Page 50 - Anchorage & Kenai Peninsula Bearfoot

RIVER FISHING
SOLDOTNA HISTORY
Soldotna got its start as a means of conveying land to military personnel who were in World War II in t~e late 1940's.Veterans were given a 90-day preference In picking land under the Homestead Act. Atthe Home- stead Museum, you can see a map of the original land
plots, and the names of the early homesteaders.
OUT OF YOUR BOAT
Most King fishing on the Lower Kenai is ?one from boats. Everyyear, Fishand Game has to put In place re- strictions and bag limits to ensure a sufficient number of salmon will reach their spawning grounds and re- produce. The rules and limits can change daily so it is wise to hire a guide who willknow what they are. Most bankfishingisdonefor"reds"and "silvers." Wheny<:u bank fish in Soldotna you 'll fish from a walkway built to protect the river salmon habitat. Even if you have good waders, use the walkways to preserve the vege- tation which protects small fish.
MAP OF SOLDOTNA
-Kalifornsky Beach Rd To Kenai
and Kasilof
SOLDOTNA HISTORY
WALK TO YOUR CATCH
One easy place to fish is the "Classic Fishwalk" which is at the bridge in the middle of Soldotna. Park at the visitor center and walk down to the river on the wood- en stairs. Another easy place to fish is at Soldotna's Centennial Campground and Park.
In July, when this season 's red salmon start surging
through the towns of Kenai and Soldotna, the state
of Alaska will break out in a bad case of "red salm-
on fever." People from Anchorage and the Mat-Su
Valley - and even as far away as Fa~rbanks - driv~
down to the Kenai to catch these fish. Some rest-
dents use dipnets along the Kenai beach. But plen-
ty of others, armed with only a sp~nn.in~ rod and a
bucketful of coho flies, catch their limit from the
Kenai River. These delicious salmon are packed on
Soldotna got its start as a means of conveying land
ice to be filleted frozen or smoked. You can have
,,.. your catch flash-frozen and shipped back home In
special containers.