As a general rule when do the BIG kings show on the Kenai.

[akdube]

So the wife got me a guided trip on the Kenai this year. First question is when do the Bigger kings show on the Kenai. Second question is if you had the chance to fish the kenai when would you go? I have caught numerous kings upto 55lbs but I would like to go for that big one when and who should I go with. Thanks

 

[markw3]

That's a tough question, but the best odds to catch a big King would probably be from July 10th-31st..... Of course, the World Record was caught in mid-May, so big Kings are in the river from May-July. If you want to keep your big King, then be forewarned that there is a slot limit during the month of June.
good luck!

 

[akdube]

So would I be better off to wait for it to open for bait? I would think so as bait is always best but being a different fishery than I am use to i just dont know...I am also looking for guide reccomendations as well. Thanks

 

[MRFISH]

I am also looking for guide reccomendations as well. Thanks

Send a PM to forum user "iceblue", there are several guides I've had good experiences with, but that's who I'd be calling first.

 

[ak_powder_monkey]

May 17 comes to mind

 

[FishGod]

The day after king season ends.

 

[fishNphysician]

So the wife got me a guided trip on the Kenai this year. First question is when do the Bigger kings show on the Kenai. Second question is if you had the chance to fish the kenai when would you go? I have caught numerous kings upto 55lbs but I would like to go for that big one when and who should I go with. Thanks

An honest 55# fish is a mighty BIG fish.... even for the Kenai, that's an exceptional catch these days. If you are fortunate enough to land one, strongly consider releasing it to perpetuate its obvious genetic fitness. The river needs as many of them on the gravel as the fishery is willing to give up.

As to when the big fish arrive, read this....

http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php/83260-Got-jack-Kenai-dinks-rule....

 

[markw3]

Although I have nothing against any angler that wishes to take his/her catch home with them, I will echo Doc's post by encouraging you to consider releasing a BIG King, if you are lucky enough to land one of course... If you fish during July with a guide that is part of the "release a hog" program, you can get a fiberglass replica of a monster king for next to nothing.
As far as waiting for bait goes... there are benefits and drawbacks to each time of the year: June has much less pressure on the river and the average size of Kings caught might be slightly smaller. July has a lot more traffic, but bait is allowed and the average fish is a bit larger. But like I said before, giant Kings come in the river from May-July, and as powder-monkey mentioned, the world record was caught on May 17th. If your one and only goal is to land a large king, then anytime from July 10th-July31st would probably be your best bet.

 

[ysr_racer]

As a general rule when do the BIG kings show on the Kenai.

Usually when I'm on the Little Su

 

[johnnycake]

My family has used Steve McClure for two decades now, real class act and will work hard to be sure that you are satisfied with your fishing trip. We always aim for the 3rd or 4th week of July, and it has been hit and miss recently. 10 years ago it was incredible! I remember one morning between my dad, my two brothers and myself catching and releasing 30+ kings in the 10-35 lbs range and at the end of the day keeping a 57 lber(my 7 year old brother's fish, he only weighed 52lbs at the time) and 2 45lbers. The next day 8 hours and only 1 fish(54" with a 36" girth that was released and used the release a hog program, great program btw) that fish was estimated between 75-80lbs, beautiful hen.
The last three years that I have gone, so 2005, 06, 07 (I know, I am in desperate need to get back up there! but college is spendy these days...) it has been a bust, be it may, june, or july and from what I have lived vicariously lurking on this board that seems to have been the general trend on the Kenai.
Best of luck to you, and again Steve McClure is an incredible outfit.

McClures Rustic River Retreat
Guide: Steve and Rondi McClure
PO Box 2263
Soldotna, AK 99699
Contact: 907-262-2977