Gary Turner founded the Kenai Fishing Academy in 2003 after fishing around the state and hearing remarks like, “I’ve been coming up here for five years and haven’t been able to catch a king!” Turner took the “teach a man to fish” saying literally, and partnered with local fly fishing teacher Dave Atcheson to hatch his fishing academy.

Students come from all over the world to learn the nuances of fishing at Cook Inlet and Kenai Peninsula. Two courses, bait casting and fly fishing, are offered and you’ll find students of all ages. The oldest, so far, was 84 years old and committed to upping his fishing game. “It’s like an alumni group. Fathers bring sons, mothers bring up daughters,” Turner says.

Fish Like a Local

Many students return to take the classes again. One returning student, John Sciera, told the Peninsula Clarion that he was especially interested in hydrology and hatchery. “I mean, you just don’t get this fishing with Granddad!” he said. Sciera is also impressed with the knowledge and patience of the instructors.

Most students have had no formal instruction, and many are beginners. Students get to spend plenty of time on the water, and in fly fishing everything from knots and leaders to wildlife habits and biology is covered. In baiting, you’ll learn about casting, egg curing applications, characteristics of salmon and halibut, and much more.