I'm thinking of doing a DIY salmon fishing trip to Soldotna, AK in the next year or so. Wondering if anyone has done the same or that lives here there than has any word of wisdom to offer. Places to fish, stay, equipment, gear, time of year -- anything would be helpful. Thanks.
Fishing near Soldotna AK
- Thread starter Sd375
- Start date
Brittany Chukarman
Well-known member
It's been 25 years but we did it a couple years before and after flying out for caribou. In September the big silvers were running and we drove upriver from Soldatna to a day use area on the Kenia. Casted 7/8 or 1oz Pixie spoons with a pink insert and did well. Another year I think it was August and tons of pinks were in the river. I think they run on odd-numbered years but not sure. Not the best of the salmons but you could catch them until your arms hurt.
I've been going up there for years (some good, some not so good) in fact, leaving in three weeks. I always go after Labor Day when the crowds thin out (last run of the Silvers) Some good spots would be on the Kenai River and the mouth of Silkok Creek below the college, the Kasliof River just off Sterling Highway, the Ninilchick River and Anchor River. Ask the locals where they're running. Always had good luck with spinners (Pixies #4, #5 ) Mepps Spinners (# 4,# 5) and Pixie spoons 1/2 -7/8 ounce; colors silver, copper, lime green, blue and hot pink anything with bling. There are a number of good hotels in Soldotna, I usually stay at the Aspen Hotel or Best Western, King Salmon. Bring a medium spinning outfit 12 -14 lb test, net, chest waders and rain gear. Leave the cooler at home and buy a fish box at the sporing goods store to transport fish home. Also, if you're going all that way, drive down to Homer and do a Halibut/Salmon combo all day trip (about $280 and well worth it!). Hope this helps.
Tufrthnails
Active member
Brittany Chukarman
Well-known member
Do you have a recommendation for a Homer charterboat?
http://www.endofthespit.com/11-memory-maker-charters.php
A have gone with a captain Bruce. I can't recall his last name but he owns a boat called the memory maker. He is a great guy and great fisherman. he operated out of homer in 2008 and 2010.
A have gone with a captain Bruce. I can't recall his last name but he owns a boat called the memory maker. He is a great guy and great fisherman. he operated out of homer in 2008 and 2010.
Wife and I went to Homer end of May last year. We went with Aaron Mahoney of Alaska Gulf Coast Expeditions out of Ninilchik, just north of Homer. Had a ball, got our halibut and kings, and were treated like best friends by Aaron. It was early in the season and we ended up having the boat to ourselves that day.
