If you are reading this then you are either a fly fisherman who wants to catch a steelhead or a “steelheader” looking for another great steelheading experience. Alaska is a top destination for fly fishing, whether for salmon or resident rainbows, and steelhead fishing in Alaska is also popular.
steelheader [steel-hed -er]
noun
A passionate angler who thrives on the challenge of chasing steelhead trout, embracing cold, wet conditions, countless casts, and the sheer determination it takes to feel that elusive tug.
Steelhead Fishing on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska
Kenai Peninsula steelhead are often overlooked, as these particular fisheries are small. Us Alaskans have worked to keep these waters “less fished” compared to their neighbor, the Kenai River. Although the Kenai River does have a small Steelhead run, they are more of an incidental catch while fishing for Kenai Rainbows.
I often book anglers for a week of fishing where we fish for large rainbows on the Kenai. Through the week we change it up and fish a couple days for steelhead. Our clients get to see more and experience a well-rounded Kenai Peninsula fishing experience. Many of my guests become repeat clients and once they have fished for Kenai Rainbows, return to have their shot at another steelhead. Steelhead fishing is addictive in nature. It seems like no matter what the weather or conditions are, a true steelheader will always go out because steelhead fishing in Alaska is that exciting!
Become an Alaska Steelheader
What is it to be a steelheader? Steelheading is an experience all to its own. Cold hands and feet, many, many casts and often times in weather that would turn most anglers away. It is all for the hope of a bobber going down or an elusive grab on a swung fly. A true steelhead fisherman is essentially a part time meteorologist, hydrologist, biologist and a conservationist. As mentioned before, you’re reading this because you’ve experienced this first hand or something has peaked your interest and maybe would like to call yourself a steelheader. Hooking into and landing an Alaska steelhead is the most gratifying fresh water fish to land, especially on the Kenai Peninsula.
I am completely obsessed with steelheading, traveling to remote Alaska destinations just for a chance to catch one on a different creek or river system. Kenai Peninsula Steelhead are unique. On most days they aren’t the fish of a thousand casts as they call their counterparts in the States. We have abundant numbers and any day can be a “double digit” day. On a slower day, a handful of opportunities will present themselves and it’ll be up to you to capitalize on those opportunities.
The Steelhead Experience
A typical day of steelhead fishing in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula will mean getting up early to meet your guide at either the river boat launch location or s designated spot at one of our smaller creek systems. This means heading out while it’s still dark since you’ll be hiking upstream to a coveted “run” or “hole” before someone else does the same. As I like to say, “first cast, first fish”. Alaska steelhead are just like any other steelhead, they could be on the move, traveling in-between runs or they could be resting in a deep hole, tail out or at the top of a run hidden in plain sight. You get the point though, they could be anywhere, and everywhere on any given day. When fishing the smaller systems on foot I’ll usually suggest fishing a bead as its the proven method to cover the most water no matter what the hole or run may look like.
Reading water is extremely crucial when chasing Kenai Peninsula steelhead. Obviously, you’re hiring a guide since we know where the fish may be and how to fish them. It’s our job to teach you as well. I always want steelhead anglers to learn something when fishing with me, including reading water, swinging a fly with a single hand rod and spey casting. My thing is to show up with an open mind and don’t become fixated on landing a steelhead. It will happen with patience and determination. Opportunities will be available on a daily basis during the steelhead season, so just be ready when your opportunity strikes.
If fishing a bead under a bobber is your favorite, that is an excellent way to target them. Often times I’ll fish a bead until I land one, then swing a fly for the rest of the day. Swinging a fly can be the most fun you’ve ever had when fishing for steelhead. This is usually my go to method if an angler has never landed a steelhead before.
Whatever experience you have steelhead fishing in Alaska or elsewhere, we will have a great time in this active fly fishery. Give me a shout to get our trip on the calendar.