To experience the upper Gulkana River, floaters in rafts or canoes begin at the Paxson Lake campground (Mile 175 Richardson Hwy) and paddle the 3 miles to the outlet of Paxson Lake where they can fish for grayling, lake trout, and whitefish.
Can you fish Kenai river without a guide?
There are many fishing opportunities on the Kenai Peninsula that do not require the use of a guide. New visitors to the peninsula will have a difficult time catching fish without an Alaska Fishing guide, so this page will give you some options to explore new territory and hopefully catch some fish.
Where can I fish on the Copper River?
The most popular section of the river for fishing for rainbows is from Paxson Lake to Mile 147.5 on the Richardson Highway. Check your gear every time you use it. Especially check the last section of your fishing line and your leader for nicks and abrasions.
Where is the best fishing on Kenai River?
Preferred fishing areas are from Naptowne Rapids upstream to Skilak Lake, and from the inlet of Skilak Lake upstream to Kenai Lake.
How many sockeye can you keep on the Kenai River?
Fishing for sockeye and chum salmon is open the entire year unless otherwise noted below. 16 inches or longer: 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination. Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination.
What lures to use on the Kenai River?
The preferred lures for Kenai River king salmon are size 14 to 16 Luhr-Jensen Kwikfish and Spin-N-Glo’s each with bait if allowed.
Can anyone fish the Copper River salmon?
This means all tributaries of the Copper River in this area, including the Chitina River, are CLOSED to personal use fishing. Personal Use fisheries are open only to Alaska residents.
Where can I find Copper River salmon?
Salmon Grove campground on the Klutina River is the perfect place for the self-guided angler to experience some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska. Avid and beginner fisherman alike will enjoy bank-fishing for Copper River red salmon right from the campground.
How are Copper River salmon caught?
Copper River salmon are caught by a small fleet of independent fishermen, on one and two-man boats. This craft has been handed down for generations along with passion, knowledge and perseverance.
Where is the best salmon fishing in Alaska?
The Kenai River sits in south central Alaska in the state’s Kenai Peninsula. The river is quite arguably the state’s most popular sport fishing destination for Chinook (also known as King) salmon. In fact, the world record king salmon, weighing in at 97 lbs, was caught in the Kenai in 1985.
How do you fish for sockeye on the Kenai River?
How fast do sockeye swim up the Kenai?
This means we approximate the sockeye travel one mile per hour as they race upstream. Knowing the main blast of fish typically comes on a high tide, one can calculate where to be and when for the best concentrations of fish.
What is the limit on red salmon in Alaska?
Alaska Residents—No size limit: 1 per day, 2 in possession. Nonresidents— 1 per day, 1 in possession; 30–45 inches or 55 inches and longer, annual limit of 2 fish, one of which is 30–45 inches in length, and one that is 55 inches or greater in length, harvest record required (see page 6).
How many sockeye salmon can you catch in Alaska?
Commercial Fishery The largest harvest of sockeye salmon in the world occurs in the Bristol Bay area of southwestern Alaska where 10 million to more than 30 million sockeye salmon may be caught each year during a short, intensive fishery lasting only a few weeks.
What is the best bait for Coho Salmon?
Usually the best tactic is a simple bobber rig. Suspend a size-2 to size-6 hook about 4-6 feet under a bobber. Bait with small spawn sacs, salmon skein, tube jigs tipped with waxworms, small pieces of shrimp, nightcrawlers or minnows.
What color lure is best for salmon?
Silver or chrome are especially popular hard-lure finishes, and many river salmon lures are enhanced with a bright color, particularly orange or red/pink.
What is the limit for sockeye salmon on the Kenai River?
Starting Friday, anglers on the Kenai can catch six sockeye per day and possess 12. The dipnet fishery will also be open 24 hours a day starting Friday. The sockeye run on the Kenai has surpassed the upper limits of the department’s goals for the previous several seasons.
Can you eat Copper River salmon raw?
The FDA recommends that you cook your salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees. To measure this, insert a cooking thermometer into the thickest portion of your Copper River salmon filet. But, as we all know from our favorite sushi spots, high quality salmon is also safe to eat raw.
Why is Copper River salmon so expensive?
Copper River is the earliest of Alaska’s salmon runs. Strong demand and scant supply for the heavily marketed early season fish often conspire to drive prices up, but Hickman said he believes this year’s prices are the highest ever.
What time of year is Copper River salmon available?
Every year, from May through September, Copper River Salmon return to the river, making the incredibly difficult journey up the glacial fed waters to spawn in their birthplace.
How much is Copper River salmon a pound?
The market’s customers are willing to pay even more of a premium for Copper River king salmon at around $90 (€86.33) per pound for a whole fish that is 10 pounds as part of a pre-order totaling just under $900 (€862.30). They’re also paying around $130 (€86.32) per pound for a king fillet.
Whats the most expensive salmon?
King Salmon (aka Chinook Salmon) The one downside: It’s usually the most expensive salmon you’ll find at the fishmonger—but honestly, it’s money well spent. King Salmon from Alaska is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified sustainable.
Is sockeye salmon the same as Copper River salmon?
A: The Copper River is actually home to several different species of salmon. What most people call “Copper River Salmon” is the sockeye, or “red salmon,” with its brilliant crimson flesh. Even more prized is the king or Chinook salmon with its larger size and rich oily meat.
What is the best tasting salmon in Alaska?
Sockeye salmon are known for their bright red flesh and their bold, salmon-y scent. They’re the most flavorful (what some would consider fishy) of all salmon and are commonly sold smoked, in high-end salmon burgers, and by the fillet.
Why is Copper River salmon so special?
Copper River salmon, specifically the Copper River King salmon, has gotten the title of “The Wagyu of Seafood” and “The King of King salmons’ because of its succulent and buttery texture from their natural yet wild genetics. These salmon carry the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to the others.