Aaron Cooper Guide & Outfitter • Kenai, Alaska

Fishing for Salmon in Alaska, Kenai River

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Hi, I'm Aaron Cooper owner and operator of ACE Fishing Adventures on the Kenai River of which I started in 2004. I have been guiding from Montana to Alaska since 1993 and have had the opportunity to fish and have fun in virtually every climate and weather scenario mother nature can throw at you. I am a gear junkie and am always looking for the newest and greatest, some of that you will see in this list, along with may tried and true pieces.

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Rods, Reels & Line

This is a basic list of DIY gear to bring for fishing for Salmon on the vast majority of rivers in Alaska, specific to the Kenai it can be used all over the state.

Rods

Lamiglas LX 86 HC-GH - X11

Lamiglas ISS 90 MS Infinity 9' Spinsation

Lamiglas LX 908-4 x11 Fly 8WT 9'

Reels & Spools

Ardent Apex Magnum Baitcast Reel

Ardent C Force 3000 Spinning Fishing Reel

Remix 3-Pack Fly Fishing Reel & Spools

-7+

Line & Backing

XS Fluorocarbon

15 lbs

Maxima Service Spool Green 20 lbs

Lures, Flies, Tackle & Bait

Here are a few of the basics to have to cover most species throughout the year, main focus being Sockeye and Silver Salmon but can and will be useful for other salmon species.

Lures

Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner - 5/8 oz. - Pink

Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner - 5/8 oz. - Orange

Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner - 5/8 oz. - Gold

Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner - 5/8 oz. - Silver Fluorescent Yellow

Blue Fox Classic Vibrax Spinner - 5/8 oz. - Firetiger

Flies

Kenai River Sockeye Fly Rig

Addicted Tailout Twitcher Jig

1 oz purple and pink

Hooks

Beak / Octopus Bait Hook

2/0 and 3/0

Other

1-1/2 Oz Trolling Sinkers

Bags, Boxes, Storage & Organization

It is really nice to have all your gear handy and easily accessible, I have found that a backpack-style bag is the easiest to travel around in the thick brush with.

Clothing

Dress warm in layers with rain gear is all you need to know about Alaska. Expect high 40's and rain to low 60's and sun and that will cover the vast majority of Coastal AK. Rain gear is a must, do not show up with a pocket poncho! You will be much happier all day when you are dry and warm.

Sunglasses & Retainers

Costa Del Mar Men's Fantail Rectangular Sunglasses

Sunrise Silver Mirror Polarized

Neck Gaiters

BUFF Multifunctional Neckwear

Tops

KUIU Peloton 200 Zip-T

Grundens Men's Grundies Lightweight Crew Top

Jackets/ Shells

Outdoor Research Men's Shadow Insulated Hoodie

Shorts & Pants

KUIU Axis Hybrid Pant

Rain Gear

Grundens Men's Buoy X Gore-Tex Bib

Grundens Men's Buoy X Gore-Tex Jacket

Waders

Deadfall-Z™ Zippered STFT Wader

Footwear

Korkers Terror Ridge Wading Boots

Xtratuf Men's 6 Inch Ankle Deck Boot

Socks

CANADA MIDWEIGHT OVER-THE-CALF SOCK

Tools & Accessories

Everyone has their favorite tools and a person can never have enough but with the many options for all-in-one tools, an angler can now get away with far fewer tools in their bag than they used to. One general rule of thumb I abide by is to always have 2 pairs of pliers as it's inevitable to drop one in the river at some point.

Nets

Ranger Nets True Blue Tournament Series Landing Net - 20'x20' - Rubber

Pliers, Scissors & Tools

Braid Scissors - Green

Straight Nose Pliers - Green

Large Split Ring Pliers - Green

Knives

Bubba Blade 7" Tapered Flex Folding Knife