• We have been fishing with Kenai Outfitters since 2006. Short and simple, the experience is always outstanding! Lee Young always exceeds our expectations on every trip...... - Dan & Irene Nowak, Anchorage, Alaska

  • ..... Lee's knowledge of the Kasilof River and World famous Kenai River is absolutely amazing. Kenai Outfitters Cabin's are always the cleanest on the Peninsula and have a great Alaskan feeling .... - Dan & Irene Nowak, Anchorage, Alaska

  • ..... If you are a seasoned fisherman, Lee will be ready to hit the River hard and if you've never touched a rod before, Lee will take the time to teach you. Top notch operation! - Dan & Irene Nowak, Anchorage, Alaska

  • I have been coming up to Alaska to fish for over 20 years. This is by far the best fishing guide service I have ever used..... - Mark Berndt

  • ....The accomodations are great and Lee works hard to provide the very best fishing experience. We have netted several 50 lb.+ kings over the years. - Mark Berndt

  • We spent a day with Lee and boated 2 Kings over 40 lbs. We returned the next summer with friends.... - Bob Sanders, Aberdeen, SD

  • ....and we all landed beautiful Kings; one topping 50 lbs. Thanks to Lee, my son and I have memories that will last a lifetime. - Bob Sanders, Aberdeen, SD

  • While in Soldotna, we went fishing on the Kasilof River with Lee Young, It was truly one of the most memorable experiences during our vacation in Alaska. - Colorado Springs, CO.

  • Lee Young is a terrific fishing guide with tremendous river fishing knowledge, excellent drift boat skills, and the patience to teach us the intricacies of King salmon fishing. - Boise, ID.

Alaska Fishing Tips

The Results - King Salmon Fishing On The Kenai River With Master Guide Lee Young... BackBouncing Works..BackBouncing Fishing The Alaska Kenai and Kasilof Rivers

Backbouncing is a unique fishing technique that enables the fisherman to maximize fishing efficiency. The majority of fishing guides utilize a different technique known as "backtrolling". Typically, they choose this method because it is easier for them and their clients to fish. However, there are disadvantages to backtrolling and this is where backbouncing shines.

Being a teacher my entire life, I am very good at teaching the clients how to backbounce correctly. When I say correctly, it is very important that you listen carefully during our short(10 minutes)salmon school lesson to learn the proper way to backbounce. When in doubt, always ask questions as we want to catch as many fish as possible. It is proven that the fisherman that backbounces correctly will likely receive many more bites. Don't worry, I will be your coach and assist you throughout the day.

For early run Kasilof River Kings we choose to use the backbouncing technique for several different reasons. First, backbouncing puts the fisherman in complete control of their fishing rod meaning they are actively involved with fishing. While the other guides are using the backtrolling method the rod is in a holder and the fisherman is waiting for the fish to bite.

Fishing Method Of Choice For The Kenai Peninsula...

Kenai River Alaska Float Fishing Trips.. Bear Viewing and More!The reason(s) we backbounce is because we can fish any type of holding water as opposed to backtrolling where you need certain current speed, direction and plenty of room to have fifty feet of line out. Backbouncing fisherman simply let enough line out to go directly to the bottom. At that point, they lift their weight off of the bottom approximately two inches. The salmon are directly on the bottom of the river and lifting the weight only two inches keeps the bait/lure in the STRIKE ZONE!! Lifting the weight also allows the bait and weight to slowly move downstream with the boat to avoid tangling on the bottom. In addition, the small fluuter of the lifting bait entices the king salmon to bite.

The method is simply ............................lift 2 inches and sit it back down on the bottom(make sure there is no slack in your line, keep the line tight between your rod and the bottom-with slack line you won't feel the bite as easily as a snug line)...............pause...............lift and sit.....................pause.....................lift and sit.....................pause.....................lift and sit...............pause.....................lift and sit.....................pause.....................then the salmon picks up the bait and you tell your guide your getting a bite and he'll hold the boat in position so that the presentation stays with the fish. Don't jerk yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! King salmon will mouth your bait for quite some time and jerking early will result in a missed fish and possibly an unhappy fisherman. Here's what will happen.....................the bite will feel like a tug, tug, tug, .....................tug, tug, tug,....tug, tug, tug,...............and then the fish will start to turn and you'll feel a pull as the fish turns and moves away with your bait.....................NOW..................... JERK AND SET THE HOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hang on, because you've got a Kasilof River King Salmon on the end of your line and the fun begins. Be sure to email me if you have more questions regarding backbouncing/fishing techniques or any other questions you may have.

Tight lines,
Lee Young
Kenai Alaska Master Guide