Author: Drifting-admin

As the 2024 fishing season approaches, anglers from all over the world are gearing up for an unforgettable experience on the renowned Kenai River in Alaska. Known for its abundance of salmon and trout, the Kenai River offers thrilling opportunities for drift fishing on the fly. In this blog post, we will explore what makes the Kenai River a prime destination for fly fishing enthusiasts and provide some tips for a successful and rewarding drift fishing experience. The Kenai River: A Fishing Paradise The Kenai River, stretching 82 miles through the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, is a legendary fishing destination. It is home to one of the largest runs of wild salmon in the world, including Chinook (King), Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver), and Pink salmon. Additionally, the river boasts an impressive population of trophy-sized rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. With its breathtaking scenery, the Kenai River offers an unparalleled fishing experience. Drift fishing from the power boat or drift boat is an exhilarating technique that allows anglers to cover large stretches of the river while presenting flies or lures to feeding fish. The Kenai River’s gentle current and wide channels make it ideal for drift fishing. Whether you’re targeting salmon or trout, drifting on the fly provides an immersive and exciting fishing experience. Essential Gear for Drift Fishing To make the most of your drift fishing adventure on the Kenai River, it’s important to have the right gear. Here are some essentials: – Fly Rod and Reel: A 9-foot, 6- or 7-weight fly rod with a matching reel is a versatile choice for targeting both salmon and trout. – Flies: Carry a selection of salmon and trout flies, including egg patterns, streamers, and nymphs, to match the prevailing hatches and feeding patterns. – Waders and Boots: Invest in high-quality waders and boots to stay comfortable and protected while wading in the river. – Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses will help you spot fish and navigate the river’s currents more effectively. – Fishing License: Ensure you have a valid Alaska fishing license before heading out on the water. Best Times to Fish the Kenai River Timing is crucial when planning your fishing trip on the Kenai River. The prime fishing season typically runs from May to October, with peak periods for different species. June and July are excellent for Chinook and Sockeye salmon, while August and September offer prime opportunities for Coho salmon. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden can be targeted throughout the season. Hiring a Professional Guide For those new to drift fishing on the Kenai River or seeking expert guidance, hiring a professional fishing guide is highly recommended. A seasoned guide will not only provide valuable insights into the river’s fishing spots but also offer instruction on casting techniques, fly selection, and fish behavior. They will enhance your overall experience and increase your chances of landing a trophy catch. As you prepare for the 2024 fishing season, make sure to include a drift fishing adventure on the Kenai River in your itinerary. With its breathtaking beauty, abundant fish populations, and the thrill of drifting on the fly, the Kenai River promises an unforgettable fishing experience. Remember to respect the river and its inhabitants, practice catch-and-release whenever possible, and embrace the serenity and excitement that comes with drifting on the fly. Tight lines and happy fishing!

We’ve had some rainy days lately but the fishing has been great for us! Check out this rainbow trout caught while fishing the Kenai River! Patience paid off for this guest! Trout are one of my favorite fish to target on the Kenai Peninsula since they are great fighters and can be massive in size! Call us to book your trout (or salmon) trip today! ‘Til next time…fish on!

It’s been a busy spring on the kasilof river here on the kenai peninsula in alaska. The adult king salmon sizes range from 10-20 pounds at this time of year. Some pushing 25 to 30 pounds. The guests this year have had a lot of fun. A good number of fish in the next with a healthy mix of hatchery and wild ones. The wild fish must be released without taking them out of the water. We are allowed to take the hatchery fish home and the sockeye have been biting as well. It’s nice to see some bonus fish in the box too.

First two silver trips on the kenai river for the 2022 season ended up in limits.  

The beginning of the 2022 season as started out with a bang! Early morning starts on the Kenai Peninsula, or more specifically the Kasilof River are beautiful, sunny Alaska days….usually with a little bit of fog on the river.

 

If your patient enough, and have an awesome guide 😉, you won’t need coffee to wake you up! The rod will bend in half, literally! Pure excitement and adrenaline come rushing to your finger tips as you rush to grab your rod and set the hook in just the right way! “Reel, reel, reel ‘em in!” Your guide is saying to all the other fishermen with rods in your boat. If your lucky and listen to everything your guide tells you to do to land those mighty kings, you may be the one standing and holding up your memorable King salmon.

 

We hope your planning on a visit up to Alaska or a drive to the Kenai Peninsula to grab your salmon of choice, and if so, we hope you’ll give us a call soon to book that long awaited fishing trip! ‘Til next time….tight lines!

 

Spring is hopping along here in Alaska and we are getting excited as summer creeps closer and closer! We are fortunate enough to be able to live amongst some of the most beautiful, scenic, and wild places in the world! We have big fish and epic tales of the fish that “almost” but never got away….if this sounds like something you really want to be apart of, give us a call or email today to book your dates!  Picture yourself floating down the glacial blue waters of the Kenai River or Kasilof River! If truly remote fishing suites your style better, we can set up a backcountry fly-out trip.  We are filling up fast, so hurry and don’t waste any more time…we can’t wait to get you on the river!

Just like fall leaves changing colors, there’s a change in the guard of fish. Vibrant colors shine boldly on the trees as do the stunning colors of our rainbow trout! Kenai River is known for producing some of the largest rainbow trout around! They have such a beautiful sheen and color to them, that’s it’s hard not to love fighting these beauts on the rod! Unlike salmon, rainbow trout do not spawn and die off but continue to grow larger and beefier over time. Because we enjoy fishing for bows, we practice ‘catch & release’. If you’ve been thinking about coming down to the Kenai Peninsula this fall, give us a call so we can hook you up with these beautiful rainbow trout! And just as a sidenote…..since Christmas is coming soon in the next few months, we also like to provide guests with the option to have a replica made of their trout (or any other species) they catch! All fish replica mounts are done in house and by your guide – Scott! (Call for pricing) Hope to see you soon! Happy fishing!

While we had fun catching sockeye salmon left and right, they have spawned to the point of no return. While most of the sockeyes have morphed into their “red” nickname….there were some still to be kept. The first run of silver salmon are in full swing on the Kenai River! They will cause your reel to zing and your rod to bend in half! Your captain will call out instructions as you reel the silver in! “Rod tip to the left, reel it in keeping the line tight…”

The time for sockeye salmon fishing is coming to a close this year. The Kenai Peninsula has given us an epic season for reds! BUT DONT WORRY!!!! Its time to gear up for the fast and furious silver salmon! Coho salmon are aggressive biters and fight hard for those interested in a bit more thrilling takedown and fight. There are still a few dates available for 2021, so call or email today! Bonus: Autumn comes earlier in Alaska, so you might have some great pic’s of changing leaves along with your silver catch! Tight lines and we hope to see you on the river!