Kenai Alaska Resort & Fishing Guide

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It’s happening.

As my mentor Jeff King would say, “Eatin’ is cheatin’ and sleep is the enemy. Welcome to the red season.”

It’s still a bit early in the run, but the number of fish moving through has been strong. That’s for both red and king salmon. Yes, even king salmon.

Because the historic peak of the run happens later in the month, the amount of people participating last week was quite low. I really enjoy fishing when this happens because I’m able to pick a reasonable start time and many grade A spots to fish are available.

The “quiet” on the river will change really fast. 

So, enough of the chit-chat. It’s time to roll the fish photos.

I started the week fishing Jim and his sons Dawson and Cole. Their timing was perfect to load up the stringers with limits. 

Seeing the smile on Cole’s face after he landed his first salmon is why I enjoy guiding so much. 

The following day I spent time on the water with Sam, Katie, Evo, and Leo. The goal was to unplug, relax, and absorb the surrounding environment. 

It didn’t take Leo long to start the day off with a nice salmon. It was his first fish in Alaska.

Shortly afterwards, older brother Evo caught his first fish in Alaska too.

They landed one more red salmon and lost a few as well. When I was cleaning the fish Katie said they wanted enough for a couple of fresh salmon dinners and the rest I could have. It was a very nice gesture, and I thank you for sharing.

The next day the decent fishing continued. It took Proxy Joe about an hour and a half to reel in his limit.

Dan, Joe, and Dave (observer, not participant)

The Kenai River dipnetting season opened on July 10th. I usually don’t go early in the three week bonanza, but decided to go on July 11th for a shakedown cruise. I thought a few fish for us would be the goal. It was quite a bit more than a few fish. I would have to say it was the best early dipnet day that I’ve ever had.

For the week ahead I expect the fishing to be solid. There will be down times, that’s the nature of a run, but overall there should be a steady pulse of fish and fisherman.

See you next week.