I am from MN and want to fly to Alaska this summer in addition to a Maine trip. I have a little Lancair 360 and was hoping to see if I could hop from Bellingham right into Ketchikan if the weather was good enough. I have done the highway route once before and am gonna use it as a backup plan if the weather is bad over the coast. I am hoping to camp at most airports in a tent and would like anyones advice on fishing once I get to AK. I really want to fish for Rainbows or Kings. I really dont want to hire a high price guide and was hoping to kick around at local shops up there to get advice on places to go. Has anyone done done the Kenai experience as a self guide? When does the run usually happen? Does anyone have any other places they would recommend I check out? I am obviously limited to decent runways. I am a young guy looking for an adventure. Any help is appreciated.

I wish I was able to fly my airplane up there, but instead I just stare at all of the bushplanes with envy... I am going up may 23rd to fish for kings on the kenai. Last year I caught one on june 1st, so I hope I don't go too early for the run. I am by no means an Alaska fishing expert, but it seems like it's a gamble as to when the run will actually start because it can vary a week or two.

I cant help you south of JNU but speak with Shorton, he knows fishing quite well and is from haines, AK...my fav fishing spot! Cheers

When are you looking at going? There is a ton of stuff I can point you in the right direction to but I can't tell you what the non-resident restrictions are.

Thanks fellas. Looking to go in June, July, or August. I am flexible and dont have any date set. I found the best hunting trips happen when someone calls you and says "be here in 48 hours".

You can do the upper Kenai easily for trout. I run quite a few raft trips during the summer. Shoot me a PM with possible dates you will be in town if you want to look at a raft trip on the upper Kenai with lots of fishing along the way. I am not a guide, just a guy that spends lots of time floating it with family and friends and having one more on board is not a problem.

Wow that would be amazing thanks AKAVID. I love this site.

Bravo

The web site below is one of many that gives general schedule on when the various salmon runs occur on the Kenai. King Salmon on the Kenai river comes in two runs: one mid May to July and the second one from early July to early August. Plenty of places to catch rainbow, just ask around. In terms of salmon, don't just limit your self to Kings -- Reds and Silvers are beautiful fish and probably better eating then Kings, and you can catch more of them. You sure don't need a river guide to catch fish in Alaska.

http://www.alaskafishingak.com/kenai/ke ... salmon.htm

And I'd caution about that coastal route from Bellingham to Ketchikan -- weather, lack of places to put down, and rugged terrain make this a risky rout for small airplanes. Most people fly the highway and have a lot of fun.

At any rate, have fun and come out to McCarthy for a visit.

Nizina sent ya a PM

The coastal route is not a good choice for a plane on wheels, with a single engine.
Take the highway. I suggest this in the strongest terms. I started my trips back and forth from Alaska to Arizona in 1977. That was the experienced advice then.... it still stands.

If you come through Haines either by the water or buy the land routes I can help with some fishing. Springtime here, May, early June means Kings in Salt water. Just fair fishing with lots of hours per fish in the boat. July August = Sockeye and pinks in the rivers and lakes. Here we can have some fun, lots of fish. Also Halibut in the salt. Sept. Oct. means Coho, weather can be shitty but a twenty pound Coho on light gear will wear you out.

If you come this way give me a call.

Shane

If you fly to Igiugig, you can walk over to some of the best fishing on earth right from the airport...if you want lodging or a boat, you can get that as well...without a guide if desired. Just sayin'...

Bravo Hotel wrote:I am from MN and want to fly to Alaska this summer in addition to a Maine trip. I have a little Lancair 360 and was hoping to see if I could hop from Bellingham right into Ketchikan if the weather was good enough.

Just FYI. Here is a C195 attempting to fly from Bellingham to Ketchikan today that didn't make it. The pilot died. While I'm sure that the odds were in his favor to make it, I suspect that he would have stood a better chance of survival if he had followed the Alcan highway. The weather can be a killer along the coast and the terrain is very unfriendly for small aircraft needing to put down.

http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/p ... lot-killed

The salmon runs are at different time throughout Alaska. The more North you go the latter the run. One of the most popular spots to fish is the Kenai River. The Galcana is another popular sport. When coming to ALaska you need to check the regulations on fishing times and bag limits. When fishing you also need to check with land regulations as well. For a lot of Native land is not open to trespassers. Hope this helps some. Happy fishing and be safe flying... Ken in Alaska