Fishing Report Week Ending 7/27/14

The best week of king fishing that I've had as a guide came to an end when the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced that the 2014 king salmon will be closed prematurely in an effort to meet spawning goals.  

Last week I reported that ADFG used the step down measure of catch and release king fishing.   This action allowed anglers to enjoy the pursuit of kings with a minimal affect to mortality (ADFG estimates 8.5% will not survive).   This is a cautious approach to monitoring the run.  If things do not improve the next step is a complete closure.

For the guys who chose to catch and release kings this past week the action was unbelievable.

Double digit days were not out of the ordinary.  

If you like to catch kings, and the Kenai River goes to catch and release, you shouldn't hesitate whether or not you should be on the water.  

Jason, Jeff, Al and Gary

For my clients that wanted to bring back home fresh Alaska salmon, we took a break from the king action and got on the bank to catch red salmon.

Jack, Pat, Mike and Ed

Clearly, catch and release king fishing and red salmon fishing is a winning combination.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the other guys who fished kings this past week.   Adam, Charlie, Tyler, Galen, Mike and Dave, your fish were photographed in the net but you weren't.   Maybe next time you'll wear chest waders and jump in the water for a photograph like Jason did.

The week ahead I was scheduled for king fishing but now our efforts will turn full time to red, pink, and silver salmon.    For all of my August clients who are reading this, yes, we are already catching pink salmon with a few rumors of silvers coming to the net as well.