� Fish On!

Welcome to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and the Triumvi-rate Theatre’s guide to fish-

ing 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-

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 in-formation on fishing is spending some

quality time with local experts, but who has time for that in between battling

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 Trium-virate Theatre has done the legwork for

you. We’ve interviewed fishing guides, biologists, and Kenai River Sportfish-ing 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 informa-tion 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 be-gin June 20. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at the Triumvirate Bookstore.

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.

“”

The 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 involv-ing dozens of kids and serving hun-dreds of community members. With the opening of the Triumvirate The-atre and Bookstore in Soldotna, Alaska, we established a permanent home for ACIPA’s children’s programming and community theatre productions. Gen-erous 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 char-ity fundraisers. Our group provides en-tertainment 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 pro-gram is called the Drop of a Hat Play-ers. This group of volunteer actors can be ready to put on a show within forty-eight hours to raise needed funds. In 2005-2006, the Triumvirate Theatre produced many quality shows

Fish On! Welcomes YouSummer 2006 Soldotna alaSka

The Alaska Children’s Institute for the Performing Arts & Triumvirate TheatreWhat We are

thanks to our sponsors. With contin-ued support, ACIPA will be able to cul-tivate culture in rural Alaska and help meet the needs of individuals and fami-lies 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 wel-come 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 oth-ers. 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 DirectorsJoe Rizzo, PresidentPaulene Rizzo • Carla JennessChris Jenness • A.J. Seims

Contact us:907-95-DRAMA (953-7262)907-776-8669 907-283-6109hereliesdrama@hotmail.com www.triumviratetheatre.com

Cover photos courtesy of Joel Bennett, John Hyde, Rex Melton and the Alaska Division of Tourism.

� Fish On!

The Place to BeMore Visitors Fish on the Kenai Than Any Other Area in Alaska

Visitors’ Fishing Trips by Region Kenai Peninsula (46%) Southeast (23%) Other Areas (16%) Mat-Su Area (8%) Prince William Sound (4%) Fairbanks Area (3%)-Kenai River Sport Fishing Association

KENAI RIVERKing 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 RIVERRed Salmon: First run mid-Jun to mid-July.Second run mid-July to season closure on Aug. 20.

KASIlOF RIVERKing Salmon: Late May to season closure July 31.

dEEp cREEKSAlTWATERKing Salmon: First run early May to late June.Second run late June to early Aug.

ANchOR RIVER,dEEp cREEK &NINIlchIK RIVERKing 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 BAySilver Salmon: Early July to early Aug.

hOMER SpITKing 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 cOVEKing Salmon: Mid-May to early July.

clAM gUlch,dEEp cREEK &pOlly cREEKRazor Clams: All year on -2 foot or lower tides.

Where the

Action is

FiShing run activitySchedule

River $99-250 All day Full & • • •Guided + License 1/2 day

FiShing Planner

WIn

Ter

SPrI

ng

Sum

mer

FAll

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.

Saltwater $99-225 Early Full & • •Guided + License morning 1/2 day

Dress in layers, bring windbreaker. Check with guides about meals & restrooms on board. Be sure and attend Fish On! for practical advice about avoiding and treating seasickness.

On Your License Best early & 1 hr • • • • Own (& tags) late in day to all day Fees

Check current Fishing Regulations. Bring mosquito repellent & look out for bears if summer bank fishing. Avoid bank erosion by fishing from specially designed fishing platforms. Remember, the delicate environment of shallow water is where salmon fry develop.

Activity Cost Times Duration Fishing Tips

Fish run ChArT

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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.

King SalmonSilver SalmonRed SalmonPink Salmon*HalibutRainbow TroutDolly Varden

Species May June July Aug. Sept.

RAINBOW STeeLHeAD TROuT 42.3 lbs

HALIBuT459 lbs

alaSka State Trophy records

ReD SALMON16 lbs

SILVeRSALMON

26 lbs

KING SALMON 97.4 LBS

Nonresident fishinglicenses:

1-day. . . . . . . . .$203-day. . . . . . . . .$357-day. . . . . . . . .$5514-day. . . . . . . .$80Annual . . . . . .$145

Resident fishing licenses: $24

Nonresident Kingsalmon tags:

1-day. . . . . . . . .$103-day. . . . . . . . .$207-day. . . . . . . . .$3014-day. . . . . . . .$50Annual . . . . . $100

Resident King Salmon tags: $10

Fishing Facts & Figures

Fishing Licenses

� Fish On!

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“ ”

Fishing, like baseball, is rife with superstition. Perhaps because the activity is so dependent on

factors beyond the seafarers’ control, fishermen of old came up with count-less mystical explanations for all kinds of good and bad luck that beset their voyages. Good omens included a bee or small bird landing on deck, while a pig on board would bring trouble. Women were considered bad luck on a ship, a mystical explanation for sailors’ being distracted by feminine wiles and making mistakes on board. Whims of weather were also explained away by old wives’ t a l e s . Whistling on a ship can sum-mon the w i n d , but only a small boy was permitted to do it, because his quiet whistle wouldn’t bring on the full gale a grown sailor’s might. Ringing a bell on board was forbidden, because it was thought to scare away the fish. Cats were thought to bring on bad weather, but many captains considered their rat control function worth the risk. Rab-bits, on the other hand, were also bad news, and were never taken on board. Timing a voyage was tricky, too. Captains never set sail on Friday, be-cause it was considered an evil day. Conversely, Sunday was considered most auspicious, hence the maxim, “Sunday sail, never fail.” Today, fishing on the Kenai is just as unpredictable as sea voyages of old, and those who ply its waters have super-stitions of their own. Any Kenai River

fisherman worth his salt will tell you to pack your rod, reel, flies, and that most important fish-attracting item, red lico-rice. Apparently just having it with you pleases the river gods. When packing your lunch for a day on the river or the inlet, do not bring bananas in any form. A banana on a boat is bad luck, and any captain who discovers it is likely to pitch them into the drink. While trolling for kings in Kachemak or Resurrection Bay, you might be fortunate enough to spot dolphins frolicking nearby. Old time sailors considered these friendly creatures good omens, and you should,

too. They might be fishing for the same s a l m o n you are, and their fish finders are more

sensitive than anything even the best guide might have installed on his boat. Watch out for barefoot women on the dock as you board your vessel. That sight is considered an ill omen. Since it’s Alaska, and any sensible woman knows what kind of slime might be present on any dock where fish are cleaned, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about that one. After reading up on fish habitats, water temperature, the olfactory system of salmon, and gathering your gear, all that’s left to do to ensure a plentiful catch is to cross your fingers, throw salt over your left shoulder, knock on wood, look for four-leaf clovers, don’t break any mirrors, and keep a sharp eye out for barefoot women. Good luck!

Bananas on a boat are bad luck, and any captain who discovers them is likely to pitch them into the drink. ”

“

Every Little Bit HelpsSkeptics may scoff, but following fishing superstitions can’t hurt

Salmon fishing in Upper cook Inlet accounts for well over one-third of the state’s recreational fishing.

-Kenai River Sportfishing Association

Alaska Division of Community and Business Development

Sport and personal use fishing in South-central 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

� Fish On!

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So you think you’re ready to go fishing. Have you had your rod and reel tuned up in the last three months (or 3,000 miles, whichever came first)? Got those accidental hook holes in your waders patched watertight? With rubber sealant, duct tape or are you hoping the fish slime still crusted on from last year will hold? Been practicing your excuses for why getting up at 4 a.m. and fishing until 2 p.m. should exempt you from lawn-mowing duties? Made sure your boat trailer had the proper tags and working tail lights? Just kidding, no one does that. Packed a lunch? Had your fishing license tattooed in triplicate by a notary public to your left keister if fishing for king salmon approximately 22.475 meters below Fish and Game markers on the south bank of the river from Jan. 18 to 3:27 p.m. eastern Borneo Standard Time July 19th, or on your right cheek if fishing for reds on the north bank of the river 18.327 meters below Fish and Game markers and 24.8 inches to the right of the flattened Coke can left there 3.27 years ago? No? Than fire up the lawn mow-er, because you obviously aren’t well enough versed in fishing regulations to go near a puddle with a toothpick,

much less the Kenai River with a fish-ing pole. A common misconception about fishing in Alaska is that the most effort is required in the planning or fishing stages of the endeavor. Not so. even the cleaning, filleting, cooking of the fish and — most difficult yet — re-washing of a perfectly clean hat so

your wife will stop complaining that it smells like a hatchery are a breeze com-pared to the true challenge of Alaska sportfishing: learning the rules. The written rules are confusing enough: * In flowing waters (as opposed to what, ice?), beads fished ahead of flies, lures or bare hooks must be fixed with-in 2 inches of the hook, or be free to slide on the entire length or the line or leader.* For coho salmon 16 inches or lon-ger, and/or sockeye salmon and chum salmon 16 inches or longer, you may have three per day, three in possession, in combination, but only two per day or two in possession may be coho salmon, baked in a 450-degree oven wrapped in three layers of foil folded with hospital corners.

Then there’s the unwritten rules of the river that dictate the iner points of fishing etiquette, such as:

* Thou shalt not stand closer than one foot from any other fisherman on the bank.

* Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s tackle.

* When a salmon is hooked, thou shalt yell, “Fish On” in a voice loud enough to be heard 43.7 feet up- and down-river, yet not in an overly excited tone, lest your fellow fishermen think you are bragging.

* In a similar vein, thou shalt not hook three or more keepers when the anglers on either side of you have reeled in none, lest the next time you reach for your landing net you find it replaced with a stick of devil’s club. exhaustive knowledge of these rules may not seem as crucial as being well-versed in the insanit... er ... ins and

outs of fishing regs, but they certainly are. Being slapped with the biggest fine possible under state law is far pref-erable to angering a bank full of fisher-

man who have been up since 4, haven’t caught a thing and still have to mow their lawns when they get home. No matter what patch you used for your waders, it won’t hold up to be-ing tossed tattoo-first into the river.Happy fishing!

When a salmon is hooked, thou shalt yell, “Fish on” in a voice loud enough to be heard 43.7 feet up- and down-river, yet not in an overly excited tone, lest your fellow fishermen think you are bragging.

“”

Something’s Fishy

� Fish On!

I’m thinkingArby’s.

With 11 AlaskaLocations to Serve YOU

”“More than one quarter of a

million anglers—Alaskans and visitors—fish in the cook Inlet boroughs each year.

-Kenai River Sportfishing Association

� Fish On!

� Fish On!

� Fish On!

The Triumvirate Bookstore is a fully stocked used bookstore that car-ries a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction. Entirely stocked by donations, all the profits from book sales are used to support the theatre and children’s performing arts programs in the com-munity. 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 Trium-virate Bookstore and feel good know-ing 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.

Triumvirate Bookstore Supports Theatre Great Books Available, Cheap!

Fish On! Show Entertaining, InformativeVisitors Laugh Hysterically, Learn How to Fish It can be a little overwhelming to be a first-time visitor to the Kenai Pen-insula. 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 adver-tisements, all vying for a visitors’ fish-ing dollar. It’s hard to know where to start. After all, if a new angler makes a mistake, they could fling a fishhook

into their retina, awaken and enrage a hungry grizzly, destroy precious wild-life 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 Triumvi-rate 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 produc-tions. Also, J.R. and Josh are the Alaska State Duo Interpretation Champions (That means they’re really funny).

The show was written by pub-lished playwright and lifelong Alaskan Joe Rizzo. Joe grew up in Sterling and Soldotna, but more importantly, he knows who to ask for the best in-formation about fishing on the Ke-nai. Joe talked to Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials, Wildlife Biologists, Kenai River Sportfishing Association experts and experienced fishing guides. The remarkable sto-

ries and practical information they shared with him were woven into a very funny and informative script. Attending Fish On! can’t guran-tee limiting out on trophy salmon. But spending an hour with these tal-ented 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 world-record 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.

A tip gleaned from the Fish On! show...could help you break the King Salmon World Record of 94.7 pounds. ”

“

10 Fish On!

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 info@kenairiversportfishing.com

RELEASE A HOG -- TAKE HOME A TROPHYGUIDE/ANGLER RULESAnglers 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.

11 Fish On!

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hardware& fishing

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(907) 262-4655Hours: 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

Proud

to helP

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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 Clas-sic success would not be possible with-out 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 recog-nized 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 com-ing. This year began with our triennial Board of Fish (BOF) meeting in An-chorage 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 in-cluding 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 in-tense commercial fishery into the Ke-nai 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 success-ful presentation to the BOF. That is one of the primary goals of this organiza-tion – promote meaningful and predict-able sport and personal use fishing for the Kenai River. We will continue our mission to “ensure the sustainability of the great-est 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.

Fish “Windows” Will Help Provide Predictable FishingKenai River Sportfishing Association Works to Protect River

1� Fish On!

1� Fish On!

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

We’re Proud To Be Upstaged

© 2006 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. wellsfargo.com

99914 9.667x5.25 bw 4/17/06 12:47 PM Page 1Boats in beautiful Seward Harbor await a day of fishing in Resurrection Bay. Kenai Peninsula Marketing Tourism Council

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