Fish On! Welcomes You Summer 2006 Soldotna Alaska W elcome to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and the Triumvirate Theatre’s guide to fishing on the Kenai, Fish On! The fact that you’re here at all attests to your superior patience and determination, since making your way up the AlCan or surviving a 4-hour layover in Seattle after the Starbucks had already closed is just as trying as catching a trophy king. Actually, it’s the fishing part that requires the patience and know how, not the catching. And that’s where this guide and the show it accompa- nies (also entitled Fish On!) comes in. After having spent thousands of dol- “ quality time with local experts, but who has time for that in between battling There’s just not much time in between battling for a parking space at Fred Meyer for your 40-ft Winnebago Sightseer and trying to decide which Alaska Bear Tales book to buy. Fish On! can help. lars to get here, hundreds on gear and dozens on snacks, the smart angler is looking for any edge he can get over his scaly prey. The best source for information on fishing is spending some What we are ” for a parking space at Fred Meyer for your 40-ft Winnebago Sightseer and trying to choose which Alaska Bear Tales book to buy? Luckily the Triumvirate Theatre has done the legwork for you. We’ve interviewed fishing guides, biologists, and Kenai River Sportfishing Association experts to glean the best information about how to make your day on the water successful. Look through the pages of this guide for a sample, and for all the fishing information you could ever want, be sure and attend a showing of Fish On! Shows daily at 1, 3 and 6 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday at the Triumvirate Theatre in the Peninsula Center Mall. Shows begin June 20. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the Triumvirate Bookstore. The Alaska Children’s Institute for the Performing Arts & Triumvirate Theatre T he Alaska Children’s Institute for the Performing Arts was established in 1998. What began as a summer camp for kids has grown into an enterprise that produces as many as a dozen productions year round involving dozens of kids and serving hundreds of community members. With the opening of the Triumvirate Theatre and Bookstore in Soldotna, Alaska, we established a permanent home for ACIPA’s children’s programming and community theatre productions. Generous sponsors such as KSRM Radio and Spenard Builders Supply made the opening of our theatre a reality. We are one of the very few performing arts groups in the state to operate our own facility. ACIPA’s mission is not only to bring the performing arts to children on the Kenai Peninsula, but to make a positive impact on the community. We believe that non-profit theatres should do more than just promote their own operations. This philosophy leads us to help individuals and families that need assistance. Since the establishment of the Triumvirate Theatre, our group has raised thousands of dollars for burn victims, homeless children, children battling cancer and our local Hospice organization. Not only do we make our 94-seat facility available free of charge to other charitable organizations, but we often become the catalyst for charity fundraisers. Our group provides entertainment for events that raise money for people in desperate situations such as caring for a terminally ill child or families that lose their homes to fires or other disasters. This outreach program is called the Drop of a Hat Players. This group of volunteer actors can be ready to put on a show within fortyeight hours to raise needed funds. In 2005-2006, the Triumvirate Theatre produced many quality shows thanks to our sponsors. With continued support, ACIPA will be able to cultivate culture in rural Alaska and help meet the needs of individuals and families that need a helping hand. We are proud to be a part of enriching the lives of Alaskans. With the addition of our informational fishing show, Fish On!, we are happy to extend a hearty welcome to visitors to Soldotna and share our enthusiasm for this great state with you. By shopping in the bookstore or attending a show, you are helping others. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at the show! -Carla Jenness, Board Member Where we are Who we are ACIPA Board of Directors Joe Rizzo, President Paulene Rizzo • Carla Jenness Chris Jenness • A.J. Seims Contact us: 907-95-DRAMA (953-7262) 907-776-8669 907-283-6109 [email protected] www.triumviratetheatre.com Cover photos courtesy of Joel Bennett, John Hyde, Rex Melton and the Alaska Division of Tourism. Fish On! Fishing Facts & Figures The Place to Be Fishing Licenses Visitors’ Fishing Trips by Region Kenai Peninsula (46%) Southeast (23%) Other Areas (16%) Mat-Su Area (8%) Prince William Sound (4%) Fairbanks Area (3%) Cost Times Duration Nonresident King salmon tags: 1-day . . . . . . . . $20 3-day . . . . . . . . $35 7-day . . . . . . . . $55 14-day . . . . . . . $80 Annual . . . . . . $145 1-day . . . . . . . . $10 3-day . . . . . . . . $20 7-day . . . . . . . . $30 14-day . . . . . . . $50 Annual . . . . . . $100 Resident fishing licenses: $24 Resident King Salmon tags: $10 Summer Activity Spring Fishing Planner Winter -Kenai River Sport Fishing Association Nonresident fishing licenses: Fishing Tips Check with guide service to time your trip according to salmon runs. Come to Fish On! show to learn how to choose the best guide for you. Learn which questions to ask in order to ensure a great day on the water. River $99-250 All day Full & • • • Guided + License 1/2 day Saltwater Guided $99-225 + License Early morning Dress in layers, bring windbreaker. Check with guides about meals & restrooms Full & • • 1/2 day on board. Be sure and attend Fish On! for practical advice about avoiding and On Your Own License (& tags) Fees Best early & late in day Check current Fishing Regulations. Bring mosquito repellent & look out for bears 1 hr • • • • if summer bank fishing. Avoid bank erosion by fishing from specially designed to all day Rainbow Steelhead Trout 42.3 lbs treating seasickness. fishing platforms. Remember, the delicate environment of shallow water is where salmon fry develop. King Salmon 97.4 LBS KENAI RIVER King Salmon: First run mid-May to early July. Second run early July to season closure on July 31. Red Salmon: Mid-July to early August. Silver Salmon: First run late July-late August. 2nd Run early Sept. - Season Closure on Sept. 30. RUSSIAN RIVER Fall More Visitors Fish on the Kenai Than Any Other Area in Alaska e h t e Wherion Is Act Fishing R un A ctivity S chedule Red Salmon 16 lbs Halibut 459 lbs Silver Salmon 26 lbs Red Salmon: First run mid-Jun to mid-July. Second run mid-July to season closure on Aug. 20. kasilof river King Salmon: Late May to season closure July 31. deep creek Saltwater King Salmon: First run early May to late June. Second run late June to early Aug. anchor river, deep creeK & ninilchik river King Salmon: Late May to late June. Weekends only. Consult regulations. Silver Salmon: Early Aug. to mid Sept. Steelhead: Mid-Aug. to early Nov. catch & release. resurrection bay Silver Salmon: Early July to early Aug. Fish Run Species King Salmon Silver Salmon Red Salmon Pink Salmon* Halibut Rainbow Trout Dolly Varden Chart May June July Aug. Sept. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Consult with your guide service for more precise run timing. If you go on your own, be sure to check fishing regulations and consult local shops before you go; Alaska waters are actively managed and regulations may change. * Large runs of Pink Salmon arrive in even numbered years. Alaska State Trophy Records homer spit King Salmon: First run mid-May to early July. Second run was last stocked in 1999, July - Aug. Silver Salmon: Early Aug. to mid Sept. Dolly Varden: Mid-May to mid-July. halibut cove King Salmon: Mid-May to early July. clam gulch, deep creek & polly creek Razor Clams: All year on -2 foot or lower tides. Fish On! Every Little Bit Helps Skeptics may scoff, but following fishing superstitions can’t hurt F ishing, like baseball, is rife with fisherman worth his salt will tell you to superstition. Perhaps because pack your rod, reel, flies, and that most the activity is so dependent on important fish-attracting item, red licofactors beyond the seafarers’ control, rice. Apparently just having it with you fishermen of old came up with count- pleases the river gods. When packing less mystical explanations for all kinds your lunch for a day on the river or the of good and bad luck that beset their inlet, do not bring bananas in any form. voyages. Good omens included a bee A banana on a boat is bad luck, and any or small bird landing on deck, while captain who discovers it is likely to pitch a pig on board would bring trouble. them into the drink. While trolling for Women were considered bad luck on a kings in Kachemak or Resurrection ship, a mystical explanation for sailors’ Bay, you might be fortunate enough to being distracted by feminine wiles and spot dolphins frolicking nearby. Old making mistakes on board. Whims of time sailors considered these friendly weather were also explained away by creatures good omens, and you should, old wives’ too. They tales. might be Bananas on a boat are bad Whistling fishing for luck, and any captain who on a ship the same can sumsalmon discovers them is likely to mon the you are, pitch them into the drink. w i n d , and their but only fish finders a small are more boy was permitted to do it, because his sensitive than anything even the best quiet whistle wouldn’t bring on the full guide might have installed on his boat. gale a grown sailor’s might. Ringing a Watch out for barefoot women on the bell on board was forbidden, because it dock as you board your vessel. That was thought to scare away the fish. Cats sight is considered an ill omen. Since were thought to bring on bad weather, it’s Alaska, and any sensible woman but many captains considered their rat knows what kind of slime might be control function worth the risk. Rab- present on any dock where fish are bits, on the other hand, were also bad cleaned, you shouldn’t have to worry news, and were never taken on board. too much about that one. Timing a voyage was tricky, too. After reading up on fish habitats, Captains never set sail on Friday, be- water temperature, the olfactory system cause it was considered an evil day. of salmon, and gathering your gear, all Conversely, Sunday was considered that’s left to do to ensure a plentiful most auspicious, hence the maxim, catch is to cross your fingers, throw “Sunday sail, never fail.” salt over your left shoulder, knock on Today, fishing on the Kenai is just wood, look for four-leaf clovers, don’t as unpredictable as sea voyages of old, break any mirrors, and keep a sharp eye and those who ply its waters have super- out for barefoot women. stitions of their own. Any Kenai River Good luck! “ ” “ Fish On! -Kenai River Sportfishing Association “ “ Salmon fishing in Upper Cook Inlet accounts for well over one-third of the state’s recreational fishing. Alaska Division of Community and Business Development Sport and personal use fishing in Southcentral Alaska generates total annual sales of $532 million that support 6,100 average annual jobs producing $171 million in income in the region. Kenai River Sportfishing Association Something’s Fishy So you think you’re ready to go much less the Kenai River with a fish- Then there’s the unwritten rules * In a similar vein, thou shalt not hook ing pole. fishing. of the river that dictate the iner points three or more keepers when the anglers Have you had your rod and reel A common misconception about of fishing etiquette, such as: on either side of you have reeled in tuned up in the last three months (or fishing in Alaska is that the most effort * Thou shalt not stand closer than one none, lest the next time you reach for is required in the planning or fishing foot from any other fisherman on the your landing net you find it replaced 3,000 miles, whichever came first)? Got those accidental hook holes stages of the endeavor. Not so. Even bank. with a stick of devil’s club. in your waders patched watertight? the cleaning, filleting, cooking of the * Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s Exhaustive knowledge of these With rubber sealant, duct tape or are fish and — most difficult yet — rerules may not seem as crucial as being tackle. you hoping the fish slime still crusted washing of a perfectly clean hat so well-versed in the insanit... er ... ins and on from last year will outs of fishing regs, hold? but they certainly When a salmon is hooked, thou shalt yell, “Fish on” Been practicing are. Being slapped in a voice loud enough to be heard 43.7 feet upyour excuses for why with the biggest getting up at 4 a.m. fine possible under and down-river, yet not in an overly excited tone, and fishing until 2 p.m. state law is far preflest your fellow fishermen think you are bragging. should exempt you erable to angering a from lawn-mowing bank full of fisherduties? man who have been up since 4, haven’t Made sure your boat trailer had your wife will stop complaining that it * When a salmon is hooked, thou shalt caught a thing and still have to mow the proper tags and working tail lights? smells like a hatchery are a breeze comyell, “Fish On” in a voice loud enough their lawns when they get home. pared to the true challenge of Alaska Just kidding, no one does that. to be heard 43.7 feet up- and down- No matter what patch you used sportfishing: learning the rules. Packed a lunch? river, yet not in an overly excited tone, for your waders, it won’t hold up to be Had your fishing license tattooed The written rules are confusing lest your fellow fishermen think you are ing tossed tattoo-first into the river. in triplicate by a notary public to your enough: Happy fishing! bragging. * In flowing waters (as opposed to left keister if fishing for king salmon approximately 22.475 meters below what, ice?), beads fished ahead of flies, Fish and Game markers on the south lures or bare hooks must be fixed withbank of the river from Jan. 18 to 3:27 in 2 inches of the hook, or be free to p.m. Eastern Borneo Standard Time slide on the entire length or the line or July 19th, or on your right cheek if leader. fishing for reds on the north bank of * For coho salmon 16 inches or lonthe river 18.327 meters below Fish and ger, and/or sockeye salmon and chum Game markers and 24.8 inches to the salmon 16 inches or longer, you may right of the flattened Coke can left have three per day, three in possession, in combination, but only two per day or there 3.27 years ago? No? Than fire up the lawn mow- two in possession may be coho salmon, er, because you obviously aren’t well baked in a 450-degree oven wrapped in enough versed in fishing regulations three layers of foil folded with hospital to go near a puddle with a toothpick, corners. “ Mykel's Restaurant & Lounge, located inside the Soldotna Inn, offers the finest dining on the Kenai Peninsula. Our banquet room seats up to 50 guest for a meeting or private dining experience. Quality Lodging & Fine Dining for 30 Years ” Restaurant & Lounge Accepted (907) 262-4305 Hotel (907) 262-9169 Rest. www.mykels.com SOLDOTNA INN Toll-Free (866) 262-9169 • 35041 K enai S pur H wy • S oldotna , a laSKa 99669 Fish On! “ More than one quarter of a million anglers—Alaskans and visitors—fish in the Cook Inlet boroughs each year. -Kenai River Sportfishing Association ” I’m thinking Arby’s. With 11 Alaska Locations to Serve YOU Fish On! Fish On! Fish On! Triumvirate Bookstore Supports Theatre Fish On! Show Entertaining, Informative Visitors Laugh Hysterically, Learn How to Fish Great Books Available, Cheap! The Triumvirate Bookstore is a fully stocked used bookstore that carries a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction. Entirely stocked by donations, all the profits from book sales are used to support the theatre and children’s performing arts programs in the community. Knowledgeable volunteers can guide you to a specific title, but sometimes it’s more fun to browse our shelves and see what kind of treasure you can find. Since the majority of our stock comes from donations, we have an eclectic variety of titles, many of which are antiques that might interest the collector. We also have the newest popular titles by prolific authors like Tom Clancy, Danielle Steele and John Grisham. You’re sure to find a stack of paperbacks to enjoy while traveling, and at prices less than half the cover price. If quirky authors like Barbara Kingsolver and Dave Eggers are more your taste, you’ll find them represent- ed on our shelves, too. Our outdoors section is extensive, with many guides to hiking, camping, fishing and biking Alaska and the Northwest. While you browse the stacks, your kids can peruse our large children’s section, with books that are grouped according to age group. From Beverly Cleary to R.L. Stein and Louis Sachar, your kids are sure to find an author they enjoy, and that might buy you another hour of quiet in the car. Most kids’ books cost only one dollar, so you can afford to buy the entire Sweet Valley High Series and keep her busy at least until you hit Tok. Find bargain books at the Triumvirate Bookstore and feel good knowing you’re helping support children’s theatre. The Bookstore is open from noon-6 Tuesday through Saturday, and is located in the Peninsula Center Mall. Call 95-DRAMA (953-7262) for more information. It can be a little overwhelming to be a first-time visitor to the Kenai Peninsula. The scenery is breathtaking, the sun never goes down, there are moose around every corner, and perhaps most bewildering is the vast array of guides, tackle shops, maps, books and advertisements, all vying for a visitors’ fishing dollar. It’s hard to know where to start. After all, if a new angler makes a mistake, they could fling a fishhook “ The show was written by published playwright and lifelong Alaskan Joe Rizzo. Joe grew up in Sterling and Soldotna, but more importantly, he knows who to ask for the best information about fishing on the Kenai. Joe talked to Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials, Wildlife Biologists, Kenai River Sportfishing Association experts and experienced fishing guides. The remarkable sto- A tip gleaned from the Fish On! show... could help you break the King Salmon World Record of 94.7 pounds. into their retina, awaken and enrage a hungry grizzly, destroy precious wildlife habitat, get stomped by a moose, be arrested by Fish and Game, or worst of all, get skunked (That means fish all day and not catch a thing). It’s all kind of scary. But thankfully, the Triumvirate Theatre is here to help. Fish On! is an informational show designed to teach new anglers the basics, give experienced anglers some new tricks, and entertain everyone. A mix of stand-up comedy, multi-media presentation, how-to demonstration and storytelling, Fish On! is hosted by taleted actors J.R. Cox and Josh Ball. These two have worked together for years, and have starred in nine productions. Also, J.R. and Josh are the Alaska State Duo Interpretation Champions (That means they’re really funny). ” ries and practical information they shared with him were woven into a very funny and informative script. Attending Fish On! can’t gurantee limiting out on trophy salmon. But spending an hour with these talented actors will certainly entertain and enlighten, and who knows? A tip gleaned from the show might help a new angler give Les Anderson a run for his money. (That means coming to the show could help break the worldrecord for biggest King Salmon). Fish On! plays daily Tuesday through Saturday at 1, 3, and 6. It will show June 20 through July 15, break for a week, then resume July 25-29. Tickets are $10, $8 for senior citizens, and are available at the Triumvirate Bookstore in the Peninsula Center Mall. Fish On! RELEASE A HOG -- TAKE HOME A TROPHY This is a great program that pays you up to $800 for catching and releasing a 50” or longer Kenai River king salmon. And, you still get the thrill of hanging your prize catch on the wall. It’s easy to participate--here’s how it works. • • • • Most important is to release the King as quickly as possible and to use proper revival techniques. Fish with a guide or KRSA member that has registered with the KRSA Release a Hog -- Take Home a Trophy program. Document your “catch and release” in accordance with the program rules. KRSA will reimburse you for up to $800 toward the cost of a full size reproduction mount. Hang your trophy Kenai River king salmon on your wall! Take part in protecting and preserving one of Alaska’s greatest resources, the world class Kenai River king salmon. Participate in KRSA’s catch and release program! To learn more about this and other KRSA programs or for information on KRSA membership and sponsorship opportunities contact the KRSA office today! Kenai River Sportfishing Association, Inc. 224 Kenai Avenue, Suite 102 P.O BOX 1228 SOLDOTNA, AK 99669 (907) 262-8588 FAX (907) 262-8582 [email protected] 10 Fish On! GUIDE/ANGLER RULES Anglers must hold a valid fishing license. To qualify, angler must catch and release a trophy fish measuring 50” long or longer. An affidavit of the catch and release with the signature of the guide, the angler and one additional witness will be required. Fish will be verified with a photo of the fish in the net next to the yardstick...in the water. The photo and affidavit must be delivered to the KRSA office within 7 days of the date the catch and release occurred. A certificate will be awarded to the approved angler. Upon receiving a photo of the angler with his/her finished reproduction, and a copy of the paid taxidermist invoice, the angler will receive up to $800. Only one fish per year per angler can qualify for this program. All guides and anglers must comply with all applicable ADF&G regulations. Certificates expires 18 months after date of catch & release. s o l d ot n a hardware & fishing “ we’re the Problem solvers” Proud to helP build a tradition of Performing arts excellence (907) 262-4655 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-8:00 • Saturday 9:00-6:00 • Sunday 10:00-6:00 44648 Sterling Highway. • Soldotna, Alaska (Across from Sal’s Diner) • www.soldotnahardware.com 11 Fish On! Voice of the Peninsula Oilers TUNE TO 920 AM For all your local news, weather, and up to date fishing reports! 12 Fish On! Fish “Windows” Will Help Provide Predictable Fishing Kenai River Sportfishing Association Works to Protect River by Ron Rainey The 2005 Kenai River Classic, in most everyone’s opinion, was the best ever. Our Classic Co-chairs Rik Bucy and Jim Golden did a great job and the money raised was the most ever. Even with the fine work of Rik, Jim and all other KRSA Board members the Classic success would not be possible without the wonderful efforts of our 160+ community volunteers that collectively spend thousands of hours making this event possible. The Classic has grown into one of the major events in terms of revenue, for the Soldotna/Kenai area and into one of the most recognized and prestigious events of its kind in the country. My message to our members last year began with “this past year has been very interesting and challenging.” Well, the good times just keep on coming. This year began with our triennial Board of Fish (BOF) meeting in Anchorage in January. For those of you unfamiliar with the BOF it is a board appointed by the Governor of Alaska to oversee the fisheries of the State. These people address many issues including the allocation of fish. This is where it gets very interesting. Having sport and commercial fishermen in the same room to decide fishing issues is like asking democrats and republicans to agree on a nominee to the Supreme Court. One of the proposals KRSA asked the BOF to consider in January was the implementation of “Windows.” You will find Windows described in detail in this report but the short version is, a period of time with no commercial fishing in the Upper Cook Inlet. This allows fish to pass through the very intense commercial fishery into the Kenai River. These Windows serve several very important functions. They provide for genetic diversity for the dominant Sockeye run. They help prevent over fishing of the weaker (fewer in number) salmon stocks such as King and Silver. But, the most important function of Windows to most of the sport and personal use fisherman is predictable fishing – a reasonable chance to catch a salmon for the dinner table. The roll KRSA plays at these BOF meetings is vital. Most individual sport or personal fisherman would find it very difficult to identify a fishery problem, prepare proposals and make a successful presentation to the BOF. That is one of the primary goals of this organization – promote meaningful and predictable sport and personal use fishing for the Kenai River. We will continue our mission to “ensure the sustainability of the greatest river in the world – the “Kenai.” The Board of Directors and I thank you for your membership, your help and your continued support in preserving this great river. Ron Rainey is Chairman of KRSA, a non-profit dedicated to preserving sport fishing on the Kenai River. This article was previously published in KRSA’s newsletter and is re-printed by permission. Accessories for All Men’s, Women’s & Children Wedding & Novelty Items Alaskan Wear • Year Round 244 Kenai Ave #103 Soldotna (907) 262-5473 Faxing Services • Shipping & Packaging • Document Services Mailbox & Postal Services • Color Copies & Brochures Cards & Gifts • Notary Services • We Ship Fish! Mention this ad for a 10% discount off Fed-Ex Air Shipping! Take advantage of our other services: B&W/Color Copying • Notary Services Mailbox and Mail Forwarding Service Specialty Packaging and Boxing Lamination/Comb Binding USPS/FED EX/UPS Shipping Business Cards • Brochures High Quality Digital Printing Computer Services and Internet Access (907) 283-5044 10672 Kenai Spur Hwy, Suite 112 • Kenai, Alaska 99611 [email protected] • fax (907) 283-5050 13 Fish On! 14 Fish On! 99914 9.667x5.25 bw 4/17/06 12:47 PM Page 1 Boats in beautiful Seward Harbor await a day of fishing in Resurrection Bay. Kenai Peninsula Marketing Tourism Council We’re Proud To Be Upstaged While we’re proud of our long tradition of helping to bring arts and entertainment to our community – we’re even prouder of every occasion when talented artists and performers outshine our contributions. Soldotna Store • 44552 Sterling Hwy. • 907-262-4435 © 2006 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. wellsfargo.com 15 Fish On! art books theatre
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