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Kenai River Salmon Fishing: A Memorable Event

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The Kenai River salmon fishing experience is a one of a kind adventure. The Kenai river salmon fishing habitat or Special Management Area (SMA) consists of over one hundred and fifty miles of waterways including the main Kenai River, tributaries, streams and lakes. Some of the larger lakes in the Kenai River SMA include Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, both which provide excellent Kenai river salmon fishing opportunities. The Kenai River itself is eighty-two miles long, emptying into Cook Inlet, providing some exceptional fishing opportunities in the spring and fall seasons as fish gather to head upriver to the spawning areas.

There are four different species of salmon that make Kenai River salmon fishing exciting and challenging at the same time. The King or Chinook salmon, the Silver or Coho salmon, and the Red or Sockeye salmon are the most numerous, with the Pinks or Humphries less common. Due to conservation issues the Pinks can only be kept on alternate, even numbered years until the population is again rebuilt. One of the many boasts that the Kenai River salmon fishing area can boast is that the largest King salmon on record at ninety seven pounds, four ounces was caught in the Kenai River. Many other larger King salmon, weighing over sixty pounds are caught yearly.

Another feature of Kenai River salmon fishing is the number of professional guides and fishing lodges that provide tours and lodging for anglers coming to fish the area. The lodges have all the amenities you would expect in fishing lodges in more populated areas, and most supply all equipment needed for the specific demands of Kenai River salmon fishing. Since guides in the Special Management Area must be licensed, there a constant monitoring of the quality of the guiding services as well as strong adherence to conservations laws and limit restrictions.

There are various seasons and months that are best for species specific Kenai River salmon fishing. The spring and early summer months of May through June are best for those anglers looking for King salmon, whereas the months of July through September are best for Silver Salmon, commonly known as Coho. Guides can assist with the most appropriate lures and bait, as well as providing the best possible locations to find fish under any given weather conditions.

Besides just Kenai River salmon fishing the area offers opportunities for hiking, camping and trekking. It is not uncommon to see elk, deer, moose, bald eagles and bear in their natural habitat, or even take a trip to the glaciers to see the amazing landscapes. Four wheelers and even horseback riding is available at many of the lodges and fishing resorts so be sure to ask for additional features when planning your fishing trip.