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Title: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: CementFinisher on February 20, 2011, 12:51:09 AM
Hey guys looking for some people who may have fished there. My grandfather is getting very old and has always wanted to fish for kings on the rivers there. I think with his age staying in a lodge would be a must. Drift boat, jet boat from lodge preferred over guides that jump around by bush plane. It would be awesome if someones has visited a place like this, from my research there are so many places just trying to find the right one. even if you haven't been there maybe you've looked into it and came up with some great places any help  would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: PolarBear on February 20, 2011, 01:04:35 AM
I worked at Sportsman's Cove Lodge on Prince of Wales Island (due West of Ketchikan) and they have fantastic accomodations, great fishing for kings, coho, halibut and bottomfish as well as whale and wildlife watching. 
http://alaskasbestlodge.com/index.php (http://alaskasbestlodge.com/index.php)
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: CementFinisher on February 20, 2011, 01:34:02 AM
Thanks polarbear. you ever hear of Deshka Wilderness Lodge ::: Deshka River, Alaska. This place has my interest.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: oldschool on February 20, 2011, 06:04:05 AM
 don't know about the lodge but the Deska had a poor fish run last year.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: OSCAR1987 on February 20, 2011, 07:11:32 AM
The best bet would be to head to the Kenai.

I lived in Alaska for 15 years fishing there every summer. I would check out Harry Gaines. they have a good bunch of guides and a big lodge. There are several others in Soldotna that can provide a great and comfortable fishing experience on the lower river. Good luck.
-Drew   :tup:
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: PolarBear on February 20, 2011, 08:16:38 AM
don't know about the lodge but the Deska had a poor fish run last year.
] :yeah:
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: Annette on February 20, 2011, 08:29:53 AM
Smokey and I were in Homer LAst summer in June . There's a place out on the spit that everyone can fish . He fished the ocean side of it and caught 6 and kept 1. He lined up with everyone else but he was fly fishing.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: Annette on February 20, 2011, 08:35:53 AM
here's the king salmon....
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: ribka on February 20, 2011, 09:39:44 AM
Smokey and I were in Homer LAst summer in June . There's a place out on the spit that everyone can fish . He fished the ocean side of it and caught 6 and kept 1. He lined up with everyone else but he was fly fishing.

I have fished that spit for silvers. Homer is a beautiful place. I would do a DYI and stay at a hotel in Homer and then book a guide for a few days on the kenai. Take him out for a day or two on t h ocen for halibut or bottom fish. Very doable, and a pretty inexpensive trip by Alaska standards.

I talked to an outfitter and expecting a good run on the Kenai this year. They closed it early last year but many think it was a big mistake to do so and fish counts were not accurate
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: CementFinisher on February 20, 2011, 11:29:41 AM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: groundhog on February 22, 2011, 12:20:48 PM
I sent you a PM. My brothers and I have owned and operated remote wilderness Base Camps and Float trips in Alaska for over thirty years now. There are lots of great experiences out there it just depends on what you are looking for. When looking around you should always ask for references and call them. Check out our website at alaskaflyfishingcamps.com. I would be happy to answer any questions about our operation or Alaska in general. Good luck with your search!
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: cohoho on February 22, 2011, 02:43:21 PM
Having fished the Deshka for years --DO NOT do that for his once in a lifetime experience.  It is the closet "remote river" in AK..  Meaning all of Anchorage, Palmer and Wasilla with a jet or air boat will be there to greet you as the plane lands on the water, sometimes as many as 300 boats fishing the same stretch of water...   :yike:  The run was horrible the last two years.  Yea -there are fish but you got to willing to work to get to them.  Not for an older guy...  Alexander and other northern tribs fall into this same category....  Although Indian Creek....  oh forget I said that.... :chuckle:

The Kenai is great for the tourist stuff, but the fishing is NOT that good compared to going to the Nushagak or closer to civilization the Klutina (the Kenai River of the 70's).  The Klutina is remarkable fishing, but will require a large inboard jet with a expert RESIDENT guide.  There are many newer lodges and guides there in Copper Center to contact.  (On the way to Valdez)....  We had numerous Kings days of 15 per person on that river.  My personal favorite out of any AK river I fished!  I liked it cause you had to know what you were doing to launch and too be on the water, first, fishing came after wards and an easy get away from all the idiots....  Plus timing it right, the Reds are so thick for the additional fun (4th July time frame) when the big rods arms are done....  The Gulkana is right up the road, but it is better during June and is a very mild flowing river compared to the Klutina.  The Klutina is wicked, reason why big boat required.  The Kenai will have all the amenities he may want though and Reds can't be beat for the extra stuff, but you got the crowds and mostly guides that don't live in AK and only there to make a buck or two and really don't care of the experience they provide...  Agree with Groundhog and check with the guys that have been there, and ask for sure who are their guides??  Make sure they are not just college kids filling a spot for the lodge or outfitter.... Go with those that have been doing it for many years, will make a huge difference.... Give me a day or so and I got a listing of guides I went with, good - bad or indifferent when I was learning where to fish up there....
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: sisu on February 22, 2011, 03:01:19 PM
If you can afford it go with these guys.  Tell Johnny his 4th grade teacher recommend them.

www.noseeumlodge.com (http://www.noseeumlodge.com)
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: MtnMuley on February 22, 2011, 03:28:33 PM
Alaskan Adventure Charters.  alaskancharters.com   From kings on the Kenai, to kings and halibut in Cooks Inlet, to clamming out of Homer.   Top notch guy with great accommidations and hospitality.  ALWAYS seems to put you in the fish, even when others aren't.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: Caseyd on February 22, 2011, 03:50:16 PM
Looks like everybodies got you pretty covered with great info  :tup:

I'll throw in my  :twocents:

I have only been to Alaska once to fish:

1st day: Flew out of Anchorage (Lk Hood) and fished Alexander Creek where it joins the Susitna River. Land on a creek barely wider then the float plane, the pilot/guide service had boats and gear stashed in a shed. Caught several fish, "played the game" of do I keep it or keep fishing for a bigger one (Don't know the current laws but you could only keep one King when i was there). It was a fly in and out trip so we were back in Anchorage that night. Great experience with my dad and uncle. It was expensive but it was one of those once in a lifetime things you have to experience. My uncle was developmentally challenged and my dad and I knew he would love the trip, sad to say he died a couple years later but he always talked about that trip. :)

We rented a motorhome to drive down the Kenai Peninsula

2 and 3rd day: We fished the Kasilof river by drift boat. Fishing was great! We were told that the river is not as busy as the Kenai but produces as well :dunno: Stayed at Crooked Creek State recreation site.

4th and 5th day: Fished out of Homer for halibut. If you haven't halibut fished before, fishing in Homer is a must. Just camped in the motor home on the spit.


Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: BoomWhop on February 22, 2011, 04:09:54 PM
I spent a week fishing the Kenia in mid July, with a guide 2 years ago.  Not a bite, no bites for anyone in either boat.  I would not recommend it for a once in a lifetime trip.  I have been waiting for better numbers on the fish run to head back up there but most of the reports I have heard is that the big kings are few and far far between on the Kenia.  I am looking for a 50-60 pounder and knew I might go home empty, and may again.   I would look for more action rather than a really big king 
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: ribka on February 22, 2011, 08:16:46 PM
I spoke to an outfitter at the Yak Sportmen's show that has an operation on the Nushagak.

Fly-in and less crowds. Of course more money. I can pm info if interested.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: upwind on February 23, 2011, 09:48:02 AM
Try the little sue by point Mackenzie plenty of bank fishing also a few guides. Go to 3 rivers tackle shop in wasilla they will point you in the right direction .also check out the alasaka outdoor forum.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: Ironhead on February 23, 2011, 12:18:15 PM
I fished the Nushagak last year and had an absolutue blast. We fished with this outfit and were treated like kings. I highly recommend them.
http://alaskakingsalmon.com/ (http://alaskakingsalmon.com/)
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: woodywsu on February 23, 2011, 01:40:01 PM
 :yeah:   I know several of their guides. They will get you into fish and the hospitality is outstanding.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: cohoho on February 23, 2011, 05:40:47 PM
Little Sue is not a river I would recommend either for that once in a lifetime trip.  Although it was one of my personal favorites.  It is a good river for an afternoon Silver trip or first run Kings as long as you got a shallow skinny running boat, down river of the launch can run darn near any boat, but up river of it better know how to read skinny water real quickly....  I fished the Little Sue probably 30 days a year, slow windy river with alot of traffic and some of the red neckest guides anywhere in AK.  Way too many boats and people, especially near the boat launch and all after meat, not fishing...  Big difference... 

Same can be said for Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana creeks - alot of fish, but twice as many people and most not having a clue about what they are doing, ruins a good day rather quickly.  -- All of Anchorage, the valley and the first place for Salmon for the folks from Fairbanks... crowded is the only word to describe it..

South of Anchorage Twenty-Mile is pretty good but gaining access is difficult unless you got again a skinny running boat and are a bit adventurous, but they put up signs not super far up river preventing fishing from the best areas... The small sloughs..
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: Fishnclifff on February 23, 2011, 06:09:19 PM
My brother's girlfreind moved to Soldotna last year to care for her mother and father.
She said we can stay with her if we want to fish the Kenai.
Would it be better to fish with a guide or charter instead of bank fishing up there?
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: bigelk1030 on February 23, 2011, 06:16:09 PM
Really hard to fish kings from the shore on the Kenai  :twocents:, they are so big you need a boat to chase them if they decide to run up or down the river.  I have rented a boat and done ok, but I would only suggest that if you are ok with combat fishing.  Guided is good it you can stand the $$.   One tact is to do a guided day and watch where the drifts are then rent a boat.

For the sockeye, fishing from the shore is perfect, they are a hoot to catch up there.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: sisu on February 23, 2011, 06:31:42 PM
 :jacked:
Man Cohoho you are making me glad I am moving to SE and not going to the original homestead.
Ya I've heard stories from buddies. Most have sold their river boats off and gone to salt, and those that do still try to fish the rivers only do so in the early spring and late fall for steel head and rainbow.

Kodiak is another spot to go and pay for a guided trip if you have the $$$$$$$$$$$$. Alaska ain't cheap. Hell, I sent to Sweden in 1994 for two weeks and felt as if I spent less their than if I were a tourist in Alaska!
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: hogsniper on February 23, 2011, 07:00:11 PM
I have fished the Nushagak a few times and went to the Kenai 2 years ago.  The Nush has great king fishing for the numbers!  If you want to catch 100 kings a day per boat it is very do able.   The Kenai in Sept. was a blast and caught tons of silvers and rainbows.   Just depends on what you guys want and how much your willing to spend!
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: klickman on February 23, 2011, 10:21:21 PM
Listen to Cohoho.  He has given you great advice. If you want a once in a lifetime king trip, the Nushagak is your best bet.  Bob Toman puts on a great tent camp.  There are a lot of other great tent camps on the Nush.  If you are set on the road system out of Anchorage you will have to deal with crowds anwhere kings are running.  The kenai is the only game in town after the middle of July.  The runs the last few years have been horrible.  I wouldn't do a once in a lifetime trip to the Kenai right now, eventhough it is my favorite river to fish. Good luck in your planning.

Klickman
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: groundhog on February 24, 2011, 09:45:39 AM
Some good recommendations. I think King runs are down all over Alaska from what they were ten years ago. If you are looking for a big King the Kenai is your best bet. If you decide on the Kenai I have heard good things about Lawrence Johns Operation as well as Tim Berg.
In remote camps you can expect to catch more fish and see fewer people. I have over thirty years of experience guiding on the Kanektok River in Western Alaska. The Kanektok is smaller than most of the rivers in the area and it gets strong runs of all five pacific Salmon. Several people already mentioned the Nushagak and from what I have heard the kings runs on the Nush have held up better than on the Togiak, and Alagnak rivers. Kodiak is one of the best places on earth but the King run on the Karluk was almost non existent this year. There was an emergency sport fish closure which is pretty extreme. There are some great destinations it really just depends on what your budget is and what type of experience you are looking for. good luck
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: klickman on February 24, 2011, 02:14:40 PM
I want to say there is something like 40,000 kings forecast to return to the Nush this season. The commecial boats dont hammer it very hard since there is a one day fishing, two days no fishing schedual for kings. There are a lot of big fish that come through that river system and the area biologist Tim Sands does and good job of management.

If that is the forcast they will probably close down the Nush.  That would be a horrible run for that river.  150,000 plus is a good year.  King runs all over the state are struggling.  For the Kenai look at local opperators that are local, and have been doing it for a long time.  Greg Brush, Phil's smiling Salmon, Lynn Keoh to name a few.  I would avoid some of the bigger lodges because theser are typically the operators that bring in weekend warriors from outside to guide for the summer.  Some of the ones that have done this in the past is RW's, and Tim Berg.  Some of RW's and Tim Berg's guides are great but you never know what you're going to get. 

KLICKMAN
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: upwind on February 24, 2011, 06:49:08 PM
Little sue is a great river whats wrong with red necks?If you dont want to see other boats or people fly out or try ocean.Caught way more kings on the little sue than the deska.The guides know were the fish are and you will catch your fish and they are full time alaskans not part timers.But i guess im bias because im a red neck,Coho i probably seen you are talk to you because i left my boat there through fishing season .Karluk river on kodiak island would my suggestion if you want to catch allot of kings and reds and steel head all at the same time.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: klickman on February 25, 2011, 06:32:28 PM
Klickman- 150K chinook would be a good year for the Nush? I have never seen numbers that high for that river system, the last time I fished it was 75K and that was a good turnout for commercial and sports fisherman. The problem is the yellowfin draggers off Togiak catching all the kings as bicatch. A couple buddies of mine work on draggers and can vouch for all the kings being caught as a non-targeted species. I just stripped all my king nets this year and coverted them over to red gear since the price of kings and the fishing times for commerical were so poor. If there way going to be 150K coming back to that river I would be fighting the ice at the public dock in Dillingham in May for a crack at those numbers!

As you know the runs do fluctuate but the nushagak is mangaged for an inriver goal of 75k.  that doesn't count the 25k - 75k caught in commercial nets in the bay.  In '05 the escapment at Portage Creek was 181k.  The sport fishery gets shut down if the run isn't going to hit 40k.  No retention of kings if the run is 40k - 55k.  I would have to say very few years there's a run under 100k kings to the Nush. 

Klickman
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: klickman on February 26, 2011, 07:48:39 AM
I was able to track down some numbers for the Nush.  The average commercial harvest for the Nushagak River is 52,000 fish per year. here are the excapements for the Nush since 2000.  2000 - 56k, 2001 - 92k, 2002 - 87k, 2003 - 80k, 2004 - 116k, 2005 - 181k, 2006 - 124k, 2007 - 60k, 2008 - 97k, 2009 - 81k, and 2010 - 37k.  In the last 11 years the run has been over 130k 73% of the time.

KLICKMAN
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: Wazukie on February 26, 2011, 08:08:27 AM
I'm related to one of the best guide on the Kenai, my opinion of course, But he is booked out 3 years in advance every year.  I like the Kenai personally, but not a big fan of King fishing.  Take the advice from those folks here if you want to get him a big king.  And i can tell you they dont come like this one to often anymore.
Title: Re: Alaska King Salmon
Post by: CementFinisher on February 26, 2011, 01:03:28 PM
Thankyou everyone, after talking to him more and more its more about the experience of alaska, size or numbers there is not a preference, just looking for a lodge not tents that in a remote place. where we wont be battleing everyone and tyhere mother.
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