Ok were headed to the Kenai Penn. July 19th! Im wondering what everybody uses for the Reds up there. Were targeting Razors but we want to catch many Reds as were there for 6 days. Seems were hitting it perfect for 2nd run Reds and the big fish of the 2 popular big rivers up there. So any combat veterans from there or people who have been there care to elaborate on the tactics and or gear of choice. Particularly the flies used. If I know what to get I can get em before I leave.
Thanks for any help!

Bob D

Flies? I think I'd better let Bob answer this one!

Parker

Bob D you will need to use a 40 to 48 inch leader 2/0 red gami and a 2mm green bead or a small piece of chartruse yarn and about 3iches of 1/4 inch pecil lead attached to a swivle.One of the best place ive fished has been the airport after you cross the Kenai in Soldatna take a left on Funny river road and follow it till you see the airport on your right and there will be a big parking lot on your left just follow the trail you will see all the people get as close as you can to the up stream boundry marker and fish on!!! PS dont go above the marker or it will cost you!!!

Bob,

I will try to stay away from the lining vs. biting debate. Tactics for each are similar.

If you want to target 'biters', use sparsely tied comets in orange or green. You will need to be on the bottom where the fish are so use plenty of weight.

If you are interested in catching alot of Reds and plan on fishing at the confluence or any of the popular up river sites, you will be a part of the 'lining' crowd. For this, a fast sink tip line with 2-4 feet of mono for the tippet, a sharp 2/0 hook with a little tuft of yarn tied on will work. Weight it all down so it will get to the bottom. Yarn flies in any color is all you'll need. The tactic is to sweep the line down river into the Reds holding in the current, and filter the line into their mouth. A downstream 'sweep' with the rod tip will pull the hook into the mouth.

In the Kenai, there is very little visibility with all the glacial silt, so I would imagine 99% of the fish caught there are lined. I've done both methods and have no problem with either one. If you need more info, shoot me an email.

Steve

Teeny Nymphs in the larger sizes are wondrous snagging flies.

Thanks guys your help is greatly appreciated! Ill stick one hard for ya!

Bob D