What a way to end the season.
I spent time on the river swapping stories with friends, and the fish were biting too. A win/win.
Nobody understands being a fishing guide like the guy in the photo above. Kevin and I grew up in the same town in Minnesota where we both started guiding at the age of 14.
That’s where our stories diverge.
I guided occasionally at my parent’s resort while Kevin was a full time member of the famous Nisswa Guides League. At least 7 members of this fishing fraternity have been inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.
At an early age Kevin was one of the top guides and was always in demand. By the time he was 18 he was running over 200 trips a year. Guiding paid for college and after he graduated he started a career as an outdoor manufacturer rep. He didn’t give up fishing, just guiding.
Back to our Kenai River story.
I didn’t sleep well the night before Kevin and I went fishing. I was nervous. It would be our first time fishing together. We got out before sun rise to get a good spot. As it got light enough to see, the first silver salmon of the day slammed his Kwikfish lure.
Instant relief for me. The pressure was off.
About an hour later his limit was complete when he caught his second salmon.
I’m glad I could be a small part of Kevin and his wife Ann’s 40th wedding anniversary trip to Alaska. Congrats to the both of you.
After a two year absence, my college roommate Don, and his friend Dave, were back. I asked them if they wanted halibut or salmon to bring back home.
They wanted both.
Boo was available on Tuesday so it was off to Homer for a day of fishing on the ocean.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day.
The added bonus was getting up close and personal with a pod of orcas.
The next day we were back on the river chasing salmon. Here’s Don with a beauty.
Dave was the first to catch his limit.
Don caught his two fish as well. Excellent job, guys!
Well, that’s it for weekly fishing reports for the 2026 season. It’s sad that’s it over considering how well the weather and fishing has held up.
Truly a grand river that owes us nothing.
Fishing Report Week Ending 9/20/26