Decided to float the middle Kenai River with my kayak. First
time on my kayak, second time ever! Hard to believe since I grew up in Kenai. I
used to be a meat fisherman so I know the lower Kenai like the back of my hand
but never the Middle.
I pedal a mile to the inlet of the River. Hundreds of reds
jumping. Tried trolling a dodger and mini hoochies for about 20 minutes but
nothing.
Tried an oversized egg sucking leech pattern for a little
bit. One good strike. Switched to a red flesh fly with bead and managed several
strikes and two small rainbows of maybe 14 inches. I got to Kenai Keyes where a
pig roast was going on! Great break! They had 4 to 6 fishermen in the water for
about 4 hours and had 7 reds to show for it. Pretty slow. I saw maybe 2 reds hooked
on my way down by maybe 30 total fishermen.
Below Kenai Keyes the water clarity diminished and I only go
one more quasi strike and the float was over.
What a beautiful section of river. I was impressed with how
my Hobie Outback performed. Hands free kayaking and the ability to slip
downstream hugging the shoreline in a very controlled fashion makes it the
ideal one man rig.
I can't wait to try plugs and side drifting a bobber and roe
or jig combo for the silvers. I'm betting if I can improve my abilities in fly
fishing this Hobie is going to be the ultimate craft to fish as a single person
for the Kenai. Oh, disclaimer. I have no ties to Hobie other than I own one!
Lol, been accused of that before.
