There is a place south of Anchorage known as "Alaska's Playground." This is the Kenai Peninsula, one of the most scenic and accessible destinations in Alaska. It's the home of world-class fishing on the Kenai River, of moose in Kenai National Wildlife Preserve, and two of Alaska's best-known glaciers.
The Kenai is reached by way of the Seward Highway, a 127-mile ribbon of asphalt that's the only National Scenic Byway in Alaska. From this highway, the major communities of the Kenai lie within a day's drive of Alaska's largest city.
The main towns of the peninsula include Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, and Seward. Kenai, the peninsula's largest city, was founded in 1791 during the days of Russian rule. Reflections of that time can be seen in its Russian Orthodox Church, which is some 200 years old.
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Soldotna is a picturesque village renowned for its King Salmon fishing along the banks of the Kenai River, generally regarded as Alaska's best sportfishing river. Kenai Kings are among the largest in the state; one set a record, weighing in at 97 pounds, four ounces.
Homer, meanwhile, is well known for deep-sea fishing. In fact, a sign welcoming visitors to town proclaims Homer to be "The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World." It's easy to see why: Just stroll the water-front, and you'll see a flotilla of charter boats for hire.
Besides great fishing, the Kenai Peninsula is home to attractions of great natural beauty. Two of Alaska's famous drive-up glaciers (so called because they are reachable by road) are found along the Seward Highway.
About 50 miles south of Anchorage, at the entrance to the Kenai Peninsula, lies the turnoff for Portage Glacier, where a day boat takes passengers across the lake that faces the glacier. Even more accessible is Exit Glacier, which sits on dry land--travelers can park their car and walk a short distance right up to the face of the icy glacier. This is the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park that's accessible by car.
Just a few miles farther south, on the shores of Resurrection Bay, lies Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords. Sightseeing cruises leave from the small-boat harbor on excursions in search of whales, sea lions, and other marine creatures.
Downtown Seward is the epitome of small-town Alaska. Mom-and-pop shops line the streets, and you can buy freshly made popcorn or hand-packed ice cream cones at the local pharmacy (and get your pictures developed in one hour). Art galleries have sprung up in and around downtown, featuring the work of Alaskan artists.
Seward's biggest attraction, the Alaska SeaLife Center, sits at the very end of the Seward Highway. This $56-million facility is the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and one of only two in the world (the other is in Norway).
Inside the SeaLife Center, visitors can touch a starfish, come face to face with a seal, and generally learn about the animals that inhabit Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound. The facility's three-fold mission focuses on education, research, and rehabilitation. Many of the animals you'll see are being nursed back to health, so that one day they may be returned to the wild.
Contact: Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council (TravelAmerica Magazine), 14896 Kenai Spur Highway, Suite 106-A, Kenai, AK 99611; (800) 535-3624; www. KenaiPeninsula.org.
by M.T. Schwartzman
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Fishing for Salmon in Alaska
Alaska is home to the biggest sport caught King Salmon ever. Weighing in at 97 lbs. 4 oz., this magnificent specimen taken from the Kenai River is what Alaska salmon fishing dreams are made of. For this reason, anglers from far and wide are lured to Alaska in hopes of bringing home their own fishing legends.
The frigid, crystal clear waters of the Kenai River are home to numerous species of trophy fish including salmon, Rainbow Trout and Char. At the height of a red salmon run, these fish are so bountiful that all one has to do is gaze down into the clear waters to see numerous sport fish making their way through. In fact, the salmon are so plentiful that one of the great Alaska legends says that the salmon runs so thick you can walk across their backs.
With all of this bounty, it is no wonder that Alaska has become the prime destination for anglers, both novice and seasoned. Accommodating the flood of anxious fisherman during the peak Alaska fishing season (peak season runs from June to August), has led to the establishment of fishing lodges and guided fishing tours with the primary goal of giving guests the fishing vacation of their dreams.
Many of these establishments offer lush, wilderness accommodations that are within feet of prime fishing spots. No worry of these spots being crowded though. Situated on private property, many lodges are let out to only one group at a time which means that you and your buddies or family will be the only fishermen for miles around. And many of these prime spots are only accessible by boat or plane. There are no nearby residents and no access roads. Now that is a vacation!
You can fish clear waters loaded with all kinds of salmon including King Salmon (Chinook), Silver Salmon (Coho), Red Salmon (Sockeye), Chum Salmon (Dog) and Pink Salmon (Humpies) to your heart's content. Amazingly, it is estimated that a catch of 10 to 20 salmon per day is not uncommon on some parts of the Kenai River. You'll only be able to keep your limit, of course, but you can catch and release fish till you're too tired to fish. Always check local regulations and make sure you have a fishing license.
Are you going to be visiting Alaska and would like to do a little salmon fishing but do not want to dedicate an entire week to the sport? Maybe a one-day charter complete with a guided tour would be perfect for you. On these tours, experienced and knowledgeable guides direct you to unbelievable fishing spots on the Kenai or one of many other Rivers and creeks in Alaska . Once there, they help you through every step of the way to ensure that your Alaska salmon fishing experience is unforgettable.
Interested? Sure you are. Why not take some time to see what an Alaska salmon fishing vacation could have in store for you. Have fun!
The frigid, crystal clear waters of the Kenai River are home to numerous species of trophy fish including salmon, Rainbow Trout and Char. At the height of a red salmon run, these fish are so bountiful that all one has to do is gaze down into the clear waters to see numerous sport fish making their way through. In fact, the salmon are so plentiful that one of the great Alaska legends says that the salmon runs so thick you can walk across their backs.
With all of this bounty, it is no wonder that Alaska has become the prime destination for anglers, both novice and seasoned. Accommodating the flood of anxious fisherman during the peak Alaska fishing season (peak season runs from June to August), has led to the establishment of fishing lodges and guided fishing tours with the primary goal of giving guests the fishing vacation of their dreams.
Many of these establishments offer lush, wilderness accommodations that are within feet of prime fishing spots. No worry of these spots being crowded though. Situated on private property, many lodges are let out to only one group at a time which means that you and your buddies or family will be the only fishermen for miles around. And many of these prime spots are only accessible by boat or plane. There are no nearby residents and no access roads. Now that is a vacation!
You can fish clear waters loaded with all kinds of salmon including King Salmon (Chinook), Silver Salmon (Coho), Red Salmon (Sockeye), Chum Salmon (Dog) and Pink Salmon (Humpies) to your heart's content. Amazingly, it is estimated that a catch of 10 to 20 salmon per day is not uncommon on some parts of the Kenai River. You'll only be able to keep your limit, of course, but you can catch and release fish till you're too tired to fish. Always check local regulations and make sure you have a fishing license.
Are you going to be visiting Alaska and would like to do a little salmon fishing but do not want to dedicate an entire week to the sport? Maybe a one-day charter complete with a guided tour would be perfect for you. On these tours, experienced and knowledgeable guides direct you to unbelievable fishing spots on the Kenai or one of many other Rivers and creeks in Alaska . Once there, they help you through every step of the way to ensure that your Alaska salmon fishing experience is unforgettable.
Interested? Sure you are. Why not take some time to see what an Alaska salmon fishing vacation could have in store for you. Have fun!
by Jarred Kemp
Friday, May 7, 2010
Discover the Rugged Beauty of Alaska
Alaska is a region of dizzying contrasts. Due to the diversity of its wildlife, Alaska is home to some of the best tours in the world. From whale watching, wildlife and luxury tours to historical towns and gold mines, there is much to experience.
Home to over half of Alaska's population, South Central offers a variety of things to see and do. Anchorage is its largest town and one of its best-kept secrets - the perfect location for a luxury holiday.
Anchorage is nestled between the Chugach National Forest and Cook Inlet, in the heart of the great wilderness. Travel in any direction and you will be spoilt for choice. Snow-covered mountains, a fantastic trail system and miles of untracked snow create the ideal conditions for alpine skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing and more.
If spectacular scenery is what you crave you can book a luxury tour to the waters of Prince William Sound or Kenai Fjords National Park. Prince William Sound is a breathtaking mix of tidewater glaciers, rainforests and mountains, while Kenai Fjords National Park contains an abundance of marine life. Tours depart daily from Seward or Whittier.
For something truly out of this world, Anchorage's dancing northern lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, are a must-see. These lights appear when the electrically charged particles from the sun are blown on a solar wind and react to the earth's magnetic field. They can be incredibly bright, with their most common colour being a striking yellow-green.
Autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons to view the northern lights, and the best displays usually happen in sub-zero temperatures under moonless skies. Many of the hotels have a "northern lights wake up call" for guests.
The Alaskan Interior is the area south of the Arctic Circle and west of Canada. The Interior epitomises the Last Frontier. Gold mining - which started before the Klondike rush - continues to this day, particularly around Fairbanks. Denali National Park contains North America's tallest peak, Mt. McKinley, and is famous for its wildlife: grizzly bears, caribou and moose plus many other species.
The massive Yukon River flows westward across the region from Canada toward the Bering Sea. Waterfowl nest in the drainages of the Yukon and other rivers of the Interior.
Chena Hot Springs is situated five miles out of Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs is a privately owned luxury resort. Discovered in 1905, the springs are at the center of a 40-mile geothermal area which produces a steady stream of water that's so hot, it must be cooled before you can soak. The resort offers a heated lodge and rooms as well as log cabins and a camping ground.
Barrow is the well-kept secret of Alaska's Far North. Traditionally, Barrow is referred to as Ukpeagvik, 'place where owls are hunted.' Barrow is home to the world's largest Inupiat Eskimo settlement. While many modern conveniences are available, the subsistence lifestyle is still evident, and fishing, hunting, and whaling are a way of life for the Inupiat people. For further awareness, visitors should check out the Heritage Centre.
Barrow has the harshest climate in Alaska. The sun shines and never sets for 82 days from early May to early August and it is dark for 51 - 67 days between November and January. This can be a great time to view the northern lights. Barrow is one of the top 100 bird-watching spots in America. All four species of Eider ducks migrate and nest around Barrow. Barrow is also the prime habitat for many shore birds.
The Birnirk archaeological site lies two miles north of the airfield. The Birnirk culture, which existed about 500-900 A.D., is represented by a group of 16 dwelling mounds and is considered a key link between the prehistoric cultures of Alaska and Canada.
For those with a yearning to really get back to basics, few places on earth compare with Southwest Alaska. Brown bears amble along the plains and more than 240 bird species inhabit the region. The region's terrain is uncompromising - a fact highlighted by the landscape of volcanoes in Katmai National Park created by the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta volcano.
Unalaska and Dutch Harbor are great destinations for adventure seekers. Unalaska on Unalaska Island and its sister town Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island, are at the edge of the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. A 500-foot bridge connects the two islands.
In 1942, the Japanese opened their Aleutian Islands campaign by bombing Dutch Harbor in the only foreign invasion of U.S. soil during World War II. The Aleutian World War II National Historic Site was established in 1996 to share the history of an area critical to the U.S. during World War II.
Home to over half of Alaska's population, South Central offers a variety of things to see and do. Anchorage is its largest town and one of its best-kept secrets - the perfect location for a luxury holiday.
Anchorage is nestled between the Chugach National Forest and Cook Inlet, in the heart of the great wilderness. Travel in any direction and you will be spoilt for choice. Snow-covered mountains, a fantastic trail system and miles of untracked snow create the ideal conditions for alpine skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing and more.
If spectacular scenery is what you crave you can book a luxury tour to the waters of Prince William Sound or Kenai Fjords National Park. Prince William Sound is a breathtaking mix of tidewater glaciers, rainforests and mountains, while Kenai Fjords National Park contains an abundance of marine life. Tours depart daily from Seward or Whittier.
For something truly out of this world, Anchorage's dancing northern lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis, are a must-see. These lights appear when the electrically charged particles from the sun are blown on a solar wind and react to the earth's magnetic field. They can be incredibly bright, with their most common colour being a striking yellow-green.
Autumn, winter and spring are the best seasons to view the northern lights, and the best displays usually happen in sub-zero temperatures under moonless skies. Many of the hotels have a "northern lights wake up call" for guests.
The Alaskan Interior is the area south of the Arctic Circle and west of Canada. The Interior epitomises the Last Frontier. Gold mining - which started before the Klondike rush - continues to this day, particularly around Fairbanks. Denali National Park contains North America's tallest peak, Mt. McKinley, and is famous for its wildlife: grizzly bears, caribou and moose plus many other species.
The massive Yukon River flows westward across the region from Canada toward the Bering Sea. Waterfowl nest in the drainages of the Yukon and other rivers of the Interior.
Chena Hot Springs is situated five miles out of Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs is a privately owned luxury resort. Discovered in 1905, the springs are at the center of a 40-mile geothermal area which produces a steady stream of water that's so hot, it must be cooled before you can soak. The resort offers a heated lodge and rooms as well as log cabins and a camping ground.
Barrow is the well-kept secret of Alaska's Far North. Traditionally, Barrow is referred to as Ukpeagvik, 'place where owls are hunted.' Barrow is home to the world's largest Inupiat Eskimo settlement. While many modern conveniences are available, the subsistence lifestyle is still evident, and fishing, hunting, and whaling are a way of life for the Inupiat people. For further awareness, visitors should check out the Heritage Centre.
Barrow has the harshest climate in Alaska. The sun shines and never sets for 82 days from early May to early August and it is dark for 51 - 67 days between November and January. This can be a great time to view the northern lights. Barrow is one of the top 100 bird-watching spots in America. All four species of Eider ducks migrate and nest around Barrow. Barrow is also the prime habitat for many shore birds.
The Birnirk archaeological site lies two miles north of the airfield. The Birnirk culture, which existed about 500-900 A.D., is represented by a group of 16 dwelling mounds and is considered a key link between the prehistoric cultures of Alaska and Canada.
For those with a yearning to really get back to basics, few places on earth compare with Southwest Alaska. Brown bears amble along the plains and more than 240 bird species inhabit the region. The region's terrain is uncompromising - a fact highlighted by the landscape of volcanoes in Katmai National Park created by the 1912 eruption of the Novarupta volcano.
Unalaska and Dutch Harbor are great destinations for adventure seekers. Unalaska on Unalaska Island and its sister town Dutch Harbor on Amaknak Island, are at the edge of the North Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. A 500-foot bridge connects the two islands.
In 1942, the Japanese opened their Aleutian Islands campaign by bombing Dutch Harbor in the only foreign invasion of U.S. soil during World War II. The Aleutian World War II National Historic Site was established in 1996 to share the history of an area critical to the U.S. during World War II.
by Sue Johnson
Monday, April 12, 2010
Fly Fishing - Kenai River Fishing
The Kenai River salmon fishing experience is a one of a kind adventure. The Kenai river salmon fishing habitat or Special Management Area (SMA) consists of over one hundred and fifty miles of waterways including the main Kenai River, tributaries, streams and lakes. Some of the larger lakes in the Kenai River SMA include Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, both which provide
excellent Kenai river salmon fishing opportunities. The Kenai River itself is eighty-two miles long, emptying into Cook Inlet,providing some exceptional fishing opportunities in the spring and fall seasons as fish gather to head upriver to the spawning areas.
There are four different species of salmon that make Kenai River salmon fishing exciting and challenging at the same time. The King or Chinook salmon, the Silver or Coho salmon, and the Red or Sockeye salmon are the most numerous, with the Pinks or Humphries less common. Due to conservation issues the Pinks can only be kept on alternate, even numbered years until the population is again rebuilt. One of the many boasts that the Kenai River salmon fishing area can boast is that the largest King salmon on record at ninety seven pounds, four ounces was caught in the Kenai River. Many other larger King salmon, weighing over sixty pounds are caught yearly.
Another feature of Kenai River salmon fishing is the number of professional guides and fishing lodges that provide tours and lodging for anglers coming to fish the area. The lodges have all the amenities you would expect in fishing lodges in more populated areas, and most supply all equipment needed for the specific demands of Kenai River salmon fishing. Since guides in the Special Management Area must be licensed, there a constant monitoring of the quality of the guiding services as well as strong adherence to conservations laws and limit restrictions.
There are various seasons and months that are best for species specific Kenai River salmon fishing. The spring and early summer months of May through June are best for those anglers looking for King salmon, whereas the months of July through September are best for Silver Salmon, commonly known as Coho. Guides can assist with the most appropriate lures and bait, as well as providing the best possible locations to find fish under any given weather conditions.
Besides just Kenai River salmon fishing the area offers opportunities for hiking, camping and trekking. It is not uncommon to see elk, deer, moose, bald eagles and bear in their natural habitat, or even take a trip to the glaciers to see the amazing landscapes. Four wheelers and even horseback riding is available at many of the lodges and fishing resorts so be sure to ask or additional features when planning your fishing trip.
Eliseo is an avid fishing guy
For more info and related article about fishing
http://www.charasfishinginfo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliseo_Lao
excellent Kenai river salmon fishing opportunities. The Kenai River itself is eighty-two miles long, emptying into Cook Inlet,providing some exceptional fishing opportunities in the spring and fall seasons as fish gather to head upriver to the spawning areas.
There are four different species of salmon that make Kenai River salmon fishing exciting and challenging at the same time. The King or Chinook salmon, the Silver or Coho salmon, and the Red or Sockeye salmon are the most numerous, with the Pinks or Humphries less common. Due to conservation issues the Pinks can only be kept on alternate, even numbered years until the population is again rebuilt. One of the many boasts that the Kenai River salmon fishing area can boast is that the largest King salmon on record at ninety seven pounds, four ounces was caught in the Kenai River. Many other larger King salmon, weighing over sixty pounds are caught yearly.
Another feature of Kenai River salmon fishing is the number of professional guides and fishing lodges that provide tours and lodging for anglers coming to fish the area. The lodges have all the amenities you would expect in fishing lodges in more populated areas, and most supply all equipment needed for the specific demands of Kenai River salmon fishing. Since guides in the Special Management Area must be licensed, there a constant monitoring of the quality of the guiding services as well as strong adherence to conservations laws and limit restrictions.
There are various seasons and months that are best for species specific Kenai River salmon fishing. The spring and early summer months of May through June are best for those anglers looking for King salmon, whereas the months of July through September are best for Silver Salmon, commonly known as Coho. Guides can assist with the most appropriate lures and bait, as well as providing the best possible locations to find fish under any given weather conditions.
Besides just Kenai River salmon fishing the area offers opportunities for hiking, camping and trekking. It is not uncommon to see elk, deer, moose, bald eagles and bear in their natural habitat, or even take a trip to the glaciers to see the amazing landscapes. Four wheelers and even horseback riding is available at many of the lodges and fishing resorts so be sure to ask or additional features when planning your fishing trip.
Eliseo is an avid fishing guy
For more info and related article about fishing
http://www.charasfishinginfo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliseo_Lao
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