When identifying what and where trout are likely to be feeding, so many Kenai River trout anglers make the mistake of assuming that these trout behave similarly to the trout they’ve experienced in other places. In other creeks and rivers around the country & the world, it’s common to focus on seams, eddies, foam lines, rocks, and other structure that either creates a resting spot or funnels food to a concentrated location. You may have a lifetime of experience from all over the world that normally guides your instincts on the water, but when fishing for trout on the Kenai River, regrettably, you have to throw almost all of that knowledge away.
Similarities:
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It’s all about food. Locating and identifying the food source is step 1.
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There’s often a smorgasbord of different food present, and so you need to find the food the trout are keyed in on.
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Multiple offerings and presentations will produce some fish, but a specific combo will produce more/big fish.
Differences:
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The majority of the food on the Kenai River (salmon eggs and flesh) is found on the bottom of the river. If you aren’t getting to the bottom, you’ll have much less success.
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Kenai River trout don’t have to move very far to find food, so you have to put it right in their face. With few exceptions, they won’t rise or chase very far in order to feed.
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The sheer volume of food on the Kenai River can be overwhelming, especially during the late summer & fall. “Matching the hatch” isn’t the best way to catch fish sometimes because your offering (i.e. bead) may blend in with the millions of others just like it. You must stand out!
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The feeding lane of a Kenai River trout can sometimes be hundreds of yards downstream of the actual food source. For example, a school of spawning salmon in one spot may initiate aggressive feeding behavior of the trout a couple hundred yards downstream as the food source drifts to them in a place they feel most comfortable.
The next time you find yourself on the Kenai River in pursuit of rainbow trout and dolly varden, remember the key points above and you’ll be off to a great start… And if you want to let us drive the boat while you put your skills to the test, get in touch with us here at Fishology and we’ll be honored to get you on board and show you why so many people (myself included) are obsessed with these amazing fish!
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