Drifting-admin, Author at Drifting On The Fly

WHEN TO COME DOLLY VARDEN FISHING

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Drifting-admin

WHEN TO COME DOLLY VARDEN FISHING ON THE KENAI RIVER. Alaska Dolly Varden on a fly rod! What an experience – Guided Alaska Dolly Varden Fly Fishing on the Kenai River or one of the many surrounding streams. Drift Boat or wade fishing trips can both be quite productive for Dolly Varden. June starts the Dolly Varden season on many of the streams we regularly guide including the Kenai River. We typically start the season fishing standard streamer patterns such as muddlers, sculpins, leech patterns, and flesh flies. As the Salmon increase in numbers the Dolly’s tend to move into the Salmon spawning grounds. Here they fatten up on salmon flesh and eggs. Targeting Dolly’s involves locating these spawning areas and matching what the Dolly’s are feeding on; fresh eggs, old eggs, flesh… any of which will work from day to day; we call it Match-the-Hatch – Alaska Style. Dolly Fishing continues through the month of October and typically cold weather chases us off the river before they stop feeding. 2011 Guided River Trip Rate $250 per person *LARGE GROUPS WELCOME *LODGING PACKAGES AVAILABLE *EXCLUSIVE BOAT PACKAGES -2 PERSON EXCLUSIVE STARTING AT $750.00 A DAY -3 PERSON EXCLUSIVE STARTING AT $950.00 A DAY contact details, business phone: 907-382-6808 or send an inquiry here!

BINGS STATE PARK AND BOAT LAUNCH

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Drifting-admin

DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM SOLDOTNA ALASKA TO BINGS STATE PARK AND BOAT LAUNCH IN STERLING.

Most Drifting on the Fly’s Rainbow trout and Silver salmon trip will meet here in the mornings.

View DIRECTIONS TO BING’S LANDING in a larger map

Bings boat Landing is located on Bings road in Sterling Alaska. Bing’s landing and state park a lot to offer visitors and residents too. This 126 acre park has 36 campsites, picnic sites, a picnic shelter, trails, and of course a boat launch. Bing’s boat landing is centrally located in the middle section of the Kenai river. It is the last boat landing before you reach Naptown rapids so if you are not an experienced boat operator make sure you make this landing. For drift boat trips we will meet here in the morning and leave your rig in the parking area. Then we will drive in my vehicle to the Lower Skilak lake boat launch which is about 20 minutes away. Here we will Launch and make our way down the middle kenai river back to bing’s landing. This is a very scenic trip and some consider it to be the best rainbow trout fishing on the kenai river at times. If we are using the power boat we will meet at the boat launch and make our way up or down river to fish. The use of the motor allows us to end up at bing’s landing again at the end of the day. Bing’s landing and state park is does have a pay to park fee station and is strickly enforced so make sure you check in.

Tight lines,

Scott Sager www.driftingonthefly.com scott@driftingonthefly.com (907)382-6808

KASILOF RIVER BOAT LAUNCH

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Drifting-admin

Directions to the Kasilof River boat launch: bo View KASILOF RIVER BOAT LAUNCH in a larger map State Parks has a parking fee station set up at the entrance to the parking lot. Make sure you don’t forget to get your parking sticker. HERE IS A GREAT LINK FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE KASILOF RIVER STATE BOAT LAUNCH! From Soldotna as you pass over the Kasilof river bridge, take the next left and then an immediate left into the Kasilof river boat launch and state recreational area. The Kasilof River is located just 12 miles south of Soldotna. This glacier river is fed by Tustumena Lake and empties into Cook Inlet in just 18 short miles with great runs and shallow water in the early season and pristine water makes the Kasilof River one of my favorite rivers to fish. The timing of runs is are similar as the Kenai River, with first run entering the river in early may. It peaks by the middle of June and the second run starts in July and peaks about the middle of the month. Kings continue to come in in good numbers until the closure. King season closes the night of July 31^st. Bait opens and is allowed on the Kasilof River on May 16^th for king salmon. Opportunities are limited for the fly angler on this system but there are some. In June I prefer to float the upper stretch of the river with fly rod anglers and the lower stretch of the river with conventional bait and tackle. This river also provides us with legal open water to fish on Mondays for king salmon since the Kenai River is closed to guide. We spend many of our limited king salmon fishing days on the Kasilof river chasing king salmon. The Kasilof is truly a drift boat river. If this is your passion or if it sounds like a needed change of pace, The Kasilof River is for you. Hope this helps out and we are looking for ward to fishing with you this year! CONTACT US AT: (907)3826808 OR scott@driftingonthefly.com

Steelhead

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Drifting-admin

In early April we fished the Kenai River for a week straight and caught some beautiful steelhead and rainbow trout. All of the fish we caught were on black leech’s and washed out flesh patterns. By the middle of April we started to see a large number of fish staging up for the spawn. When we see this starting to happen we back off of the rainbow trout on the Kenai River and gear our efforts more towards steel head fishing and lakes that are starting to show open water.

kenai river steel head — www.driftingonthefly.com

The Kenai River closes to trout fishing starting May first to help protect our resident rainbow trout in their most vulnerable time. Then on June 11Th the river opens back up again to trout fishing. Like any fish during the spawn, Rainbow trout exert a lot of energy and can be easily stressed by poor handling and long battles on hook and line. In the past few years we have noticed a big jump winter/spring trout fishing so it is more important than ever to do our part in protecting our waters. We are ready for the 2011, South Central Alaska fishing season to get started! Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof River is well under way and King Salmon should show up in fish-able numbers by the middle of May. There are seats available but they are filling up fast. Call today to reserve you seat for salmon or rainbow trout. Tight Lines, Scott 907-382-6808 www.driftingonthefly.com

JIMS LANDING

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Drifting-admin

Directions to Jims Landing View DIRECTIONS TO JIM’S LANDING in a larger map Jims Landing is the last take out before the Kenai River Canyon. If you float past here you will have to navigate through class 111 whitewater rapids before coming to Skilak Lake. From the outlet of Skilak Lake to the Upper Skilak Lake Boat Launch is just over 8 miles. Trout and Salmon fishing can be great in this section of river. From the outlet of Skilak Lake to the Upper Skilak Lake Boat Launch is just over 8 miles. We might meat here if you have a canyon trip booked with us. There is no concrete launch here and the loose gravel can be tricky docking your drift boat but it is very doable. The wade fisherman can walk down river just a little ways and at different times of the year catch Sockeye salmon, Rainbow trout, dolly varden and silver salmon. There is plenty of parking but during the peak season if you can’t find a place to park on the other side of the sterling highway there is another parking lot. It is a short hike back to the boat launch. Give us a call if you would like more information about wade fishing from Jims landing or if you are interested in a guided trip in this area. Guided River Trip Rate $250 per person *LARGE GROUPS WELCOME *LODGING PACKAGES AVAILABLE *EXCLUSIVE BOAT PACKAGES -2 PERSON EXCLUSIVE STARTING AT $750.00 A DAY -3 PERSON EXCLUSIVE STARTING AT $950.00 A DAY contact details, business phone: 907-382-6808 or send an inquiry here!

KENAI RIVER KING SALMON FISHING

Posted on April 2, 2011 by Drifting-admin

First run of Kenai River King Salmon Opportunities at for kenai river king salmon fishing starts in early to the middle of May. Our drift boat makes is possible to navigate through the shallow Kenai River and get to concentrated first runs of king salmon. By the first of June the Kenai river is usually high enough that we will start running our powerboat until the end of King Salmon season on the Kenai River. The best thing about being here for the first run of king salmon is there is much less competition on the water. The run isn’t as big as the July run of kings and is not as popular. This is sometimes beneficial to the anglers because of fewer boats on the water. The first run of king salmon peaks in numbers by the middle of June and strong daily numbers will appear until the second run start to show up. Second run of Kenai river king salmon The second run of king salmon is bigger on average than the first run of fish. This is a very popular run of king salmon because they appear in the summer. The Kenai Peninsula in the nicest month is indescribable. There are two to three times more fish in the second run of king salmon on the Kenai River than the first run. The use of bait also opens July first (sometimes earlier). The use of bait opens more techniques in which we can pursue these fish. Wrapping quick fish for example tends to produce more fish than an unwrapped one most of the time. We also back bounce, back troll, and side drift with cured eggs. The second run has a lot of good characteristics but it also brings in a lot more pressure to the river. When it comes to pursuing a trophy don’t rule out the first run because the standing world record was caught in May! Cost for guide trip: *$275.00 plus tax per person a day *packages available *Drift and Power boat trips available *Large groups welcome, we fish up to 4 people per trip per guide boat *Exclusive boat prices available! FOR booking your next guided kenai river fishing trip contact us here: 907-382-6808 scott@driftingonthefly.com

UPPER SKILAK LAKE BOAT LAUNCH

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Drifting-admin

DIRECTIONS TO THE UPPER SKILAK LAKE BOAT LAUNCH View DIRECTIONS TO UPPER SKILAK LAKE BOAT LAUNCH in a larger map Upper Skilak Lake boat launch is a great place to camp, picnic, fish, view wildlife and pull your boat from a long day fishing the Kenai river canyon fishing for rainbow trout, dolly varden, silver salmon or sockeye salmon. I have seen black bears, brown bears, moose, and eagles at different times right at the boat launch. Here you will also find some of the most scenic camping on the kenai peninsula. If you plan on Shuttling your vehicle you can do that yourself or Wildman’s shuttle service will do it for you. You can call them at 907-595-1456 to find out about pricing. From the mouth of the Kenai river to the boat launch is about 8 miles. The weather is very unpredictable on the lake and with a small motor pushing a drift boat you have to be very careful on the days that you choose to make this trip. We offer trips through the Kenai Canyon and will be happy to line you up on a days fishing. If you are interested contact us here or give us a call at 907-382-6808 and we will get you lined up! business phone: 907-382-6808 or send an inquiry here!

LOWER SKILAK LAKE BOAT LAUNCH

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Drifting-admin

Directions to the lower skilak lake boat launch View DIRECTIONS TO LOWER SKILAK LAKE BOAT LAUNCH in a larger map We launch here mainly for drift boat trips on the middle section of the Kenai River. For most trips we will meet at Bing’s Landing and leave your rig there. Then travel to Lower Skilak Lake boat launch together. At the end of the day your rig will be at the take out. We mainly fish Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Silver Salmon, and Sockeye Salmon on the Middle river float. Here there is camping and the lower skilak lake boat launch. We launch here mainly for drift boat trips on the middle section of the Kenai River. For most trips we will meet at Bing’s Landing and leave your rig there. Then travel to Lower Skilak Lake boat launch together. From here we will cross 2 miles of skilak lake and enter the mouth of the Kenai river. This is where we will start fishing for the day. The middle Kenai river is on of my favorite floats. The opportunity to catch a giant rainbow trout or limit on silver salmon is very high at different time of the year. At the end of the day your rig will be at the take out. business phone: 907-382-6808 or send an inquiry here!

Dolly Varden

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Drifting-admin

Dolly varden guide trips on the Kenai river are available throughout the guide season on the Kenai peninsula and Alaska. Some of the longer hikes into the Kenai River can produce the best fish. Also I find that the more effort it takes me to get to the river the less competition I find for my favorite fishing spots. This particular trail leads us into the middle Kenai River and is three miles from the parking lot. We are happy to share information with you so give us a call and we will do our best to point you in the right direction. If a do it yourself fishing trip isn’t something that you are interested in we are happy to take you on a guided trip for any of the species found on the Kenai Peninsula. The Kenai River offers a variety of species to fish for and dolly varen is one of them. Year round we can find Dolly Varden in the Kenai River just like this one. This day was beautiful and a balmy 29 degrees. Dead drifting the right color egg pattern fooled this fish. Dolly Varden in mid February on the middle Kenai River. Good fishing, Scott Sager 907-382-6808

Sportsmans Landing

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Drifting-admin

Directions to Sportsmans Landing home of the Russian River ferry. View DIRECTIONS TO SPORTSMAN’S LANDING in a larger map Sportsmans landing in Cooper landing Alaska is where the world famous russian river ferry is located. Each year the Russian River Ferry takes thousands of anglers across the Kenai river to fish for Salmon. It’s not uncommon to see sightings of numerous bears and eagles fishing along side of anglers. This is also the start of the Kenai National Wildlife boundry. It is easy access to launch a drift boat or raft at sportsman’s boat landing and float just a few miles down stream to Jim’s Landing or on through to the upper Skilak Lake boat Launch. Remember that if you plan on a do it yourself day on through the Kenai river canyon that there is 3 series of class 3 rapids and 8 miles of lake to get across before arriving at the upper skilak lake boat launch. We are only allowed so many starts in this section of river a year so if you want a trip make sure that you book early to reserve your seats. For More information about Sportsman’s Landing Click here Guided River Trip Rate are on our trip information page. *LARGE GROUPS WELCOME *LODGING PACKAGES AVAILABLE *EXCLUSIVE BOAT PACKAGES available! contact details, business phone: 907-382-6808 or send an inquiry here!