Kenai river Alaska Sockeye Salmon fishing rigging up for Beginners! How to catch more fish!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Need help and trying to find a spot to fish???? Watch these Kenai River Fishing Spots videos! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGWkd2Wcn8-Neq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpjCZ2iKj6-inqs

[@seanbydawn8243]

As a bass fisherman from Maine that travels to Alaska every year (about to go again in August to Cooper Landing) it is very helpful to see videos put out like yours (come to thin about it, you may be the only one putting them out) that explain some of the actual setups needed to catch these beautiful fish. I have not been successful in the past fishing for salmon but have been for rainbows. Your efforts here on KZbin have far reaching assistance for folks, so thanks and keep it up. I am hoping this time for Coho or even Humpy's as they would be fun. I would prefer them actually biting but I am far from ruling out flossing!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You lifted me up today with your words and I thank you for it. Thank you for recognizing my work here and letting everyone know that you appreciate it. Very kind, positive and good energy. I sure feel blessed everyday to be able to bring my audience content that improves their lives and makes the world a better friendlier place. Safe travels on your journey back to the last frontier! The pinks are in the river already, at least a few have been on the end of my line anyways already. No silver sightings in the river yet but they are out in the saltwater feeding nicely. Thanks again for staying positive and making a difference!

[@seanbydawn8243]

Thank you for the message and the info on the pinks. I’m hoping for pinks and silvers. Less than two weeks and we will be respectfully enjoying your great state. I’m glad you got a little lift up from what I said! The effort KZbin takes is quite monumental to bring content to us folks out here. Not to mention the drive to do it in the first place. Personally I feel that the informational vids are the best, but then again I would since I’m back to catch my first salmon so I would say that! Good luck to you on here and keep going and enjoying everything you do.

[@zaakumu6056]

Sockeye salmon DO BITE during spawning season in freshwater. But they do not "feed" they bite unwanted fish and insects to protect their nesting ground so to speak. Its not easy to get them to bite but it does happen if you aggravate them enough.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Very interesting. I could see a spawning fish becoming territorial for sure.

[@troyottosen8722]

Yeah, but they only bite when they are in the spawning grounds, red in color and not fresh enough for you to eat them! Ready for this? I have caught them “ ice fishing “ at big lake while jigging for Dollie’s and rainbows in late October?😳😳😳

[@Lucas-su7um]

@@troyottosen8722they bite 247 if they’re just dying no

[@NoneofUrbusiness-p9w]

Please link to your video

[@fishduckdog]

Thanks for sharing this very very important information! No one wants to talk about snagging. 😮

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I know it! Its a very unique style of fishing and is a bit controversial it seems. Still a good time though and can be rewarding if understood. Thanks for watching!

[@randymontoya2056]

Thank you for showing the rig. I hope to land a few this season!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh not a problem at all. There are many variations of the same theme of rig that all work well. Just make sure your consistent while flipping and be patient. Using a fly rod is preferable btw if you’ve never tried one before. They are much lighter in weight and tangle less than a spinning rod. Good luck!

[@Tyler_Devine]

Wish I would have watched this a couple days ago - I had no luck on the kenai but many other’s did, my consistency just was not there. The weight and the hook hitting at the same time was also somthing I was not thinking about - great video! I’ll try again soon!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Well it's awesome that you got out and gave it a try though! Really it's all about practicing and be patient with it of course. It's nice to hear that some folks are catching them in the Kenai already, thanks for the report!

[@boatsandhoes4346]

Awesome video brother love the photography showed

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I appreciate that! Had a good time putting this together.

[@JackLane-h4s]

Ryan you are the bomb! Thank you so very much for you videos. My brother and I are coming up to the Kenai, out of Nikiski, the second week of July. Our first time, bucket list for us. Be cool to see you . Never know! God Bless. Great Job!!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh my pleasure my man, you are welcome! Im excited to hear that you and your bro are going to be living up a dream of yours. If you see me out there hold your fish up for me!

[@brucenilssen1235]

Thank you. Very well explained.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Glad it was helpful! It won't be long now until the salmon are filling the river!

[@EvergreenOG]

It’s snagging but it’s protein. Best truthful tutorial I have ever seen..

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

...and some of best tasting protein anywhere in the world. I guess it's up to the fisherman to decide if they want a full freezer or not! Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.

[@afj3rd]

Thank you Ryan I’m learning a lot. Excellent video.

[@stevenhuckey6718]

Awesome video! Thank for your work!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh you bet! I’ve had way worse jobs so I get a kick outta doin this. 😁

[@glennvafides4581]

Great video Ryan! Do you set the hook when flipping for Reds? Thx

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You can easily catch these without setting the hook if your hook is sharp and there is enough current. Personally though I enjoy setting the hook.

[@joebass517]

Thx for directing me to the Leader set up !!! Pretty much use the same set up for the steelhead runs in Idaho, that's the question here to about the fish biting in fresh water, look forward to more fishing videos, I'm planning on going to Alaska next season. Thank you.👍🎣🎣

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You got it! Thanks for tuning in, I sure appreciate it.

[@GlennGoryl]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You bet! Thanks for saying so, I appreciate it.

[@gabifishing642]

Beautiful video, I enjoyed every moment, simply amazing champion.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I appreciate that!

[@OutlawAlaska]

Good stuff, thanks for posting

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Absolutely, my pleasure. Thanks for checking us out!

[@OatmealBR]

Thank you for this, Ryan!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh absolutely! I’m glad you enjoyed😀

[@JaiSingh-vf4fr]

I had seen a ton of videos no help no luck .. but urs very practical and informative and guess what I catch my limit daily (4)

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Outstanding! I sure appreciate your positive feedback and find joy knowing I helped! Thank you. 😊

[@Nevada_Boyz]

Awesome video thank you! I am headed there June 11-June 22nd any tips on areas of the rivers to try this out?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You will be arriving in time for the peak of the hatchery king run on the Kasilof river and the start of the sockeye run (crooked creek campground)Also, the Russian river opens up on the 15th and you’ll be in time for the start of the sockeye run. The Kenai River won’t hardly be producing good yet so I wouldn’t spend a whole lot of time on it unless you’re way up river near the Russian river. Good luck!

[@kurtak9452]

That is the coolest way to tie an egg loop knot. You should do a video just on that.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Not a bad idea! Been tying them like that since I was a kid... Works great, never fails.

[@JWLonghorn]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. Taking friends out on a float trip on Southeast AK and the idea of flossing never made sense to me. Much appreciated my friend!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I sure am glad you found some value in my show! Thanks for commenting and letting me know that you thought this was useful. Flossing still doesn’t make sense to me! Lol but it works and is the preferred method for sockeye. You are welcome and thanks for tuning in!

[@sandyjung6986]

Excellent tutorial video. If you use full sinking line, do you still need add the weights on the leader?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I think the sinking line could work, but may complicate things. You want your leader line to float above the riverbed but near the bottom and be invisible. Also, depending on water conditions and current, you may need to adjust the weight of your rig. I think all of these things would be hard to achieve if you are using full sinking line. Id say unless you already are rigged up with that line, it may not be ideal to try.

[@ShenpaiWasTaken]

Its interesting because in WA we fishing for them by trolling using large flashers and coon shrimp on red hooks. They definitely bite. Its probably an instinct/aggression bite.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

We troll for them with herring here in the saltwater and catch them. I can see a fish trying to be aggressive and striking though. Sockeye get huge curved beaks and jagged teeth for a reason I suppose.

[@roreykoscoe]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures in the lakes when they pass through here in Washington they definitely bite.

[@roberthughes66]

Great Video! I’m coming up the end of June

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Awesome! The river should be filling up with fish 🐟 by then, especially the Russian. Great weather as well.

[@sderhammer8940]

Thank you. Great video! Do you attach your 4 ft line directly to the fly line?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I have only Fly line backing on my reel. No floating line. I then tie the backing line to about 200ft of 20lb monofilament. The 20lb mono is the active line I fish with and I rarely see the backing line come off the reel. I then use a swivel to tie 17lb mono to a 4.5ft leader down to my hook from my active 200ft of mono. Heres a video that shows a fish peeling the mono off my reel but the bright orange backing never comes off, check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKeqgouGh8mJjNU

[@akflyer129]

Great video!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Thanks for saying so!

[@Steve-rr3gc]

Hey Ryan. Rewatched your video again. Getting the bug already for our trip this July/August. So another question/thought. You had said you want the weighted end line/leader and the hook to fall at the same time. Well unless you are using weighted hooks can’t happen. The leader will always be on an angle. I have actually asked our guide last year why not use jig style hooks? You could have different weight jigs depending on river flow to allow for the right drift. I tie flies and jigs. If I were to send you some tied as salmon flies would you and Vinny experiment with them?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yea, you’re right about the intricacies of the hook, weight and leader moving through the water. The water conditions keep you guessing too! Bring some of those hooks up with ya and let’s get em wet!

[@Steve-rr3gc]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventuresso ball park how much weight do you think you add - I know it varies depending on river flow- 1/16 oz 1/4 seems like might be better. I’ve sent you couple emails.

[@thefrugalsportsman]

Thanks so much for the great video and content! We have plans to come to Alaska this summer, but can't seem to find if weighted flies are allowed on the Kenai and Russian Rivers. I'm tying flies now for our trip this summer but didn't know if they are allowed. Do you ever used weighted flies and do you think they are needed? Thanks again so much for the great job you do and God bless!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Some weighted flies like an egg sucking leech, flesh fly or egg cluster work great on the Kenai! These types of flies are best for trout, dolly, King and silver salmon but are really not necessary. As far as I know, weight below the hook point is illegal but most weighted flies keep the weight above the hook. It would almost be pointless to use a weighted fly in the Russian however. The water is typically shallow and very rocky. You would almost certainly lose a weighted hook to a bottom snag if you attempted this. Russian river flies work best in the Russian river! They sell them everywhere up here for about 3/$1.00 and work every time.

[@thefrugalsportsman]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Thank you so so much for all the detailed info. This is such a huge help and I so appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise. May God bless you richly and thanks again!

[@davidfarrens3572]

In Washington state Waters they eat jig And certain bait's been using coon shrimp sand shrimp and jig's smokes them

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I keep hearing about this coon shrimp as bait for sockeye! I wonder why the bait shops don’t supply it around here. It sounds like a lot of people have great success with it.

[@kevinlee9316]

hi there! will be using this video as reference soon (except maybe replacing the yarn for an orange bead for silvers as you mention in your newest video). what kind of knot would you use for the flyline + swivel, and also, is there a go-to leader line you like to use for reds & silvers? ty!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I use a single barrel knot to tie my swivel onto my main running line. Then I use a barrel knot to tie my leader line to a swivel. If you use yarn, you can tie the leader onto the swivel first and then use an egg loop knot to tie the hook on, just like in this tutorial. However, if you use a bead on your leader line instead, just snell the hook onto the leader line first, slide the bead on, and then attach the leader line to the swivel with a single barrel knot!

[@kevinlee9316]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Just so I'm clear, does that mean you use a single barrel knot on both the main running line & leader line to tie it to the swivel? Also, if I'm out in Soldotna in about a week (your videos are getting me super hyped!!), do you think it would be fine to just use the orange bead + snell knot as opposed to doing with the yarn to floss (assuming there are both reds & silvers out there)? This would be in addition to having another spinning rod setup with some Blue Fox spinners ready, but really hoping to utilize the fly rod!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

@@kevinlee9316 yes, correct on the barrel knots on both sides of the swivel. I pretty much ditch the yarn all together now that the silvers are here. They are more likely to strike a bead. The trout get aggressive on it too.

[@isaahfairchild4241]

Great video

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Thanks for saying so! I appreciate it.

[@jema021]

Hey Ryan, what size split shots do you usually use? Thanks!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I usually start small. 1/4g or 1/2 gram maybe. It depends on the water current. It may seem obvious to just start heavy but the key is to go as light as possible to avoid dragging the bottom before your hook has time to sink. If you can theoretically get your hook and weight to sink at the same time you’ll be legally hooking fish in no time!

[@jamesfox992]

Great video Ryan! Finally a clear explanation for us beginners. Question: The only time I fished for sockeye on the Kenai was in 2009 with a borrowed fishing pole. I had no idea what I was trying to do so results were not great. This time, I'm going back with a 4.5 Teeny weighted fly line and a nice reel. The lodge owner taught me to use a 1oz weight at the top of the 4 ft. leader instead of shot, like you use. Is that too heavy or will that work? (ie.. it's hard to tell how much weight is in your shot) I'd like to get this figured out before we leave next week. Thanks again for your help

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The weight used should be adequate enough to sink your leader down near the river bed. Sometimes I use 4 shots and sometimes I only use one. It all depends on the river current of the spot you are fishing in. Try and get your hook and weight to fall in the water at the same rate so the leader has a longer window of chance to enter the fish mouth. I prefer lighter weight to avoid snagging the bottom. But this means I have to cast further upstream so the weight and hook have more time to fall to the bottom at the same rate. I find that a bigger weight will sink to the bottom so fast that the hook is trailing behind up towards the surface. This makes the leader more perpendicular to the riverbed instead of parallel and seems to cause foul hooking more often IMO.

[@CMeister28]

Good point on the sinkers, the line already takes a beating from the fish and any other abrasions, no sense in adding more with the sinkers!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Sometimes flipping for hours with no fish can be frustrating as it is. At least this way you can ensure your weight stays put as you bounce the bottom waiting for the run to swim by.

[@miltonsteele6676]

thats how i do it ! saw some guys fishing up from me just snagging them. i was fishing willow creek and saw a king salmon hit my red bead as i tryed casting and leaving it drift below the rain bows that were following the salmon

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Oh for sure those fish will chase a bead! And you bet, rainbows are in quick tow of that salmon run!

[@robbiek1999]

That is what this guy is teaching. It is called the Kenai twitch which is the same thing as snagging. It isn't fishing...

[@glennvafides4581]

I was borrowing equipment. Is a 8’6” lamiglas MH rod too long? It seems longer than the fly rod I was using. Any suggestions on a spinning rod? Thank you

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I don’t think it’s too long but it’s personal preference really. I like Shakespeare Uglystik rods. Been using them my whole life and definitely worth what they cost.

[@robertbeck8585]

Great video. Like the hat.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Thanks! I started that company in 2016, gotta rep the brand! Also love that you mentioned it!

[@robertbeck8585]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures took good care of me last week 😵‍💫

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Lol, just add fishing and you’re set!

[@isaeed11787]

Ryan, I am torn between if I should bring my rods for my July trip or simply rent one locally? In New York for spawing salmon, I use a GLoomis 9.6 ft med -heavy rod and use 10 or 12 lbs test line. Have landed up to 33 lbs kings on this set up with Shimano reels. Your thoughts on rods for Russian and Kenai ?? Is that too long of a rod ? All my salmon rods between 9/ 10 feet

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I’d say it’s always nice to have a setup you know and trust, but it’s not always necessary. I can see how you may be torn. You may find that a suitable setup might not be available when you get here and that could be devastating! I’m using a 9ft pole and I have no complaints or issues accessing most spots. Hopefully this helps you make up your mind!

[@isaeed11787]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures That's exactly what I was thinking too. Your response helped. Bringing my two rods and reels. Thx as always. Tight lines

[@Steve-rr3gc]

I can tell you that when I came to Alaska last year for the first time my outfitter “provided equipment” for us. It was not what we regularly use or wasn’t all that great. To top it off I had made a new fly rod for the trip and was really cool to land a sockeye on it the first day. Of course Ryan’s tips had a lot to do with that. 👍 those same rods will be with me in 6 days.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Time to go fishing!

[@muazzumaman6070]

Where exactly is the last part of the video shot? Can you suggest some spots on Kenai river? Thanks

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Check out out my Where to fish videos! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGWkd2Wcn8-Neq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpjCZ2iKj6-inqs

[@supercubva2538]

Where would you put the swivel on a fly line? Attach straight to fly line or half way down the leader?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Im assuming by "Fly Line" you're referring to the typical thick floating fly line that come standard on most pre-strung reels. Fly rods and fly reels are the best choice for Sockeye fishing, however floating fly line is the worst in my opinion. If I was setting up for Sockeye I would remove the floating line altogether or tie on 50 feet of monofilament to use as your active fishing line. To answer your question, use a swivel on the end of your active line and before your leader line. Keep your leader line as invisible as possible and avoid any extra weight on the leader, such as a swivel because it won't sink in the water evenly otherwise.

[@kehasz1]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures what test mono line would you use and what do you suggest for a leader?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

@@kehasz1 I keep my fly reel spooled up with 20lb mono. I use 17lb mono for leader line. Ive seen people use 30lb test but its overkill and isn't as friendly to work with.

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

A sink tip fly line is another great option. Run a small section of say 30lb mono from fly line to a barrel swivel, then run leader from there. Some guys will run a barrel weight in the section above the swivel, if you do make sure you put on a bead below the weight to protect your knot.

[@DrXKnows]

Ryan, I will be in Soldotna next week. Let's do some fishing, brother! xk

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The sockeye are headed this way in full force! Fishing is what we shall do! Safe travels on your way here. The magic is about to happen!

[@glennvafides4581]

I’m using a Lamiglas LX11 10-20 lbs rod. What main line should I use? 25 or 30 lbs monofilament? 15 to 17 lbs leader line? Please let me know what you think.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I rarely string anything up with more than a 20lb mono. Sometimes I run 17lb. Anything larger imo is more cumbersome to work without much added benefit. It’s just too wiry to flip around over and over again. Of course many of the people I fish with use 30lb and winch them in with zero drag set.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Also, I use the same line for my leader. I just cut off a section and tie in a swivel. I do carry 17lb mono for leader line but I don’t always use it.

[@glennvafides4581]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures can you give me advice on a good spinning reel for the 20 lbs test mono? Thank you. I really have enjoyed your videos and have subscribed.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I use a Penn 460 Slammer for my spinning reel setup. Great for larger salmon and has held up great for over 6 years now. Not sure what’s on the shelf these days though…

[@glennvafides4581]

I want to try a bait caster. Specifically a low profile one. Do you see any disadvantages to that over a spinning reel like you use? Do you think it makes a difference? Thanks for all your advice!@@alaskasmallcraftadventures

[@Funeguy82]

Ryan is the yarn supposed to stay loose? The way it's tied the line can loosen up and Yarn comes out.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

After placing the yarn in the egg loop, the barrel knot will slide up and secure it right behind the eye. The yarn won’t fall out if done correctly.

[@Funeguy82]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures the hooks I ordered have the eyelet facing the other way. Would this make a difference?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Chances are you won’t notice a difference with the way the hook moves through the water with the eye leaning forward if you tie it on using an egg loop because the line will pull straight through the eye regardless of its orientation. I would think that if the yarn is too long though you will have issues with it getting wrapped around the barb and hook point if it’s mounted on the inside instead of the outside. If the yarn gets caught on the hook tip this could cause the hook to spin which would be less desirable.

[@Funeguy82]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures thank you for your help. We were there twice but we had family that lived there they move to Colorado so this year were on our own. Rented a nice camper in place near Soldotna. One hour from the Russian ferry. That's where we normally go. Wife is excited to try it on our own. Thanks again. I'm gonna work on that egg knot. Idk why it's not tightening down unless I'm using the wrong line. Suffix 832 advance superline. 30lb. Main line will be 40lb mono.

[@jacquelynrivera9300]

❤❤❤ we’re about to drive up On june 15th together with our cousins n wives. Me n my husband hope to see u there… huhuhu we really don’t know what’s Alaska offers us these summer. Planning to fish ❤

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

You're picking the most beautiful time of the year Id say. Most everything will be in full bloom, the fish will be filling the rivers and the Summer Solstice will light up your life! The Russian River in Cooper Landing is a must see spot and the hike up to the Falls is unforgettable. Bears, salmon, birds and mountains. Flowing water and beautiful scenery. Float trips down the river, beach walks and camp fire smores. World Class fishing all around the Peninsula will be starting from Seward to Homer. Your only issue will be deciding how to spend your time!

[@Will_AK]

Where on the Kenai were you fishing?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

This tutorial was filmed in the slough at Rotary park in Soldotna by the airport. Here’s a link to my vid that shows exactly where: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGWkd2Wcn8-Neq8

[@427max]

I’m confused and not being rude but I caught three this morning in the river here and watched them trail after my kiss and actually strike it

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

These biologists studying these fish are way smarter than I am. They say they don’t feed in the river. I’ve fished here my whole life and never found food inside of a sockeye up river. I’ve caught dozens offshore with herring, spoons and spinners but never in the river. This has been the most controversial topic of discussion. I appreciate you adding your experience, especially since you’re fishing locally.

[@427max]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures I kept one and like always checked its stomach and it has some small fish, too digested to tell the kind, in it. Now mind you these ones just came up in the last 12 hours cause I checked the river on my way to work last night and nothing but then 12 hours later full. I’m at the northern tip of Vancouver Island as well. I’m new to sockeye but these ones definitely came for my lure and were snapping at bugs on the service. The rovers are so low and clear I got video of them schooled up swimming. New to your channel and love it

[@tricky1303]

Do I need a fly rod or can I use a spinning rod to catch sockeyes?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Any reel will work. Fly reels are typically lighter in weight and have fewer parts to tangle the line. The key is to flip your line out there as many times as possible. A spinning reel may wear you down if the fishing is slower but can still get the job done. 👍🏻

[@eliaslisikh985]

Great video! One question though, can I use a 1/0 octopus hook instead?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

A smaller size octopus will work, you'll just have more fish pop off because of the hook not grabbing enough to hold on. You'll also find that the lighter hook may not sink as fast as you might like. A russian river fly has a narrower gap from point to shank also (3/8in gap) which results in the same way. Entirely doable though.

[@luwut8949]

ADF&G Online fishing forum sockey fishing explains a bit about using shrimp flies !

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I definitely subscribed to the ADFG. They have tons of useful info available on their website! It’s nice to get the emergency orders emailed too when they’re issued.

[@earleross5234]

If I hook one in mouth and it has another hook else where in body how do I prove I hooked it in mouth if the man checks my fish??

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

It's not uncommon to catch a fish with a hook or multiple hooks in its body. Proving whether or not you legitimately hooked a fish while fishing shouldn't be of concern to anyone who is legally fishing. If a fish is snagged, leave it in the water and release it. If it's legally hooked, then kill it and add it to the stringer. Somebody is always watching, especially if you're catching and they're not!

[@Steve-rr3gc]

I was watching the video for the …. Let’s just say a bunch of times now. Trying to get the knot and technique down before our trip. Discussing the theory that sockeye don’t bite/eat in the river, you’d think by checking their stomachs after cleaning them would give you the proof whether they do or not.

[@Steve-rr3gc]

So I do have a question. Using a fly rod you typically have a 9 ft leader. How do you attach you “sockeye leader” to the fly line

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Their stomachs are all empty. Like brown paste in there if anything. Ive caught them out on the saltwater trolling using 6inch herring. They definitely EAT when they're in the salt, in the river however, not so much...

[@Steve-rr3gc]

And there it is! The answer. Didn’t know if anyone actually had done that, but knowing sportsman when someone says something like “they don’t eat” someone is going to prove it. Thank you

[@Steve-rr3gc]

T-11 days till our trip.

[@normanelliott9531]

Ryan, what weight fly rod do you use?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I usually break anything under a 9 wt. when salmon fishing. I prefer the ugly stick big water. It’s inexpensive and can take a beating.

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

The Hardware store in Soldotna (believe it's an Ace or True Value) next to the Alaska Wild store has fly rods made specifically for Sockeye. Believe they are Okuma 2 piece, 8wt rods "Kenai Special" or something like that. Anyway, they are great and are only $49 or so. Might $149 now with Brandon in office.

[@sydthesquid4.13]

What month was this? Is this the usual amount of people in one spot say... late July?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Late July is peak run and everywhere gets crowded. However most folks catch their fish quickly and rotate out of the water. If you check out my Kenai River Report updates from prior years I show the run counts indicating what time of year it is and you can see the spots and fishermen in them.

[@thehiddenangler9083]

I may not have ever been to Alaska but I am happy to have salmon along the great lakes the Chinooks/kings grow 20-30 pounds average along lake Ontario just freaking hard to catch 1 in a day too many anglers

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

There’s always happiness when the salmon are nearby! Some real nice ones in those lakes too. One hook gets one fish!

[@thehiddenangler9083]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures it's quite surprising how in lake Ontario the Kings/Chinooks get even bigger then all the other great lakes especially lake superior

[@RuckusOutfitters]

I’ve caught plenty of late Sockeye on spinners while fishing for Silvers. They’ll grab a spinner

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Must be an aggression bite i suppose....

[@RuckusOutfitters]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures I’m sure, but down in the lower 48 we catch a ton of sockeye in fresh water trolling flashers and coon shrimp, even had them nail wrapped K-15 KwikFish. Nothing as effective as bead flossing a riffle though 👍

[@chevydude5o2]

We catch literally thousands, hundreds of thousands of sockeye on the columbia on coon shrimp and a spin n glow, so yes they eat in the river

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I guess they eat in that river then.

[@ThorD4602]

They arent "eating" or "feeding" as you keep saying, they are striking. Attractants and busy lures absolutely trigger strikes from reds in freshwater. I am a lifelong Alaskan and I know that 99% of people fishing for reds are clueless guys looking for any way to meet their limit as quickly as possible. What a lame way to fish, and you are in denial about how unsporting and lazy this approach to fishing is, but hey, you can boast to everybody about your full cooler and make videos about it

[@104thebigguy6]

Once you land the fish its very important to " bonk and bleed" if you do this, the quality of the meat is much better and its more ethical overall. We use a very small wood bat to "bonk" 3 quick hits then, use your knife to cut a gill or use your finger and "pull" a gill. Less blood=WAY BETTER quality.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Agreed. That's how my grandpa taught me!

[@scalnation3069]

I've caught plenty of salmon on lures they have but. While they do not feed they certainly bite

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Im thinking the same thing!

[@Chuakiagx3]

Can't wait

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Me neither! 🎣👍🏻 hopefully get to see more kings this year out in the inlet too! 🌊🐟

[@Chuakiagx3]

Got a nice setup for this 2022 year

[@dfbecker6817]

Its called "Flossing" friend. Works great and is legal in most cases.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Great term! Is that mainstream or did you come up with that? It makes sense! Dental hygienist probably giggle when they hear that one. 😆

[@miltonsteele6676]

i used a red- silver or green fly my cousin ties we was fishing just below where the russian river emptys in

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yes! A flesh fly pattern chartreuse drifting in the current is exactly what those big trout are feeding on. The confluence of the Russian (sanctuary area) has massive amounts of aquatic life and is hard to beat for a good time, especially being right off the highway. Thanks for commenting!

[@markweber4854]

Sockeye salmon DO bite in fresh water! In Washington state we catch them in lakes, trolling dodgers and upsized kokanee gear, There is a huge sockeye fishery on the Columbia river where people anchor in travelling lanes near shore and plunk a small Spin-N-Glo with a coon shrimp. They do this from the bank too. The main difference is that the AK red fishery started out as and is still more meat gathering than sport fishing. it's much easier to floss the fish as they swim upstream in shallow water. Once you have the floss technique down, they are easy to catch if they are running. I'm not making any judgements about the ethics of it because I've flossed my share of reds in AK. I'm just saying that the myth of the fresh water non-biting sockeye salmon is just that. Don't let anyone... including ADFG tell you any different! Now go get your harvest on!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I’ve definitely caught some sockeye out in the saltwater trolling herring behind the boat! They don’t really sell any coon shrimp around here that I’ve seen so I haven’t tried it but I do see a lot of comments mentioning it. Maybe one day it’ll become a thing up here but until then those coolers we will be fillin!

[@robbiek1999]

You are right Mark. It is called the Kenai twitch and it is snagging and not fishing...

[@aaliyahweyiouanna9278]

Alaskan salmon don’t bite

[@hsqqq]

@@aaliyahweyiouanna9278I’ve lived in Alaska my life 22 years and when reds come up if I’m not flipping a fly as shown in the video I’m floating a jig and shrimp or plunking bottom with corkys or spin n glow and shrimp. I used to use a bobber and just a single hook with shrimp and they would take it down. They definitely bite.

[@aaliyahweyiouanna9278]

@@hsqqq my husband commented on this lol I’ll let him know. Thx

[@avery_dorsey44]

How do you attach the leader to the fly line?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

We don't use fly line. Normally 100yrds of monofilament is all we carry on our reels. Floating line doesn't perform as well and is kinda spendy.

[@avery_dorsey44]

Cool thanks for the tip! Heading down there this weekend for the first time

[@KodyMurray]

Why doesn't anyone try plunking for sockeye up here like they do down on the Columbia river?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I’m not too sure.. maybe it takes too long. There’s 1000 hooks in the water right now and every one of them is baitless. People are catching fish in the mouth though..

[@KodyMurray]

@alaskasmallcraftadventures true, flossing works just as good, if not better! Just curious if you might have an explanation.

[@KodyMurray]

Btw, I'm sure you've seen the fish count the last couple of days. I think they're finally here! Maybe I'll run into you on the river sometime.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The fishing turned in last night and hasn’t stopped! Limits are being caught today, finally! It was a great morning out on the water today.

[@KodyMurray]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures nice man! I'm gonna go try after work tonight.

[@zionmcenerney8218]

Repping KBR🔥🔥

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Always! I founded that company in 2016. Just sold it in April to go fishing! I rep that brand tough!

[@shereeflorence993]

Let’s go fishing

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I will plan something for all of us to get out and do. Summer is finally here!

[@shereeflorence993]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures yes and dads doing good

[@bodiewest9202]

Flossing?

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Aka “flossing” I suppose

[@tearoftaste4183]

Been fishing Sockeyes for 32 years now. Correct Sockeyes do not feed ounce they enter the river. They are plankton eaters. The lower Kenai you can use any size hook, however like I said been fishing Sockeyes 32 years I just use a Russian river fly 3 for a dollar at Walmart. Like you said it's the line that catches the fish not the hook.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yea! It would certainly be difficult to rig up a plankton as bait! Using a Russian fly works great, they float good and are cheap! I don’t mind cutting them down too when you want them to sink faster. And unfortunately at a lot of the popular fishing spots you can find these exact hooks laying around for free! m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJaTnIh_eJ6dbKc here’s my Russian river video using a Russian fly for anyone curious on what we’re talking about here.

[@Randy_Savage_ohyeah]

Sockeye may or may not "feed" once they enter fresh water but they will on occasion bite. There are several who catch them trolling/back trolling small purple Quick Fish in Skilak Lake and the river outlet area of the Lake. Are they technically feeding? Who knows.... The Russian River fly is mandated for certain portions of the river for a reason....it is a handicap due to the small gap in the hook. I have no doubt you catch your fish with them but you will lose fewer fish if you use a larger gapped hook such as a 3/0 or 4/0. But to each his own, can't beat the price of those flies.

[@chevydude5o2]

How have I caught so many on coon shrimp in the columbia if they don't eat?

[@jamessantiago9724]

They'll bite on good cured eggs at jim creek

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Great to know! Thanks.

[@Glaciershark]

Guys say the bite but i have better luck snagging them. If you position yourself 45% upstream of the fish you can lift hard to make the next cast. That way it won’t look like you are snagging 😊

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Every sockeye caught has an empty belly. There’s no food for them in the fresh water. Snagging them in the mouth is the only way to fill the freezer, unless you’re dipnetting of course! Great input, thanks!

[@Glaciershark]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures I hadn’t finished the video before i commented. Wow. In Yakutat where i’m from the troopers have come on the attack before and write tickets like crazy for snagging. They wanted it inside the mount is what i was told. That’s pretty unreasonable but there is a line between flossing and snagging with a broomstick and lead cricket

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yea, if the fish isn't hooked in the mouth it's best to just toss it back and try again. There's plenty of fish to practice on to get this right! No sense getting a ticket!

[@Glaciershark]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures I don’t think you caught my drift. The letter of the law says “inside the mouth” not on the side of the mouth. I never looked it up myself that’s what the trooper said

[@cernhutch]

It’s snagging full stop.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

as explained in the video. More like grocery shopping tho

[@pixelfishflintyt8537]

sockeye and every other salmon do bite. just a big glob of roe on your hook under a bobber and drift it and theyll bite it

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Roe is usually closed during early season but I’d be interested to try!

[@pixelfishflintyt8537]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures if not just use beads. down in BC and probably in the states flossing might be looked down upon. ive seen many flossers at rivers with a bunch of people yelling at them. ig alaskas just different

[@davidcantu3718]

I’m not sure why people tie to the clip side of a swivel. That’s a weak point and always bends out. I just tie to a normal swivel to avoid that mistake.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Snap swivels aren’t necessary, you’re right. Just use what you have…

[@krisswegemer1163]

Quit feeding, for sure. Not quit biting. You can see them hit in the clearwater Russian. Side of the face is legally "snagged".

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Right… they do feed hard on herring out in the salt water. Catch them all the time trolling out of Seward.

[@dsddavesmith]

I have zero problem with people doing this, but I will say: they DEFINITELY will eat a fly. I have watched them swim out of their lane and eat my fly numerous times. None of the other pacific salmon eat in freshwater, either, and that includes winter steelhead, yet we all get them to eat a fly or lure, or bait. I've never flossed for sockeyes or any other fish, but if I only had a week in Alaska, and wanted to take home some bright sockeyes to eat, I'd certainly consider it; it's still more sporting that a giant net

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Nice input! I’d also add that using light tackle on a fly rod really increases the excitement level, fish on!

[@riviscool6740]

RYAN local fishermen

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

That guy has to know what he’s talking about with a title like that!!

[@amyjohnson8917]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures love your video! We are traveling to Alska soon and would love to know what to buy when we get there. We will be fishing from Palmer to Homer. Can you tell me the exact fishing pole, reel, line, ect. Thank you

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHu9qJV9abhmr6M&feature=shareb this video shows my setup I more detail! Use 20lb monofilament line on your reel.

[@TheBigfattuna]

Alaska game laws require that fish be hooked inside the mouth. A fish hooked outside the mouth is not a legal catch. “Flossing” sockeye, as demonstrated here, is only legal if fish hooked outside the mouth are released. I watched 8 guys on the Chehalem River just outside of Iliamna get a BUNCH of tickets for the fish they kept illegally. The State Trooper watched them for more than an hour before coming out of the trees and writing them up for the fish they poached.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

There’s enough fish to throw back a fowl hooker and try again. The man is always watching so don’t take a chance on doing this illegally. Great input!

[@troyottosen8722]

Any of us longtime Alaskan’s knows it’s not fishing, it’s called snagging! You notice reds never get caught trawling with bait, or lure in saltwater? You know that sockeye, unlike our other salmon species that feed on herring, other baitfish, only feed on krill???😳🤪🤣

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I thought long time Alaskans call it grocery shopping? Ill have to upload some footage of us catching Sockeye Salmon trolling w/ herring in Seward. They take lures are bait every year from us early Summer time (May-June) in the saltwater near Poney Cove, Eldorado Narrows, Fox Island, Driftwood Park. They have small fish in their stomach when you fillet them out just like Silver Salmon.

[@troyottosen8722]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures Really? Then why all the years I have been fishing lures here in Alaska streams with reds all over the place, never hit a lure??? Guess why their meat color is different then the other salmon species? They eat shrimp, krill!!!😳🤪🤣

[@troyottosen8722]

@@alaskasmallcraftadventures By the way, I went to high school in Seward, lived and have worked their for years! Save me the crap!😳🤪

[@markmailander3880]

@@troyottosen8722 I hooked and landed a 11lb sockeye fishing Cunningham Park on the Kenai with a red #4 Vibrax spinner.

[@TroyOttosen-jg7tt]

@@markmailander3880 save us longtime Alaskan’s your wannabe bullshit! Tourist, transplant! Simple!😳🤪🤣

[@robbiek1999]

Its the Kenai twitch or snagging. It isn't fishing...

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

The “Kenai Twitch”!! lol 😂

[@robbiek1999]

Google it. That's what it is called. And it is snagging instead of fishing...@@alaskasmallcraftadventures

[@YTBEN1045]

Good ole flossing!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

It gets the job done!

[@YTBEN1045]

@alaskasmallcraftadventures oh yes it does. Some frown on it here in Washington state but it's legal when you hook fish inside the mouth or even any part of the head...

[@patrickcoyne8624]

Complete nonsense,I've caught sockyes on the russian river very early in the run where they literally chased my nymphs across the pool and even chase the nymphs right up onto the shoreline They will take small nymphs Reason being is sockeye feed on small plankton unlike other salmon who are mainly fish eaters

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Sockeye will eat full size herring, spoons and hoochies in the saltwater too if you're trolling for them. It seems the consensus is that they only diet on much smaller baits once in the freshwater. I like hearing this feedback, it seems that many fishers have experienced a feeding freshwater sockeye here in Alaska.

[@DevinAK49]

I was catching yesterday when not many others were. And I overheard a woman to her friend say "he's probably snagging"... I wanted to say, "yeah, that's what we're doing. I'd have had my limit in an hour instead of 3 if I kept the ones that weren't in the mouth" I caught 6 that weren't in the mouth.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Well that's a great report to get! I know that river is filling up with fish. Sometimes it seems like the judgment on catching these river sockeye is relentless, especially if you're the only one catching fish! Just give it a week and the haters will be getting hooked up too and the laughable criticisms will subside. This condemnation of successful fishing on the Kenai is unfortunately the modern day combat fishing. Honestly though, it's just fishing right?!!!!

[@TheDbrewer31]

I think what cracks me up more than anything is the fact that people get so upset over a LEGAL method that the DNR allow. If you dont like it, why not just move on? They are NOT catching fish unethical. Its ALLOWED! Hell, if thats the case and its unethical, we need to have a talk with some of those eagles and other birds who are catching them without the fishing biting at them 1st. Or maybe we should be worried about the birds carrying them off ALIVE, rather than catching them and killing it in an etical manner before it flys off with its food. Crazy. Stay within the laws and tell everyone else to STFU!

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

😂 lol. This is a hilarious take on what seems to be the most controversial fishing method ever. I never imagined that some people would get so bent out of shape over catching fish this way but here we are! It’s the “why don’t you just get your hamburger from the store and stop killing all of the cows” argument…. 🤣

[@TicklerDude]

I always like to watch and laugh at clueless tourists when they try to catch Sockeye. They always have the wrong type of pole and the line is too light, with a wrong sized hook. The smart ones learn quickly, but some people fish for many hours before getting the first fish

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I guess we all start somewhere! For me, I’ll fish with a hook I found on the river bank and an alder tree cut into a pole if it gets me in the water! There are a lot of lines in the water that don’t stand a chance of hooking up though, you’re right about that.

[@michillekrantz5154]

Well, thank God for all the tourist. They’re the ones that come in and eat at your restaurants shop at your stores and bring money to the area. I’m so glad I got to talk to someone who is a specialist

[@jjseandxcefree]

this ain't fishing; it's snagging. you need to change your title. well, if you had integrity you'd change it.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Yea, it’s more like catching than fishing.

[@mauricebrown9094]

Alaska has it's own set of definitions when it comes to what is legal and was isn't. I lived in Coastal Oregon for 12 yrs, and saw a lot of Snagging at curtain times of the year, by a curtian type of person. I was told , it is a grey area, Illegal but still a grey area. I believe it depends on what sort of fisherman / fisherwoman you are. I think people who live in Alaska no matter where they lived before just want as much as they can car take every time they enter into nature. One day the fish runs wont be as thick & you will only have yourselves to blame. Personally I believe that the fish should be hooked from the inside of the mouth outwards, Nothing Else. And if it is not caught like that I toss it back.. Question for you. If your only allowed so many hooks on a line at one time say 3, does that mean if you purchase 2 crankbaits that comes with 2 treble hooks is that lure counted as 2 hooks or one.?? And then there is this one,. In Oregon your not allowed to use Chum or as we call it berley to attract fish, However on the other hand they sell truck loads of bottles of juice/ pastes etc to put on lures and eggs.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

Alaska sport fishing "General" regulations state that only 2 hooks may be used while fishing a single line. A "hook" can be a treble hook or a single point hook. Then, further regulation specifies if treble hooks are allowed in certain waters. So a crank bait that is fixed with two hooks, may they be treble point or single point, would be considered legal sport fishing tackle. And for the record, Alaska is a conservative state, not liberal like Oregon. Your blanket statement that Alaskans take everything they can all of the time is laughable.

[@libbymolly1]

This is just snagging whether you or all the people doing it want to say so. Its snagging plain and simple. I live in Ontario. We have a healthy population of salmon in the great lakes. I can tell you every one of the pacific salmon that swims in the great lakes will actually bite a lure or a bait if presented properly. I've had half dead chinook salmon grab roe bags, lures. This is just absolute laziness from people that don't have patience to learn the correct technique. Snagging is snagging. Even if you do it so it looks like the fish tried to bite it. And the government should be ashamed for letting it happen. All the people in this video are just dirty snaggers, and i will look down on all of you for doing it. Because there is a better and morally right way to do it.

[@alaskasmallcraftadventures]

I said it was snagging in the mouth in the first minute of the video. You must have missed that in your rage of fury while typing this comment. Like I also said, its controversial as all get out! Please post a video and link it to this one showing everyone how much better than them you are, it would be helpful.

[@libbymolly1]

When the salmon start running here in ont. i certainly will.