The annual river float to find lost treasures is now complete. My spring itch has been scratched.
Michelle K. would say I’m a dumpster diver. She would also say I’m easily distracted by shiny objects. Both descriptions would be correct. But, I prefer the more artful title of River Salvager…
My adventure began when Jane dropped me off at a spot 6 miles upstream of our dock. I’ve done longer spring floats, but I only had an afternoon to do this and 6 miles was the perfect distance.
What a way to start.
The very first treasure I found was an anchor. Amongst fellow river salvagers, an anchor is considered the “Holy Grail” of lost objects. My friend Gary recently asked if I had an extra anchor. I do now and it’s yours.
The majority of the things I find are when I’m walking the river banks. Just like what you see in the photo above. In the foreground is a Vibrax spinner. Right behind it is a moose track.
Another example of what gets exposed in the spring when the river is low.
The final haul.
I ended up finding an anchor, a grappling hook, a landing net, 2 fly rods and reels, 2 bait casting rods and reels, a p trap (why was this in the river?), a rod sleeve, a needle nose plier, a moose jaw and scapula, a Korker boot sole, a 2-way radio, sunglasses, and a bunch of fishing lures.
I can’t wait until I do it all again next spring.
An unexpected fishing report.
I got a late night call from Boo of Tall Tale Charters asking if I wanted to go saltwater fishing. He had a group of 3 cancel and asked if I could fill in. An unfortunate silver lining to a closed Kenai River king salmon fishery is I’m often available.
As always, Captain Boo crushed it!
Finally, I’ve got a couple of first hand reports of red salmon being caught in the lower Kenai River. My plan for the week ahead is to get out and try it myself.
Fishing Report Week Ending 5/31/26