Alaskan Kenai fishing?

txhunter58 · Apr 19, 2010

Thinking about going fishing in Alaska this summer or next. This is a lodge that is just getting started up, but seems very reasonable as to fees. And looks to be in a good area away from the real touristy areas.

http://www.drakesonthekenai.com/index.htm

Any comments on the area/price and maybe the best time to go?

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

zekers · Apr 19, 2010

I worked on funny river road at a fish processor for a summer years ago. The most popular time for the reds was the 4th of July. The crowds are crazy in Soldotna, but the fishing is ridiculous. They're still some 2nd run Kings in the rivers, the red's are tearin' it up, the dolly and rainbow fishing is great, halibut is right down the road, and clammin is right at the beach. $100 bucks a night is as cheap as you'll find that time of year. Looks like a nice lodge. You should have a blast.

Bambistew · Apr 20, 2010

My cousin has a place on the river in the same area. Its away from the 'crowds' but there will be lots of boat traffic on the river. Personally if I was going to do a fishing trip to Alaska it wouldn't be on the Kenai. There are so many other places to go to experience real Alaska and it won't cost you a whole lot much more. I'd look across the inlet at lodges, or the Copper River area. I'm sure you would have a great time on the Kenia, all I'm saying is more people fish the Kenia every summer than all other rivers combined.

If you end up going to the lodge you listed, I'd pick mid July vs early. The 4th is 'slack' time for red fishing. There are fish in the river but not many. The ADFG has lots of info on the runs on thier web page.

Fishing season can't get here soon enough!!!

nmbighorn · Apr 21, 2010

tx, thats a great price for july how many miles up the river will you be located, the red run has been getting later every year if you want big kings and some reds try for the third week on in july some smoker kings in this river but if you can afford it do a fly out trip for kings you wont regret it, its a blast evry cast lol.
nmbighorn

txhunter58 · Apr 21, 2010

Thanks for the info guys. How many fish can you actually keep over a weeks fishing? Will I be able to take a couple of ice chests full home? Or do you have it smoked up there and sent to you?

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

FullCryHounds · Apr 22, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Apr-22-10 AT 06:56AM (MST)[p]There will be very little boat traffic at the lodge were you are staying. There are a lot of rocks in the river in that area and it keeps the boat traffic to a minimum. It is well above the areas that the fishing guides use. My best friends live directly across the river where you will be at. I recognized the lodge from your link. Here is a link to the escapement website so you can make an informed decision on when you want to go. You can only keep one king per season but you can keep pleny of reds to fill up your cooler to bring back. You won't have any other company on the river where you will be at. The crowds will be above you near the Russian river and well below you past the Soldotna bridge. Have fun.

http://www.alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Sonar/kpcharts.html

txhunter58 · Apr 22, 2010

This place is sounding better and better. Thanks for the info!

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

eelgrass · Apr 22, 2010

txhunter58, mile 15 on Funny River Road would be an excellent location for sockeye. MAKE SURE they have access to the river there. Their map seems to show them off the river a ways.

It sounds like this is more of a Bed and Breakfast place and they can help with picking a guide?

From their website:

"For your convenience, we can recommend a reputable guide, or service with a proven record of customer support and satisfaction."

Me and my brothers fished up that way back in 2004. Our guide had permission to fish the river from private property. It was the last week of July. One day the fish counter counted 72,000 sockeyes came into the river. The limit was raised to 6 per day.(normally it's 3) We got tired of catching and releasing fish! That doesn't happen every year though. Last year for example the run was late and pretty weak and they dropped the limit to 1. You just never know.

You can have your fish cleaned and frozen (or your guide does that) and you can take them home in airline approved fish boxes. Cheaper than taking coolers.

King salmon is good from June through July. It closes July 30. You will never forgive yourself if you don't pay a guide and spent at least one day trying to catch that 70+ lb. King.

Anyhow, make sure exactly what's included and what's not.

Best of luck!

Eel

txhunter58 · Apr 23, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Apr-23-10 AT 07:42AM (MST)[p]They have 150 ft river frontage and a pier out into the river that you can fish off of. Hiring a guide for at least one day sounds smart though. From their website:

Our 5,800 square foot lodge sits on two acres on the banks of the Kenai River with 150 feet of river frontage to the property. For your convenience there is a 6 x24 foot dock you may use to fish from. Based on strict State laws to protect against bank erosion, there is not a boat launch on this property. There are boat launches in the local area for those with water craft.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

FullCryHounds · Apr 23, 2010

TX, You probably don't have much chance of landing a king from the bank. It can be done but it is very difficult. You'll end up a mile down river! Also, have you ever fished for Reds before? If you've never fished for them before, you may want to go watch how its done before trying. It is nothing like any other fishing you will do. Make sure to follow all the fishing regs up there, they watch you pretty close. And the regs are hard to figure out if you've never done it before. Good luck and have fun.

eelgrass · Apr 23, 2010

txhunter58, My bad! I didn't read where they're on the river. If you're into catching sockeyes, that's a great deal for sure! Having your own private place to fish would be worth the price by itself. Go for it!

Eel

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