River Salvage 2015

I wasn't the first guy out salvaging this year.  Let's just say a property owner somewhere between river mile 13 and 15 had a head start.   His report was that the picking was good.

Knowing this before I drifted the river, I needed to search parts of the river that were more difficult to get to when the water levels are low. That is one of the advantages of salvaging with a cataraft versus a power boat.

I found the usual fishing tackle,   Pixie spoons, kwikfish, spinners and one bright blue jet planer (photo above).  I also found sunglasses, pliers, and a hook file.

This is a folding chair that a bank fisherman must have lost.

And, a soccer ball.  If you recall my post from the 2014 salvage run, I found a volley ball.  Good to know that there is a diversity of athletes on the river.

I had to take a close up photo of the soccer ball.  My last name, Holtan, is often pronounced by many as "Holden".  Made me laugh when I found it.

Perhaps the biggest find of the year for me was this gaff.  Makes me wonder about how it got there. You see, gaffs are illegal to use on the river.   It doesn't mean you can't have one in the boat, you just aren't allowed to use it on a fish.  If I have faith in mankind, the gaff was used to grab an anchor rope and it slipped out of someone's hands. However, the problem with that theory is I found it in a section of the river where anchoring is not done.  The real story of the missing gaff will forever be a mystery, that is, unless you're the guy that lost it and you're reading this story.  If you are, send me an email and fill me in on the details.

Well, that's about it. I've said this in previous posts about river salvaging; the Holy Grail is to find an anchor.  I was denied this year. Oh, I did find part of an anchor, but that does not count.   So, as long as the river stays low and clear, don't be surprised if you read about another salvage run. It's not over, until it's over....

First Guests of the Year!

With a mild winter came an early spring.   Because of these conditions we were able to turn the water on in the cabins a good three weeks earlier than normal.   This year our first guests arrived on April 25th and they plan to be here for about a month.   Definitely a record for the earliest opening of Beaver Creek Cabins & Guide Service.

If you were expecting this post to be about a river salvage run, I'm sorry.  The logistics and timing just didn't work this past week.   Next week things look better and I'm anxious to see what treasures await.....

Fishing Report Week Ending 4/26/15

My neighbor Greg asked if I wanted to join him and his friend Jeremy on a fishing trip in Homer.   

Foolish question. 

The day that worked best was Friday and I headed down early in the morning to meet them on the dock.  As usual, the hour and a half drive was beautiful. Nice scenery, a beautiful sunrise, and 14 moose along the roadside.  Looks like the mild winter was exceptionally good for the moose population. 

I've seen Greg's boat parked in his yard but this was the first time that I got an up close and personal look.

Holy cow.  What a gorgeous boat. Jeremy and I commented that it still had that new car smell to it.   Greg said he hoped to keep it that way.

Greg had fished the day before and caught a feeder king salmon near the High Bluffs.  So, we started out trolling there.   Using down riggers, sardines, flashers and one Brad's Cut Bait, we fished for several hours.  After releasing 8 pollock and no kings, it was time for a change.

Greg decided to implement Plan B and we motored south to the Sadie Cove area of Kachemak Bay. Our first bite was a black bass.   Our second bite was a cod.

Our third bite was.....ding, ding, ding!   Winner, winner, salmon dinner!

All in all, we spent about 5 hours fishing on a flat sea.  Greg said the fishing has been better, but for me, this was a great first fishing trip of 2015.   Thanks again Greg for the invite and I hope we can do it again real soon.

Next week's topic:  first river salvage run???

Uff Da!

Boat launches.

They can be a nightmare for all to see.  You forget to put the plug in, or take the straps off, or you're having trouble hitting your mark as you back your boat down the launch.  If you're lucky, no one is there to witness your mistakes. 

I'm not sure of the story in either of these photos but I sure know the results.

In the week ahead I have a fishing trip planned.  If the weather cooperates, I'll be posting my first king salmon fishing report for 2015. I can't wait to get out.

Kenai Profiles: The Kingsbury's

Every year I like to profile a few of the many friends Jane and I have made at Beaver Creek Cabins and Guide Service.   Well, it's Bob and Judy Kingsbury's turn.

We were first introduced to the Kingsbury's about ten years ago by their friends, Ken and Sherri Adler. Since then the two of them have been regulars during the fall when the silver salmon are running. And, they haven't been alone. One year, Judy's sisters and their husbands came with. Another year, their son Kenny joined them.

What I've admired about these two is their attitude.  As you can see in the photo above, cold temperatures and rain can't keep Judy off the water.

Same for Bob.  The only thing that will keep him off the water is an Oklahoma college football game. They are a "house divided" when OU plays OSU.

Bob and Judy love the pace of fall in Alaska.  It gives them a break from the Oklahoma heat.  It also gives Judy the opportunity to cook cozy cabin foods.  Everyday there is the smell of a good meal being prepared in their cabin.
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We look forward to seeing you two again this September.  Make sure to stock up on hand and toe warmers (thanks Mary Meyer for introducing this life saving product to them).   And Judy, your pink parka is safely stored and waiting for you.......

Late Run Sockeye and King Forecast

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released its forecast for the the late run (July) of sockeye and king salmon for Upper Cook Inlet.  Specifically, the Kenai River sockeye forecast is 3.6 million fish.  This is .2 million less fish than the 20 year average.  The sustainable escapement goal is 700,000-1,200,000 for the late run of sockeye.

In river, the Kenai king late run is projected to be 22,115 fish.  This number is below average, but, if accurate, it will be within the sustainable escapement goal of 15,000-30,000 fish.

Overall, it could be worse.  But, keep in mind, these are estimates and projections and the real numbers won't be known until the salmon decide to come back to their natal streams.

New Reality Show: Kings of the Kenai

The Discovery Channel has announced a new reality series that will air in the spring of 2015.  Kings of the Kenai will debut on April 1st.

Lirpa Sloof, executive producer, says "Kings of the Kenai  will follow in the tradition of Deadliest Catch and Wicked Tuna.   We had unfettered access to the guys who call the Kenai River their home. We followed their day to day adventures in pursuit of the mighty Kenai king salmon"

Here are the cast of characters for Season One.

"Steady Eddy"

"Wiley Veteran With A Few Tricks Up His Sleeve"

"The Quiet One"

"Fishizzle"

"The Ringer"

"Doc"

"What Are We Doing Here?"

Sloof said, "all you have to do is watch the first ten minutes of the program and you won't be disappointed.  These guys are flat-out entertaining and know a thing or two about catching fish."

When:  4/1/2015
Where:  Discovery Channel
Time:  7:00pm EST