King Salmon, also called Chinook, are the first salmon to enter the river, typically by mid-June. We target them with swung flies, and often with two-handed rods. These fish are hot and bright, and they crush swung flies.
The lower Kanektok seems to be custom-made for spey fishing, most of our guests like to fish two-handed rods during the King run. Single-handed rods are welcomed as well and are responsible for many kings being caught at Alaska West over the years.
Recommended Gear
Rods: 9 and 10 weight rods in the 12 1/2 to 14 feet range are most common, with some fast-action 8 weights also applicable for experienced anglers. Single-hand 9 and 10 weights are mostly used and are a great way to fish stripped flies in slough water channels.
