We're coming to Alaska!!!!!!!!!

[Uncle Buck]

Hey guy's, the wife and I are going to Alaska for vacation this year. We will be coming up the last week of June and leaving the first week of July.
We hope to catch some King salmon on the Kenai River on a 2 day guided fishing trip. We will be staying in Kenai at a lodge. Do you folks have any does or dont's, suggestions of things to see or do, weather this time of year, mosquitoes. Any advice would be a great help to us. We will be in the area of Anchorage, Seward and the entire Kenai Penninsula for 10 days. We want to see Moose and we both love to fish. We are both 50 but get around like 30 year olds. We are flying in and renting a car.

Thank's any info is helpful :D :D

Gary and Barb Boggs ( VTXOA Mountain Man)
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA

[AKJason]

Sounds like a good time! I'm waaaay up North in Fairbanks so I can't give much in the way of fishing recommendations.

I do know that the entire Kenai peninsula is very beautiful. If you don't mind spending some time in the car, I'd drive all over the place. At least get down to Homer to look around, and also stop by Seward at some point.

Last summer we spent a week camping around Anchorage (shopping) and down by Seward. We drove through the tunnel to whittier which was a pretty and fun drive, but Whittier is very forgetable.

Mosquitos around the Kenai I can't comment on. In Fairbanks they can be ravenous. Nothing except products with DEET in them will ward them off. (I like Deep Woods Off.) I would think there are less of them in that part of Alaska, somebody will comment I hope.

I can predict it will be as crowded as it will ever be while you're here. Make sure you have reservations for whatever you plan to do. The guided fishing trip is very wise, you don't want to be combat fishing on the shores. Although, I think it's worth a short drive to go witness combat fishing in person.

I have done halibut fishing by day charter out of Homer and I really enjoyed that. The smaller the boat the better, fishing with 40 of your closest friends crowded around a railing with lines dropping 450 feet is not a happy thing. We used a 6 person charter boat - more expensive and it's good to have your sea legs.

Something off the beaten track is to drive up to Hope Alaska. It's a teeny tiny town across the inlet from Anchorage. You can find it on a map of the Kenai. It is a pretty drive to a tiny town. Not much to do but if you want to see some scenery and get away from all those people it can be nice.

I can't speak about Kenai weather with much authority. Generally Alaska in the summertime can range from 45 to 95. Being by the coast will keep things moderate, but I would be prepared for light rain, and wind. Bring layers and you'll be fine.

Bring lots of film, or spring for that new 1GB compact flash card you've been eyeing.

Most importantly, post pictures here when you get back!!!

Come to think of it, I'll try to upload and post a few of ours sometime this weekend.

[Uncle Buck]

Thaks for the info Jason. I have heard about the combat fishing on the river. Sounds pretty insane. Thanks for the tip on Hope, we will be checking that out.

[aktomi]

Greetings Mountain

I lived in the Anchorage area for over 40 years. Don't let the weather bluff you out. Make plans and keep them. In Anchorage, go to LaMex at 6th and I St. They have the best beef ribs in the country. There's a hamburger joint called the Arctic Roadrunner at Old Seward Hwy and International Airport Road. Order the Kodiak Islander.

About 10 miles south of Anchorage is Potter RR Section house. It is now headquarters for the Park Service. Good infor and history of region. Another 15-20 miles south, along very scenic, twisty Seward Highway, you'll find the Girdwood/Alyeska area. Alyeska Prince Hotel - very pricy- and a gondola lift to a 5 star restaurant with an outstanding view of Turnagain Arm. Take the ride even if you don't eat. Back at the bottom, there are cool shops at the base of Mt. Alyeska Ski Resort. Ask for directions to the Double Musky if you like outstanding Cajun and Alaska cooking. DM has great beer battered halibut chunks for appetizers that are a whole meal.

A little farther south you will find the tunnel to Whittier. I heard it is now open to car traffic. When Iwas there you had to load your car on the train for the trip through the tunnel. Nearby is Portage. You can dive up a scenic road to the glacier viewing area. The scenery on both sides of the road is great. Stop at any small creeks you cross and look for salmon. They should be thick when you are there.

Homer is a cool destination. Stop in the Salty Dog. Plenty of charters there and out of Seward. You might catch the end of the Silver Salmon run. Good fish.

Moose? Just keep your eyes open. Any time of day or night. The days will still be pretty long when you are there. Plan to pull over often for pictures.

Last but not least. If you get in a bind, Walt Monegan is the Chief of Police in Anchorage. Mention my name (Sid Moen) for a possible "get out of jail free card" :wink:

Have a great trip and take lots of pics!

[aktomi]

La Mex. I just saw in the Anchorage paper La Mex downtown is closing. The ribs can be had at their new location on King Street in S. Anchorage. Worth the trip. :?

[Uncle Buck]

Excellent info Sid. Much appreciated!!!! :D

[tomkat]

La Mex is indeed closed downtown, but Spenard is still open and will serve the ribs. :( :lol:

The Kenai is some of the best fishing in the state, certainly the best you can drive to. Don't try to fish from the banks...they call it combat fishing and with good reason. There have been gun fights. :shock:

Best fishing I ever did on the Kenai was in drift boats. Fish the Kenai on Tuesday from a drift boat. Monday the river is closed to all boats, Tuesday's only drift boats, so the fishing can be hot.

Definately do a halibut charter, but I would go out of Deep Creek, not Seward. Deep Creek is a shorter run to the fishing holes, so you get more time with your line wet. Plus, its not as popular as Seward, so the price is generally better.

If you can work it into your plans, take the train to Seward. The drive is beautiful, but the train ride is truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Spend one day up North in the Mat-Su Valley. I would make time to go up to Indendance Mine north of Wasilla. Some great history there and truly breathtaking views and great hiking.

Definately need to eat dinner one time at the Double Muskey in Girdwood. Amazing food and amazing views.

Um, I'll post more when I think of it. One week isn't enough.