Carter Lake is a beautiful alpine lake above the town of Moose Pass. Access to the lake is via 1 mile uphill hike along a well maintained trail with incredible views of Upper Trail Lakes and Johnson Pass.  Fly fishing is practiced from the shore or wading into shallow waters from a few secluded spots. The catch rate is very high, especially when the ice goes out and later in the summer when the rainbows migrate to the creeks. Carter Lake is an ideal candidate for a ½ day fishing trip. The hike to the lake starts from the trailhead located at Mile 33 of the Seward Highway.

Crescent Lake   is accessed by meandering another 1 mile beyond Carter Lake through Alpine Meadows. The lake, which is much deeper and colder, offers magnificent grayling and rainbow trout fishing. A popular activity is the lakeside lunch of fresh grayling. Many small creeks feed the lake which offer unique fishing opportunities.

Russian River is known for incredible red salmon runs that have two peaks, in mid June and late July. The river can be fished from the confluence of the Kenai River up to a set of beautiful lakes. Up river offers the opportunity to harvest beautiful bright salmon which are mixed with trophy rainbow trout. The river is heavily fished but the successful angler must rely on knowing the right spots and how to maneuver amongst the people and the bears and often confusing and changing regulations.

Access to the Russian River is at Mile 52 of the Sterling Highway at the Forest Service campground. There is a short hike to the trailhead and the trails are relatively flat. The harvest limit changes according to run strength and anglers are encouraged to keep their salmon catch.

Quartz Creek is a secluded river that meanders from Tern Lake to Kenai Lake. The river is easily accessible from the Sterling Highway from mile marker 41-43.5 and offers a great option for ½ day trips and for clients who want to get right to the fishing without the hikes yet enjoy the seclusion and unique out door experience and the opportunity to catch the plentiful Dolly Varden. It is an excellent alternative to the “combat fishing “on the Kenai River.

Upper Trail Lakes is a spot where spin casting is very popular. It is a great evening or short day activity for youth and novice fisherman or fly fisherman desiring to gain some practice and exercise their gear. Drive directly to locations and fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, lake trout and the rare white fish.

Ptarmagin Creek is located at Mile 23 of the Seward Highway, the river is a 5-10 minute hike. Fly-fish the river down to the mouth of Kenai Lake.  Fish for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden which follow the migrating salmon to and from Kenai Lake. This is a great ½ day trip or early morning late afternoon sojourn.

Secret spots and fly-ins are all over the area that offer unique experiences based on the time of year, run strength and desires of the fishing client. These spots are often shared or offered to the adventurous and willing customers.

Drift Boat Fishing

(Fish were caught in the middle Kenai River in November/December on the Middle Kenai trout fishing trip.  Fishing for rainbow is good from June 11 through December.)

 All trips start at 6 AM unless another time is specified. 

Starting Locations and directions will be shown on confirmation.

KING SALMON

Bag Limit

KING SALMON limits are one fish per day, two per season. Fish & Game regulations disallow any further fishing from a boat (for that day) once a King is retained. The fisherman may fish from shore for the rest of the day, however. Also, a sportsman may catch and release, retaining the trophy of his choice.

Fishing Techniques

Back trolling: Holding the boat into the river current and slowly slipping backwards allowing the plugs and diver baits to work in the current behind the boat.

Free-Drifting: Turning the boat sideways in the current and throwing the weighted lures and bait upstream. The current moves the boat down river pulling the lures and bait down stream along the bottom.

Back bouncing: Bouncing bait or plugs behind the boat in the current, the weight hitting the bottom each time.

RED SALMON

Red Salmon are not aggressive biters in freshwater but this great sport fish can still be caught in the mouth and provide the fisherman with a hard fighting battle. As the Reds migrate up river they travel in groups and swim close to shore. This gives wading anglers the ability to intercept the migrating salmon. Good waders are a must when fishing for Reds. Hip waders are ok but chest waders will give you best access to the river. Also, be sure to bring a hat and polarized sun glasses to see into the water.

When fishing for the Red Salmon, fly rods and reels are the gear of choice. Fly rods that are seven weights to nine weights are used with fly reels that have a good drag system. Most fishermen use a straight twenty pound leader and a coho fly or a piece of yarn on a hook at the end of the leader.

The way of fishing for Red Salmon that aren’t aggressive biters is the "Clothes lining method". As the fish are migrating up stream, with their heads and mouths all pointing in the same direction, you will sweep your fly line and leader across the water and into the fishes mouth. With an abundant amount of fish migrating up the river this technique is very productive.

RAINBOW TROUT / DOLLY VARDEN

Rainbow Trout season opens June 11 and closes November 1. Trout fishing is good all summer long with June, September and October being the prime months. Trout are fished from drift boats and from shore

Maximum is 4 people in July.

All gear is provided by Corey.  Drinks and snacks will be available on the boat.  Only the essentials will the clients need to bring.

Camera, light rain gear, appropriate clothing, fishing license, lunch.

Additional Information

Gear

We provide

quality gear, fly and spin casting, all tackle, float tubes and logistics.

You provide

Waders (a must if drift boating), polarized sun glasses, sun screen, hat, gloves, warm coat (down, Thinsulate or pile is recommended), casual clothing, for 40 or 60 degree weather (cooler in September and October), warm socks, good rain gear, camera and film, personal items and medicines.  A fishing license is a must unless under 13 year of age.

Reservations

50% deposit required at time of booking, full payment due prior to trip.

Liability

All clients shall recognize that fishing can be a hazardous activity, and will not hold Chugach Backcountry Fishing or its agents responsible for accidents, thefts or acts of God.

*All trout fishing is catch and release,

*Tips are appreciated but not expected.

Permitted by

Alaska Department of Fish and Game,

Department of Natural Resources and Chugach National Forest