I’m often asked, “what’s going on with the king salmon runs?” My response has been, “death by a thousand cuts”. I’ll follow this statement with a list of factors that include: too many kings caught by sport fisherman habitat and spawning degradation in natal streams and creeks too many kings caught by …
Prime Silver Salmon Dates Available
We have an unexpected opening during the peak of the first run of silver salmon. From August 18th-25th we have cabins and fishing available. If you like action on a relatively quiet Kenai River, as compared to the king and red salmon runs, this is when you want to be here. It’s unusual to have an opening during …
Some Good Fishery News
After the bad news last week about the closing of the Kenai River king salmon fishery, I’m happy to report some good news. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released a promising forecast for the 2023 Upper Cook Inlet sockeye run. The total run is projected to be 5.12 million fish. Of that …
Restrictions/Closures for the King Fishery
I can’t say I was surprised when the news came out. The entire State of Alaska has been experiencing a decline in king salmon returns for several years. The only thing that surprised me was how long it took for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to make this announcement. Last year, the Emergency Orders came out on 1/26. This …
Passion
What separates a good guide from a great guide? Passion. Mindy Payne has it and that’s what makes her a terrific Kenai River guide. I’ve been watching her day after day, year after year entertaining clients, and putting them on fish. The Kenai River Sport Fishing Association (KRSA) recently interviewed Mindy about …
There’s An App For That.
In 2015, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game began selling fishing and hunting licenses online. They were one of the first in the country to do so. How convenient. Licenses could now be bought anywhere, anytime. However, online convenience had a downside. It was efficient to be able to purchase licenses on a phone, …
Kings of the Kenai
The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) recently released a video about their advocacy for the world famous Kenai River. https://youtu.be/S94KxyMVw7E No other group has worked harder to preserve the Kenai River fishery than KRSA. Their primary mission is ensuring there are fish for future generations, and advocating …
Going Home
This week’s blogpost celebrates the life of another friend. I feel fortunate to have known Gene Miller and enjoyed our many trips fishing the Kenai River together. I first met Gene in 2007 when he came to Alaska to fish with his son, Dick, and daughter-in-law Kim, along with their friends Mike and Jodie. I could …
PaPa J
After four years and four months, the Jahrig’s dream turned into reality. On August 18, 2022, the Papa J was christened. Will and Becky, congratulations on your new boat. I’m just amazed at this project. Blood, sweat, tears, and having the skill set and the tools to make it happen. That’s pretty much the …
Greg Davis
The Beaver Creek All Stars lost its captain this week. It’s with heavy heart that I announce the passing of my good friend and neighbor, Greg Davis. I first met the man in the late 80’s when Jeff King couldn’t take my dad and I out king fishing. Jeff set us up on a trip with Greg. Oh boy, what a character. Greg …