20 when the lower end of the optimal escapement goal of 500,000 to 1,000,000 was projected to be achieved. The Personal Use (PU) fishery took place from July 10 through July 31. This fishery was liberalized by increasing the daily hours open for fishing from 6:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. to twenty-four hours per day beginning on July 19 when the run had exceeded 2.0 million fish.

The 2005 late run began above average in strength and continued to exceed average strength levels throughout the season. Throughout July and August, late-run sockeye salmon consistently returned to the Kenai River daily in numbers averaging 26,500 sockeye salmon pass the sonar. Sport fishery success rates were good to excellent throughout July into mid-August. Harvest rates in the PU fishery were also excellent at times especially during and immediately following the commercial fishery closure windows.

Although final estimates for the 2005 sockeye run are not available, preliminary results indicate a total Kenai River sockeye salmon late run of over 5.0 million, with almost 1.4 million fish past the sonar counter. Once sport harvest estimates are calculated next year, the 2005 escapement is expected to be above the OEG range (500,000-1,000,000).

Due to the large number of sockeye salmon in the Kenai River which were surplus to escapement needs and the satisfactory Russian River late-run sockeye salmon escapement levels, the sockeye salmon sport fishing season in the section of the upper Kenai River "fly-fishing-only" from the Russian River ferry crossing downstream to the power lines crossing was extended from August 21 through 8:00 p.m. September 5 (the time when the ferry closes for the season).

During the first three weeks in August, the late run returned in unprecedented levels. An estimated total of 536,000 late-run sockeye passed the sonar during the first three weeks in August (average 161,000 fish). The commercial fisheries, which target sockeye salmon returning to the Kenai River, closed by regulation on August 10. The large push of fish late in the summer provided anglers the unusually opportunity to target bright sockeye throughout the month of August.

Kenai River Silver Salmon Fishery

Based on reports from individual and guided anglers, the 2005 Kenai River silver salmon fishery started out very slow and late. Poor to fair silver salmon catches were reported during the first three weeks of August though catch rates continually improved and were considered good through the beginning of September. The silver salmon run continued to improve from mid August through mid September. During the second half of September, angler success rates varied daily depending upon which section of the Kenai River anglers fished. Run timing appeared to be up to two weeks later than normal with bright fish present throughout the run. Preliminary inseason results from the ADFG Kenai river silver salmon fish wheel project indicates that this year's silver salmon run was average in strength during the month of August and September. The silver salmon fish wheel project will be removed from the water on September 31 though silver salmon will continue to enter the Kenai River through and past October.

Kenai River Resident Species Fishery

Regulations adopted at the January 2005 Board of Fisheries meeting opened a section of the Kenai River, down stream of the outlet of Skilak Lake, to sport fishing for Dolly Varden trout during the spring. This section of the Kenai River was previously closed to all sport fishing in the spring to protect spawning rainbow trout. Anglers reported fair to good success rates targeting Dolly Varden trout in this fishery. Anglers observed fishing in this area during the spring caught both Dolly Varden and rainbow trout.

Anglers reported fair to good rainbow trout fishing in the Upper Kenai River in June and July. Fish size was reported to be average when compared with previous years. Late summer and fall fishing was reported to be good to excellent. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing was considered average throughout the early summer but picked up with the start of sockeye salmon spawning in August. In both the Middle River (between Skilak Lake and Moose River) and the Lower River, incidental catches of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden were reported to be similar compared to recent years.

Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Fishery

The strength of the 2005 sockeye salmon run to the Kasilof River was unprecedented and early. This year's run was of such magnitude the sport, personal use, and commercial fisheries targeting this stock were all liberalized. The sport fish bag and possession limits were increased from three per day and three in possession, up to six fish per day and 12 in possession beginning on June 25. The personal use dip net fishery was liberalized on June 25 through increasing the area open to fishing with dip nets from shore up to the Sterling Highway Bridge and up to Trujillo's landing for dipnetting from boats. The personal use set net fishery season was also extended one additional day through June 25. The commercial fisheries targeting Kasilof River sockeye salmon fished the terminal harvest area in the mouth of the river and received additional time to fish.

Reports from both dipnetters and sport anglers indicated that success rates were considered fair on average despite the June 25 - August 5 strong estimated passage of over 230,000 sockeye salmon past the Kasilof River sonar site (average of 5,500 fish per day).

Kasilof River Early-Run King Salmon Fishery

New regulations were approved a the January 2005 Board of Fisheries meeting to provide for a limited harvest of early-run naturally-produced king salmon by allowing anglers to retain naturally-produced king salmon on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Angler success during the 2005 early-run king salmon sport fishery was considered good. A total of 3,409 king salmon were enumerated through the Crooked Creek facility, of which, 1,903 fish were determined to be naturally-produced and 1,024 fish were hatchery raised. Total angler catch and harvest estimates will be available post season. Of the 3,409 king salmon enumerated though the weir, 2,927 fish were allowed to escape to the spawning ground while the remainder 518 fish were utilized as brood stock for future stocking events.

Kasilof River Late-Run King Salmon Fishery

The late-run king salmon sport fishery began with poor angler success rates and remained poor through the middle of July but rapidly improved during the last two weeks in July. During the last week of July, anglers reported excellent success rates with some anglers landing up to 10 king salmon per boat daily. A sport fishing harvest estimate will be available post season.

Beginning in mid July, ADFG began a new research project to study the Kasilof River late-run king salmon population. To provide a better understanding of Kasilof River late-run king salmon, ADF&G has initiated a research project that will estimate the spawning distribution of chinook salmon in the Kasilof River drainage, age / sex / length composition of the inriver return, and attempt a preliminary estimate of the inriver abundance. This project included netting and tagging king salmon throughout the run and recapturing king salmon on their spawning grounds at the end of the run. Both passive and radio tags were utilized for this project. This project is scheduled to operate for two more seasons, pending funding.

Kasilof River Silver Salmon Fishery

The 2005 Kasilof River silver salmon sport fishery paralleled the sport fishery in the Kenai both for timing and angler success. Angler success at the beginning of the run was reported as poor. On approximately the third week of August, angler success began to improve at the same time the Kenai River silver salmon sport fishery did. Angler success was reported to be good until the middle of September when angler success began to gradually decline. Reports were received indicating that angler effort in this fishery was considered average throughout the silver salmon run.

Restoration of Salmonid Habitat by Control and Removal of Invasive Northern Pike

The long-term goal of this project is to restore and maintain freshwater salmonid habitat on the Kenai Peninsula by reducing northern pike in area streams and lakes and restricting their migration within these waters and to other areas. During 2005 this project is focused on removing northern pike from the Soldotna Creek drainage. The northern pike netting project has successfully captured and removed a significant number of fish during the spring portion of the netting project. Spring pike harvest rates were lower than in previous years indicating an over all reduction in the population. The final numbers will be published following the completion of the fall portion of the project.

Local area residents play a key role in this project by participating and allowing Department personnel access to lakes through their private property. Reduction of northern pike by gill-netting and inventorying of these lakes will resume on September 27, 2005 and is expected to continue until mid-October when the lakes become ice-covered.

Helpful Links

  • Area webpage: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/areas/kenai/kenhome.cfm
  • Salmon and trout identification pages: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/salmonid.pdf
  • Sonar estimates/weir counts: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/Escapement/HTML/query.cfm
  • And the Kenai River escapement hotline at (907) 262-9097
  • Kenai River in season data summaries: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=5
  • River levels: aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?pacr
  • Lake stocking: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/Hatchery/Stocking_search/HTML/stock_search.cfm
  • Maps to stocked lakes: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/LAKEMAPS/HTML/LAKEMAP1.stm
  • Southcentral informational handouts: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pubs.cfm
  • Safety in bear country: www.wildlife.alaska.gov/hunt_trap/hunting/huntak/huntak14.cfm
  • Enforcement: www.dps.state.ak.us/fwp/index.asp
  • Regulations: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/reghome.cfm
  • Northern pike: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/areas/anch/pikepage.cfm
  • Finding a charter or guide: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/sfguides/html/index.cfm
  • OEO/ADA statement: www.adfg.state.ak.us/oeostate.php

Mark's Fishing Report, June 12, 2005:

Kenai King salmonJeanne Beezhold proudly displays and 35lb. Kenai King she caught on Tuesday
June 7.

As of Sunday 6/12, many, if not all of South-Central June fisheries are in full swing. Beginning on the Kenai River, Early Run King Salmon numbers have seen a significant spike in the past week with between 400 and 700 ER king salmon passing the lower river sonar counter daily. The last available count as of this fishing report was Saturday June 11 when 555 kings were recorded bringing the cumulative total of ER Kenai King Salmon to 5,638 fish. It seems this run is on tract to meet or exceed escapement goals. Fishing on the Kenai River has been hit and miss as increasing water levels and have affected angler success. While many boats were seeing between 4-6 fish per day over a week ago, more recent catch rates have dropped to 1-3 fish per boat. There have been a number of very large fish moving through the Kenai system and several trophy class fish weighing well over 70lbs. have been recorded. On Wed. June 8, my boat hooked a Kenai Monster just below Eagle Rock on the lower Kenai River ad fought the fish for nearly 45 minutes without even seeing it. After well over an hour, we finally were able to bring the giant to the net and after carefully taping it at nearly 53 inches long, we successfully released the fish to continue its epic journey. We estimated the fish to weigh between 70 and 75 lbs. The non-retention slot of 44-55 inches has been very effective in preserving these genetically unique trophy class Kenai Kings and letting this fish go was rewarding beyond what words can describe. Currently, the Kenai River continues to rise as snow melt and rain in the Kenai mountains puts more and more water into the system. Water clarity is less than ideal at the time of this report although conditions should improve by early next week with little rain in the forecast.

Kasilof King salmonGood numbers of Russian River Red salmon are being reported throughout the Kenai River as this fishery opens today near Cooper Landing. Anglers should expect plenty of fish and crowds as this tiny mountain tributary of the Kenai sees the first substantial pushes of sockeye for the season. We will have more information regarding fishing success and run numbers once this fishery has been under way for a few days. Look for a more detailed report very soon.

Troy Johnson with a nice Kasilof King also taken on June 11.

     

     

Kasilof kingKali Johnson with one of many Kasilof Kings she landed on Saturday June 11.

On the Kasilof River, the ER of King Salmon has seen a new push of fish after a very high tide cycle over the past week slowed the numbers of fish entering the river. The last 2-3 days has seen a significant spike for both naturally produced and hatchery origin Crooked Creek Kings and fishing has definitely followed suit. Many anglers are retaining their one fish limit and guided trips are yielding double digit hook-ups in recent days. The ration of hatchery fish to wild fish has improved to as high as 3 to 1 and this run should continue to produce very good fishing over the next week to ten days. Anglers are reminded that wild kings may only be retained on Tuesdays and Saturdays with retention of hatchery fish only during the remaining days of the week. Given the improved ratio of hatchery versus wild fish currently in the system, the Kasilof offers a very good chance for retaining the daily one fish limit of king salmon. Water conditions are very good although the river is getting higher by the day.

Trout fishing opened on the Kenai river-wide today and action was expected to be very good. More detailed information regarding Kenai Trout fishing will be included in the next fishing report.

King salmon fishing on lower Kenai Peninsula Rivers will come to a close after this weekend, although good numbers of kings are still present and entering the Anchor, Ninilchik and Deep Creek. All of these smaller snow-fed streams have seen very solid king runs this season and angler success during weekend only, open days has been very high.

West Side Cook Inlet fly-out fisheries have also gotten off to a very good beginning with lots of sockeye and bears massing around the outlet of Wolverine Creek where it enters Big River Lake. Massive schools of sockeye salmon, fresh from Cook Inlet, can be seen circling the clear waters of Redoubt Bay and fishing pressure has been moderate. We have taken several trips to this popular West Side destination and have gotten limits of reds and have seen multiple brown and black bears on every trip. There has already been a significant push of sockeye up Wolverine Creek over this weekend although newly arriving fish continue to mass around the mouth of Wolverine Creek and large schools of newly arriving sockeye can been seen breaking the surface throughout Big River Lake. This run will continue to build through mid-July.

King salmon fishing on the Chuitna has not yet begun due to excessive snow melt and high and murky water conditions. This river is expected to come into fishing shape may mid week and angler success should be very high. With several trips planned for us in the near future, a detailed report will be available soon. The neighboring Theodore River has been high as well but it has been fishable and reports indicate very good catch and release king salmon fishing on this tiny, yet very exciting river. We also plan to visit the Theodore over the next week and will continue to update this report as we explore both of these very productive remote fisheries.

If you have any questions regarding any of the above Kenai Peninsula and West Side fisheries please fell free to email me anytime at mgfish@mgfalaska.com.

Good luck on the water and great fishing!

    Mark Glassmaker

Mark's Fishing Report, May 31, 2005:

kasilof king salmonMemorial Day weekend signifies the official start to many of the most popular Kenai Peninsula fisheries and in a number of primary locations, fishing was very consistent. Beginning on the Kenai, sonar counts remain quite low despite relatively steady fishing success. As of May 31, only 1031 Early-Run Kenai king salmon had passed the ADF&G sonar site on the lower Kenai River. Despite the low counts, fishing has been fair with most boats averaging 1-2 kings in an 8 hour charter. Typically this run peaks in the first two weeks of June, so the next week to ten days should see significant numbers of fish entering the river and catch rates should follow suit. River conditions are ideal with excellent color and moderate water levels. Rain in the Kenai Mountains is bringing the river up daily.

    Will Sigsbee releases a 2005 naturally-produced early-run Kasilof King Salmon.

On the neighboring Kasilof, fishing has continued to build daily since Mid May. In the recent 3-4 days, the fishery has seen a significant burst of fresh kings and multiple hook-ups per boat are now the norm. This run offers mix of both hatchery and naturally produced early-run king salmon and anglers are reminded that only hatchery king salmon (marked by a clipped adipose fin) are allowed to be retaining with the exception of Tuesdays and Saturdays when both wild (natural) and hatchery king salmon may be kept. New rules which allow anglers to keep fishing once they retain a king salmon on the Kasilof have been very well received and have made this fishery a very attractive option for Kenai Peninsula anglers. This run should peak in the next week to ten days. Water levels are moderate and rising.

Kasilof KingThe Cook Inlet Marine fishery off Ninilchik/Deep Creek has been extremely productive for halibut and to a lesser degree, salt water king salmon. The halibut fishing has been very good even in the less than optimal tides. Near shore trolling for king salmon has been off and on as sporadic pushes of both feeder and river bound kings make their way through the area. In the last two days, high concentrations of mature kings have provided red hot action after a week of very hit and miss fishing. This recent push of fish may very well be the bulk of early run Kenai kings making their way north. This early run marine king salmon fishery normally peaks between the last week of May and the first week of June.

Patty Powers and nice hatchery king salmon from the Kasilof River

Lower Kenai Peninsula streams such as Deep Creek, the Ninilchik River and the Anchor River are all seeing fair to strong return of king salmon and fishing pressure over the Memorial Day weekend was heavy. Perhaps the most productive of these rivers was the Anchor where low water and lots of fish made for good fishing around the high tide. Anglers are reminded these rivers are weekend only fisheries and fishing for salmon is limited to the lower, tidally influenced sections of these streams. Downstream steelhead (kelts) are also present in the Ninilchik, Deep Creek and the Anchor and are making their way back to Cook Inlet after being in the rivers since the fall/winter. Kenai Peninsula steelhead are not allowed to be removed from the water and should be handled with extreme caution to ensure their safe release.

Good luck on the water and great fishing!

Here are a few more photos of recent king salmon caught fishing on the Kasilof River.  Click on any image for a larger view in a new window.

    Kasilof king salmon
    Kaslof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof King salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon

Coho, halibut, more on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula

Mark's Fishing Report, November 23, 2004:

As of 11/23/04, the Kenai Peninsula is experiencing a temperate beginning to winter. We have seen several reasonable snow storms with some accumulation although persistent warm temperatures and rain have melted most of it. Daytime temperatures have been in the mid to high thirties. On the southern Kenai Peninsula, both the Anchor and Deep Creek are both flowing at moderate to high levels with good clarity.

There is a great deal of shore ice and debris from cold weather a few weeks prior and flooding caused by ice dams. Both steelhead and dolly varden remain active and fishing is rated as fair on both the middle and lower sections of the Anchor River and Deep Creek. The Ninilchik River remains largely frozen and unfishable.

The Kenai is low but still navigable above Bings Landing. Trout fishing both below and above Skilak Lake is still a viable option, weather depending. Trout are not highly concentrated but larger fish are found just below spawning silver salmon. Good numbers of both dark and bright silver salmon are present although their season closed November 1.

Mark's Fishing Report, October 20, 2004:

As of October 20, Kenai Peninsula fisheries continue to provide excellent angling opportunities for those willing to put in their time on the water. The Kenai River is still seeing a fair number of silver salmon after one of the strongest returns of coho since ADF&G began estimating escapement. Silver salmon season on the Kenai normally closes the last day of September but was extended this year through the end of October due to the large return. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing on the Kenai, both above and below Skilak Lake, remains very good with a number of larger fish being caught. Fish are being taken on both flesh patterns and painted beads.

Kenai Rainbow

 

 

Dan Mendenhall with a beautiful Kenai Rainbow caught in late September.

 

 

 

 

 

Steelhead trout fishing on the lower Kenai Peninsula Rivers has been very steady with large number of fish present in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and the Ninilchik River. These fisheries have been most productive just after rain storms although currently all rivers are low and clear and fishing has slowed. Look for more fish to enter these rivers just after the next big rain or before the river freezes for winter.

Steelhead

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Rinker readies a nice fall steelhead for release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck on the water and great fishing!

Mark Glassmaker

Book Review:

Looking for the Ultimate Alaska Fishing Resource? Look no Further.

TOP WATER by Troy Letherman and Tony Weaver is the bible for those wanting to sharpen their knowledge of the vast and varied fishing options available here in America's Last Frontier. From Southeast to the Arctic Circle, from Steelhead Trout to Arctic Grayling, this book covers the whole gambit of fishing the Greatland. The unique blend of exquisite writing and epic photography makes TOP WATER an immediate addition to the top shelf.

Top Water, Fly-Fishing Alaska, the Last Frontier. By Troy Letherman and Tony Weaver. 294 pages, hardbound, published by Countrymanpress.com

For a signed copy of his book, contact Troy directly at: t.letherman@worldnet.att.net

News Articles of Interest:
 

Alaska fishing and lodging on the Kenai RIver.
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker,
33361 Keystone Drive, Soldotna, Alaska 99669

1-800-622-1177

© 2003-2006, Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
This site developed by Philip R. Gantt

Additional Lodging Information

Alaska fishing and lodging on the Kenai River.