Planning a Family Trip  

Charlie was born on October 5, 2007, and we are just counting the days until the ice is thick enough to take him fishing. In normal years, as we fall into deep freeze in Alaska, the editorial staff at Fish Alaska will begin to plan 2008 trips. It's quite a contrast when my first thought is going somewhere so that my son can catch lots of fish, rather than going somewhere that will yield hours of hard work for one or two trophies.

With that in mind, I've devoted this issue's Traveler to looking at some options for the family. The criteria considered in making for a good family trip are:

1. Lots of readily-caught fish
2. Additional activities for the family other than fishing
3. Access to accommodations, food and entertainment.
   

Based on these factors, we'll look at trips to Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and Kodiak and describe how they fare based on these three criteria.

ANCHORAGE

As the population center of the state and its largest city by far, Anchorage has a lot to offer. To Alaskans it is a big city, but for those from the truly gigantic cities of the Lower 48, Anchorage is an urban wilderness with culture and an abundance of outdoor activities. The Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau is currently promoting a contest to win an awesome trip to Anchorage from 9/23/08-9/28/08 that includes a number of terrific activities. You can enter at www.anchorage. net/fishalaska. The package consists of dinners at The Bridge, Simon and Seaforts, and Kincaid Grill, an overnight fly-out fishing trip to Redoubt Mountain Lodge (which includes bear viewing and kayaking), a visit to Alaska Native Heritage Center, a Cook your Catch class at Allen and Petersen's Cooking & Appliance Center, multiple nights at the Millennium Hotel, a Sourdough Circuit tour with Salmon Berry Tours which includes visiting a historic gold mine, a short hike and rafting class 3 rapids, an all out relaxation package from Allure Day Spa & Hair Design and attendance at the 2008 Fish Alaska magazine recipe contest cook-off.

Beyond that mega-trip, let's examine how Anchorage fares on the three criteria from above:

1. The stocked lakes around Anchorage are a great way to get kids into plenty of action on fish they can handle. Jewel, Little Campbell, Sand, DeLong, and Taku lakes are all good options for stocked rainbows, landlocked salmon and char. Campbell Creek can be a good bet for trout and silver salmon and a short drive to Bird Creek when the pinks have arrived makes for a good half-day for the kids.

2. Anchorage boasts a wealth of additional activities from museums to parks to a zoo to concerts and movie theaters. In addition to culture, wildlife and scenery, Anchorage provides ample opportunities to get out into nature while remaining close to the city center.

3. There are many hotels, motels, inns and B&B's spread out around the city. Additionally, there are many local restaurants, chains and fast food establishments to meet the needs of all.

KENAI PENINSULA

The Kenai Peninsula is a hotbed of Alaska angling and as such is well appointed with the gamut of other amenities needed by the traveling family. From halibut fishing out of Homer, Seward or Deep Creek to salmon and trout fishing on the Kenai, a visiting angler can be assured of world-class angling. In terms of a family location, let's look at the three criteria:

1. A great way to keep young anglers engaged is to take them pink salmon fishing. One of the better spots to do this in even-numbered years is Hope. Resurrection Creek will be packed full of pinks and they are easy to catch. Other pink salmon options on the peninsula include the Kenai River, and a good time to come would be the crossover points in late August into September when both pinks and coho are present. Dad and Mom can cast for silvers, while the kids keep entertained with the humpies.

2. From whitewater rafting to ocean kayaking to flightseeing and bear viewing, traveling families can broaden their array of activities. In addition to the many parks and trails, there are wonderful attractions like the Seward Sealife Center to keep the whole family entertained.

3. Like Anchorage, there is a wealth of places to stay on the Kenai Peninsula. There are not as many places as in Anchorage and they fill-up fast, so be prepared, plan ahead and book early.

KODIAK

The island of Kodiak is a treasure chest of outdoor recreation. A myriad of salt- and freshwater fishing opportunities range from the basic to the complex. The city of Kodiak is probably the best bet for a family vacation as it combines the services needed for a family with easily accessible angling possibilities. Once again, here's how it meets the three criteria:

1. Another species of fish that is perfect for the young angler is Dolly Varden. Abundant in numbers, voracious in appetite, and feisty when hooked, these fish can be found in many roadside streams. One in particular that has provided many good days of nonstop action is the American River. If the family is up for a four-wheeler adventure, than another great river to fish is Saltery. Saltery Lake Lodge also offers flights to their lodge where you can stay and fish the river. Kodiak's saltwater fishing can be magnificent and on a trip to the city of Kodiak there in the summer of 2006, Fish Alaska staff and kids had an all-out arm busting adventure. The kids caught lot of salmon and halibut and were entertained the entire time. We were but five miles from the boat harbor, and the glass calm, protected water was perfect for the children.

2. Driving around Kodiak is a great way to see some magnificent scenery and wildlife. Driving to the south end of the road system will bring you to Pasagshak State Recreation site. Along the way you might see some deer and buffalo and if you time it right, plenty of big silver salmon. Views of Chiniak Bay will keep you enthralled. If you'd rather head to the north end of town, the drive to Monashka Creek will not disappoint.

3. There are several larger hotels and many smaller options around the road system on Kodiak. For most of the year, getting a room is not a problem. As you near silver salmon season, this can become almost impossible. Kodiak is well known for its incredible silver fishing, so if you want to come during most of September and October, I'd act quickly to get your reservations in place. There are several good local restaurants around the city, with far fewer chains than on the mainland.

This should give you some basic insights into three locations that are well suited to a family fishing and sightseeing adventure in Alaska. Don't be surprised if you run into Charlie and I the next time you go.

-Marcus Weiner
Publisher