Some people think of Alaska as a perpetually frozen wilderness crisscrossed by occasional oil pipelines. While that may accurately describe some Arctic regions, there are also huge areas still incredibly rich in native North American wildlife. For salmon lovers, Kenai fishing lodges make an excellent home base for an unforgettable Alaskan outdoor experience.
Getting there is not difficult, and the climate is relatively mild. Extending southward from the Anchorage area, the peninsula is dotted with a few small cities. It is one of the few sections of the state suitable for raising crops. Although this is actually the most populated part of Alaska, by most standards it would still be considered a wilderness, with rugged mountains, glaciers, and few roads.
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.
They return home with the aid of an incredibly accurate biological guidance system. Some come back after only a year at sea, while others stay away for three or four years, growing larger each season. The size of an individual fish depends on the length of time spent at sea, and the availability of food. The average Kenai catch weighs between 25 and 60 pounds.
On the river, one of the most popular techniques is called drifting, allowing the natural currents to power the boat while lures tempt the salmon below. Another is back-bouncing, utilizing an on-board engine to back into pools and other good spots. Hiring an experienced and skilled boat operator and guide is important. Peak season sees a huge influx of boats, making accidents more likely.
Many guides work together with local lodges, which are basically small hotels. These establishments provide standard services such as a hearty breakfast and box lunch, but most also are happy to arrange additional local excursions, and can provide easy access to guides, river boats, and even fishing gear. Some will even store the catch of the day for lucky anglers.
Although the primary focus is fish, there are also other opportunities for adventure. Many lodges arrange rafting expeditions, mountain hikes, or wildlife sightseeing. This is prime bear country, and the native moose are difficult to miss. Eagles and other raptors soar through the skies, and at the end of a long day outdoors visitors can wind down in front of a crackling 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.
Getting there is not difficult, and the climate is relatively mild. Extending southward from the Anchorage area, the peninsula is dotted with a few small cities. It is one of the few sections of the state suitable for raising crops. Although this is actually the most populated part of Alaska, by most standards it would still be considered a wilderness, with rugged mountains, glaciers, and few roads.
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.
They return home with the aid of an incredibly accurate biological guidance system. Some come back after only a year at sea, while others stay away for three or four years, growing larger each season. The size of an individual fish depends on the length of time spent at sea, and the availability of food. The average Kenai catch weighs between 25 and 60 pounds.
On the river, one of the most popular techniques is called drifting, allowing the natural currents to power the boat while lures tempt the salmon below. Another is back-bouncing, utilizing an on-board engine to back into pools and other good spots. Hiring an experienced and skilled boat operator and guide is important. Peak season sees a huge influx of boats, making accidents more likely.
Many guides work together with local lodges, which are basically small hotels. These establishments provide standard services such as a hearty breakfast and box lunch, but most also are happy to arrange additional local excursions, and can provide easy access to guides, river boats, and even fishing gear. Some will even store the catch of the day for lucky anglers.
Although the primary focus is fish, there are also other opportunities for adventure. Many lodges arrange rafting expeditions, mountain hikes, or wildlife sightseeing. This is prime bear country, and the native moose are difficult to miss. Eagles and other raptors soar through the skies, and at the end of a long day outdoors visitors can wind down in front of a crackling 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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