The Kenai River Dolly Varden is sometimes considered a bycatch by many anglers and guides. Most folks often book trips with the sole purpose of catching a large Rainbow trout then quickly realize they are catching just as many “Dollies” and sometime more of them than trout. Although we don’t advertise a fishing trip as a Dolly Varden trip, on certain days they steal the show and provide our anglers with numerous hook ups. Every so often a trophy Dollie is landed on the Kenai River, they are beautiful fat and healthy specimens, reaching 24” or greater.
Alaska’s Most Widespread Fish
Dollies are the widest spread fish across the great state of Alaska, inhabiting numerous creeks and rivers. Basically, anywhere you can walk into to fish will most likely have Dollies present in most of Alaska. These fish are part of the char family and are highly migratory, spending part of their life in the salt water estuaries of watersheds but not quite venturing out to sea. Because of this fact they often get confused with Arctic char, an anadromous (born in fresh water but living in the ocean before returning to fresh water to spawn) fish very similar to the Dolly and also part of the char family.
Fall Spawning Brings Dolly Varden’s Stunning Colors
Dolly Varden are voracious eaters and will chow down on any egg or piece of salmon flesh that happens to cross their path. Unlike Rainbow trout on the Kenai, Dolly Varden at times specifically eat more diseased or abnormal eggs. This fact seems to make sense on why they live in the Kenai River possibly ridding the river of any diseases coming from such eggs. They are also known for their beautiful fall colors as they actually spawn in the fall as opposed to the spring like trout. Vibrant oranges and reds mix with white tipped fins and orange lips making for a stunning photo when releases these often-overlooked fish. The best time to catch the biggest and most colorful Dolly’s is undoubtably the fall months. Most are chasing Rainbow trout during the fall not knowing they may have an epic day of catching Dolly Varden.
You don’t need to be casting like a professional because it’s all about the drift. You’ll start your day off running up or down the river in a 20’ power boat with plenty of space to set up you cast. 3 anglers or less is optimum for the best fishing experience. Anglers need to watch their bobbers constantly while drifting as they can go down in a split second. There are many beautiful distractions on the Kenai River from stunning scenery to wildlife along the banks. Our guides have eyes in the back of their heads never losing sight of your bobber.
Dollies Deliver an Unforgettable Fight
We often refer to Dolly Varden as bulldogs while on trout fishing trip. These fish fight completely different than a trout dragging your line down to bottom and “dogging” you down-making anglers think a salmon has taken the bead. I’ve had these fish completely stop the bobber dead in its tracks; having the most seasoned angler’s think they have snagged the bottom. In many cases you’ll find out it is a massive dolly, dragging your fishing gear to the bottom, showing its strength and resilience, do not under estimate these fish or you won’t reap the reward of having your “grip and grin” with this underrated fish of the Kenai River.
Best Times to Fish for Kenai Dolly Varden
Any angler looking to have the highest chance of catching a nice dolly would have to be strategic on planning their trip to the Kenai. I usually tell folks that the beginning of the “bead” bite is your best bet. The bead bite refers to when our Sockeye salmon begin spawning on the Kenai River. This typically begins around the beginning of September. Early September also happens to be when Dolly Varden begins their spawn so it’s a short window of opportunity when planning your trip. Once the Dolly Varden feel they have had enough to eat they’ll go to the spawning beds. You may still catch dollies for sure but you may find that the bigger trophy Dollies aren’t around indicating they are spawning most likely.