Kenai Mountain High

 Kenai Peninsula’s Skilak Lake Below 
 (Photo by Doug)

 

From the upper Kenai River base to a higher alpine lake managed by beaver, my angler buddy and I chose an alternative to the intermediate period between early and late runs of red (sockeye) salmon in the river.  A strenuous hike up a wilderness trail bordered by ferns, wild flowers, and bear scat teased our senses for a destination reward packaged with pristine beauty.  Upon arrival an alpine beaver dam made placid a shallow lake cradled by dramatic mountain slopes that extended to a beaver lodge on the opposite end.  In crystal clear water Arctic grayling welcomed an assortment of small surface fishing flies.  Although not the robust fight of red salmon below, the beautifully colored fish fought proportionally with the same purposeful intensity.  Upon release fragile sore mouths may have cautioned the piscatorial mini monarchs of how temporal paradise can be.    – Doug

ALASKA - Fishing The UNTAMED