Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Kenai Fishing Lodges Are A Gateway To Adventure

By Kenya Campos


People not familiar with the 49th state may think of it as just an Arctic wilderness dotted by oil rigs. While that may be partially true, there are also vast areas of forested land still teeming with native wildlife, including some legendary salmon rivers. For angling enthusiasts, Kenai fishing lodges are an excellent place to call home during an Alaskan outdoor adventure.

The climate in southern Alaska is comparatively mild, and proximity to Anchorage makes getting there easy. The Kenai peninsula juts southward, and some parts are suitable for farming. Although this is the most populous part of Alaska, most residents of the lower 48 would consider it wilderness, with only a few small cities and roads nestled beneath glacier-covered peaks.

For most visitors, salmon are the biggest attraction. Several different varieties of this fish call this region home, and return consistently to spawn in the same waters where they were born. Apropos to its name, the King salmon is highly prized. Before departing for the open sea, young salmon live around a year in fresh water, and their life in the open ocean is still mysterious.

These fish find their way home using a highly accurate internal guidance system. The size of a run varies because some fish return after only one year, while others may delay that trip for three to four seasons. The size of an individual salmon depends primarily on how long they have been at sea. The average weight of a king salmon caught here is 25 to 60 pounds, large by any standard.

One popular technique used on the river is called boat drifting, or simply going with the flow. Back-bouncing involves moving a boat in reverse using the engine to approach prime spots. The busiest times of year bring large numbers of boats to the river, and inexperience is definitely not an advantage. It is important to hire a truly qualified river guide and pilot.

Many guides can be booked through local lodges. These establishments are basically wilderness hotels specializing in the needs of fishermen and other outdoor-loving visitors. They not only keep everyone well-fed, but may also book local day trips, as well as arrange for boats and the latest sports gear. For guests that are successful, they will process and store the catch of the day.

Although the main attraction has scales and fins, there are also unique activities available for non-fishermen. Some establishments arrange river rafting expeditions, wilderness hikes, or less strenuous sightseeing. Southern Alaska is home to native moose and bears, and raptors and other birds still fill the skies. At the end of the day, guests can relax before a roaring fire.

Although there is still an abundance of natural life here, visitors need to respect sport fishing regulations. This area still sustains a large salmon run due to good wildlife management. Alaska may seem remote, but the encroachment of civilization has already affected the numbers of surviving fish, and care must be taken to ensure that these wild populations will still exist for coming generations.




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