River Drifting for Salmon
December 7, 2021Salmon Catcher Lodge has excellent King salmon fishing in May and June. We have beautiful Alaska fishing lodges for our guests. Most guides prefer drifting for King salmon, both used on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. In short, drifting is, attaching salmon eggs to a spin n’ glow or flat fish with weight applied to sink your setup to the bottom of the rivers where it drifts slightly slower than the current which makes for the ultimate presentation to the spawning Kings. Drifting is also an excellent way to present your bait to the most fish in the shortest amount of time. This fishing style entails the same principle of the guide holding the boat slightly slower in the rivers current while presenting the perfect bite to King Salmon.
The Kasilof River
The Kasilof river has public access to the lower section from the Sterling Highway. Drift fishing for salmon is accessible on the lower Kasilof. It usually offers the best early fishing with Steelhead available as soon as the ice breaks up. King salmons are expected in good numbers by May 15th. Rapidly becoming a favorite for many who fish our area, this small “Drift boat Only” stream can provide the best action of the year in numbers of fish hooked in a single day. While they aren’t giant fish like you can get at the Kenai River, they will average 20-40 pounds and occasionally exceed 60 pounds. It is not unusual to see 10-15 fish hooked in a days drift. That’s excellent King salmon fishing!
The Kenai River
The Kenai River is a popular fishing destination in Alaska, particularly for King or Chinook salmon. Every year there are two series, each of king salmon, silver salmon, red salmon, plus a set of pink salmon every other year. King salmon fishery is not as productive as in other Alaskan rivers, but the Kenai is known for its abundant fish. A typical king in the second run, beginning in mid-July, weighs 40–85 pounds, with significantly larger fish not uncommon. Lower Kenai is famous for its series and the sizes of its king salmon.
May and June are the ideal practice run for King to get you to your best performance for the prime season in July! Salmon Catcher Lodge offers excellent Alaska fishing lodges close to great fishing spots!