Why are we here?

Portage Glacier, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Philosophers have pondered that question for thousands of years. I know the answer. The annual runs of King Salmon and Sockeye Salmon begin in the Kenai River about July 15th. I’ve been here the last three years. The eagles and bears also begin to congregate.

It never really gets dark here this time of year. There is a period of twilight from about 1 am to 3 am, but it’s still pretty light.


Dave and Karen next door are hauling one of those aerodynamic aluminum trailers. They have a topper on their Chevy pickup. He has a full size freezer in the bed of the truck that runs off a complex system of 12 volt batteries, inverters and a portable generator. So far he has collected 30 Sockeyes from the Copper River and three small Kings (about 25 pounds each). When they stop, they set out pots full of fresh herbs and growing tomato plants. I watch him set up his fly rods.


The pink salmon we caught ended up each being a package of two pound filets. We can’t grill and eat a whole one at one meal, so Mrs. Phred mixes the leftover with mayonnaise, eggs, celery and chopped onion for sandwiches. It's really good.

We make reservations for three days in Homer for Halibut fishing and another three on the Kenai in Soldatna for Salmon. One day is with our traditional guide, Larry, for kings. We also hope to take a fly-in trip to the back country to watch the bears fish for salmon.