Mystic Waters Alaska Fly Fishing

Moose Calves on the Kenai

Today a fellow walked into the Big R Fly Shop and started looking at bonefish leaders and saltwater flies.  “You must be going someplace warm.” I said.  “Yep, I’m headed to Christmas Island.” He looked through the flies and then bought a couple spare leaders that he probably won’t use.  I’m sure his tackle is already organized and ready.  I think the reason he was in the shop today was to enjoy the build up.  The next best thing to being on a fly fishing trip is planning to go on a fly fishing trip.  Once the dates are on the calendar, the wishing takes a backseat to the anticipation and planning.  Fly Fishing Travel.  It can feel pretty awesome.

Kenai Rainbow Release

This is the first part in a series of posts I’m going to run about what to expect if you are planning on Kenai River fly fishing.  June is several pages deep in the calendar, but I’m already feeling the pull.  The smell of new growth over last years decay.  The chorus and energy of the mating birds. The rush of snow melt waters. The hope of big strong fish; residents of the river and anadromous chromers from the North Pacific.  It can feel pretty awesome.

Our regular season opens on June 11.  It is a great time for a crack at some big post spawn rainbows.  The females are usually in recuperative mode, but the big males are on the prowl.  They can be aggressive.  Sculpin and eel like patterns might provoke savage attacks.  I have seen OX tippet pop like 6/0 tying thread on the bite.  Active chrome rainbows are on the hunt for migrating salmon smolt, or grazing through clouds of  last seasons fry.  They want to eat and its up to you to provide something that looks tasty.  They will reward you for the effort.

Wild Salmon are delicious

Sockeye Salmon bound for the Russian River are moving through and beginning to concentrate in the Upper Kenai.  The run usually lasts through the month, with the peak likely between the 15^th and 25^th.  Early run sockeye arrive chrome bright, fight like demons, and are exceptionally tasty.  They sometimes surprise us while we fish for rainbows.  Tangle with a Russian River chromer on a trout set up, and you are in for some fun.

King Salmon are moving through the Lower Kenai and Kasilof Rivers.  They are typically bright and full of fight.  While we don’t focus a lot of effort fly-fishing for Kings, we do chase them occasionally.  Some of our guests fly fish for trout and sockeye for a few days and then opt for a gear trip to try and land a big King Salmon.

Kyle Telleen with a 30# King

While swinging or drifting for a King with fly on the Kenai River is possible, flying to smaller streams or hitting a roadside attraction like the Kasilof River, Anchor River or Deep Creek is a good bet for action.

Perfect Early Summer Day

An added bonus during June are the long “daylight” days (almost 20hrs on the Solstice).  You can fish a typical full day and have plenty of time for added sightseeing or other activities.  You can also fish until you drop.

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