Normally, the Kenai Peninsula seems to go straight from summer into fall. This year, however, summer has been lingering — and the fish in peninsula streams have been cooperating with anglers out enjoying the pleasant weather.
Dave Atcheson, a local angler and author of “Fishing Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula,” said he was fishing the Kenai River below Skilak Lake last weekend and had good success targeting rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
“It was very good for trout and Dollies, and there were a few silvers around as well,” Atcheson said.
Atcheson was fly-fishing, and said he was having good success using beads and egg patterns in a variety of sizes and colors. He said some friends were casting lures, and were catching silver salmon — though they had to filter through a fair number of red salmon to get to the bright cohos.
Jason Pawluk, the area sport fish assistant management biologist, said that the guide log books he’s been receiving indicate that the catch rate for silver salmon has continued to improve. And where last week, most success was in the lower portion of the river, silvers have now spread out and are being caught all the way from the mouth of the river to Skilak Lake.
Reports indicate early morning is still the best time for hooking a silver.
Pawluk said reports of good fishing for silvers also have come in from the Kasilof River, and now might be a good time to catch the end of the silver run on the Swanson River.
On the Russian River and upper Kenai, anglers are having success fishing for rainbows and Dollies as well. Pawluk said that he was at the Russian River to do a foot survey for spawning reds, but spotted a few silvers as well. He said anglers in the area appeared to be enjoying themselves.
“People fishing, targeting rainbow and Dollies on beads, were having really good success,” Pawluk said. “Rainbow and Dolly fishing is really peaking right now, and should be good for next month — and that’s everywhere (in the Kenai River system).”
Kenai Peninsula lakes are also worth checking out. Atcheson said area lakes are getting into “fall mode” right now, meaning fish are fattening up before winter hits.
“The lakes are only going to get better,” Atcheson said.
Fish and Game reports coho salmon arriving at south peninsula streams as well. Anglers generally find success fishing in early morning, near the stream’s mouth and on an incoming tide using egg clusters as well as spinners and streamers.
Have a fishing tale or photo to share? Email tightlines@peninsulaclarion.com.
