Specific Alaska Fishing Information
Thank
you for your interest in
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker.
Since 1990, we have been assisting Alaska visitors in planning professionally
guided, high-quality fishing adventures to the Kenai Peninsula. From
their lodging, fishing,
sightseeing and travel arrangements, it
has been our foremost priority to provide our guests with only the highest
quality of services. My wife Cindy and I offer honest, detailed information
for the customer to base their decisions on. For most, a trip to Alaska
is a very special, even "once in a lifetime" occasion and
we want it to meet all of your expectations. This is why we encourage
you to fully research your destination and the various activities you
plan to pursue. A well established game plan will go a long way toward
making sure you not only catch fish, but that your entire trip flows
smoothly. Most importantly, we urge you to make all necessary lodging
and fishing reservations as soon as
possible to secure optimal dates. Many weeks are filled over a year
in advance.
On all of our guided fishing trips, we provide all of the necessary
fishing gear. We are very particular about the equipment we use and
you should expect nothing but the best. All of our boats are new, clean,
and comfortable. On the rivers, we use both 20-foot power and drift
boats that are custom designed for the water we fish. Both vessels comfortably
accommodate four passengers. Once aboard you will see only top of the
line fishing equipment. We are factory sponsored by Fish-On! / Tempress
and they supply only the finest seats, rod holders and additional marine
equipment for our guests. As an exclusive Pro Staff member for Lamiglas
fishing rods, we also have the privilege of providing 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 we are proud to represent. To compliment these fine fishing rods,
we exclusively offer 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, you can
expect only the sharpest hooks, most innovative and proven lures and
the freshest bait. We hand wash every inch of our gear and boats after
all of our trips, so you can expect everything to be spotless when we
meet you in the morning.
KING
ME!
During
king season, we offer both full and half day fishing trips. On the Kenai,
guides are restricted to fishing between the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00
PM in May, June and July. Accordingly, we begin in the morning at 5:30
AM. Full day trips allow for 8-10 hours of fishing time, typically from
6AM to 3-4PM. We also offer two half day trips daily, one in the morning
from 5:30AM to 11:30AM and an afternoon trip from 12:00PM to 6:00PM.
While there are a number of days when a half day trip offers ample opportunity
at catching a Kenai King, a full day trip does afford you additional
flexibility as you have the boat for the entire day and sometimes an
extra 2-3 hours can make a big difference. We also fish the Kasilof
River, and this is a drift boat only fishery (no motors). Far more glacial
(murky) than the Kenai, the Kasilof is 15 miles to the south and flows
from the largest lake on the Kenai Peninsula, Tustamena Lake.
It
is important to remember that 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 actually 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. Kenai King Salmon
can also be very difficult to catch and fishing from a boat is paramount.
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 and the Kasilof each have two annual returns of king
salmon. On the Kenai, the early run begins in May and lasts until
the end of June. While this run has less fish (15-year average of approximately
15,000 fish) and is less predictable than the late run, it also sees
far less fishing pressure. The early run on the Kenai also coincides
with an early run of both hatchery and wild king salmon on the Kasilof
River and these two fisheries make both May and June a great time to
visit. We are prepared to fish each river daily so we will often schedule
our king salmon trips for either the Kenai or the Kasilof in May and
June, and then let you decide the evening prior to your trip according
to current fishing conditions. We always recommend fishing both of these
beautiful rivers, as each destination offers its own unique experience.
Pertinent
information regarding early-run kings on both the Kenai and the Kasilof:
Kenai
Early Run:
-
Season: May 1 - June 30
-
Regulations: Single Hook, No Bait. No retention
slot: 44-55 inches. One fish per day, two per year. No fishing after
retention. Closed to guided fishing Sundays and Mondays.
-
Peak time: June 10-20
Kasilof
Early Run:
-
Season: May 15 - June 30
-
Regulations: Multiple Hooks, Bait Allowed, Retention
of hatchery fish (adipose clipped) 7 days a week, retention of wild
fish on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. Limit one fish per day, five
per season. Fishing after retention allowed.
-
Peak time: May 25 - June 15
The
late run of Kenai Kings is one of the most popular fisheries in all
of Alaska. The annual 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 very busy. We suggest
making reservations up to a year in advance, especially for the last
two weeks of July.
In
July, the Kasilof has an entirely wild return of late run kings. Since
fishing pressure is very low and the number of fish is high, 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 Kings
in the Kasilof is a big, hard fighting fish often exceeding 40 pounds.
Fighting these big kings with no motor in extremely fast current is
a very challenging and remarkable experience.
Pertinent
information regarding late-run kings on both the Kenai and the Kasilof:
Kenai
Late Run King Salmon:
-
Season: July 1 - July 31
-
Regulations: Single Hook, Bait Allowed. Limit one fish per day, two
per year. No fishing after retention.
- Closed
to guided fishing Sundays and Mondays.
-
Peak time: July 10-25
Kasilof
Late Run King Salmon:
-
Season: July 1- July 31
-
Regulations: Multiple Hooks, Bait Allowed, Limit one fish per day,
five per season. Fishing after retention allowed. Closed to guided
fishing Sundays in July.
- Peak
time: July 20 – July 31
All Kasilof trips, both early and late run are all full days. 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 and Kasilof King Salmon hold the most lore of the Kenai
Peninsula's fishing opportunities, these fisheries barely scratch the
surface when it comes to the myriad of angling opportunities available.
We also offer unbelievable king salmon fishing in remote locations such
as the Chuitna River and the Nushagak as well as remote locations on
Kodiak Island. Please see our flyout
pages for more information on these more extreme king salmon adventures.
SUPER
SOCKEYE!
From
mid June into August, we offer a wide variety of fishing trips targeting
wild Alaska 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. The first sockeye (reds) of the season are heading for the rocky,
fast moving tributary of the upper Kenai near Cooper Landing named the
Russian River. This fishery begins in mid June and extends all the way
through late July.
Also
in mid June, we see strong numbers of sockeye salmon in remote, fly
out locations such as Big River Lake. In July, the Kenai receives a
very large return of late-run sockeye. These fish tend to arrive in
very high numbers all at once. The peak of this run normally arrives
in mid July with good fishing into the first week of August.
Pertinent
information regarding sockeye on both the Kenai and the Kasilof:
Kasilof
Sockeye Salmon:
-
Season: June 25 – July 25
-
Regulations: Single hook, Limit three fish per day.
-
Peak time: June 25 – July 15
Russian
River Sockeye Salmon:
-
Season: June 12 - June 30
-
Regulations: Single hook, fly-only. Limit three fish per day.
-
Peak time: June 12 - June 25
Kenai
Sockeye Salmon:
-
Season: July 1 – Aug 10
-
Regulations: Single hook, Limit three fish per day.
-
Peak time: July 10 – July 25
BIG
TROUT
Trout
fishing opens in mid-June and extends well into late October. Kenai
trout populations are in excellent shape and multiple fish days are
very common. Kenai rainbows average a remarkable 20 inches and fish
over five pounds are really quite common. We see many trophy class rainbows
over the course of the season with the largest fish well over 30 inches
long. Along with the rainbows we also catch dolly
varden and arctic char.
These
fish are very aggressive and strong fighters. Although you are allowed
to retain one rainbow or dolly per day less than 18 inches, we maintain
a strict catch and release policy for both these species. A day of trout
fishing can often be the highlight to a great week of Alaska fishing.
The sheer numbers and average size of the fish will amaze even the most
seasoned trout angler and this has always been one of our favorite trips.
Pertinent
information regarding Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden on the Kenai:
Kenai
Trout:
-
Season: Dollies: Year-round, Rainbows: June 12 – April 15
-
Regulations: Single hook artificial only until July 1. July 1 –
Oct: Single hook. All catch and release.
-
Peak time: June 12 – Oct 15
SPECTACULAR
SILVERS
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. 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. 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. Overnight temperatures can begin to dip below the freezing
mark beginning in late August and September. With leaves ablaze and
the landscape in full color, the scenery can be breathtaking at this
time of year. Despite the frosty mornings, fall fishing is perhaps the
most prolific and extraordinary of our entire summer season.
In
addition to the Kenai and the Kasilof we also offer a wide range of
remote, fly-out silver trips that will easily rival the best coho fishing
in the entire state. Most of these remote locations are just a short
flight to the west side of Cook Inlet. Since these fish see very little
fishing pressure, they are aggressive beyond belief. We can employ a
wide variety of fishing techniques with fly fishing being very effective.
We also commonly use salmon eggs beneath bobbers as well as spinners.
These remote silver trips are also a great way to see a portion of Alaska
from the air. The west Side of Cook Inlet is extremely scenic with several
coastal volcanoes standing tall in the distance. Steep snow covered
mountains, endless glaciers and thousands of lakes and rivers blanket
the landscape. Setting down in this piscatorial paradise is a very special
experience, one we feel very privileged to offer our guests. After many
years of flying with Alaska West Air and exploring these unique and
remote fisheries, we can show you in one day what many will never experience
in a lifetime of angling.
Pertinent
information regarding Silver Salmon on the Kenai and the Kasilof:
Kasilof
Silver Salmon:
-
Season: Aug.1 – Sept. 15
-
Regulations: Limit two fish per day, some bait restrictions.
-
Peak time: Aug 15 – Sept. 15
Kenai
Silver Salmon:
-
Season: Aug. 1 – Oct. 31
-
Regulations: Two fish per day, multiple hooks, bait allowed.
-
Peak time: Early Run: Aug. 10 – Aug. 25 / Late Run: Sept. 1
– Oct. 15
STEELHEAD
DREAMS
Beginning
in late August and running well into late fall, early winter, Steelhead
trout return to a handful of smaller rivers on the southern Kenai Peninsula.
The two primary rivers are the Anchor and Deep Creek. These ocean going
rainbow trout are newly arriving from nearby Cook Inlet and their aggressive
hard fight make them a tempting target for fall visitors and locals
alike. 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. We offer walk in trips for these Kenai
Peninsula metalheads beginning in late August and extending well in
November.
Pertinent
information regarding steelhead on the Kenai Peninsula:
Kenai
Peninsula Steelhead:
-
Season: Aug 25 – Jan 1.
-
Regulations: Single hook, artificial only. Mandatory catch and release.
-
Peak time: Sept 15 – Nov. 15
BARN
DOOR HALIBUT
If
you would like to enjoy some of the best halibut
fishing in Alaska, neighboring Cook Inlet, Homer and Seward are all
great choices. 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 for even several pounds of weight to find 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. We
will help you pick the best tide for your stay. We use only the finest
halibut captains in Deep Creek, Homer and Seward. They are experienced
skippers with very professional operations and excellent people skills.
They will assure your safety with custom designed 28-32 foot offshore
fishing boats with enclosed cabins and powerful engines. They are the
"specialists" at what they do.
Pertinent
information regarding halibut fishing from Homer, Deep Creek/Ninilchik
and Seward
Homer Halibut:
- Season: May 1 –
Sept 1
- Regulations: Two fish
per day
- Peak time: May 15 –
Aug 15, tidal dependent
- Travel time to fishing
grounds: 1.5-2.5 hours
Deep Creek/Ninilchik
Halibut:
- Season: May 1 –
Sept 1
- Regulations: Two fish
per day
- Peak time: May 15 –
Aug 15, tidal dependent
- Travel time to fishing
grounds: 25-45 minutes
Seward Halibut:
- Season: May 1 –
Oct. 1
- Regulations: Two fish
per day
- Peak time: May 15 –
Sept 15, tidal dependent
- Travel time to fishing
grounds: 45 minutes-2.5 hours
WHY
FISH WITH US?
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. We always give 100% effort from the
beginning to the end of each trip. We will go out of our way to make
sure you are comfortable and well taken care of. We enjoy answering
questions about the techniques we use and the fish we are pursuing.
We consider our guides and our business a guardian of the river and
we greatly respect the resource that is our livelihood. We encourage
you to check our references to affirm
the quality of our services. We have included a list of previous customers
with this letter and can provide many more upon request. In the event
our own guides are 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 hold high standards for
their fishing techniques and equipment. Like us, they 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 the wide variety of fishing options along with
its proximity (3hrs.) from Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Being road
accessible, the Kenai does attract an abundance of summer anglers, with
June and July and August (particularly the last two weeks of each month)
being the busiest. 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 guests that fish anywhere from one day to two weeks, each trip
is completely different. We have four 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 on one invoice, with one deposit and
one balance. We are very proud of our cabins
and they are all new, clean and well furnished. They all have full kitchens,
full baths, cooking and eating utensils, and linens. They also include
satellite television and phone.
ADDITIONAL
COSTS
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
to the town of Soldotna, or take a 20 minute commuter flight with ERA
Aviation (1-800-866-8394, or flyera.com)
to the town of Kenai and then rent a car from there. ERA offers flights
every hour, but you will need advance reservations. Another expense
will be food. We provide coffee, juice, water and snacks on all trips.
You will be responsible for all other meals. If you would like to save
money, we 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
LOCATION
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 two 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.
FISHING
LICENSE
An Alaska State Fishing License is required and you will be able to
purchase this at any of the local grocery stores, gas stations, tackle
shops, 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/
FISH
PROCESSING
As
part of your trip, your fish will be cleaned and prepared for processing
. 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 into meal size portions
and vacuum-sealed into individual packages. Smoking and lox services
are also available in a variety of flavors. Vacuum sealing + freezing
averages $1.25 per pound and smoking $3.50 per pound. You can store
all of your fish in the processor's freezer until you are ready to depart.
At the end of your stay, they will 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.
THANK
YOU FOR CONSIDERING OUR SERVICES
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.
Sincerely,
Mark and Cindy Glassmaker
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
