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!
