Kenai Fishing Lodges Are Home Base For Alaskan Anglers

By Kenya Campos


Some people think of Alaska as a perpetually frozen wilderness crisscrossed by occasional oil pipelines. While that may accurately describe some Arctic regions, there are also huge areas still incredibly rich in native North American wildlife. For salmon lovers, Kenai fishing lodges make an excellent home base for an unforgettable Alaskan outdoor experience.

The climate in southern Alaska is comparatively mild, and proximity to Anchorage makes getting there easy. The Kenai peninsula juts southward, and some parts are suitable for farming. Although this is the most populous part of Alaska, most residents of the lower 48 would consider it wilderness, with only a few small cities and roads nestled beneath glacier-covered peaks.

Native salmon are the main draw. There are several varieties that call the river home, making it the most popular fishing region of the state. Each year a portion a number return upstream to spawn, and the King salmon lives up to its royal name. Young fish live for around a year in the fresh water of the river, then leave for an ocean life that is still uncharted.

They return home with the aid of an incredibly accurate biological guidance system. Some come back after only a year at sea, while others stay away for three or four years, growing larger each season. The size of an individual fish depends on the length of time spent at sea, and the availability of food. The average Kenai catch weighs between 25 and 60 pounds.

One popular technique used on the river is called boat drifting, or simply going with the flow. Back-bouncing involves moving a boat in reverse using the engine to approach prime spots. The busiest times of year bring large numbers of boats to the river, and inexperience is definitely not an advantage. It is important to hire a truly qualified river guide and pilot.

Many guides work together with local lodges, which are basically small hotels. These establishments provide standard services such as a hearty breakfast and box lunch, but most also are happy to arrange additional local excursions, and can provide easy access to guides, river boats, and even fishing gear. Some will even store the catch of the day for lucky anglers.

While the focus is on fish, there are also ample outdoor opportunities for non-anglers. Some lodges offer packages that include hiking, river rafting, or sightseeing. Those interested in viewing the local wildlife often discover native Alaskan moose and caribou nearby, and eagles and other native birds are still abundant. At the end of a busy day, visitors can unwind in true Alaskan style in front of a crackling fireplace.

Although there is still an abundance of natural life here, visitors need to respect sport fishing regulations. This area still sustains a large salmon run due to good wildlife management. Alaska may seem remote, but the encroachment of civilization has already affected the numbers of surviving fish, and care must be taken to ensure that these wild populations will still exist for coming generations.




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