Kenai Fishing Report – Kenai River and Kasilof River Fishing
King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout and Halibut.Our Kenai Fishing Report and Kasilof fishing report record our personal and guided fishing trips on the Kenai River and the Kasilof River of the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. I’m Jim Rusk, a lifetime Alaskan. I’ve personally guided thousands of anglers around the rivers of the Kenai Peninsula since 1987.
The peninsula is about 150 miles long, stretching southwest from the Chugach Mountains, which are south of Anchorage. The Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound separate the peninsula from the mainland. The glacial Kenai Mountains protect the southeast, angling along the Gulf of Alaska.
Kenai and Kasilof river fishing report august 31st 2016
The Kenai River King Salmon fishing has ended, here on the Mighty Kenai for the 2016 season!
I am happy to report that it was a great King Salmon fishing season both in June and July. Everyone is saying it was likely the best King Salmon season we have had in quite some time. As well as having good overall numbers of King Salmon entering the Kenai River this year, the 50+ lb. King Salmon yield was consistent.
After having some years of poor numbers of returning King Salmon to the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, followed by then having good returns the last several years, it is obvious to me that responsible management has contributed to a positive turning of the corner.
Because of ‘no bait’ restrictions, as well as ‘catch and release’ and some closures, we’ve seen a nice rebound to the Kenai and Kasilof River King Salmon fisheries, and I am cautiously optimistic we can expect good returns for the years to come.
Our largest King of the season was a beautiful, chrome-bright 71lb. male – it was an epic battle and we fought the beast for at least 45 minutes before we were able to net our fish! My customer is having Reel Life Taxidermy mount it for him, and my hope is that he will get to enjoy his mount for many years.
Well, that is my recap of the 2016 Kenai and Kasilof River King Salmon fishing season for 2016. Now, on to Silver Salmon season!
Kenai and Kasilof river fishing report august 9th 2016
It’s been a few weeks since I last did a fishing report, so here we go!
We have been targeting Silver Salmon on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers since the first of August. We experienced a rather atypical month, due to having to work harder than usual to catch our limit. I’ve also been hearing that Silver runs have been down all around Alaska.
While the fishing process has been more challenging, the size of the fish we’ve caught have been awesome this year. We are all hoping that September will provide a bit easier fishing and that the size of the Silver Salmon we saw in August will continue.
We saw high water conditions almost all summer, but the levels are now starting to drop and return to normal on both the Kenai River and the Kasilof River. There are still large numbers of Pink Salmon present in the Kenai River, rendering Rainbow Trout fishing difficult. Another couple weeks and we ought to see the pinks gone and the Rainbow Trout fishing much improved.
That is the fishing report for the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. I will try to get another report up soon!
Kenai and Kasilof River fishing report July 25th 2016
Greetings from the Mighty Kenai, everyone. We are now entering our final week of the King Salmon season, here on the Kenai I wanted to give you a little update with a fishing report.
Last week, fishing was not quite as productive for King Salmon as the previous two weeks had been. That being said, we still caught a decent number of large Kenai River King Salmon.
Reports were similar for the Kasilof River; no profuse amassings, but large Kings being caught with consistency.
We are all expecting good things for this last week, with more favorable tides and decent water conditions. Holding true, we should see some great King Salmon fishing on both the Kenai River and the Kasilof River. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!
As for the Kenai River Sockeye fishing, it has been an odd season. We’ve seen fishing remain steady the whole month of July with limits being caught, but never red-hot. Normally, they all come in a shorter time span, with a higher concentration. Having seen this, it is hard to predict what will happen this week – could be slow or quite good, and only time will tell.
We are already seeing a few Pink Salmon showing up and my guess is we will start picking up a few Silver Salmon this week. Although I have not done any rainbow trips, lately, I have been hearing that the bite is getting very good and I can’t wait to do some August Trophy Rainbow Trout trips on the Kenai River.
Well, folks, that is the Kenai and Kasilof fishing report.
Have fun and hope to see you out there!
Kenai and Kasilof River fishing report July 17th 2016
Hi, everyone, and greetings from Alaska.
The King Salmon fishing has been amazing this season on both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers! Because of great numbers of returning King Salmon, we have had all bait restrictions and slot limits removed, and everyone agrees we are seeing the best King Salmon fishing we’ve had in many years. All predictions are for great King Salmon fishing to continue to the end of the month.
The Sockeye Salmon fishing has been decent and people have had quality fishing, albeit, we have yet to see the big July numbers, expected. I would guess that we should start to see the run begin peaking sometime this week.
Reports are that the trophy Rainbow Trout fishing is starting to pick up and ought to increase in the next couple weeks.
Cook Inlet Halibut fishing remains strong and I have been seeing some very large fish being caught.
The Silver Salmon have not shown up in the rivers yet, but I’m hearing reports of them being in the lower portion of the Cook Inlet. So, hopefully by the 1st of August we will have good numbers in both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers.
I hope to see you out there!
July 4th, 2016 – Kenai Fishing Update
Hi, everyone. I want to give you a quick Kenai fishing update on the 2016 fishing season. First, though, I would like to let you know that Jim Rusk Fishing has hit a milestone – we are celebrating our 30th consecutive season, guiding anglers, here on the Kenai.
I am happy to report that we are having very good numbers of returning King Salmon in both the Kenai River and the Kasilof River, and our first run was a success. All indications are pointing toward our July run of King Salmon being strong, as well. After some years with poor returns, everyone is quite happy, and we believe that responsible management of the resource is paying off.
We still have some good dates available for Kings. We, in fact, have July 7th and 8th open, this week. So pick up your phone and let’s go fishing!
Also, if you’re thinking of a Fall trip for Silver Salmon and Rainbow Trout, we still have many good dates available for both August and September.
Well, that’s all I have for this Kenai fishing update. Take care, and I hope to see you soon.
Fishing Report June 16th, 2016 – Your Ultimate Kenai River and Kasilof River Resource
Hello everbody, well I am happy to report things are looking great here on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Here is the June 16th Kenai Fishing Report, The King Salmon season has been very good this year on both rivers the Kenai River and the Kasilof River. We have great numbers of fish in both rivers and expect the fishing to remain strong. Not only do we have great King Fishing we have great Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Halibut fishing as well. If great fishing was not enough our weather this season has been spectacular, with only a couple rainy days this season. Anyways, that is the Kenai Fishing Report straight from the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers, and I couldn’t be any more pleased. We still have some very good dates open and it is not too late to book some fishing for this year, so give us a call and lets go fishing!
Kenai and Kasilof River fishing report June 2 2016
Hi everyone, well I’m happy to be writing my first Kenai Fishing Report of the 2016 season. Things are starting off great this year and we have been seeing good numbers of fish in both rivers. I have been fishing on the Kasilof River and although the fishing has not been hot yet we have been getting some nice King salmon on almost every trip and I anticipate the fishing should be very good this next week.
As for the Kenai River I am happy to report that first run count is up considerably from the last few years and the river will be opening to fish king salmon on saturday the 4th of June. After several years of closure to fishing the early run Kenai Kings, this is very good news.
Okay thats the report folks things are looking great here on the Kenai so give me a call and lets go Fishing!
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report October, 2015
Hi everyone Jim here with a late season fishing report from the mighty Kenai. Well I am happy to report that the fishing here on the Kenai is still going strong. We have been able to get nice limits of Silver Salmon every day that I have fished in October which is great late season fishing. Sadly as the days get shorter and the temps get colder I am sure that the 2015 season here on the Kenai River will be coming to an end, but until that day comes I will enjoy everyday as the fishing has been great and the River has been very quiet. So if you still would like to put a few nice salmon in the freezer come and see me soon here on the Kenai.
.
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report August, 2015
Silver Salmon fishing in full swing on the Kenai River and the fishing has not disappointed us. Since my first Silver trip on August 3rd we have been able to get a limit or come very close every day.
I have not fished for Silvers on the Kasilof River yet but I have been hearing good reports. Also the Rainbow Trout bite is on Fire right now. I would highly recommend that fishery if you have never done it. Also they are picking up a few sockeye salmon still and we have even been catching a few while Silver fishing. Well that’s the fishing report from here on Alaska’s mighty Kenai, things are looking very good for some great fall fishing.
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report July 19, 2015
Hi everyone well another 
A week of Kenai River King Salmon fishing has gone and just two more to go. This week I had the guys from Karakoram snowboard bindings fishing with me and we had a fun week.
The King salmon fishing was good on the Kenai Tuesday and Wednesday okay on Thursday and slow on Friday and Saturday. This next week we should see fishing continue to improve and some big fish showing up.
The big run of sockeye salmon have not hit the river yet but enough came in the Kenai River this week that the guys were able to catch some nice fish to take home. My guess is we will see the big run in the Kenai this week. Silver salmon season is right around the corner and I am very excited about that. I love Silver season! Well that’s the report from here on the Kenai River in Alaska take care and tight lines till next time.
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report July 13, 2015
Hi everyone we are back on the Kenai River fishing for King Salmon since the opener on July 1st. The first week was slow due to poor water clarity but I am happy to report that last week we had some very good fishing.
We are all anticipating another good week coming up. Also we are starting to see some 2nd Run sockeye salmon in the KenI River and expect we should see some good Numbers this next week. Anyway that is The fishing report here on the Kenai
And things are looking good.
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report June 2015
Hi everyone I’m happy to announce that so far we are having a good fishing season here on the Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The first run of King Salmon has proven to be quite good this year, which is very encouraging after several years of slower than normal returns.
We have been mostly fishing the Kasilof river and other than a few slow days the King Salmon fishing has been pretty darn good. Also the first run sonar King Salmon counts for the Kenai River have been way better than the last few years and they are even talking about about opening the lower Kenai to King Salmon fishing early this year, I firmly believe that with conservative management of the resource we have turned a corner and things are are looking positive for the future here on the Kenai.
Also as of late I have been doing some early season Rainbow trout fishing on the middle Kenai River and the fishing has been great. I did a trip yesterday and I lost count but I would guess we landed an easy 50 or 60 fish which for June Trout fishing is very good. And on top great fishing we have enjoyed one of the best Junes ever weather wise with numerous days reaching the 80 degree mark. So just to summarize so far things have been great here on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula so get those plane tickets and book your days lets go fishing!
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report May 16 thru June 4th 2015
Hi Everyone,
I am happy to report Fishing season is back in full swing here on the Kenai Peninsula. Other than one trip on the middle Kenai river for Rainbow Trout I have been spending all my time on the lower Kasilof river fishing for King Salmon.
The first week I fished was slow as to be expected, but the last couple weeks have been pretty decent fishing. Yesterday’s fishing was my most productive day so far with six King Salmon being hooked and landing four.
Also, today we caught our first Sockeye Salmon of the season so we will probably start doing some Sockeye trips next week as well.
Fishing should continue to get better in the next few weeks.
Anyway that’s the report from here in Alaska, I will to get another update out to you very soon.
Kenai River Fishing Report April 2015
Fishing is here again on the Alaska Kenai Peninsula. I’m getting my pre-season work done. I’ll have the boat in the water in a few days.
Good dates still available for the 2015 season but they will fill up soon. Reserve your dates now before its too late. Some July dates still open to fish for King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Red Salmon or Trophy Rainbows.
I’ll be fishing the Kenai and Kasilof rivers in early May and continue till October. Thanks for your past patronage over the many years I’ve been fishing in Alaska. Call me for your reservations.
Kenai River Fishing Report November 2014
Hi everyone greetings from here in Alaska. I first want to thank everyone who fished with me in 2014, I hope that you all had a great time and I look forward to fishing with you in the future.
We had some great weeks and some not so great weeks in the course of summer 2014 here in Alaska, but overall I feel like it was a very successful season. Despite some low King Salmon returns the last few years I feel very positive that we are back on track for some good returns in the future. With more responsible management to include catch and release and closures when need be we have been getting better numbers of King Salmon to the spawning beds which should pay dividends in the future.
Kenai River Fishing report Sept 2014
Hi everyone,
Well the fishing season is coming to an end here on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, However I am happy to report that we had another great run of Silver Salmon in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers and despite clear and cold mornings we are still having nice fishing.
August and September provided some of the largest Silvers we had seen in years and in all the fishing was great! Sadly though things are winding down as old man winter is aproaching fast, as long as the weather holds out I will continue of fish for the next couple weeks, but it will not be long before the temperatures are just to cold. Well till next take time take care and tight lines!
Kenai Fishing Report August, 2014
Hi everyone,
Since my last post a lot has happened here on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. First we ended King Salmon season with some of the best fishing we have seen in years, the last week of July was awesome fishing with my best day having 17 hookups and landing 11 all nice fish 30lbs and up.
Also the sockeye Salmon run ended up being very strong and we had nice limit catches from mid july al the way thru the first week in August. Also the Kenai River Rainbow trout fishing has been very good with some very large Rainbows being caught.
Dave Brown of west Virginia who has been fishing with me for probably 20 years got the largest Rainbow he has ever landed with me we estimated it’s weight at 15 to 17lbs.
And now we are in full Silver salmon mode here on the Kenai and it is looking like it will be another great run with limit catches almost every day now. Anyway thats the Fishing report and I will try not to wait so long for my next post so long from Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
Kenai River Fishing report July 2014
Hi everyone, well fishing is in full swing here on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. Since my last update King Salmon fishing on the Kenai River has opened and the second run of sockeye Salmon has started.
After the July first opener for King Salmon we had some very hard rains which made fishing very slow for several weeks. But now things are back to normal and the King Salmon catches have much better, I think this next week should be a great week for fishing King Salmon on the Kenai River.
As for the sockeye run although we have not seen any huge days yet fishing has been pretty good this last couple of weeks and we have been able to get limits of Sockeyes most days.
Everyone expects that we should get some very large numbers of fish in the next few days. Anyway things are looking very good here on the Kenai River and this next week should be a great week.
Kasilof River &Kasilof River fishing report June 25, 2014
Hi everyone,
Well we are in full summer fishing mode here on the Kenai Peninsula. I have been fishing the Kasilof and Kenai rivers for both Salmon and Trout.
As for the Kasilof river our first run King salmon has reached it’s peak and has slowed down considerably the last couple weeks, however we have been getting nice pushes of early run Sockeye Salmon and the counts are very good for this early in the season.
On the Kenai River I have been targeting Rainbow Trout and for early season Trout fishing it has been quite good, and a lot of fun. This next week I will continue to target Trophy rainbow Trout and some Kasilof sockeye Salmon.
On July 1st the Kenai River will open to King Salmon fishing and we are excited about that, counts have been good and we expect the fishing should be very good. well till next time thats the Kenai and Kasilof River fishing report.
Kasilof River & Hidden Lake fishing report June 5, 2014
Hi everyone,
I am happy to report that so far the fishing has been pretty darn good for early season Kasilof River King Salmon fishing.
I have been getting two or three King Salmon to the boat every trip and usually having chances at several more so can’t complain at all. Since my last post the low water has came up quite a bit and things are looking really good, this next couple weeks should be really good fishing.
Also I have been fishing several of our local lakes for Rainbow Trout and the bite has been great not big fish but lots of action very fun for kids. Anyway thats the fishing report here on the mighty Kenai!
Kasilof River & Hidden Lake fishing report May 21, 014
Hi everyone ;
Well, I am happy to be writing my first fishing report here in Alaska for the 2014 fishing season. I have fished 3 times now once on the Kasilof River and twice on Hidden Lake.
My trip on the Kasilof was a King Salmon charter and although it is still early season I am happy to report that with just one angler I was able to land a nice 18 lb King salmon and also we landed a nice steelhead. The morning I fished started very nice but after several hours the wind came up very strong making fishing quite difficult and I feel like had it not been for the wind we may have had a chance at some more action, but for the first trip of the year I can’t complain.
As for the 2 Hidden Lake trips we were targetting Lake trout and both trips were good, not hot fishing but pretty good, the weather was calm and clear and as always the lake was beautiful. So thats my report things are looking good here on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and as I get a few more charters under my belt I will get another Fishing report out to you.
Kenai and Kasilof river fishing report April 9, 2014
Hi everyone I am happy to report that Spring is in full swing here on the Kenai Peninsula and fishing season is just around the corner. After a very mild winter here in Kenai we are now enjoying a warm and early spring ,the snow is almost all gone the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers are free of ice and flowing.
Before long I will be cleaning boats re spooling fishing reels with new line and getting all the Salmon and trout gear ready to go. I love this time of year as anticipation of that first line peeling King Salmon or acrobatic Rainbow Trout begins to fill my head.
If your planning on a fishing trip in Alaska this summer I recommend that if you have not made your reservations that you do so as soon as possible. The phone has been ringing and space is becoming very limited, for King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Silver Salmon.
So don’t delay pick up that phone get those airline tickets book your dates and lets go fishing here in beautiful Alaska on the Kenai River and the Kasilof River This summer lets make 2014 a good one!
Kenai and Kasilof river fishing report September 21 October 3
Well what has been an awesome Silver Salmon season here on the Kenai still continues, last week we still got limit catches of beautiful silvers on the Kenai River. However the days are getting shorter and the temperatures colder and the season here on the Kenai is coming to a close. I have not trout fished lately but would assume it is still good fishing, also I had a friend get into some good steelhead fishing on the Kasilof this week. Anyway guys the fishing is still good here on the Kenai but it is getting cold so if you want to get a trip in this year you better do it soon.
Kenai and Kasilof River fishing report September 1-20 2013
Hi everyone well it has been a great fall here on the Kenai. Since my last fishing report I have been fishing on both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers mainly for Silver Salmon but also for Rainbow trout. Silvers on both rivers have just been awesome, other than a few slow days due to high water conditions the fall silver run has just been incredible and continues to fish very good with limit catches of large chrome bright silvers. As for the Rainbow trout fishing the bite has been decent but probably will improve as water levels continue to drop. Also my last several drift trips down the Kasilof River yielded some nice sea run Steelhead Trout along with the limits of Silvers. Anyway things are great here on the Kenai and we will continue to fish as long as the fishing stays good.
Kenai River fishing report August 21-31 2013
Hi everyone well I’m happy to report that Silver Salmon fishing has been fantastic on the Kenai River. We have been having limit catches everyday of very nice silvers. Also the Silver Salmon have been very big this year with lots of 15lb plus fish being caught. Also the Rainbow Trout fishing has been very good with lots of nice fish. Anyway so far the fall silver and trout fishing has been outstanding here on the Kenai River and hopefully the great fishing will continue through september.
Kenai River fishing report August 11-20 -2013
Well since my last fishing report I have been fishing everyday on the Kenai River for Silver Salmon. Bait fishing has opened the water level has dropped and fishing has been very very good! We have been getting limit catches of Silver Salmon everyday on the Kenai River and fishing should continue to be great this week. Although I have not fished the Kasilof River I have been hearing that the fishing has been good however not as hot as the Kenai. Anyway things are looking good here on the Kenai.
Kenai River fishing report August 1-10 2013
Hi everyone well silver salmon season is in full swing now and despite some high water conditions the fishing has been pretty good. We have been fishing every day and getting limit catches or at least very close each day. With bait opening august 15th on the Kenai the fishing should get very good. I have not fished for Rainbow trout lately but the reports I’ve been getting have been good. After a very warm summer The Kenai and Kasilof rivers were both flowing at very high levels and now that we are having some significant rain the rivers are at very high levels. Lets hope for some dry and cool weather or we might be having some flood stage waters soon.
Kenai River Fishing report July 22-29
Well King salmon season is almost over here on the Kenai and soon it will be time to get out the trout and silver salmon gear. We finished off kings last week with a strong push of fish and had a fun week. Also we did our first trout trip of the year and did pretty darn good. There is still some sockeye Salmon entering the river but the main run has went by now. We will fish two more days for Kings then we will target some sockeyes and silvers for the rest of the week should be a fun week of fishing.
Kenai River Fishing report July 16-21
This last week we fished the Kenai River everyday for both Sockeye Salmon and Silver Salmon. The Kenai King salmon fishing continued to be fairly slow this week although we did catch some very nice fish the sonar fish counts have been fairly good but with the bait resrictions we have had to work hard for every bite. The sockeye fishing this week has been very good and on tuesday we had the biggest single day escapement past the sonar counter ever with 246,392 fish passing the counter and as of today have about 900,000 up the river and they are still coming. Well there is just one more week of king salmon fishing left and then we will be on to silver salmon season and rainbow trout.
Kenai River Fishing report July 9-15
Hi everyone well since my last report I have been fishing the Kenai for king salmon and even though it was a slow week we still caught some nice fish but we did have to work for them. However things are looking good for fishing the kenai this week sonar fish counts have been improving and everyone expects better fishing this week. Also the large Kenai River sockeye run is expected to hit the river this week. So things are looking good for a great week of fishing here on the Kenai.
Kenai River Fishing report July 1-8
Hi Everyone;
Since my last fishing report I have been fishing the Kenai River, and I am happy to report fishing has been pretty good. we had some good catches last week with our best day being 5 hookups with 3 landed all nice size fish. Our biggest fish of the week was a Chrome Bright Buck – 55lb. I am very hopeful that the good fishing will continue this week as well. Also we saw some decent numbers of Sockeye entering the river and expect to see even better numbers this week. So thats the report – pretty decent fishing on the Kenai River this week.
Kasilof River Fishing June 27-29, 2013
Hi Everyone,
Since my last fishing report we hunted a lot of Sockeye Salmon entering the Kasilhof River. We got some great catches. Also we are still catching a few King Salmon here but it’ll be a week or two before King Salmon fishing on the Kasilhof really picks up again.
We fished Cooper Lake, in the mountains near Cooper Landing. We fished for Rainbow Trout and Arctic Char. The weather was fantastic; we had a great day and we caught some nice fish.
July 1st is when the Kenai River opens again for King Salmon. We’re all excited, looking forward to this incredible spectacle of the great Kings rushing up the river.
The first week of July we’ll be chasing the King Salmon on the Kenai River.
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing report June 10-21 2013
Hi everyone,
Well a lot has happened since my last entry here on the Kenai Peninsula. In the last ten days I have been fishing everyday for King salmon on the Kasilof River, and last week we got our peak fishing on the early run Kings in the Kasilof.
Our best day was seven landed Kings and we had good catches all week. However as typical for this time of year things have dramatically slowed down on the Kasilof as the first run
Kings have peaked and the second run has not started yet. With another poor return of early run Kings on the Kenai River the river has been closed to King salmon fishing until July first.
So for the next ten days we will be targeting a strong run of early season sockeye salmon as well as rainbow trout should be some fun trips!
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report June 4-9 2013
Well I’m happy to report that fishing has improved since my last fishing report. In the last week I have been fishing on the Kasilof River for King Salmon and although not red hot it has been fairly good fishing.
Yesterday for example I had four anglers out on the river and we landed three kings and lost two, had several other good strikes and landed three dolly varden and one flounder.
This next week I would think the fishing should continue to be good on the Kasilof River. As for the Kenai River unfortunately due to the unusually warm weather has been causing the Kenai river to be muddy, it started to look better for a few days then we got more hot weather and it is getting dirty again.
I am really hoping it clears up this week so we can fish it but it will just depend on what the weather does, but at least the Kasilof is fishing pretty good. Well that’s the local fishing report and I will keep you posted as the season progresses.
Kenai and Kasilof River Fishing Report May 25-June 3 2013
Hi everyone.
Well since my last fishing report things have been steadily improving here on the Kenai Peninsula and are looking good for this next week. The Kasilof River has been producing some nice catches of both native and hatchery King Salmon and should continue to heat up in the next week or so.
The Kenai river is finally starting to clear up after a week of dirty water due to abnormally warm temperatures on the Kenai. With little or no fishing pressure for over a week I would think the Kenai River will produce some very good catches of King Salmon this week.
Reports from the ocean have been very good with nice catches of halibut and King Salmon being reported. Also area lakes are all ice free and fishing well.
Yesterday I did a Lake Trout trip to Hidden Lake and we caught some nice lakers and had a great time.
In all things are looking good for fishing here on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
Kenai and Kasilof River fishing report May 22-24 2013
Well hello everyone and welcome to this years first fishing report for the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. I’m happy to report that the fishing season has begun here in Alaska. This week I fished three days on the Kasilof River and it was great to be back on the River and although the fishing was slow we were able to catch a few nice Kings as well as some sea run dolly varden, I look for the fishing to steadily improve with each passing day and by next week should be having some good catches of King Salmon. As for the Kenai River I do have the boat in the water but have not done a fishing charter there yet and unless I pick up a trip I wont be out there till Tuesday but I bet there are some nice kings inn the river and can not wait to give the Kenai River a try.
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Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report (BOOKMARK PLEASE)
Daily Fishing Report Feb 4, 2014
Fishing has been slow due to cold water and poor tides, however if you are patient you will be rewarded for your effort.
We set up on my favorite oyster bars. We caught a few smaller fish. Then out of nowhere a lone Redfish strikes and we land our first quality fish of the day. Ten minutes later we land a huge Redfish wow what a scraper he was. We get another nice Redfish, and then just as we are getting ready to head back we hook and land a big fat speckled trout. What a day on Pine Island sound here in sunny Fort Myers Florida.
Daily Fishing Report Jan 22, 2014
The water temperature dropped to 60% and the fish bites have been slower than normal. We have to work for the fish we are catching off Pine Island. That being said, we still have managed to catch some very nice redfish and a few large speckled trout, and today got on a hot ladyfish bite up in the mangroves.
I love fishing off Pine Island Sound because you can always find a nice protected spot to fish even when the wind is blowing and today was no exception We had a stiff north wind blowing but we were still able to find a warm, protected location to fish.
Daily Fishing Report Jan 13, 2014
I’m back from holidays with my family in Alaska. A quick update for winter fishing in Fort Myers. I hope everyone had a good holiday season. I flew back to Alaska for Christmas and New Year and had a great time with friends and family.
However I am now back in Fort Myers Florida for the winter fishing and I am ready to hit the water. If your wanting to get out of the cold for a few days and do some great fishing on the flats and backcountry of Pine Island Sound give me call!
Daily Fishing Report Dec.2, 2013
Hi everyone well since my last post I have been fairly busy guiding anglers here in Fort Myers Florida.
The Redfish and Trout are still doing very well, and despite some very windy conditions the fishing has been pretty darn good. The weather forecast for this week looks very good and I expect the fishing should be great.
Over the holiday I got a chance to take out several father and son groups, and we had a great time its always nice to see a boy and his dad spending some quality time together out on the water. I can’t think of a better thing to do than spending time fishing with your kids.
I know from personal experience that I always enjoy going fishing with my kids. So I encourage you to take some time this holiday season to get out there on the water with the kids and away from the computers and video games and all the other distractions and make some lasting memories.
Daily Fishing Report Nov. 19, 2013
Hi everyone:
Well today we had a great day here in Fort Myers on Pine Island Sound. We launched at noon for a spur of the moment afternoon fishing trip, after hearing reports of some big King Mackerel being sighted around Sanibel Island. The trip started off a bit slow as we were having difficulty catching what we thought would be the best bait to target these big kings, but with some persistence we were finally able to catch the right baits.
We then went directly to the area where we thought we might find some kings and with only a few hours of daylight left set our anchor and got the baits out. Almost immediately we got a strike but did not get the hook in what ever it was. Back in water again and right away we get a hook up this time we fight him all the way to boat and yes its a large King Mackerel.
Unfortunately the fish takes one more smoking run and spits the hook. So back in the water we go with just minutes of daylight left. We get another big strike but the fish misses the hook and we pull in just the severed head of our bait fish. Quickly we get one more bait out our last bait left, it’s almost dark and bingo were hooked up again! Right away we see it is a very nice king and after several long runs we get him to boat, I get a gaff in him ye haw we got a beautiful King Mackerel on the boat, what a fun afternoon can not wait to get out there again tomorrow.
End of today’s Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report. Don’t forget to bookmark us.
Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report Nov. 18, 2013
Hi everyone,
This is your Fort Myers Fishing Guide Jim Rusk
Well my 2013 winter fishing season has officially started here in sunny Fort Myers and Pine Island Sound and I am happy to report that the fishing is very good.
My last trip out we fished in Pine Island Sound on the flats and in the mangroves and had great success large redfish and nice specked trout were both on the bite very good. Also we were able to find some nice snook and some large mangrove snapper. It was a great day on the water and we caught fish in every spot we fished. If your thinking about a fishing trip in Fort Myers I can’t think of a better time than right now the bite is on!
Daily Fishing Report Nov 11, 2013
Hi fishing enthusiasts,
My first Fort Myers Fishing Report of the 2013 winter.
Today we were in sunny Fort Myers Florida hunting speckled trout, jacks, snook. My first day to be back on the waters of Pine Island Sound, for the winter fishing season.
The conditions were a little windy but it was a beautiful day and the fishing was pretty darn good.
We landed a large number of Jacks as well as some speckled sea trout, sheeps head and a very nice pompano. Not a bad day on water for the first trip of the season here in florida. well take care everyone and hope to see you soon here in sunny Fort Myers, Florida.
Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report March 2013.
Hi everyone,
Well winter is finally giving way to spring here in Fort Myers and the fishing on the famous flats and mangroves of Pine Island Sound is heating up. After a brief visit to Alaska I’m back in Fort Myers and have been fishing everyday since I got back and the Fishing has been very good. We have had a couple days that the wind made it a little tough but for the most part it’s been great. The mangroves have been producing some very nice snook as well as some big trout and nice redfish. Also out on the flats we have found some very hot bites on trout as well as some nice redfish. I have been using live gulf shrimp as well as threadfin herring and some pinfish, We also had some luck on artificial lures particularly soft plastics under a lead head jig. As always we had some heart-breaking losses this week mostly big snook I think, they are so darn tough and head right into the timber when hooked. In all though it was a great week on the water here in Fort Myers on Pine Island Sound and hopefully this week will be more of the same. So come on down and get out for a great fishing charter here in Fort Myers Florida.
Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report Nov 2012
Hi everyone,
Well, I am happy to report that I am back in sunny Fort Myers Florida hunting speckled trout, jacks, snook. Today was the first day for me to be back on the waters of Pine Island Sound, for the winter fishing season. The conditions were a little windy but it was a beautiful day and the fishing was pretty darn good. We landed a large number of Jacks as well as some speckled sea trout, sheeps head and a very nice pompano. Not a bad day on water for the first trip of the season here in florida. well take care everyone and hope to see you soon here in sunny Florida.
Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report February, 2013
Well things are looking very good right now for fishing the mangroves and flats of pine island sound.we have very good tides the weather is outstanding and the fishing should be great. The last few days have been very productive, with some nice reds and trout in the mangroves. yesterday the water was like glass it just does not get any better than that. The dolphins were very active yesterday we had them around us quite a bit always fun to see. well that’s the report things are looking great here in Fort Myers!
Fort Myers Daily Fishing Report February 2013
The fishing is very good and getting better. As a Fort Myers fishing guide, fishing the flats of Pine Island Sound have proven to be quite productive in the last week or so. The good fishing has been very nice after some tough weeks due red tide and cool water temps. Now it seems, we have weathered the storm and things are back to normal.
Last week I had several days with customers that were very good. We caught a high number of speckled sea trout while enjoying beautiful weather. Also as of late we have been catching some very nice sheepshead at some of the passes. We have been finding some nice Redfish in the marbled bottom areas of Pine Island Sound, where you have a mix of sand and grass.
Monday right before dark under some structure we were able to coax some nice Snook into taking the bait. Of course the one monster Snook that we hooked managed to get us on something sharp and cut us off. Isn’t that always the way it go’s! Anyway if you’re thinking of a Fort Myers fishing trip, things are looking good. Tight lines and see you on the water. Bookmark this page to check out future Fort Myers Daily Fishing Reports.
Kasilof and Kenai Fishing Report September 1-19 2012
Hi everyone well the 2012 fishing season is coming to an end and so will our Kenai fishing reports, with just a few more trips left on the books. Well our September silver salmon were not as good as normal however we still had some good catches both on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers but we did have to work for them. We can report that we caught some very nice steelhead on the Kasilof also. I am hopeful that I will pick up some rainbow trout in the next couple weeks as that should start to get very good now that the pinks are all done spawning.
Kasilof and Kenai fishing Report August 11-29 2012
Well, our Kenai fishing report is that fall fishing is in full swing and all is good, I just love this time of year here on the Kenai. The fishing has been very good with limits of silver salmon almost every trip on both rivers the Kenai and the Kasilof. We also have had some great Rainbow Trout days catching some very nice trout. We are looking forward to a great September and starting on September 1st the Silver salmon limit go’s up to 3 per person so that will be nice.
Kenai and Kasilof Fishing Report August 1-10 2012
Hi everyone! In our Kenai fishing report, we are delighted to say, that Silver season on the Kenai is now in full swing and our Kenai fishing report is that the fishing is good we have been getting limits of nice silvers most days also lots of pinks. The rainbow fishing is very good right now also.
Kenai Fishing Report July 23-31 2012
Well the Kenai River Sockeye Salmon run has been incredible this year and we are still getting limits every day. Although, our Kenai fishing report must tell you they are finally starting to slow down. But what a great run! Also, last week we did a couple Kenai River Canyon trips for trout and for early season trout fishing we did very good. This week we will start fishing for Silver Salmon and probably also do some more trout fishing.
Kenai Daily Fishing Report July 17-22 2012
Hi everyone well Kenai and Kasilof King Salmon fishing has been closed due to low returns. So we have been targeting sockeye Salmon lately and the fishing has been very good with limits every day. One more week and we our report will tell of us chasing Silvers and Rainbows when bait opens on the 1st of august until then I hope the reds keep running strong.
Kenai and Kasilof Fishing Report July 4-16, 2012
Hey everybody sorry for the long delay since my last Kenai Fishing Report just been very busy. As everyone knows the Kenai River king run has been low this year and the Kenai River has been restricted to catch and release and no bait. However, on a brighter note, the fish have been big, the water conditions good and we have been catching some fish. The Kenai River sockeye run is looking very good as we already have had some huge numbers up the river and the fish are huge! We will see how the next two weeks go but I am optimistic that the fishing will be good for both King Salmon and Sockeye Salmon. Also, I’m hearing they are catching a few nice King salmon on the Kasilof River.
Kenai Fishing Report June 16-july 3, 2012
Hi everyone well the last few weeks have been a disappointment. The Kenai River was closed to King Salmon fishing and the Kasilof River restricted to artificial lure only and no bait. Despite decent fishing the Kenai River sonar counts on King Salmon were very low causing the closure. The Kenai opened back up on the 1st of July and lets hope the counts are better for the second run. During the closure I did some Rainbow trout trips on the middle Kenai and had some pretty good success for early season trout fishing, also did some lake trout trips and a few hikes on the refuge. I will keep you posted as the second run of Kings progresses.
Daily Report June 4-15 2012
Well the fishing season is in full swing now on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers here in Alaska. We have not had any hot fishing but it has been very consistent catching king salmon every trip on both rivers. I have had a number of four and five fish days on the Kasilof River, also have been picking up a few red salmon, today we landed four good Kings one small king one red salmon and a steelhead in all a fun day. As for the Kenai River We have had pretty decent fishing despite low sonar counts and it looks like we will be doing catch and release trophy only until the sonar numbers improve, As for catch and release fishing I personally enjoy it, the river is very quiet and the fish are not as spooky and tend to bite better. Anyway that’s the report and ill keep you posted as things progress on both the Kenai River and the Kasilof River.
Kenai Fishing Report May 29-June 3 2012
Hi everyone I have fished the Kenai River several more times since my last post. Fishing on the Kenai is looking very good and each day there seems to be a few more King salmon in the river. My last trip out we hooked four King salmon and landed three which is a good of King salmon fishing on the Kenai River anytime of year. Also the fish are very nice size this year with some big fish being caught. I have not fished the Kasilof river since memorial day but I’m hearing that it is starting to pick up as well. We are also seeing a few sockeye salmon entering the rivers, in all things are looking good and I’m very hopeful it is going to be a good first run of King Salmon on both the Kenai River and the Kasilof.
Kenai Fishing Report May 23-28 2012
Since my last Kenai and Kasilof fishing report post I have fished the Kasilof River once and the Kenai River three times. It is still early season king fishing but have had some nice fish to the boat. My last Kasilof river trip I had two people and we landed one nice king about 16lbs and two or three dolly varden also had a steelhead strike but we didn’t hook him. On the kenai river we have caught some nice fish last Saturday we landed two big slot fish one about 47 inches and probably 55lbs and one about 49 inches maybe about sixty lbs both awesome fish it’s nice to see some of those big guys coming through. So things are starting of well catching fish in both rivers it should just continue to get better with more king salmon entering the rivers each day.
Kenai Fishing Report May 21-2012
Our Daily Kenai Fishing Report is of the first trip down the kasilof. We landed a very nice native run King about 30lb and had another fish on but didnt land it looked like a 15lb hatchery fish. Also we caught 3 sea run dollvarden not a bad first trip. Things should continue to improve now on both the Kasilof river and the Kenai river.
Kenai Fishing Report May 19-2012
This was my first Kenai River King trip of the year and what a great way to start the season. First pass of the day we hooked and landed a bright chrome 30lb female. She fought very hard it was an epic battle. Later that morning we hooked another fish but unfortunately it got away and that was our last bite of the day. For early season fishing on the Kenai river I thought the trip was a success and look forward to getting back out there on the Kenai.
Kenai Fishing Report May 15-2012
I went to Hidden Lake last night with friends for one of my annual spring Lake Trout trips. Hidden lake is located on the Kenai national wildlife refuge its a beautiful lake surrounded my mountains. The fishing was good we landed 11 lake trout they are not as big as the lakers we catch up north but still fun to catch.
Kenai Fishing Report April 22-2012
Hi everybody looks like a new fishing season is almost upon us The Kenai River has been open and free of ice for about a week now I have not fished yet but a good friend caught 4 sea run dollyvarden yesterday. I will most likely put the drift boat in the river and fish for rainbows and dollys below Skilak Lake this week. As for King Salmon It wont be long. I’m sure some are already showing up in Cook Inlet and headed for the river. I have never caught one in april but I know a few come thru each year. I hooked one on april 25th one year but it got away. In 1998 on April 26 the day my son was born there was a 75lb king caught from a drift boat. My earliest catch is may 2nd which ive done twice and have caught many kings after the 5th of may. So it won’t be long. We had a very large snow fall this winter on the Kenai Peninsula which should make for good spring water conditions, the last few years we didn’t get much snow and the river has been extremly low which makes for tough conditions but this year we should have good water levels early with all the snow melt. Spring time is a magical time here in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula and after a long, dark and cold winter excitment runs high to dust the the boat off and get out on the water once again. So keep posted and I’ll let you all know as soon as something starts to happen !!!!!
Kenai Fishing Report for Kenai and Kasilof August 1-September 10
Hi everyone! We can report that silvers have been great this year on both the Kenai River and the Kasilof river.
Kenai Fishing Report July 20-31 2011
Well just finished another king season the last couple of weeks produced some great fishing and some tuff fishing 3rd week being the best the fourth was pretty slow as bait was closed but we still caught some nice kings anyway its on to silvers and trout my favorite time of year.
Kenai Fishing Report July 13-19 2011
Kenai River second run kings are running good and so far fishing has been good some tough days but some hot days too. It looks real good for the next to weeks,also there’s been some big fish hit lately we released a big buck weighing around 70 lbs on Saturday awesome fight. Reds hit the river in huge numbers with Sunday seeing 230 thousand fish entering the river so things are looking great on the Kenai. Our Kenai fishing report will resume soon.
Daily Report June-30-July-11
We have been on the Kenai the last ten days and for this time of year fishing has been pretty good and the size of the fish has been nice so things are looking good for the second run of kings on the Kenai.
Daily Kenai Fishing Report june 19-29 2011
Since my last post ive been up north to lake Louise on a lake trout trip fishing was very good and the weather was really nice. Ive also had some nice success on the kenai the last couple trips out.
Kenai fishing report june 7 -18 2011
I have been fishing every day know and so far having a good season. The Kasilof has been very consistent producing lots of fish, the Kenai has been inconsistent weve had some very good days but also some very slow days im hoping this next week will be good.
June 6 2011
Fished the kasilof today and fishing was very good lots of action and not much traffic great day.
Kenai fishing report May 14th 2010
This was the first guided trip on the Kenai River for the 2010 season. The weather was chilly and the fishing was slow but we managed to scratch out a beautiful 35 pound hen. She was bright chrome and had just came in from the ocean.
Kasilof and Daily Kenai fishing report May 17th, 2010
We can report that we fished the Kenai today beautiful day, water conditions were perfect but we couldn’t get one to bite must not be many in there yet.
Daily Fishing Report may 21st, 2010
We report that things are picking up a bit on the Kenai. We had some success today went out with four guys caught one early about seventeen pounds decided to release it. Then on tide we hooked a big fish fought it for a while but he came un hooked. We then had a couple more strikes but no hookups, also saw a couple roll.
Daily Kasilof and Kenai fishing report May 22nd, 2010
Spent the day on the Cook Inlet chasing Halibut. Got a nice limit of 8. Weather was decent all in all a great trip.
Fishing news May 26th, 2010
Fished the world famous Kenai River for King Salmon. We caught 2 early run Russian River Sockeye (Red) Salmon. Also, caught and retained one Kenai River King Salmon. The weather was unbelievably awesome and the company was great.
May 27th, 2010
Fished the Kasilof River today. It was an amazing day in the 70’s. We landed one Kasilof King. Fishing was a little slow but it should just get better from here.
Fishing on the Kenai May 28th 2010
Went out on the Kenai river today another nice day very warm. We landed one nice king and a sockeye.
Kenai Fishing Report May 29 2010
Pleasure to write the Kasilof and Kenai fishing Report. We fished the Kasilof today – still slow we had one nice king on and lost it at the boat also caught a steelhead two dolly varden and a flounder.
May 30 2010
On the kasilof again today,better fishing we hooked four kings landed two, caught a steelhead one dolly and a jack good day.
May 31 2010
We fished the kasilof today had one nice king on and lost it, we then landed 2 dolly varden and a jack tough day.
June 1 2010
Back on the kasilof again better luck today we landed three kings and two dolly varden great day.
June 2 thru 8 2010
With the kenai being closed we have been fishing the kasilof river every day it has not been as good as normal but have been landing two or three kings on most days still hope things will improve on both rivers.
May 11-12 2010
well fishing is pretty darn good on the kasilof yesterday we hooked 9 and landed 6 today we hooked six and landed 3 and 1 jack king two pretty good days
June 13 2010
We were on the kasilof river again today the weather was awesome and the fishing was good also. It was a very large tide today 21 ft high definitely pushed some fresh fish in the river we had 7 hookups and landed three real nice kings.
june 16-18
We can report that our fishing on the Kenai River was good and it is very nice to get off the oars for a few days and back in the power boat. Fishing has not been hot but we have been catching some nice fish Thursday was my best day this week hooking seven and landing three. Bait opens tomorrow so fishing should get better.
Well this is my first update of my report in a while just been very busy been fishing both the Kenai and kasilof rivers the kasilof trips have been more consistent but we have got some nice fish on the Kenai too. However the Kenai has been hard fishing and we all hope to see a improvement this week the water has been clean and the counts good so everyone is scratching there heads.
June 28-July5
I have been fishing the Kenai River mostly with just one trip down the kasilof river in the last week we did get one nice king and one small one however it felt like things were slowing down and probably wont pick back up till the 2nd run kings start coming. As for the kenai it also has been tough catching fish most days but very slow hopefully it will pick up this week.`
July6-14
We have been fishing the kenai and its just been hard fishing a few good days but we have had some bad luck with water conditions heavy rains made the river swell up and the water has been high and muddy. However the bigger July fish a starting to show and the water is clearing up so things are looking up should see some good fishing soon.
July 16-25
Well the big Kenai river kings are finally in the river and we have had some great fishing in the last ten days with several fish in the 60 lb class we have one more week of kings to go lets hope the good fishing continues.
july 26-31
Well we finished out our final week of king fishing on the Kenai River unfortunately the fishing was not as good as the third week however we did get some nice king salmon several in the sixty pound class. All in all it was a disappointing king season lets hope for better runs in the future.
August 3-4
Well we are back on the Kenai River but know we are chasing silvers the 3rd was our first day and it was pretty good almost got a limit the fourth was a little tougher but still got some nice silvers.
August 5-7
Kenai river rainbows awesome my favorite we been chasing rainbows the last three days pretty good bite with 4 or 5 fish over ten pounds.
aug 8-10
Back on the Kenai River chasing big rainbows again I love that fishing its so fun we caught some awesome rainbows, however we lost one that was unreal had to be in the mid to high 20s heart breaker.
august 11-23
We have been on the Kenai River and the Kasilof River targeting Silver Salmon fishing has been good and we have been getting limits almost every day so think its looking good for a good silver season.
Kenai fishing Report August 24 -sep 13
Well we are into the second run of silvers now and they are big beautiful fish, The silver run has not been as hot as the last couple of years but still pretty darn good and most days we are getting a limit or coming close. I love being a guide this time of year on the Kenai River the fishing is great the river is quit and the fall colors are out. The rainbow fishing is getting pretty hot to and ill be doing more trout in the weeks to follow.
Kasilof and Kenais Daily fishing Report September 15-October 10
Well everyone this is my last entry for the summer,we finished off the month with some great late run silver fishing as well as some outrageous rainbow fishing all in it was a good fall for both trout and silvers. I will start back up with the fishing reports in may of 2010.
may 1-june1 2011
Hi everyone this is my first post of 2011, im so glad summer is back and it feels so good to be back on the water.Ive been fishing almost every day know and ill try to get more active with these daily reports. Both rivers are producing king salmon right know however the kenai got muddy in the last few days I’m guessing it should be back in shape by by Thursday. My last two trips down the kasilof were pretty good with some nice schools of fish showing up on the tides. I have also been taking some trips for lake trout at hidden lake and that has been very good. Anyway things are off to a good start and we are all hopeful that its going to be a good season.
G
June 2-5 2011
I have been on the kasilof the past few days as the kenai got muddy after we had some very warm days. However the kasilof has been producing some nice kings so I’m thankful for that ,I look for this week two be good fishing on both rivers.
