The Kenai served up some epic fishing in 2009 and hopefully you got in on some of it. A brief recap of the season:
Trout fishing was hot and heavy right from the opener. This had a lot to do with one of the most massive early runs of reds in years. The bag limit for reds was increased and if they were your target you likely got a work out and maybe broke a rod or two. By early July the water dropped and cleared and a week of ultra-tough fishing followed. The big slabs were there but if you could see them, they could see you. Super stealth techniques were the rule of the day.
What brought the humbling fishing to an end was water. Lots of water. Alaska got hit by a heat wave and the river rose up givng anglers some much needed camoflage. The game was back on. As July turned into August, the second run reds flooded the river. A month of crazed trout fishing followed. By September, it seemed like things couldn't keep going at this pace but they did. Gorgeous trout and Dolly Varden fat from a season of eating and still trying to pack on a few more pounds before the dark time. As the last of the sockeye thinned out, big crhome could be found by swinging flesh and leeches. It was at this time that Billy and a client landed a fish that was almost too big to believe. 35 1/4" X 22". (See the 10/3/09 Report if you haven't already.)
We really enjoyed bringing you the Kenai Report this year and can't thank Billy Coulliette and his guides at Troutfitters for bringing the straight scoop to all of us every week. If you would like to fish with Billy and his crew in 2010 click here and we'll make it happen.
The Kenai Report will resume in June 2010 right after the river opens up.
