Alaska Fishing Lodge, Kenai River, Soldotna

Specific Alaska Fishing Information

Thank you for choosing
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker!

Since 1990, we have been assisting Alaska visitors in planning professionally guided, high-quality fishing adventures to the Kenai Peninsula. From their lodging, fishing, sightseeing and travel arrangements, it has been our foremost priority to provide our guests with only the highest quality of services. My wife Cindy and I offer honest, detailed information for the customer to base their decisions on. For most, a trip to Alaska is a very special, even "once in a lifetime" occasion and we want it to meet all of your expectations. This is why we encourage you to fully research your destination and the various activities you plan to pursue. A well established game plan will go a long way toward making sure you not only catch fish, but that your entire trip flows smoothly.

On all of our guided fishing trips, we provide all of the necessary fishing gear. We are very particular about the equipment we use and you should expect nothing but the best. All of our boats are new, clean, and comfortable. On the rivers, we use both 20-foot power and drift boats that are custom designed for the water we fish. Both vessels comfortably accommodate four passengers. Once aboard you will see only top of the line fishing equipment. We are factory sponsored by Fish-On! /Tempress and they supply only the finest seats, rod holders and additional marine equipment for our guests. As an exclusive Pro Staff member for Lamiglas fishing rods, we also have the privilege of providing the most advanced rods on the market today. With over 50 years of experience designing salmon and steelhead rods, Lamiglas has established an industry standard that we are proud to represent. To compliment these fine fishing rods, we exclusively offer Shimano reels. This combination gets the job done every day against some of the most demanding fisheries in the world. In addition to premium rods and reels, you can expect only the sharpest Gamakatsu hooks, most innovative and proven lures including the incredible Luhr Jensen Kwik Fish along with the freshest bait. We are also sponsored by Western Filament makers of Tuf Line, the finest braided line available. We hand wash every inch of our gear and boats after all of our trips, so you can expect everything to be spotless when we meet you in the morning.

KING ME!

During king season (May-July), we offer both full and half day fishing trips. On the Kenai, guides are restricted to fishing between the hours of 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM in May, June and July. Accordingly, we meet in the morning at 5:30 AM. Full day trips allow for 8+ hours of fishing time, typically from 6AM to 2-3PM. We also offer two half day trips daily, one in the morning from 5:30AM to 11:30AM and an afternoon trip from 12:00PM to 6:00PM. While there are a number of days when a half day trip offers ample opportunity at catching a Kenai King, a full day trip does afford you additional flexibility as you have the boat for the entire day. On many occasions, an extra 2-3 hours can make a big difference. We also fish the Kasilof River, and this is a drift boat only fishery (no motors). Far more glacial (murky) than the Kenai, the Kasilof is 15 miles to the south and flows from the largest lake on the Kenai Peninsula, Tustamena Lake. Kasilof King salmon rival the Kenai fish in size a intensity and a drift boat trip to the Kasilof should not be over-looked.

It is important to remember that the Kenai is not known for producing daily limits or extraordinary numbers of kings. In fact many other rivers in Alaska surpass the Kenai in sheer numbers of king salmon. The Kenai is a trophy river. It holds the largest STRAIN of king salmon in the world with the average fish weighing 30-40 lbs. King salmon over fifty pounds are somewhat common, and nine out of the ten largest kings EVER CAUGHT were taken from the Kenai River. The world record was set here in May 1985 with a Kenai king that weighed 97lbs. Kenai King salmon can also be very difficult to catch and fishing from a boat is paramount. The Kenai is a very refined fishery where it has been accurately portrayed that 10 % of the guides catch 90 % of the king salmon.

The Kenai and the Kasilof each have two annual returns of king salmon. On the Kenai, the early run begins in May and lasts until the end of June. While this run has less fish (15-year average of approximately 15,000 fish) and is less predictable than the late run, it also sees far less fishing pressure. The early run on the Kenai also coincides with an early run of both hatchery and wild king salmon on the Kasilof River and these two fisheries make both May and June a great time to visit. We are prepared to fish each river daily so we will often schedule our king salmon trips for either the Kenai or the Kasilof in May and June. We can then let you decide the evening prior to your trip according to current fishing conditions. We always recommend fishing both of these beautiful rivers, as each destination offers its own unique experience.

Pertinent information regarding early-run kings on both the Kenai and the Kasilof:

Kenai Kings, Early Run:

Season: May 1 - June 30
Regulations: Single Hook, Bait allowed after in-season projections for escapement are met.
No retention slot: 46-55 inches.
One fish per day, two per year. No fishing after retention.
Closed to guided fishing Sundays and Mondays.
Peak time: June 10-20

Kasilof Kings, Early Run:

Season: May 15 - June 30
Regulations: Multiple Hooks, Bait Allowed
Retention of two hatchery fish (adipose clipped) 7 days a week, retention of wild fish on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only. Limit two fish per day (two hatchery or one wild /one hatchery: Tues, Thur. Sat), five per season. Fishing after retention allowed.
Peak time: May 25 - June 15

The late run of Kenai Kings is one of the most popular fisheries in all of Alaska. The annual return typically peaks in the last two weeks of July. The Kenai opens to the use of bait on July 1 and this greatly improves fishing success. You can expect good king fishing during the entire month. The annual average for this run is close to 40,000 fish. This late run of king salmon represents the peak of our season and combined with the late run of sockeye salmon, one can expect the Kenai River and surrounding communities to be very busy. We suggest making reservations up to a year in advance, especially for the last two weeks of July. Just like all king return, the late run of Kenai King salmon can be unpredictable. Run strength and timing varies annually and there is also the commercial fishing contingent to consider. Commercial set and drift gill netter do impact the king salmon returns to the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers so if they are having a big year, chances are king fishing will be impacted.

Kenai Kings, Late Run:

Season: July 1 - July 31
Regulations: Single Hook, bait allowed. One fish per day, two per year. No fishing after retention.
Closed to guided fishing Sundays and Mondays.
Peak time: July 20-31

In July, the Kasilof has an entirely wild return of late run kings. Since fishing pressure is very low and the number of fish is high, we encourage our July guests to consider a day of drift boat fishing in addition to the more popular (and crowded) Kenai fishery. This late run of Kings in the Kasilof is big and hard fighting with fish often exceeding 40 pounds. Fighting these big kings with no motor, in extremely fast current is a very challenging and remarkable experience.

Kasilof Kings, Late Run:

Season: July 1 - July 31
Regulations: Double Hook, bait allowed. One fish per day, two per year. Fishing allowed after retention.
Closed to guided fishing Sundays.
Peak time: July 20-31

All Kasilof trips, both early and late run are full days. This allows ample time to shuttle our trailer to the take out and cover all the water necessary to make the day as productive and enjoyable as possible.

Even though Kenai and Kasilof King salmon hold the most lore of the Kenai Peninsula's fishing opportunities, these fisheries barely scratch the surface when it comes to the myriad of angling opportunities available. We also offer unbelievable king salmon fishing in remote locations such as the Chuitna River and the Nushagak as well as remote locations on Kodiak Island. Please see our fly out pages for more information on these more extreme king salmon adventures.

http://www.mgfalaska.com/alaska_fly_out_fishing.html

SUPER SOCKEYE!

From mid June into August, we offer a wide variety of fishing trips targeting wild Alaska sockeye salmon. These powerful fighters are mint bright, just out of the saltwater, and average 8-12 lbs. Sockeye are considered the finest table fare of all the pacific salmon. The first sockeye (reds) of the season are heading for the rocky, fast moving tributary of the upper Kenai near Cooper Landing named the Russian River. This fishery begins in mid June and extends all the way through late July. Also in mid June, we see strong numbers of sockeye salmon in remote, fly out locations such as Big River Lake. In July, the Kenai receives a very large return of late-run sockeye. These fish tend to arrive in very high numbers all at once. The peak of this run normally arrives in mid July with good fishing into the first week of August.

Sockeye Salmon:

Season: June 15 – Aug 10
Regulations: Single hook, three fish per day.
Peak time: Russian River: June 10-20
Peak Time: Fly Out Big River Lake: June 12-July 15
Peak Time: Late Run Kenai River: July 20-31

BIG TROUT

Trout fishing opens in mid-June and extends well into late October. Kenai trout populations are in excellent shape and multiple fish days are very common. Kenai rainbows average a remarkable 20 inches and fish over five pounds are really quite common. We see many trophy class rainbows over the course of the season with the largest fish well over 30 inches long. Along with the rainbows, we also catch dolly varden and arctic char. These fish are very aggressive and strong fighters. Although you are allowed to retain one rainbow or dolly per day less than 18 inches, we maintain a strict catch and release policy for both these species. A day of trout fishing can often be the highlight to a great week of Alaska fishing. The sheer numbers and average size of the fish will amaze even the most seasoned trout angler and this has always been one of our favorite trips.

Kenai Rainbows and Dolly Varden:

Season: June 10-Mid October
Regulations: One rainbow, one dolly per day, 18 inches or smaller.
MGF: 100% Catch and Release
Peak Time: September-October

SPECTACULAR SILVERS

During August and September, our primary pursuit becomes Silver, or Coho salmon. The Kenai and the Kasilof receive very robust early runs of silver salmon with good to excellent fishing from early August into November (weather permitting). The limit is two fish in August and three fish beginning September 1. In addition to the silvers, we also have pink salmon in August and September, but ONLY in EVEN years. The Kenai also has a prominent late run of silver salmon that begins in September and continues well into October. On most days, we can fish for both trout and silvers in the same portion of the river, making for a very well rounded fishing experience. Overnight temperatures can begin to dip below the freezing mark beginning in late August and September. With leaves ablaze and the landscape in full color, the scenery can be breathtaking at this time of year. Despite the frosty mornings, fall fishing is perhaps the most prolific and extraordinary of our entire summer season.

In addition to the Kenai and the Kasilof we also offer a wide range of remote, fly-out silver trips that will easily rival the best coho fishing in the entire state. Most of these remote locations are just a short flight to the west side of Cook Inlet. Since these fish see very little fishing pressure, they are aggressive beyond belief. We can employ a wide variety of fishing techniques with fly fishing being very effective. We also commonly use salmon eggs beneath bobbers as well as spinners. These remote silver trips are also a great way to see a portion of Alaska from the air. The West Side of Cook Inlet is extremely scenic with several coastal volcanoes standing tall in the distance. Steep snow covered mountains, endless glaciers and thousands of lakes and rivers blanket the landscape. Setting down in this piscatorial paradise is a very special experience, one we feel very privileged to offer our guests. After many years of flying with Alaska West Air and exploring these unique and remote fisheries, we can show you in one day what many will never experience in a lifetime of angling.

STEELHEAD DREAMS

Beginning in late August and running well into late fall / early winter, Steelhead trout return to a handful of smaller rivers on the southern Kenai Peninsula. The two primary rivers are the Anchor and Deep Creek. These ocean going rainbow trout are newly arriving from nearby Cook Inlet and their aggressive hard fighting nature makes them a tempting target for fall visitors and locals alike. Steelhead Trout are completely catch and release, you're not even allowed to take them out of the water for a picture. Trust me, the memory will last forever. We offer walk in trips for these Kenai Peninsula metal-heads beginning in late August and extending well in November.

BARN DOOR HALIBUT

If you would like to enjoy some of the best halibut fishing in Alaska, neighboring Cook Inlet, Homer and Seward are all great choices. Fishing remains good to excellent for most of the summer with tides and weather being the biggest factor. Cook Inlet has the second highest tides in the world and water movement can be 20+ feet each way, twice daily. The force of the incoming or outgoing tide can make it very difficult for even several pounds of weight to find the bottom. The best fishing is usually at the high or the low when the tide has ebbed. Tides with the least amount of water moving between the high and the low are optimal. We will help you pick the best tide for your stay. We use only the finest halibut captains in Deep Creek, Homer and Seward. They are experienced skippers with very professional operations and excellent people skills. They will assure your safety with custom designed 28-32 foot offshore fishing boats with enclosed cabins and powerful engines. They are the "specialists" at what they do.

WHERE WILL WE STAY?

Many years ago we recognized the need to provide our fishing guest high quality, comfortable, convenient, modern and affordable lodging for their fishing adventures here on the Kenai Peninsula. While a number of nice privately owned cabins exist in the Soldotna/Kenai and Sterling vicinity, we pride ourselves on being able to offer exclusive locations, unique privacy and private access to the Kenai River all within walking distance from your cabin.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

In addition to the lodging and fishing, there are several other costs associated with your trip. One is airfare to Anchorage. Once you arrive in Anchorage, you will need to rent a car and drive approximately 3 hours south on the Kenai Peninsula to the town of Soldotna, or take a 20 minute commuter flight with one of the local commuter airlines. Another expense will be food. We provide coffee, water and snacks on our personal guided trips. You will be responsible for all other meals if fishing with a contractor or on your own. If you would like to save money, we recommend taking advantage of the full kitchens in the cabins to cook your own meals. Many prefer to barbeque a filet of fish they caught that day on our outdoor gas grills. If you prefer not to cook, there are a wide variety of restaurants in the immediate area. Between Soldotna and Kenai you will find everything from fresh seafood to fine Italian dining. There is also pizza, several major fast food establishments and large modern grocery stores.

OUR LOCATION

Our home and business headquarters is located five miles upriver from the town of Soldotna in a small section of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. We have over two acres and 225 feet of prime Kenai River front property for you to enjoy and fish from during your stay. Although there are many places to fish on your own, having private access, especially during the busy red salmon season, is very convenient. In cooperation with Alaska Fish and Wildlife, we have installed two sets of light penetrating, galvanized walkways along the river. This allows our guests to enjoy the riverside fishing without damaging the sensitive shoreline habitat.

FISHING LICENSE

An Alaska State Fishing License is required and you will be able to purchase this at any of the local grocery stores, gas stations, tackle shops, etc… They offer a variety of licenses to suit the length of your stay. If you will be fishing for king salmon, you will be required to purchase a king stamp in addition to your regular sport fishing license. For all of the current rates and license options or to purchase your license online, please visit:

https://www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/buyonline

FISH PROCESSING

As part of your trip, your fish will be cleaned and prepared for processing. We have an excellent processor located in the town of Soldotna that will be awaiting your catch. Although you are welcome to take care of your catch any way you like, we HIGHLY recommend having your salmon and halibut filleted into meal size portions and vacuum-sealed into individual packages. Smoking and lox services are also available in a variety of flavors. Vacuum sealing + freezing averages $1.30 per pound and smoking $3.50 per pound, but please contact the processor for exact prices. You can store all of your fish in the processor's freezer until you are ready to depart. At the end of your stay, they will package your fish in an insulated, wax-coated box for transportation home on the airplane as luggage. They also offer over-night shipping services, although this is considerably more expensive.

We hope this gives you a good impression of how our business operates. We will always do everything we can to make sure your trip is everything you expected and more. Please call, email or write if you would like additional information:

http://www.mgfalaska.com/contact.html

Sincerely,

Mark, Cindy, Faith Caleigh and Emma Glassmaker
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker

Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker • 1-800-622-1177

Specific Alaska Fishing Information