Alaska's Drift Away Fishing

Spring King Salmon fishing in Alaska is truly a special phenomenon.  The distance snow capped mountains still hold the recent memories of winter,  in the low country trees and plants are begging to bud, and the rivers are starting to fill with the first run of King Salmon.

The Kenai and Kasilof rivers of the Kenai Peninsula is our stomping grounds for Kings.  Late May - June this is the place to have your best luck at road-access 1st run King fishing.  One of the greatest points about spring Kings is the challenge.  Low and cold water keep Kings on the  finicky side of life.  The salt water is typically around 50 degrees once the Kings begin moving into the rivers they run into water temps in the low 40's.  This rude awakening sends most back out to the river mouth, the brave ones that do continue up river become lethargic. But, if you can get a plug on some eggs in front of their mouth, hold on!  The once docile King turns into a ball of fury.  Fighting a King in shallow water is an exciting experience, they can't swim down, so their only option is everywhere else.

What do you use for 1st run Kings?  Think small.  Plugs, cheaters, and spin'n glo's are the staple for 1st and 2nd run Kings always.  Since we are dealing with low water and finicky fish we need to downsize.  k-13, Mag Worts, and small cheaters/spin n glos is the ticket.  Chartreuse and orange in various arrangements are my favorite.   Cheater leaders should be about 18" or so, and hard lined with a diver.  Plug leaders should be about 4'.  Check out the photos of my favorite plugs and cheater for early season.  Good luck!