Things are really beginning to look up for Kenai Peninsula fishing!  There are many different venues where fishing success has most definitely increased, and the statistical number of rod hours requried has gone down.  While this week should bring the peak of most central Kenai Peninsula salmon runs, there is still no doubt that most runs are still at least 1 week late.  Nevertheless, many are fulfilling their dreams with exceptional fish.  In my best estimation, if you have been waiting for the best time to hit the waters of the Kenai, this is the week to give it a try.

Kenai River

The Kenai River has given up many very nice king salmon over the last week.  We are finally seeing the late run chinook sonar numbers climbing towards 1,000 fish per day.  The cumulative count so far is 5,667 as of July 12.  At this rate, the expected return is 39,000 +/- (based on data up to July 7).  While we had a few days of very poor visibility, things cleared up quite nicely after mid-week and made for some excellent fishing conditions with water temps runing very close to the optimal 50 degrees and visibility being close to 36".

It seemed that the best fishing has been below the Pillars for the last few days with very favorable tides and water conditions.  The fish are not necessarily favoring any particular presentation or technique.  Nice fish have been taken on eggs, and plugs; back-trolling, back-bouncing and drifting.

This beautiful fish was caught on back-trolled eggs on a yellow SNG.  This was caught by a 11 year old girl from Idaho (she had help from her 11 year old cousin) and weighed in at 58 pounds!  Another very nice 50 pounder was taken on a bright green k-16 below Poacher's cove.

Kasilof River

Once again the Kasilof was relatively productive, however it still took some effort to limit the boat.  Don Drury, of Drury Fishing, reported an average week with catches every day but also with great effort..  He indicated that this last week produced some nice sized fish as well, ranging between 30 and 40 pounds.  Again, the most productive means on the Kasilof is the drift boat, however there were some lucky anglers finding success at the Crooked Creek Confluence.

The sockeye fishing on the Kasilof is also looking very good with an above average start.  The last two years produced very good returns and this year is on pace to repeat that once again.  Presently, as of the 12th, there were more than 108,000 sockeye past the sonar.  There have been a couple of 4,000+ days on the Kasilof.  Don Drury indicated that this will likely be a week of buiding for both the king salmon and red salmon on the Kasilof. 

Cook Inlet

This has been a phenomenal week of halibut fishing in Cook Inlet!  Wednesday was a blow-off, so we diverted to Kachemak and caught the big "donut" (skunked!) , however on Thursday we were able to launch and did very well.  We fished 8 miles off-shore and kept 7/8 and let about 30 go.  Friday was also a great day with many limit catches reported.  The charters are bringing in many very nice fish from 70-150 pounds.

Area Lakes

The lake fishing continues to produce great entertainment and exceptional success.  The grayling fishing at Crescent Lake has been very good.  While the fish size seems to be a bit smaller than before, there is still great opportunity for a quality experience.  Grayling will take dry as well as wet flies presented in the gin clear water.  Keep in mind, however that there is a 2 fish per day bag limit.  And please be responsible.  These are very slow growing fish and heavy fishing pressure could definitely impact the quality of the experience.  Also, please pack out whatever you pack in.

Another option for some local lakes is Pike.  Here is information posted on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Site (http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=5):

Northern Pike

• Stormy Lake has good numbers of northern pike and the lake has good public access. Anglers who are interested in fishing for northern pike on the Kenai Peninsula should try Stormy Lake for spring northern pike fishing.

• Many other area lakes have northern pike, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access, but get permission first.

• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (with arrow attached by a line), bait, spin, and fly-fishing gear. Try fish-shaped and fish-colored lures and flies.

• There is no closed season for pike and the bag limit is unlimited. Wanton waste laws apply so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.