Alaska/Kenai River Guides

[G8R H8R]

Just wondering if you had any recommendations of a guide for salmon & trout fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska. I am making a trip there in late July and I am wanting to take a guided trip on the Kenai. I have seen numerous guides on the internet, but I have no idea which ones are good, bad or indifferent.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[fishhawkrob]

Many guides come and go, especially in extreme environments. I would contact McAfees fly shop in Ancorage. They've been around for quite some time. 907-344-1617. Good luck and have a great trip!

[huntfish]

As Rob said, many guides are come and go on the Kenai River. Why? because 90% of the guides fish the same method and it's not hard to figure out where the fish are holding in the River.

Your timing is a little late for Kings and Reds and too early for Silvers. You might catch the second run for the Reds and you will definitely be on time for the Pinks. Being a even year, the pink run should be fantastic.

For Kings - On the Kenai, the technique is a glob of salmon eggs about 20" behind a glow spin and reverse trolling (motor on to slow your drift down). The guides and locals drift in line and when the reach the end of the drift, pull up the lines and motor back to the front. The Kenai is not condusive for fly rodding due to the velocity of the water unless you go to the mouth at the city of Kenai where it dumps into the Cook Inlet.

For Reds - The Russian River is famous for a great run of Reds. It also gets alot of pressure for one reason, easy access. There is a cable crossing that goes accross the Kenai at the mouth of the Russian and a lot of folks take it. If you have ever seen the "Combat Fishing" picture, this is where it was taken. However, remember that sunlight is about 20 hours during that time and if you can avoid middle of days, it is less crowded. To get away from the crowds, you should park in the Russian River Camp Ground and walk down to the river. Word of caution, both black and brown bears are prevelant in this area and is the area where I received two false charges. The Russian also has a great run for Rainbows and can be fished with a fly rod.

Pinks - Not hard to catch and very fun. Use spinning rods, and a Pixie Spoon. Cast and Reel. The Kenai should be loaded with them.

Grayling - Now this is a species that you will enjoy on a two weight. Look at your map and you will see a campground around Coopers Landing. There is a 3 mile trail that goes to Crescent Lake. The fishing is absolutely fantastic. Shore lunch? Wait till the oil is hot and then catch the fish to get an idea of how fantastic it can be.

Halibut - The Homer area at the end of the Kenai Pennisula is world famous for halibuts and there are plenty of guides to choose from. Almost a no brainer.

email me at rkfraze@mactec.com if you have other questions.

[G8R H8R]

Thanks for the responses guys! Huntfish, I will try to email you as I get closer to the trip to pick your brain a little more.

Thanks again!

[G8R H8R]

Fishhawkrob, thanks for the heads up about McAfees. I called them and they hooked me up with a guide to fish the Upper Kenai.

I appreciate the help and I'll be in before the trip to get some supplies.

[fishhawkrob]

Happy to help. Have a great trip and send us BIg fish photos.

[Josh Barnett]

Contact mack@mackmartin.com . He goes out to Alaska for a two week period each year, and knows much about the area.

I'm sure he could help you. Just tell him little Josh sent you his way!

Joshua Barnett

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Back Porch Fly Company
Joshua Barnett, Tier
1-706-354-8500

http://joshbarnett.cjb.net
caddisfly08@yahoo.com