Fishing Trips along Alaska's Kenai River

Wednesday, 04 April 2007

Imagine fishing for a record holding Salmon one day, then tussling with a giant Pacific Halibut the next. Imagine the incredible sights and sounds while fishing for the Silver Salmon or the Lingcod. All these can be had in the many adventure trips along Alaska’s famed Kenai River.

Alaska’s Kenai River is located in the heart of south-central Alaska. This river flows from the 20-mile long Kenai Lake to Cook Inlet and drops around 430 feet to the ocean. The section where most of the fly-fishing takes place is known as the Upper Kenai. This is the 17 miles of river located between Skilalk Lake and the Kenai Lake. The Kenai River holds a wide variety of fish such as king salmon, silver, pink and red salmon along with the feisty Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden trout. The Kenai River is most famous for its runs of giant King Salmon or the Chinook. In fact, the world record holder for the King Salmon, a 97.4 pound monster, was fished on this river. Surrounding the Kenai River are mountains that are home to Alaskan wildlife such as bears, moose, eagles and wolves.

Fishing trips that cater to every angler’s dream abound in Alaska. Visitors can choose from customized vacations that offer an excellent combination of experienced guides and comfortable lodgings. Some of these fishing lodges are just steps away from the doors of the Upper Kenai River. Experienced guides can lead visitors to unforgettable pursuits for the Dolly Varden, the Red Salmon or the Rainbow Trout.

In addition to the freshwater game, some lodges also offer saltwater fishing trips, where anglers can catch Alaska’s famed Halibut, the Rockfish, the Lingcod or the Silver Salmon.

The Kenai River slowly picks up speed as it flows from the Skilak Lake. While called the Lower River, most locals call this part the “Middle.” Fly-fishing is not commonly down in the Lower Kenai, but some anglers still persist. And they are justly rewarded by catching sockeye, kings, silver and pink salmon. The Lower Kenai is not only accessible by drift boats. Motor boats also traverse this long stretch of water.

Most of these fishing charters or lodges offer world-class boats as well as some of the finest fishing tackles, outboards, safety gear, and even home-cooked meals to ensure an enjoyable and safe trip. As for clothing, comfort is still the key. Visitors are advised to prepare clothes for cool weather, as Alaska is adjacent to some of the world’ largest ice fields.

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