Fishing the Kenai River month of October

Rainbow Trout

In October, a lot changes on the Kenai River. With the leaves changing and the river dropping, a lot of the trout will start to concentrate closer to Skilak Lake. This time of year is when the hard core trout fisherman come out! If your looking to swing flies, I highly recommend fishing in October. Make sure to be flexible when it comes to technique as conditions do change quickly. With the millions of salmon that have spawned in the river, this time of year is when trout really start putting on some weight. 10lb Rainbow trout are not uncommon. When conditions are right, it can be very possible to hook or land a large trout daily! I highly recommend hiring me for a private charter with no more than 3 people in the boat. Having only three people can be a more personable trip and can result much better fishing.

Rainbow trout are by far my favorite species to fish for in fresh water. They are well known for jumping and explosive runs. These fish live their entire life in fresh water, gorging themselves on decaying salmon and their eggs. Wild rainbows are catch and release only on the Kenai River. Kenai rainbows are some of the largest wild trout in Alaska and the world, they grow very large because of the abundant food source created by the millions of salmon spawning on the river. Kenai River rainbows can grow well over 30 inches and get up to 20lbs! If you’re looking to learn how to fly fish, I highly recommend fishing for Kenai River rainbow trout!

For gear I will be providing fly rods and I will be rigged and ready for the day. The Kenai is a great opportunity for all experience levels. I highly encourage beginners to learn how to fly fish because it can be the most successful technique. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable. Make sure to dress warm, wear layers, a hat, sunglasses and waterproof boots if possible. Please bring your own drinks and your fishing license. You will not need any special tags for trout fishing, just a regular license.

Dolly Varden Char

Dolly Varden (char) are anadromous and extremely abundant in the Kenai River. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden have very similar migratory habits and can be caught in the same locations. Dolly Varden have very distinctive pink spots and can be caught up to the 10lb range. Prime time for catching Dolly Varden is in the fall, during the salmon spawn, but these fish are easily targeted from June-December. Dolly Varden are extremely important to the ecosystem. In the early 1900s, Alaska had bounties on Dolly Varden with the belief that they were eating all the salmon eggs. Modern studies have shown that when the salmon are spawning, Dollies eat the diseased eggs. Dollies actually help prevent disease and bacteria and bad genetics in the salmon runs. Dollies are incredibly hard fighters and are known for being bulldogs, making them one of the main targets for sport fisherman.

Coho

By October, Coho (or silver salmon) have been in the system for a couple months. With most of them being blush, it might not be the best time of year for targeting Coho. Although traditionally the river tends to slow down, there are still some fresh fish coming in! Depending on the particular year, it actually can be very great fishing if you’re willing to bear the cold. It’s an especially good time for fly fisherman. Coho tend to rest in the slower water water, and can’t wait to bite anything flashy that comes their way. These beautiful chrome salmon run anywhere from 4-20lbs. Coho are a great catch for all experience levels whether you want to cast spinners, troll, or just want to try your luck fly fishing. If you are looking to catch Coho on a fly rod, I highly recommend coming in September or October. Having a little casting experience can go along way when it comes to being successful on the fly. Generally the limit goes from 2 to 3 fish per person on September 1st. I will provide the gear for every technique. You will not need any special tags for Coho fishing. Make sure to bring a cooler for your fresh catch at the end of the day. At the end of your charter I will fillet your fish and can direct you to one of the local processors. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable. Please wear warm layers, a hat and sunglasses. Make sure to bring your own drinks and your fishing license.

Steelhead

October is prime time for steelhead on the Kenai Peninsula. Both the Kenai and Kasilof River have decent steelhead populations, but just like anywhere having an opportunity at catching one can be a good day. On the Kenai, we can’t target only steelhead. While fishing for Rainbows/Dolly Varden on the Kenai, steelhead are caught occasionally. On the Kasilof, steelhead can be directly targeted. Because the secret of the Kasilof is out, I tend to only fish there if the Kenai River conditions aren’t the best because it can be busy. The fishery can’t handle very many boats and the crowds make for a tougher fishing day. Steelhead are a kind of ocean going rainbow trout. Steelhead typically migrate back to fresh water after 3 years in the salt water. They are the only pacific salmon that will survive after spawning and head back to the ocean for potentially another spawning cycle. All other pacify salmon species die after one spawn. Steelhead look a lot like a rainbow trout, but with a trained eye, the difference is distinguishable. Steelhead are very uniform in shape and average around 28 inches. These amazing, acrobatic fish are often a fly fisherman’s favorite to target.

FAQ: How to get to the Kenai Peninsula

Embarking on your journey to the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s haven of natural beauty and prime fishing spots, starts with choosing your mode of travel. Whether by road or air, each option offers its own adventure and scenic views.

By Road: After landing in Anchorage, a popular choice is to rent a car and embark on a picturesque drive along the Seward Highway heading south. This approximately 2.5-hour journey to Soldotna is a breathtaking introduction to Alaska’s wild landscapes, flanked by mountains and ocean vistas. Be mindful, however, that summer months can bring slower traffic due to construction and the influx of tourists. Allowing an extra hour or two for your drive is advisable to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable journey.

By Air: For a quicker route directly into the heart of the Kenai Peninsula, consider catching a flight from Anchorage to Soldotna. This short hop on a small plane offers stunning aerial views of Alaska’s wilderness. Upon arrival in Soldotna, renting a vehicle is recommended to navigate the local area with ease and access the various boat launches for your fishing adventures.

Navigating to Your Kenai Adventure: Whichever path you choose, the journey to the Kenai Peninsula is the first step in what promises to be an unforgettable exploration of Alaska’s natural wonders and world-class fishing destinations.

Accommodations

Embarking on a fishing journey on the Kenai Peninsula means embracing the early starts and long days that come with the pursuit of Alaska’s famed salmon. To ensure you’re well-rested and ready for each day’s adventure, securing comfortable accommodations is crucial. Here are some recommendations to help you find the perfect base for your stay:

Aspen Hotel Soldotna: A top choice for comfort and convenience, the Aspen Hotel in Soldotna offers easy access to local fishing spots and amenities, making it an ideal place to recharge after a day on the river.

Online Booking Platforms: For a wider selection of lodging options, websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and VRBO feature a variety of accommodations on the Kenai Peninsula. From cozy cabins nestled in the wilderness to spacious homes fit for groups, you’re sure to find a place that meets your needs.

Personal Assistance: If you’re looking for more personalized accommodation recommendations or have specific requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect place to stay, ensuring your fishing trip is both successful and enjoyable.

Plan Ahead: The Kenai Peninsula is a popular destination, especially during the prime fishing season in the summer. To secure your ideal accommodations, it’s advisable to book well in advance. Early planning not only guarantees your stay but also gives you peace of mind as you look forward to your Alaskan fishing adventure.

Whether you’re winding down from a day of fishing or gearing up for the next, your choice of accommodations plays a key role in the overall experience. With these options and tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying the best of the Kenai Peninsula, both on and off the water.

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