Quick June trip

[traveler]

I was hoping to make a normal (2 week) AK trip this summer, but with a couple other trips planned, it looks like the best I will be able to do (maybe) is a short 5 to 7 day sometime in June. I want some reds, so a couple days at the russian are in order, along with a halibut day and probably 2 days chasing kings on the Kenai. I'm trying to decide whether to time it right after the 15th, or more like the 23-30th of June. Earlier; better Kings??, but iffy on the reds. Later, more likely to have more reds in the system, but maybe not as good for kings? Thoughts anyone?

[fivebucks]

Do a google search for alaska outdoor journal and then go to their link under Dept. of salmon run charts. It will show you what the escapement was last year and also the historical average. You hit it about right in your assesment though from what I remember. It is hard to hit good kings and good reds at the same time. When the reds are bright, the kings will be pretty colorful and not much for table fare and when the kings are nice and bright the reds won't be in in too many numbers. My personal choice would be to get in on the reds and hope for some remaining kings for a fight or two. Have fun up there.

[traveler]

Thanks fivebucks, I've got AOJ on my speed dial:) Too bad thier forum has fallen on hard times, just not much traffic on there nowadays:( The best AK forum I know of now is located at outdoors directory.com, I did post this on there as well. I'm just trolling for insight from guys who have fished the early run extensivly. I'm not looking to jerk spawning kings off thier reds in the upper river, and I am looking for fight/trophy potential over meat.

[SalmonJedi]

Shouldn't you be hunting marlin in June? Glad to see you have salmon on the brain again...

I'd favor earlier in June if it was me - especially if you're spending two weeks. Lots of king options earlier in June and the russian opens the 11th if I remember correctly. Maybe I'll see you up there again - if things work out this year I might be coming up with a buddy the 13th-18th.

[traveler]

Well, you nailed me...this trip just got flushed in favor of May and October in Cabo! I'm going down to be a tournament observer in May, then for a fishing trip in October. NEXT year, Alaska for sure! I'll send you an e-mail one of these days...

[SalmonJedi]

Wow - The poor salmon get bumped again for those marlins. Guess I'm gonna have to get down to Cabo and see what all the hub-bub is about! That might be an easier sell with my wife anyways.