KENAI RIVER IS A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
It is said that when God goes fishing, he does so on the Kenai River in Alaska.
And after spending a day floating this iconic river, I can see why it’s considered by many to be the Holy Grail for quality fishing.
After all, the Kenai River is the most popular sport fishing destination in Alaska, particularly for king salmon (Chinook salmon) and holds the world record for Kings (97 lb caught in 1985), in fact 8 to the top largest King Salmon recorded come from the Kenai.
SALMON FISHING HEAVEN
There are actually two runs of king salmon each year, along with coho salmon, sockeye salmon, and pink salmon every other year.
The Kenai is also the home of trophy size rainbow trout and Dolly Varden in the 30+ inch ranges.
A typical king in the lower Kenai in mid-July will weigh 40–85 pounds, but the fishery has been closed in recent years due to low returns.
However, anglers see plenty of action with coho salmon runs in early August and early October, while many favor the larger sized silver salmon in September.
Sockeye salmon run in late-June and early-August and are considered the premier salmon for eating, canning, and smoking.
AN EARLY START
My pilgrimage began at 4:30 AM mid-July at Coopers Landing, about two hours from Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. Cooper Landing population is 289 and named after a miner who discovered gold there in 1884.
Along with longtime friend Gary Birka, we were there to meet local guide Mark Adams, owner of Alaskan Angling Adventures LLC, and spend the day in one of the most renowned fishing spots in the world.
In general, the Kenai River begins in Cooper Landing, flows west through Skilak Lake, and eventually empties into Cook Inlet—spanning little over 80 miles
Though not one of the largest rivers, it continually drains the central Kenai Peninsula watershed that delivers milky water teeming in life throughout the year.
IDYLLIC SETTING
After stepping into the drift boat at the Coopers Landing boat launch, Mark Adams (our guide) quickly ran through safety and general rules of the road for guiding us down one of the most scenic rivers in the world.
For most of the 12 miles we drifted down the river for the next eight hours it was a step in time along a river that still seems unspoiled.
I was impressed with the fact that most homes are built and landscaped to be as intrusive as possible on the stretches or the river where building is allowed.
Obviously, this was the first time fishing with Mark and not sure what to expect as there are literally dozens of signs, ads, and internet listings for fishing guides just in the Kenai area, many live in homes along the river.
But, without a doubt by the end of our trip Alaskan Angling delivered a top flight experience and we could not have had a better guide than Mark, who is very knowledgeable about the river and environment, as well as a top angler.
EXPERIENCED GUIDE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
One thing we learned right of the bat that an experienced guide makes all the difference on the Kenai as ours had multiple rigs to use, depending on the part of the river we were on, and what species of fish we may catch at any given location.
Case in point was our first catch of the day a mile or two into the run and I hooked into one of the most beautiful rainbow trout I have ever caught in my life. Though only a few pounds, it was one of the better fights I ever experienced with a rainbow. It must be the river.
As the Kenai is a fairly swift flowing river, about a mile or two farther down we came into an area with sockeye salmon, where both Birka and I caught two or three of them and all released as we had agreed at the start of the trip.
Frankly, I would not have caught any of the sockeyes without the expert instruction by Mark, who demonstrated great patience with us and making sure we caught and landed what turned out to be some of the best fights on a river with any fish I have ever experienced.
WE LANDED RAINBOW, SOCKEYE & DOLLY VARDEN
In general, the salmon do not feed in the river, having the right rig (pole, line, bait) and how to cast to get the loan and lure in front of the sockeye, then recognizing a bite and sinking the hook in.
And, again, these were some of the best battles with a fish at the 6 to 8 pound you will find anywhere, even more enjoyable in almost a spiritual environment.
Besides drifting down the Kenai, Mark also gave us a chance to do some back fishing in our waders near the confluence with the Russian River, where I saw some of the biggest American Eagles I have ever seen, fishing and feasting from their lofty perches directly above the river.
It was not far from this part of the river when I tied into and caught a nice Dolly Varden trout that came with a claw strip, where an eagle or hawk had been deprived of a meal.
So, within a mere 12 miles Birka and I were able to catch three different species of fish in what ended up being the most memorable fishing experience in my life and plan to return as soon as possible.
And, without a doubt I will make that sojourn again with Mark Adams and Alaskan Angling Adventures on the Kenai River.
Alaskan Angling Adventures LLC
Guided Fishing on Kenai Peninsula
Guide Mike Adams
(907) 595-3336