Sustainable Angling: Master Catch and Release in Kenai!

Sustainable Angling: Master Catch and Release in Kenai!

     Hey there, fellow anglers!  I’m Mike, your Kenai river guide for the day. I’m here to share some wisdom about sustainable fishing – a subject close to my heart, especially when it comes to the art of catch and release trout fishing.  Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this guide is for you.  So, let’s dive in!

The Ethics of Catch and Release

     Catch and release isn't just a fishing technique; it's a commitment to conservation and respect for our aquatic pals. Here on the Kenai, we're blessed with an abundance of fish, like the stunning Rainbow Trout and the spirited Dolly Varden arctic char. My first run-in with a massive Rainbow Trout was a defining moment for me.  I remember the rush of excitement as I gently released it back into the water, knowing that this small act contributes to the health of our ecosystem and that I might be able to catch that fish again.  I also almost pissed myself because it was the hardest fighting fish pound for pound I had ever hooked into.

 Why Catch and Release Matters

It's all about balance.  By practicing catch and release, we help maintain a healthy fish population, ensuring that our waterways continue to thrive. This practice isn't just good for the environment; it also ensures that our fishing adventures can be enjoyed by future generations.  On the Kenai the Rainbow trout and Dollies do a great job consuming dead salmon flesh and cleaning up the river.

Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden on the Kenai

  Rainbow Trout are the celebrities of the Kenai. Their vibrant colors and fighting spirit make them a favorite among anglers. Dolly Varden, on the other hand, might not be as flashy, but they're tough and resilient, offering a different kind of challenge.  If you fish enough you get over the rush of catching salmon.  Each year when they enter, they die.  Meaning they don’t get smart to the tricks of anglers.  Trout on the other hand, can get just as big and be far more selective in what they eat.  Trout fishing is where we separate the anglers from the general fisherman.

 The Right Gear

     Barbless hooks are your best friend. They cause less damage and make the release process smoother.  I remember switching to barbless hooks a few years ago; the difference it made in the health of the fish I released was remarkable.  No more ripping chunks of flesh off of them.  If you lost a fish because your fishing barbless, it’s more likely you didn’t fight the fish correctly and maintain tension.  Don’t blame the hook, blame yourself.

 Fighting the Fish

     The goal is to reel in the fish quickly to prevent exhaustion.  A tired fish has a lower chance of survival once released.  Its important to remember if you fight the fish for a long time, you better revive it for a long time.  It F**K**G INFURIATES me when I see people pitch Kenai rainbows back into the water like bass.  Those are my business partners you are killing.

 Handling and Releasing Trout Safely

     Always wet your hands before handling trout. This helps protect their delicate slime coat.  Hold the trout gently and avoid squeezing.  If you squeeze the trout will wiggle and jump out of your hands.  This is another reason why fish are held over the side of the boat when photographing them.  If they fall out of your hands they hit the river, not the bottom of your boat.  Also, if you’re the jackass who drags the fish onto the rocks to take a picture of it laying, dying, on the rocks, you are a prick.  Again your killing my homies.

Reviving the Trout

     Before releasing, it's crucial to revive the trout. Hold the fish in the water, allowing it to regain its strength.  Given enough time the trout will swim off under its own power when it is ready.  If you have let the fish go and it turns belly up, it is not necessarily dead.  Go get it and try to revive it again.  The thrill of having a beast fish swim away from your hands, knowing that the chance to catch it again exists, makes my heart race.

Rules and Regulations on the Kenai for Trout Fishing

      Fishing regulations are there for a reason.  They keep our trout populations healthy and our fishing practices sustainable.  Current rules and regulations can be found on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website, linked below.  If you do not know the local regulations, understand ignorance is not an excuse.  There are hundreds of professionals like myself who are more than happy to make sure you know the rules and regs. 

Connecting with Nature

There's something deeply rewarding about fishing in a way that respects the environment.  It adds an extra layer of fulfillment to your fishing trips, knowing that you're playing a part in conservation.

 A Note on Releasing Salmon

Don’t.  If you are fishing for salmon in the Kenai River understand that those fish will not feed again as they migrate up river.  When you fight that fish you are draining the fish’s battery.  And now, after a life time of waiting to get laid just once, you’ve robbed him of that opportunity.  When salmon fishing try to limit the amount of fish you land to only the limited catch.  If you have your limit do not continue to fish for salmon.  You are harassing them at that point and again, you’re a prick. It sounds barbaric. But if you are going to fish for them, be ready to kill them!

 Conclusion

Mastering catch and release is more than a fishing technique.  It's a commitment to the future of fishing in Kenai.  It’s about ensuring that the thrill of fishing is available for generations to come. So next time you’re out on Kenai's rivers, remember: it's not just about the catch; it's about how you release it.

Here’s to many more sustainable fishing adventures in Kenai! Keep those lines tight, and let’s keep our waters teeming with life. Happy fishing!