These are the “Hot Spots of the Week” fishing reports for 2019:

Updated Thursday, October 17, 2019

Weekly Summary:  Late fall is slowly but steadily transitioning to winter throughout Southcentral Alaska with approximately two to three weeks left before the typical deep freeze ascends upon the region, thus rendering an end to virtually all of the open water season for this year. But up until that point, anglers still have some nice days ahead as trout, char, and grayling are still active in areas of Susitna Valley and the Kenai Peninsula, and chrome late-run silver salmon continue to be available in the Kenai River. Despite cold mornings and days filled with a mix of snow, sleet, rain, hail, and sun, opportunities are out there for those willing to brave the elements.

As a note, this will be the last weekly fishing report of 2019.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  MIDDLE KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; ANCHOR STEELHEAD; UPPER KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; KASILOF STEELHEAD; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; DEEP STEELHEAD

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: A cooling trend coming seeing daily temperatures drop from the 40s into the 30s with nights in the teens is predicted for next week along with possible snow showers, which will slow the bite as well as chill the water considerably. Rainbows, Dolly Varden, and grayling are striking offerings off the mouths of clearwater tributaries and in the mainstem Susitna, with a wide range of forage and flesh imitation flies receiving attention in addition to washed out beads. There are still smaller pockets of spawning chums and silvers present in spots but for the most part the late runs are done for the year. Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Montana, and Rabideux creeks are worth a shot, in addition to Kashwitna and Talkeetna rivers. Action ranges from dead slow to very good depending on if schools of fish are there; look around. Expect slush ice to be more and more of an issue the coming days. Whitefish are moving up some of these drainages to spawn so do not neglect to check out the mid- to lower reaches for schools of fish; also stop by the Little Susitna River in the stretch above the highway. Right now is actually a very good time to target burbot in quiet and deep eddies, holes, and mouths of sloughs along the Susitna. Additionally, many smaller lakes are in the process of freezing up and a few already sport a thin layer of ice so hardwater fishing will be a solid option the next couple of weeks if the weather continues to cool.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Smaller tributary rivers and creeks as well as many lakes and ponds are seeing ice buildup conditions right now, which has limited angling prospects to the outlets of larger, deeper lakes where some decent fishing may be had for lake trout, burbot, and grayling. However, the more expansive rivers in the area that usually run high and turbid with glacial silt during the summer months are dropping and clearing, revealing unique opportunities to catch the last of the downstream movement of grayling and whitefish to wintering grounds; do not be totally surprised to find a few salmon and steelhead still lingering in these waters. Also, ice fishing is an up and coming activity within the next couple of weeks as many of the smaller lakes are already frozen over and will produce great fishing for rainbows once ice is thick and safe enough to walk on.

KENAI PENINSULA:

KENAI RIVER: This is perhaps the top draw for stream fishing in all of Southcentral at this time. Ocean fresh silvers continue to enter the drainage in small numbers every day, joining the bulk of the run which at this time is situated in areas of the middle river between Bing’s Landing and the Skilak Lake outlet and from the lake inlet up through the upper Kenai to the Sportman’s Landing area. By next week, the entire length of the upper will produce nice catches of silver. Water levels keep dropping, as is common in late fall, so fish are concentrated in key slots, such as the mouths of sloughs and quiet channels as well as deeper holes on the edge of current. Expect fair to good catches with some anglers catching easy limits using spinners and streamers. As for trout and char, the upper river has slowed somewhat with most fish being caught below the canyon or the first few miles of river downstream of Kenai Lake; the middle river is still producing good catches. Success can be had on a variety of offerings, including forage and flesh flies and beads. As an additional note, steelhead trout are present in small numbers in the river and a few are being caught. Check out the outlets of Kenai and Skilak lakes for the chance of hooking up with lake trout. The surf fishery at the mouth of the river has ended for the season but an occasional shark or skate is still possible.

KASILOF RIVER: Steelheaders are continuing to do well on the mid- to upper sections of water between the rapids and Tustumena Lake. Plugs are getting the most hits but oversized beads or corkies work too; seek out deeper, calmer parts of the river away from shallows and strong current. As for salmon, a few fresh and semi-bright silvers are still in the mix among the trout but the majority of that late run has turned color. For Dolly Varden and lake trout, the lake outlet is the best spot. Water levels are dropping and the river should stay free of ice well into November or later pending no cold spells.

LOWER PENINSULA STREAMS: Anchor, Deep, Ninilchik, as well as Stariski, are seeing decent action for steelhead trout and Dolly Varden. Fish are scattered from tidewater to the upper reaches of these streams with most hookups occurring in the mid sections. Water levels are low and temperatures keep dropping, making fish sluggish in the mornings but the bite usually improves midday with the slight spike in warmth. If the weather holds, good opportunities should prevail through the month; however, if temperatures drop into the teens, expect ice to start forming and thus effectively halting the fishery for this year. Please note that all of these waters will close to fishing on November 1.

 

Updated Thursday, October 10, 2019

Weekly Summary:  Recent heavy snowfall and temperatures in the low 20s in some areas of the Southcentral region has put a damper on angling opportunities, yet lowland locations along the coast and just inland are still producing good fishing, primarily for trout, char, and grayling but salmon is still a very viable option in at least one river. However, there is no denying that a change of season is coming as resident species are in the process or have already completed their migrations from summer and fall feeding grounds in smaller streams to overwintering areas in deep rivers and lakes. Those wanting to sample a number of open-water destinations and a variety of fish should head out this weekend and early next week before winter really sets in. While this transition of the seasons may be humbling to most, the action is still productive in many places, the sun will be shining intermittently, and there are absolutely less anglers out on the water, which can make for a highly memorable trip.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  MIDDLE KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; ANCHOR STEELHEAD; UPPER KENAI RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; KASILOF STEELHEAD; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; DEEP STEELHEAD

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: With snow falling and cold overnight temperatures in upper areas of the Susitna Valley and higher elevations, the open-water season likely will not last very much longer as the chill works its way down to the more popular fishing locations. However, as is sometimes the case pending an extended period of milder weather, angling opportunities could very well last through the month and into November. In the meantime, the fishing this weekend and into next week should be productive for those willing to put in time and effort in locating concentrations of rainbows, Dolly Varden, and grayling in addition to whitefish and burbot. The mouths of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks all hold promises for these species with fair to good success using a variety of enticements, including beads, forage flies, and small spoons and spinners. The Kashwitna and Talkeetna rivers can still be fished from the mid-sections down to the Susitna confluence. Late-spawning chum and silver salmon are still present in the area, primarily in the lower Talkeetna but in sections of the mainstem Susitna too so anglers can “match the hatch.”

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Freeze-up is occurring at this time and affecting all smaller clearwater streams in the Copper Valley but a few open-water opportunities are at hand in larger watersheds, such as the section of Gulkana River just below Paxson Lake for grayling and rainbows, and in the deep lakes of Louise, Summit, and Paxson for lake trout, grayling, and even whitefish. The biggest obstacle this time of year is weather and logistics if intending to use light watercraft. The action is fair to good most days but can be excellent at times. Try beads and flies for the grayling and trout, larger spoons or plugs for the lakers. A note to those targeting lake trout: This is the peak spawning period for these fish and they are found in relatively shallow water, often near shore, and usually aggressive. Exercise prudent judgement regarding retention or catch and release.

KENAI PENINSULA:

KENAI RIVER: Following the region-wide trend of mediocre silver salmon fishing this year, the late-run into the Kenai is productive but not to the degree many anglers are accustomed. The better area at this time is the middle river between Bing’s Landing in Sterling and the Skilak Lake outlet where fish are striking spoons, spinners, and large colorful streamers cast in slow-water spots such as the mouths of sloughs and channels; expect fair to good success with limits possible. The lower river around Soldotna is seeing a few silvers only being caught, due to both lack of angling effort as well as lack of fish numbers. The upper river is now seeing an increasing presence of silvers with fair action in spots downstream of Russian confluence to inlet of Skilak Lake; there should be some good opportunities starting next week. But rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are still holding on very well with good to excellent catches reported from the middle and upper river. Late-run reds are still actively spawning in many areas but most of the run has perished so beads and flesh are doing best with the latter probably having the edge, yet do not neglect other forage patterns as they can be equally effective this time of year. However, anglers will likely start seeing a drop in action after next week as trout and char slowly begin migrations to overwintering areas. A few steelhead trout have been landed on the middle river.

KASILOF RIVER: The main game going on here is steelhead. Anglers hiking in or floating the upper river from the Tustumena put-in downstream to the Sterling Highway are seeing fair to good success using plugs or large beads/corkies. Focus effort on deep holes and runs as well as the inside bend. For those targeting salmon will find a few silvers hanging on but the ratio between fresh/bright fish and blush/dark fish is not favoring something to bring home; use plugs in deeper, slower sections upstream of the rapids. Dolly Varden and lake trout are being caught at the outlet of the lake.

LOWER PENINSULA STREAMS: Water levels and clarity has been in favor of anglers the last several days and steelheading is good. The middle sections of Anchor and Deep is where concentrations of fish may be found, although nice catches have been made recently from holes right above tidewater all the way upstream to spots in upper reaches. Ninilchik is also seeing action on steelhead, in addition to a lot less angling pressure. Beads and forage flies as well as small spoons and spinners are taking fish. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good with most fish being caught in the middle and upper reaches of these streams. Due to falling water temperatures, some of the better fishing for both steelhead and Dollies is during midday when temperatures increase a few degrees.

 

Updated Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Weekly Summary:  As the autumn rain storms continue to pass over the Southcentral region, anglers are having to choose their days and locations carefully in order to be successful, avoiding flooded areas and focusing on places or times with more ideal conditions. However, as air temperatures are dropping, the highlands as well as upper reaches of most coastal and inland drainages are seeing the first snow of the season, thus limiting the actual runoff into streams which means lower and clearer water conditions and more stable fishing. Many waters are now seeing resident species such as trout, char, grayling, and others commencing their annual migrations out of traditional summer feeding grounds and heading to larger, deeper mainstem rivers and lakes to spend the cold winter months. This movement means fish are in a feeding frenzy and will continue through the month of October and into November or even later pending weather conditions. As for salmon, most runs are finished for the year with the exception being the glacial Kenai and Kasilof rivers where chrome silvers persist, the former location being especially productive. But for this weekend and early next week, angling opportunities overall remain abundant and action ranging from mediocre to great in the tributaries of Susitna and Copper rivers and the waters of Kenai Peninsula.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; ANCHOR STEELHEAD; COPPER RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; KASILOF SILVERS, STEELHEAD; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; DEEP STEELHEAD

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: While fish may be caught throughout the length of clearwater tributaries, anglers are finding the greatest concentrations of trout and grayling in the mid to lower sections, even at the mouths. Cooler weather and even snow in the forecast for the upper Susitna Valley will undoubtedly spark a more cohesive downstream movement; by next week, look for the best fishing to be located in the lower end of streams and at the Susitna confluence. Whitefish, however, will be most numerous in parts of the middle sections as they prepare to spawn. Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana are prime spots when water conditions are good. Look for Kashwitna and mainstem Talkeetna to turn on as well as water drops and clears, the latter also having decent opportunities for Dolly Varden in addition to rainbows and grayling. Byers Creek, up on the Chulitna, is productive for rainbows right now as the silvers are currently spawning. In general, beads and flesh and forage flies are top producers but small spinners and spoons are good choices too. Salmon runs in the Susitna drainage are for all practical reasons over but spawning silvers and chums will continue to be present in the mainstem Susitna and Talkeetna rivers for another few weeks yet. For those interested in burbot, these freshwater codfish may be taken at or near the mouths of tributaries flowing into the larger Susitna now until freezeup.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Late autumn conditions in the Copper Valley complete with cold nights and snow in the forecast signify an end soon to open-water opportunities. Success rates in the larger streams are generally better this time of year compared to smaller drainages but some exceptional days for grayling can still be had on the Little Nelchina, Mendeltna, and other clearwater tributaries. The middle to upper reaches of the Gulkana right below Paxson Lake is producing great action for grayling and good rainbows using beads, flies, and spinners; a few steelhead are present downstream of Middle Fork. Now is a perfect time to search for large lake trout in the shallows around Summit, Paxson, and Louise. Salmon fishing in the area is generally done for the season but a few decent silvers may still be present in the Tonsina and even Klutina rivers; spawning fish are prevalent in these drainages and the late-run reds are at the end of their cycle on the upper Gulkana near Summit Lake.

KENAI PENINSULA:

KENAI RIVER: The second run of silver salmon has entered the system and available from tidewater all the way up to the Kenai Lake outlet, yet the best fishing right now is on the middle river from Bing’s Landing in Sterling to Skilak Lake with good catches possible using an assortment of spinners, plugs, and streamers. The lower river in and around Soldotna is seeing fair success, mainly on eggs and spinners. The upper river around Cooper Landing has yet to see a strong push of silvers but some fish are being caught in sloughs and other slackwater areas on spinners and colorful flies; wait another week or so for the run to hit this section in earnest. As for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, action is good to excellent with the best stretches being the middle and upper river using beads and egg and flesh imitation flies but spinners and plugs work also; expect this fishery to be highly productive for another two weeks before starting to slow down. Steelhead trout are being caught with some frequency from the Kenai Keys area downstream to Slikok Creek. Whitefish are appearing more regularly. Anglers surf-casting for bottomfish off the mouth of the river on high tides are finding a number of sand sharks in addition to a few skates and even an occasional halibut.

KASILOF RIVER: The silver salmon run here is slowing but bright and semi-bright fish continue to be available, particularly in holes and pools on the upper river above the rapids. Plugs fished deep and slow are hitting the most fish; fair action at this time. Expect more blush or dark salmon to be present. The better opportunity may be for steelhead trout with good success possible in spots along the middle and upper river. Try large beads or corkies on the inside bend of main current or plugs in deeper, slower sections. Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and lake trout are present near the outlet of Tustumena Lake.

LOWER PENINSULA STREAMS: When water conditions cooperate, the steelhead action has been good on the Anchor and Deep and fair on the Ninilchik using beads, corkies, and a variety of streamer and forage flies. Smaller spoons and spinners work too. The most productive spots at this time is in the middle sections but some nice fish are also being landed in tidewater and the lower reaches. Dolly Varden are more prevalent in the middle and upper reaches where silver salmon are currently spawning. An occasional fresh or semi-bright silver is still possible down low in the drainages.

 

Updated Thursday, September 26, 2019

Weekly Summary:  Intermittent fall storms continue to dominate weather patterns in the Southcentral region, shedding a steady amount of rain (and even hail and wet snow) over most all favorite autumn fisheries. Chrome, late-run silvers are flooding into the lower and middle reaches of the Kenai River and some nice fish are being caught in the Kasilof as well. Fresh silvers can still be taken in waters around Whittier, Valdez, and Seward but these runs are gradually dissipating as fish are moving onto spawning beds. The late-season runs of steelhead trout are infiltrating drainages of the southern Kenai Peninsula with productive fishing to be had by anglers braving the elements; additionally, a few steelies are showing up in Gulkana in the Copper River drainage. Resident species such as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling are starting to dominate in many drainages, in particular those in the Matanuska, Susitna, and Copper valleys, where fish have begun their seasonal migrations to overwintering areas. In general, however, we are entering the final phase of the open-water fishing season and opportunities will only become fewer in numbers as September closes out and October progresses. But for now, enjoy the shoulder season for what it is as it really has a lot to offer anglers in both quality and quantity.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; ANCHOR STEELHEAD; COPPER RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; KASILOF SILVERS, STEELHEAD; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; DEEP STEELHEAD

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: Stream conditions continue to fluctuate almost on a daily basis as weather fronts pass over the valley dropping plenty of rain, which really wreaks havoc on success rates for anglers. Rainbows, grayling, Dolly Varden, and whitefish are present in catchable numbers in all tributaries but the biggest impediment as of now are elevated stream levels and turbidity. The catching has been good to excellent during the brief periods of lower and clearer conditions using egg, flesh, and forage imitations, yet high and silty water generally means using larger, more brightly colored beads/corkies and flies with action dropping significantly with poor to fair at best. Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana are all prime locations when water conditions cooperate; hit lake-based or lowland drainages such as Rabideux and Sunshine near Talkeetna and Byers Creek up along the Chulitna if area is receiving a lot of moisture. As for salmon, an occasional straggler silver salmon is a possibility if fishing the mouths of any clearwater tributaries and the late run of chums headed into the Talkeetna is still in progress.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Cooler, wetter weather patterns have resident species beginning their downstream migrations out of smaller, clearwater tributaries of the Copper to overwintering areas. Anglers are seeing good to excellent results in several local streams, such as Little Nelchina, Mendeltna, Tolsona, Tulsona, Gunn, and Indian. Fish may not always be spread throughout the length of these waters but rather concentrated in dense schools in key places such as deeper holes; scout streams thoroughly before moving on. Forage flies and spinners are great for grayling right now and rainbows respond to beads as well as spinners; the middle and upper sections of the Gulkana are doing very well this week and has a few steelhead and even an occasional nice red present too. Lake trout are active in many of the lakes in the valley, most notably Summit, Paxson, Landmark Gap, Glacier, and Louise. The Tolsona River drainage still has a fair number of silvers and an occasional red moving through, although most fish are blush to red in color with only a few bright or semi-bright specimens available.

KENAI PENINSULA:

UPPER KENAI RIVER: The bead bite for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is still on with a considerable amount of eggs from late-run kings and reds dispersed through the system. Spinners and forage flies will also take fish. Expect the good to excellent action to continue for another week at least. River conditions are good with decent clarity as water levels are starting to drop. The early run of silvers has ended but the late run should start making an inroad by mid next week. Whitefish are also being caught.

MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: Good to excellent catch rate for rainbows and Dollies in the section of river between Skilak Lake outlet and Bing’s Landing, with beads still being the top draw. Late-run kings and reds are largely done spawning but the amount of eggs in the water should keep this quality fishery going for another couple of weeks. If the bite appears sluggish, try forage flies or spinners and plugs. Late-run silvers are making an appearance with anglers having fair to good success the last several days using eggs, spinners, and colorful streamers in slow-moving parts of the river, such as pools and sloughs.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: While there are still fair numbers of trout and char in the Soldotna area, action has slowed markedly from a few weeks ago. However, the late run of silvers is arriving and fishing is fair to good in the mornings, especially if using eggs; spinners are also getting attention. Typically the silver bite will stay productive through the first week to ten days of October in this section of the Kenai.

KASILOF RIVER: Anglers here are experiencing a mixed bag of species with silver salmon, steelhead trout, Dolly Varden, and lake trout all being caught in varying numbers. Although fish can be caught from tidewater all the way up to the Tustumena Lake outlet, the best spots for salmon and steelhead is the middle section of water just upstream of the rapids. Some of the silvers are starting to blush but there are still chrome fish to be had. Use plugs for silvers and large beads (12mm) and plugs for steelhead; expect fair to good success. Dollies and lakers are being caught at the lake outlet.

LOWER PENINSULA STREAMS: The waters of Ninilchik, Deep, Stariski, and Anchor are all receiving pulses of fresh steelhead trout with the best fishing taking place right before and after periods of high and murky water from rainfall. Catches are normally fair to good but a few anglers have fared much better in certain locations; spots from just above tidewater to several miles upstream are seeing concentrations of trout. Dolly Varden action is best in middle to upper stream sections. Beads and forage flies as well as small spoons and spinners work well for both species.

 

Updated Thursday, September 19, 2019

Weekly Summary:  Anglers are continuing to enjoy typical autumn fishing conditions as rivers and streams in Southcentral rise and fall with passing low pressure systems bringing much-needed rain to the region. Late arriving silver salmon are teeming in nearshore saltwaters and pushing up several coastal drainages along the Kenai Peninsula, Cook Inlet, and Prince William Sound as steelhead trout utilize higher water levels to finally move into streams that earlier in the season were simply too low and warm for comfort and safety. While the action for resident species such as trout, char, and grayling may fluctuate with water volume and clarity, as creeks and rivers drop and conditions improve, the bite is back on again. The main thing about autumn angling in Alaska and being successful in catching fish is to be flexible and move around as conditions warrant or dictate. Run-off and lake-based drainages may present very different strategies depending on circumstances and those doing well on the water are the ones willing to seek out more suitable locations when other spots fail to produce according to expectations. To make things even more interesting and challenging, an angler must be informed enough this time of year to also allow their skill to match seasonal autumn fish migrations from summer feeding grounds to overwintering areas. But in short, the fishing right now is very good overall and will stay productive into October in many places.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  VALDEZ SILVERS; KENAI RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; WHITTIER SILVERS; COPPER RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; SEWARD SILVERS; CHULITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

TURNAGAIN ARM STREAMS: The recent bouts of rainfall has helped drainages in this area recover some volume and thus opening up some venues of opportunity for silver salmon. Although catches are often inconsistent this late in the season, Bird, Portage, and even Ingram creeks may see small appearances of fish on the tides and offer individual anglers with some relatively good fishing. Chrome silvers in September is not unusual at all in these waters, in particular Portage. If fish are there, eggs and spinners will do the trick.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

KNIK ARM STREAMS: While a very small handful of silvers are still entering Fish, Cottonwood, and Jim creeks as well as the Eklutna Tailrace, the salmon runs in these parts are essentially done for the year; however, anglers scouting the mouths of clearwater streams flowing into the Knik River may be able to eek out some bright and semi-bright silvers through the month. In fact, if water conditions are right, chrome silvers may even be taken in October out of the mainstem Knik upstream of the Old Glenn Highway pending cool temperatures has the river flowing clear. Limits are possible.

SUSITNA RIVER: Wave after wave of wet weather has the tributaries of the Susitna fluctuating in volume and clarity the last few days, which has impacted angler success. As streams drop and clear, hungry trout and grayling will be present feeding on salmon eggs and beads and flesh flies work wonders in areas where salmon are actively spawning. The middle and upper portions of Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana are all worth a try with action varying from fair to excellent depending on day and location. Additionally, as temperatures continue to cool, the Talkeetna River will yield great catches of trout, char, and grayling, but it is a little early at this point–wait another week to ten days; a few late silvers are still possible here along with a number of chums. The Chulitna drainage also holds good fishing opportunities right now, in particular Byers Creek for rainbows.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Salmon in reasonably good condition are present in various tributaries of this vast glacial system, primarily in the Gulkana and Tonsina, the former holding a small number of reds while the latter has both reds and silvers. Expect fair fishing at best. The best action, however, can be had for grayling in the multitude of clearwater streams draining into the Copper, such as Mendeltna, Tolsona, Tulsona, Little Nelchina, Gunn, and Indian, all producing typically good to excellent success these days. The upper mainstem Gulkana just downstream of Paxson Lake is a legendary spot for big grayling this time of year and is also a decent spot to tempt rainbows using beads and flesh. Although supporting only a small run, anglers are able to connect with steelhead trout on the mid-section of the Gulkana as well.

PORT VALDEZ: Most anglers have forgotten about this marine fishery but the few still venturing here are finding some decent action for fresh silver salmon. Allison Point on the incoming and outgoing tides is yielding a few chrome fish as is the area around the fish hatchery and Solomon Gulch Creek at high tide. Limits of six are still possible putting in a full day worth of effort yet a couple of fish is more realistic at this time. Spinners have been most effective but snagging is a viable option too. Few reports of silvers being taken in the harbor these days. The pink and chum salmon runs are largely done with most fish either in streams spawning or gone. Nearby Robe River is producing some decent silvers in addition to Dolly Varden.

KENAI PENINSULA:

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: Anglers scouting the shoreline of the canal are finding some decent numbers of silver salmon, mainly around the mouth of Cove Creek and the inner part of the canal near the tunnel. Success has been fair to good lately using spinners, spoons, and snag hooks. Bottomfish are being taken with regularity using bait and small jigs.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The marine waters at this coastal port is still seeing chrome and semi-bright silvers coming in with shore anglers catching a fair number of fish from Lowell Point and the mouth of Spruce Creek to the city breakwater/Scheffler Creek area and around the mouths of Spring and Tonsina creeks as well. Spinners produce as does snagging. The lower Resurrection River drainage including Salmon Creek downstream of the Seward Highway and Nash Road, respectively, is open to salmon fishing and silvers are being taken in clearwater locations within that zone. If the rain holds up long enough for larger areas to clear up and water levels drop, fishing for silvers could be quite worthwhile. Pink salmon are still present in the bay and in area streams in small numbers but most all fish are in spawning condition. Late-run red salmon are also a possibility. Dolly Varden are available in the upper reaches of clearwater streams. Surf-casting for bottomfish is slowing down.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Full access has been restored concerning anglers and boaters following previous fire activity closures, including the section of water between Jim’s Landing and Skilak Lake. Good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden may be had using a variety of beads as there is still a lot of king and red salmon spawning activity occurring. Whitefish are also being caught. The early run of silver salmon has slowed quite a bit this past week with fair action to be expected with some good intermittent catches; the late run is expected to start showing in about ten days. A few fresh red salmon are present.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Fishing overall is showing a decline here after a hectic period last week after the river was reopened to access. Some silvers in varying degrees of maturity are present, from mostly bright to light red/blush, with success best described as fair at this time. The better bet may be targeting rainbows and Dollies using beads as there is still a decent number of red salmon spawning activity happening; as the reds clear out, other species will quickly follow suit.

MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: Anglers are enjoying good to excellent results between the outlet of Skilak Lake and Bing’s Landing, using beads to target rainbows and Dolly Varden. Whitefish are being caught regularly. Kings and reds are still engaged in spawning activity; match the hatch. Early-run silver salmon are moving out of the area, now being replaced by late-run fish. Spinners, eggs, and large streamers are taking a fair number of fish. A few fresh reds continue to show up.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: The autumn steelhead trout runs have started with the advent of rising water levels due to recent rainfalls. Anglers are scoring a decent number of fish in the tidewater area and holes immediately upstream. Expect some good days to occur the next week to ten days as the runs build in these waters as well as in nearby Ninilchik River and Stariski Creek. A few straggler silvers have also shown up. Dolly Varden action is fair.

 

Updated Thursday, September 12, 2019

Weekly Summary:  With the autumn fisheries in full swing on the road system in Southcentral, anglers can expect some of the best and most pleasing action of the year from now on into October. The crowds of summer no longer line the banks of the more popular hot spots, replaced by a peaceful setting only accompanied by the frenzy of hungry trout, char, grayling, and other resident species as they fatten up for the inevitable white season approaching. However, late-season silvers are still very much active, being caught in good numbers from the Russian River, Upper Kenai River, Port Valdez, and Resurrection Bay. But as more and more of the salmon runs cease their migrations, begin spawning, and eventually dying off, they create a nutritional haven that anglers can take advantage of in the forms of egg and flesh imitations as well as forage pattern lures and flies. Accompanied by cooler air and water temperatures, it is a scenario that repeats itself every year and that brings about superb fishing opportunities throughout the Matanuska and Susitna valleys, the Kenai Peninsula, Copper Valley, and Prince William Sound. No wonder this is a favorite moment for so many Alaskans.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  VALDEZ SILVERS; RUSSIAN SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; UPPER KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; MIDDLE KENAI RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; PORTAGE SILVERS; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; SEWARD SILVERS; CHULITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

CAMPBELL CREEK: With the arrival of fall rains, the water level and temperature in this mid-town Anchorage stream has risen and cooled enough to prompt the silver salmon holed up in Campbell Lake during the course of several weeks to begin their migration upstream. Anglers have been connecting with fish in deep runs and pools in the early morning hours using roe and spinners from the Dimond Boulevard crossing to the Taku-Campbell Lake area. Expect a good number of fish to display some degree of color but bright specimens are possible. Fishing for rainbows and Dollies in the upper stream is good.

BIRD CREEK: The hatchery run of silvers has practically ended but native fish to this stream as well as neighboring waters can still be picked up on incoming and high tides, especially those in morning and evening or on cloudy and drizzly days. Although action can be highly variable, ranging from slow to quite good, anglers can expect to see at least a few days with fast action and easy limits for big, chrome autumn silvers. Drifiting eggs and casting spinners is the way to go here. The pink and chum runs have finished.

PORTAGE CREEK: Perhaps the best bet for fall silvers in the area, known to produce fresh fish well into October most years. Anglers may find some decent success fishing the tides or one of the many sloughs or quiet channels in the middle stream section up to the Williwaw Creek confluence. Key is to move around until a school of silvers can be located; fair to good action is to be had at this time using primarily eggs but some salmon are also caught on spinners and attractors. Red and chum salmon are actively spawning in this drainage, which is attracting opportunities for Dolly Varden.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

KNIK ARM STREAMS: As the weekend fisheries of Cottonwood and Wasilla are seeing relatively few fresh silvers arriving at this time, both Fish and Jim creeks appear to be holding on for a few more days with fair to halfway decent fishing possible at this time. However, Jim Creek, as well as the mouths of various other clearwater streams draining into the Knik River, will experience reasonably productive catches of bright and semi-bright silvers through this month and into next. A few nice chums may also be present.

SUSITNA RIVER: A few fresh and semi-bright silvers continue to show up in roadside waters but most of the attention here is on rainbows and grayling, which are accountable for some good to excellent catch rates right now. Try the middle and/or upper stream sections using egg and flesh imitations. Some chums are still spawning and the silvers will soon join them. Dolly Varden are available too in addition to whitefish. Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana are prime locations this time of year. Burbot may be targeted effectively in and around most clearwater tributaries and sloughs of the Susitna. Rabideux and Sunshine are the places to catch a late silver; the latter will also have a few fresh chums. While a number of streams have been closed for access due to fire activity, autumn rains are tempering the situation and thus access soon to be restored, if not already.

CHULITNA RIVER: Hit the Middle and East forks Chulitna and Byers Creek for rainbows and grayling using egg and flesh imitations as salmon are actively spawning in these waters. Honolulu and Troublesome may be spots to try as well. There are still a few decent silvers to be caught in these locations but the majority of fish will be blush or dark in color; spawning and dying reds and chums are present in Byers. Schools of whitefish may be encountered on the East Fork.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: Late-run red salmon are still pushing upstream in decent numbers and effectively targeted by anglers on the middle river section up to near Paxson Lake. Expect fair catches with occasional good days for another week before the run really slows down; condition of fish range from semi-bright to light blush. But the best action here is for grayling and rainbows on the middle and upper sections of water using beads and flies; the outlets of Paxson and Summit lakes are spots to go for lake trout. A few steelhead should be in the system by now.

PORT VALDEZ: The commercial fleet targeting silvers did not catch all of the salmon and anglers have been doing very well the last week fishing from Allison Point and the rocky beach area leading up to the fish hatchery at Solomon Gulch Creek. Some silvers are also being caught in the boat harbor. Casting spinners is the top choice but there are days the bite shuts down and snagging is the way to go to quickly harvest fish. As usual, the incoming, high, and outgoing tides have been best; expect fair to very good fishing for mostly chrome silvers. A few bright and semi-bright chums linger within the port, yet most are turning dark and spawning. The pink run is just about done with most of the fish in the process of dying off, yet an occasional fresh specimen persists. For vicinity freshwater opportunities, hit the Robe River where some nice silvers are being caught along with a few Dolly Varden.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Surf-casting for silver salmon is providing fair to good sport around the bay, particularly the waters around Lowell Point, Tonsina Creek, and Spring Creek with some also being caught at the mouth of Scheffler Creek in front of town. Tossing spinners is the main attraction but snagging is effective as well in places. Try the incoming, high, and outgoing tide. An occasional fresh pink may be caught, although most of the tidewater runs in the area are wrapping up for the year as fish are spawning and dying. A few fresh and semi-bright late-season reds have been showing up in stream mouths and the lower section of the Resurrection River drainage. Dolly Varden action is fair to good in the upper section of Salmon Creek; egg and flesh imitations and small white jigs are working. Catches of bottomfish from shore is decreasing but still fair; flounder, codfish, greenling, and sculpin along with a few rockfish and an occasional halibut are possible.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: With boat and foot access improving following fire activity closures being lifted, anglers may now enjoy the section of river from Kenai Lake to Jim’s Landing. The rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is excellent and at a peak. Beads are the top draw at the moment as late-run king and red salmon are actively spawning. Catches of whitefish are increasing. Fishing for early-run silver salmon is still fair to good, especially the area near and downstream of the Russian River, but many of the fish are starting to show a light blush with some darker specimens.

RUSSIAN RIVER: If sight-fishing for silver salmon is a thrill, this is the spot to be this weekend. Relatively large numbers of silvers are staging at the mouth of the river and down through the confluence with the Kenai and the success rate is excellent right now. In early morning, also search deep holes and runs below the campground for silvers; condition of fish range from chrome to dark with most being relatively bright or semi-bright. Remember, the silver salmon limit on this river is 1 fish (on the Upper Kenai the limit is 3). Late-run red salmon are peaking in spawning activity and fish numbers are very high this year; this has prompted excellent action for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden using beads.

MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: As late-run kings and reds are peaking in spawning activity, anglers are connecting with rainbows and Dollies using beads. Success rates are good to excellent with some large specimens being caught, particularly in the stretch of water from the outlet of Skilak Lake downstream to Bing’s Landing in Sterling. A number of whitefish are also being hooked. As for salmon, a few silvers are currently present along with an occasional fresh red. The late run of silvers should be increasing in strength starting this weekend and building in numbers through the month and into October.

SWANSON RIVER: Incoming and high tides, especially those coinciding with early morning or evening, are seeing successful hookups with silver salmon. Anglers are using mainly eggs but spinners are landing a few fish too. Action is generally fair with some good tides. Expect this opportunity to last through the weekend and probably next week as well. The upper river is seeing good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout, with canoers seeing the best of it away from the road access points.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: Flowing extremely low and clear through most of the summer, recent rains are starting to make an impact but more is needed to really turn these fisheries on. A reprieve may happen the next several days and perhaps next week with rain in the forecast and if so, anglers should be ready on these waters for steelhead trout to make a move. These runs typically peak in migration into Anchor and Deep (as well as Ninilchik) during mid- to late September and rising waters levels along with cooler temperatures could spark some good steelheading using beads and flies. Stay tuned.

 

Updated Thursday, September 5, 2019

Weekly Summary:  As the summer salmon runs in the region begin to slow down and soon to be replaced with late-run fall fish, anglers still have some good options if targeting something to bring home. The ports of Valdez and Seward are seeing silvers arriving and some freshwater locations may hold good fishing for those willing to seek them out, such as various smaller drainages in Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm as well as on the Kenai Peninsula. The last really productive red salmon run in the region, in Copper Valley, is providing consistent catches. But overall, the best fishing right now by far is for resident species like rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling, which are at a peak with good to excellent catch rates in many waters throughout Southcentral. Additionally, the summer salmon crowds have evaporated, leaving many waters with a plethora of opportunities for those wanting solitude. Autumn has arrived.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  MIDDLE KENAI RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; PORTAGE SILVERS; UPPER KENAI RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; VALDEZ SILVERS; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; QUARTZ DOLLY VARDEN; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; WILLOW RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; SEWARD SILVERS; CHULITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

TURNAGAIN ARM STREAMS: Silver salmon opportunities are shrinking in the area but some worthwhile fishing may still be had in Bird and Ingram creeks during early morning in deep holes and pools in and just above the tidal sections; also fish the incoming and high tides. With lack of angling pressure, even a smaller number of available salmon can yield a good day’s catch. Try eggs and spinners.

PORTAGE CREEK: A small but steady flow of silvers is keeping this obscure fishery alive, with the bulk of the run situated above tidewater in one of the many sloughs and slow-moving spots around the mid-section of the creek along the Portage Glacier Road and downstream. If access to a light raft, now is a good time to explore the area and potentially get into some fair to good silver action using eggs or even spinners; launch at any point from the road and drift down to the highway bridge. A number of spawning reds and chums are also present. Use bait for Dolly Varden residing in the stream.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

KNIK ARM STREAMS: Runs of silver salmon are subsiding in the area with many fish starting to blush and turning dark, yet a few chrome and semi-bright specimens will be around, especially in locations known for late-arriving fish. Jim Creek is currently producing fair catches with some sporadic good fishing and the mouths of clearwater streams and sloughs on the Knik River are bound to have some fresh silvers too. Even Cottonwood and Fish creeks may be worth a visit on high tide this weekend as silvers are still coming in. A few fresh reds persist.

SUSTINA RIVER: The clearwater tributaries are hot spots for trout and grayling fishing these days as salmon are spawning and resident fish feeding aggressively. Streams outside of the fire hazard zones are producing good to excellent catches on beads, flesh, and forage imitations. Willow and Little Willow are doing great in the middle and upper reaches, while Rabideux, Deception, and other smaller waters may yield good action as well. The Kashwitna should start seeing viable opportunities also as weather cools and water clears. Expect all of these streams to see an influx of Dolly Varden and whitefish. For those chasing salmon, try the mouths of tributaries in early morning; Rabideux and Sunshine are good bets. Silvers are arriving in small numbers; a few are still bright or semi-bright but most are turning color. Chums continue to be present although most are in process of spawning and dying with only an occasional fresh specimen left. Remember, bait is prohibited in all these waters after September 1.

CHULITNA RIVER: The middle portions of streams draining into the glacial Chulitna are producing fair to good fishing for trout and grayling. Like elsewhere, beads, flesh, and forage imitations are the way to proceed. Byers Creek is a late-season favorite for rainbows and also has a few decent silvers left in the lower stream in addition to spawning reds and chums. East and Middle forks of Chulitna and Honolulu Creek are productive places to target rainbows and grayling and has a presence of whitefish; a few blush and dark silvers are there as well.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: The late run of red salmon continues moving up the river with anglers targeting them able to do so successfully throughout the stretch from the Richardson Highway bridge upstream to the closed area near Paxson Lake. Limits of six fish are possible using an assortment of flies and scouting the water for small schools swimming by. Condition of these salmon range from bright to lightly blush. If looking for trout and grayling, good to excellent fishing can be had upstream of the forks to the outlet of Paxson Lake. This is also the time of year when a few steelhead make a showing in this river.

PORT VALDEZ: Despite commercial openings, silvers are escaping the nets and making their way along the popular haunts of Allison Point, around Solomon Gulch Creek/fish hatchery, and the boat harbors. While the numbers of fish are down, the crowds of other anglers are largely gone, leaving some fair to good opportunities still to be enjoyed and limits possible. The incoming and outgoing tides are most productive; try spinners or snagging. Fresh and semi-bright chums are present throughout the port but best targeted at the harbor and in waters adjacent to Allison Point; generally fair at best, use snag hooks or large streamers and small hoochies. Bright pinks are scarce as most fish are spawning and dying. Nearby Robe River is seeing a small run of silver salmon with fair action using flies.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Silver salmon are moving in on the beaches in front of town. Surf-casters are doing fair to good on spinners and by snagging with the area around Scheffler Creek in front of town and the stretch of shoreline between Lowell Creek waterfall and Tonsina Point being best. Time efforts on incoming, high, and outgoing tides. Silvers can also be effectively targeted in waters of the Resurrection River drainage, downstream of the Seward Highway and Nash Road bridges. Anywhere with clear or lightly tinted water will likely hold fish and can be quite good this time of year. Fresh and semi-bright pinks are a possibility yet in this drainage as well as in the marine waters around the bay. Dolly Varden action can be variable but ranges from slow to good depending on day and location; hit clearwater streams for best results. Fishing for bottomfish is fair to good off the beach near the SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road; codfish, flounder, greenling, and sculpins are most common catches.

PTARMIGAN, QUARTZ CREEKS: With salmon spawning and dying off in these streams, anglers are finding good to excellent opportunities for Dolly Varden with decent success also for rainbows. Beads and flesh are top contenders right now. Whitefish are available in small numbers. This is likely to be the last really productive weekend on these streams.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Anglers hiking in to spots between the Kenai Lake outlet and Sportman’s Landing are managing good to excellent action for rainbows and Dolly Varden. Beads in various colors are the hot item right now as salmon are currently spawning. Few fresh reds remain in the river along with a small number of silvers. NOTE: The section of water from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake is currently closed to boating activity due to forest fire near Cooper Landing. Anglers can still walk to the river and fish as long as vehicle is not parked along road in areas where fire crews are working. All boat launches and campgrounds along the Upper Kenai River are currently closed to access, including the Russian River Campground.

MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: The stretch of water from Bing’s Landing in Sterling to the outlet of Skilak Lake is yielding excellent catch rates for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Beads reign but flesh and forage imitations are proven too. A few whitefish are being picked up. Early-run silvers are clearing out but some fish are still being caught with fair results at best; the late run should make an appearance in the area by next week. Although most reds are currently spawning, a few bright and semi-bright specimens are coming through and can be successfully targeted. NOTE: Fire crews may be active in spots, especially near Skilak Lake; the lower Skilak Lake campground and boat launch is closed to access at this time.

SWANSON RIVER: Flowing very low and clear, successful silver salmon anglers here are limiting efforts to the incoming and high tides. Eggs are effective but some fish are also striking spinners; expect fair to good action. Rainbow trout are very active in the upper river, around the Swanson River Road access point and above. Flies and spinners work great.

 

Updated Thursday, August 29, 2019

Weekly Summary:  With Labor Day weekend upon us and typically seen as the last summer getaway before autumn sets in over Southcentral Alaska, anglers chasing salmon continue to be faced with certain challenges; however, those aiming to go after resident species such as trout, char, and grayling are bound to fare much better as there are a plethora of solid options. The summer runs of silver salmon, especially those in the Susitna drainage as well as in the Anchorage and Homer areas, are slowly ebbing after a mediocre showing this year and the late summer/early fall runs have showed mixed reports thus far depending on individual drainages. How the late runs in September and October will stack up is too premature to tell as of now but normally fishes better almost regardless of strength given lack of angler effort (competition). The biggest obstacle to enjoying the classic holiday waters of Upper Kenai and Russian rivers and the clearwater tributaries of the Susitna River are the forest fires raging in those areas, effectively cutting off access and thus dooming these highly productive fisheries just as silver salmon and rainbow trout are at a peak. Although foot travel to certain spots may be possible still, in respect to the communities facing or undergoing evacuation and the fire crews working to bring control over these local calamities, it is advised that anglers steer clear of central portions of the Susitna Valley and Kenai Peninsula at least for another week, maybe more. But there are other great alternatives; the smaller streams of Knik Arm and Turnagain Arm and the Lower Kenai, Kasilof, and Swanson rivers are steadily producing nice and chrome silvers as are the coastal communities of Seward and Valdez, and rainbows, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling and other kinds of fish are plentiful and aggressively biting in many waters throughout the Kenai Peninsula, Upper Susitna Valley, and Copper Valley. Even surf-casting for a myriad of bottomfish, including smaller halibut, rockfish, shark, and skate, is very much a possibility around the coastal ports of Seward, Whittier, Kenai, Ninilchik, and Homer. Although the energy of late-season salmon and trout fishing is somewhat subdued this year, anglers that are flexible enough to seek out other places are likely to find what they are looking for and perhaps more.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  LOWER KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; PORTAGE SILVERS; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; COTTONWOOD SILVERS; QUARTZ DOLLY VARDEN; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; WILLOW RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; KASILOF SILVERS; CHULITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

TURNAGAIN ARM STREAMS: The drainages of Bird, Glacier, and Ingram are still yielding fresh silver salmon, with anglers timing efforts to the tides being by far the most successful. While the runs to these waters have generally peaked with fair catches now the rule, some very good days is possible if a school of fish is come upon resulting in quick and easy action. Salmon roe and spinners are working well. A small number of spawning and spawned-out pinks and chums remain along with an occasional bright/semi-bright specimen.

PORTAGE CREEK: The majority of the silver run is now situated in the lower end of this stream, right above tidewater to areas adjacent to first few miles of Portage Glacier Road; seek out slow/slack-water areas next to the main current or channel. Roe fished on the bottom or with a bobber can bring good results. A few semi-bright reds and chums are present too. Dolly Varden may be caught in middle and upper reaches using bait.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

KNIK ARM STREAMS: Silver salmon fishing in these waters have generally peaked but nice catches may still be had in early morning or, if in a more coastal location, on the tides. Expect fair opportunities for bright/semi-bright fish with some good days using eggs and spinners. Spots to try include the Eklutna Tailrace and Jim, Wasilla, Cottonwood, and Fish creeks. The mouths of clearwater tributaries to the Matanuska River may be worth a try, such as Moose Creek. A few decent reds are also being caught in most of these places in addition to trout and/or char.

WILLOW CREEK: As long as safe travel is possible, anglers here are finding good to excellent rainbow trout action as well as fair to good catches of Dolly Varden and grayling. Whitefish are also making an appearance. Egg and flesh pattern beads and flies works for most all species. Silver salmon are still coming in and chrome and semi-bright specimens are being taken from the Susitna confluence upstream to the highway bridge and beyond. Remember, starting September 1 bait fishing is prohibited.

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout and grayling in middle and upper reaches, especially in early morning and evening; use egg and flesh imitation flies. Targeting whitefish with small beads in deep holes can be fair to good. Chum and silver salmon are present with the latter providing fair opportunities with sporadic good success. Salmon are mainly blush to dark with some semi-bright specimens available.

CHULITNA RIVER: The drainages of Middle and East forks of Chulitna, Honolulu, Byers, and Troublesome are all producing good fishing for rainbows and/or grayling. Egg and flesh imitations are best but forage is productive too. For salmon, the mouths and lower sections of Troublesome and Byers are seeing semi-bright silvers along with a few decent reds and chums. Generally this time of year, the reds and chums are spawning with many blush or dark silvers mixed in; sort and pick for bright fish.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: If wanting a feel of being in a semi-remote location, this is the spot to go to this weekend. Although the red salmon run is waning, fair action for bright and semi-bright fish is possible in stretches from the highway bridge up to salmon closure area near Paxson Lake with limits possible in the right spot. As river is low and clear, look for small schools of reds moving upstream. The middle and upper stretches are supporting good to excellent grayling fishing and fair to good for rainbows; try forage flies and beads.

TONSINA RIVER: Anglers scouting slow-moving sections of water in this glacial drainage are finding fair to sometimes good silver salmon fishing. Eggs is by far the best option to use but flies and spinners may work in places, such as the mouth of clearwater streams. Most silvers are light blush with a few bright/semi-bright specimens present. Dolly Varden and grayling provide good action in Little Tonsina River.

PORT VALDEZ: Traditionally the best weekend to hunt silvers from shore, anglers casting spinners and bait into the briny here have worked hard to get their limits this past week and word is that the bulk of the run has yet to appear in town. The stretch of shoreline from Allison Point to the hatchery at Solomon Gulch Creek is currently the best area with fair catches typical; however, action is expected to improve very shortly and could be good or better by early next week. The harbor has also seen a few silvers caught but chum salmon is the dominant species here with a small number of bright/semi-bright specimens present.

KENAI PENINSULA:

RESURRECTION, SIXMILE CREEKS: Not usually known as silver salmon hot spots, these northern peninsula drainages do support small but productive runs of the species. Fish are currently distributed from the mouths and well into the mid-sections; use eggs, flies, and spinners. Try the tides or search deep holes higher up for fair and possibly good success. Bright and semi-bright pinks and chums are far and few these days but still possible. Dolly Varden are hitting offerings in upstream areas.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: With the conclusion of the silver salmon derby, shore anglers here are having to put in work to find silvers but some fair catches are being made, primarily around the boat harbor at mouth of Scheffler Creek. Also being caught are a number of semi-bright pinks. Snagging is method of choice by most but those casting spinners are getting fish as well. Exploring anglers are finding some nice silvers at the mouths of other drainages on incoming tides, such as Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks, in addition to pinks. Surf-casting for bottomfish like codfish, flounder, greenling and sculpin is good; a few small halibut and rockfish are present. Do not neglect to try waters of the lower Resurrection River drainage; silvers as well as pinks, reds, and Dolly Varden are available.

PTARMIGAN, QUARTZ CREEKS: As water conditions are very low and clear this year, resident fish like Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are very concentrated in areas, yielding good to excellent catches using egg and flesh imitations. Although most red salmon in Upper Quartz have spawned and died, fish are actively spawning in other parts of the drainage and in Ptarmigan. Fishing for lake trout can be productive off the mouth of these streams using bait in early morning and late evening.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: The flooding event that took place on the upper river last week did not have a significant impact on the lower section downstream of Skilak Lake with water levels now back at or near normal seasonal flows. Early-run silver salmon are currently providing fair sport in the Soldotna area with some good catches reported upstream of Sterling, in the middle river portion; the late run will begin entering the drainage in greater abundance towards the end of next week. Some fresh reds are continuing to show up, yet this run is almost done for this year. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden action is good to excellent from the Skilak Lake outlet to Bing’s Landing; beads and flesh is what is popular right now. Some whitefish are also being caught.

SWANSON RIVER: A local favorite for those targeting silver salmon. Fair to good action reported here, mainly from tidewater and the first few miles of river using eggs, spinners, and flies. Morning and evening tides are best. Rainbow trout on the upper river are providing good to excellent sport.

KASILOF RIVER: While the number of silvers arriving on the tides may have slowed, there is still some fair to good catches around the mouth of Crooked Creek as well as sections of the upper river upstream of the rapids. Dolly Varden fishing is fair in the river and in Crooked Creek. Eggs are a solid bet right now; remember, the use of bait is prohibited after September 15.

COOK INLET: There is a series of large tides this weekend and into early next week which could bring in some halibut, shark, and skate into the shallows of the inlet between the mouths of Kenai River and Anchor Point. These species typically come in close to shore around the mouths of salmon streams as temperatures cool; early morning tides are generally best or midday tides if weather is cloudy and rainy. Use herring or salmon scraps.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: The most productive fishing here is for bottomfish off the end of the spit; low tide is good for flounder, codfish, and sculpins, while the high tide is the better bet to hook into halibut, larger cod, and skate. A few silvers are still patrolling the beaches around the spit; look for fish breaching the surface and cast a spinner. The silver run to Dudiak Lagoon has slowed down considerably from a couple of weeks ago with few fresh fish arriving and most salmon left being blush to dark; try eggs on the incoming and outgoing tides.

 

Updated Thursday, August 22, 2019

Weekly Summary:  As late summer rapidly progresses towards the next season, anglers in Southcentral are finding themselves with some challenges on local waterways. While silver salmon are migrating into most rivers and streams and resident species such as rainbows, Dollies, and grayling are fattening up on much-needed protein, the hot and extremely dry summer has left not only many streams very low and warm but surrounding trees and vegetation prone to explosive forest fires that are continuing to claim great swaths of land both north and south of Anchorage. This has resulted in complete lack of access and/or long lines of traffic in areas of both the Susitna Valley as well as Kenai Peninsula, affecting the main arteries of Parks and Sterling highways. Worst hit are the corridors along the Upper Kenai River near Cooper Landing and the streams of Susitna River between Willow and Talkeetna. Also, a glacial dam at the headwaters of the Kenai River drainage has burst open, releasing huge amounts of water now flooding the Upper Kenai and soon the lower river too. Add seasonal road construction on top of that and it can be an experience of patience and resolve. However, it is not all doom and gloom and the current situation should not keep anglers from enjoying some great fishing. Although the silver salmon runs this year appear to be more moderate in strength compared to the exceptionally prolific runs of last year, fishing is still relatively good with outstanding opportunities available in some spots at certain times. The drainages of coastal Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain Arm, Knik Arm, and the briny of northern Prince William Sound offer productive action for silvers, some of which will only get better over the next week or two. Additionally, trout, char, and other fish are becoming highly active in lakes and streams and will stay that way through the fall. The key is to not focus on a single drainage but the sheer abundance of other waters available, and there are many.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLY VARDEN; PORTAGE SILVERS; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; COTTONWOOD SILVERS; QUARTZ DOLLY VARDEN; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; WILLOW SILVERS, RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; KASILOF SILVERS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

BIRD CREEK: While the hatchery run of silver salmon is slowing down for the season, the smaller wild run to this stream (as well as neighboring waters) is arriving and keeping the action going. Anglers are timing efforts to the tides with incoming and outgoing being best using eggs and spinners. Success is variable and ranges from slow to very good depending on individual tide and day; run typically continues well into September. Occasional catches of bright or semi-bright chums and pinks but these runs are for all practical purposes finished for the year.

PORTAGE CREEK: Fishing for silvers here is best from tidewater and up into the braids, channels, and sloughs of the middle stream. Target the tides down low using and waters upstream in mornings using eggs either soaking on bottom or floating with a bobber; key to success is slow/still water areas next to current. Expect fair to very good catches as this run is peaking. Chum salmon are still arriving in small numbers with some bright and semi-bright specimens being caught on roe and attractors in the middle and upper reaches along Portage Glacier Road; a few fresh reds are also present. Dolly Varden are fair.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

EKLUTNA TAILRACE: Numbers of silver salmon has increased over the last few weeks with a good presence of fish now available. Anglers are doing best in the very early morning or late evening casting spinners and floating or letting eggs sit on the bottom. Action is fair to good with most catches being right at the Knik River confluence. A few red and chum salmon are also being caught along with Dolly Varden.

COTTONWOOD, WASILLA CREEKS: Weekend-only fisheries. The tides continue to bring in schools of silvers as well as a few reds with fair to good action for anglers tossing spinners, drifting flies, or floating eggs. Most seasons, this is the last weekend for productive fishing in tidewater areas of these streams. Wasilla is open to salmon fishing above tidewater and will continue to see decent catches through the month and sometimes into first week of September. Rainbows are good in middle and upper reaches of Cottonwood.

FISH CREEK: With daily openings here, the best silver salmon fishing can be expected to occur at first light and on incoming tides. Limits are possible but overall the action can be described as fair to good. Float eggs or cast spinners; flies work well upstream of tidewater. A few fresh/semi-bright reds are still arriving. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden available in upper reaches of the stream.

WILLOW CREEK: Good to excellent fishing for rainbow trout and fair to good for grayling in middle and upper reaches; Dolly Varden fair in middle portions. Use beads, flesh, and forage pattern flies. Tributary of Deception Creek has been fair to good for rainbows in deep holes. This is likely the last weekend for consistent silver salmon with success being fair to good; search from stream mouth up to Deception confluence using eggs and flies. Due to low and clear water conditions, sight-fishing is highly effective, especially near highway crossing. A few fresh/semi-bright chums are still moving through but pinks are finished.

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Hiking in from the road crossing will place anglers on to some good to excellent rainbow and grayling fishing here. As salmon runs are spawning or dying, beads and flesh work very well. Whitefish can be numerous in some spots; try small beads or nymphs. If targeting silver salmon, success is fair with sporadic good action using eggs in early morning in areas downstream of highway.

CHULITNA RIVER: The East and Middle forks of the Chulitna are continuing to produce good fishing for rainbow trout and grayling. Beads and flesh do work but forage pattern flies can be exceptional too. A few silver salmon are starting to arrive. Tributary of Byers Creek is receiving a pulse of silver salmon along with a few nice reds; scout deep holes in early morning using eggs and flies or hike down to mouth for better results. Catch and release blush or dark fish in order to find brighter specimens.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: While the number of red salmon on the lower section has decreased last several days, anglers can still find fair to good fishing upstream of Sourdough; however, this late run continues to provide worthwhile action for bright and semi-bright fish through the month and well into September most years. With cooler temperatures in area, the grayling and trout fishing is picking up. Expect good to excellent catches in upper reaches above falls using beads and flies.

ROBE RIVER/PORT VALDEZ: Targeting Dolly Varden using beads and egg pattern flies has been good as pinks continue to spawn. A few silver salmon are starting to show up in lower stream and at mouth. Nearby, the Port of Valdez is experiencing a heavy run of chums this year with anglers finding a fair number of fresh and semi-bright specimens in and around the boat harbor; snagging is most effective. Over at Allison Point and Solomon Gulch, spawning pinks are still very numerous but a few silvers are now being caught casting spinners from the rocks.

KENAI PENINSULA:

RESURRECTION, SIXMILE CREEKS: These two Turnagain Arm drainages are currently receiving shots of silvers salmon with anglers doing fair to good in tidewater sections and deeper holes upstream. Eggs and spinners work as do streamer flies. A few nice pinks and chums are still coming in too but these runs are mainly done for the year. Dollly Varden fishing is fair in upper reaches.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: This coming weekend and next should see some nice catches of silvers salmon from the beaches around the bay, mainly the mouth of Scheffler Creek and the boat harbor entrance area. Snagging is main method used but fish can also be caught on spinners. Do not forget to scout the mouths of clearwater streams for silvers (as well as a few fresh pinks), such as Spring, Lowell, and Tonsina, on incoming and high tides. Channels and sloughs of the Resurrection River drainage downstream of the Seward Highway crossings may see some fair action for bright/semi-bright pinks as well as a few early silvers and late-run reds.

PTARMIGAN, QUARTZ CREEKS: Flyfishers targeting Dolly Varden are finding excellent catches on these tributary streams of Kenai Lake. Salmon are currently spawning and dying so beads and flesh are the way to go for success. Some rainbows are also being caught along with a few whitefish. Sight-fishing is possible, especially on upper Quartz.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Anglers hiking in to spots upstream of the Russian River area are experiencing good fishing for trout and char using beads and egg pattern flies. A few fresh reds and some silvers are also present. NOTE: The section of water from Kenai Lake to Skilak Lake is currently closed to boating activity due to forest fire near Cooper Landing. Anglers can still hike in and fish as long as vehicle is not parked along road in areas where fire crews are working. All boat launches and campgrounds along the Upper Kenai River are currently closed to access, including the Russian River Campground. Also, expect flooding conditions as glacial dam on the Snow River has burst open and draining into Kenai Lake.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: This year’s red salmon run is fading quickly with far less fish entering system compared to only a week ago but the silver run appears to be increasing in strength with anglers doing fair to good casting spinners and floating eggs in slack water areas. If still wanting to target reds, head to the middle river section above Bing’s Landing; chrome and semi-bright fish will be available in reduced numbers through the month and into early September. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden continues to be excellent above Sterling to outlet of Skilak Lake using beads. NOTE: Fire crews may be active in spots, especially near Skilak Lake; the lower Skilak Lake campground and boat launch is closed to access at this time. Additionally, river levels are expected to rise this coming week as flood waters from glacial dam at the headwaters reaches the lower river.

SWANSON RIVER: A productive spot for silver salmon these days with anglers scoring nice fish in the tidewater section using eggs and spinners. The morning tides are most productive but anglers can hike upstream of the lower road access point and find deep holes holding concentrations of fish as well. Expect fair to very good action depending on tide and day; run is peaking. For rainbows, drive to upper access site off Swanson River Road and either hike up- or downstream or launch canoe to locate good to excellent action.

KASILOF RIVER: The early morning silver salmon fishery is producing fair to good catches near the mouth of Crooked Creek; use eggs sitting on the bottom or floated in spots with little current. Dolly Varden fishing is quite good also, especially in upstream areas of Crooked Creek. The red salmon run has died off but a few fresh fish are continuing to enter the system.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casting for bottomfish is fair to good off the end of the spit with a combination of flounder/sole, codfish, and sculpins being caught on bait. Anglers with proper gear for distance casting may do well on smaller halibut, cod, and skate. A small number of silvers continue to patrol the beaches around the spit; watch for fish breaching surface for possible school of salmon. The lagoon is slowing down but anglers are catching a few bright silvers drifting eggs on the tides; most fish here are starting to turn color.

 

 

Updated Thursday, August 15, 2019

Weekly Summary:  With the mid-summer runs of reds, pinks, and chums (and even a couple of early silver locations) starting to wane, anglers are faced with the inevitable scenario that we are slowly headed towards the culmination of the brief and hectic summer season. But there are still plenty of opportunities to find great fishing, with late-run reds still holding on in a few fisheries and producing limit catches, most notably the Kenai, Russian, and Gulkana rivers, and silver salmon runs in general are just now or very shortly hitting stride throughout the region, including the Susitna and Matanuska valleys, Turnagain Arm, and the Kenai Peninsula. In addition, the action for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling is at a peak and typically lasts well into fall as these fish zero in on the salmon spawn in rivers and streams. In fact, the months of August and September is an absolute favorite with many anglers as the large summer crowds have largely dissipated and the fishing still excellent.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; SHIP SILVERS; GULKANA REDS; HOMER SILVERS; RUSSIAN REDS, RAINBOWS; SUSITNA SILVERS, RAINBOWS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: The silver action is holding up nicely in this downtown location, yet this could be the last week for anglers to predictably take home limits of fish as the run will soon begin to slow down. For now, however, floating eggs on the tides is a sure way to score some salmon. As the entire fishery takes place in the tidal area of the stream, most fish are nice and bright but there are a few that are starting to turn. Spawning and spawned-out pinks and chums are present too.

CAMPBELL CREEK: Though currently very slow for silvers, it is only a matter of time before fish move out of Campbell Lake and up into the stream in large numbers. A good rainfall, a rise in water level, and a drop in water temperature is sure to turn this spot alive for anglers. Keep an eye out on the weather; eggs and spinners at dawn is the key to success here. Try the area between Taku-Campbell Lake and Dimond Boulevard crossing.

BIRD CREEK: Like other area streams, Bird is flowing very low and warm. Best fishing occurs on the tides, preferably in early morning. Float eggs or toss spinners for fair to good silver salmon action. This is the time of the month when anglers see a compilation of both hatchery and wild silvers available. Very few bright pinks and chums remain as these runs are just about done for the year with most fish already spawned and died.

PORTAGE CREEK: Silvers and chums are arriving in decent numbers and the best way to get them is by floating eggs or keeping the bait on the bottom in holes or quiet runs; expect fair to good success. Scout out locations from tidewater on upstream to the lower access points along Portage Glacier Road. Water conditions are quite turbid due to warm temperatures and recent snowmelt in the mountains. Pinks and reds are also present; the latter primarily caught on yarn flies drifted with the current. Nearby Ingram Creek may hold some fair opportunities for silvers.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

COTTONWOOD, WASILLA CREEKS: Weekend-only fisheries. Try the tides at Cottonwood for a good shot at silvers and a few reds; Wasilla is holding a number of silvers throughout the area open to salmon fishing but most productive off the Rabbit Slough access site. Floating salmon roe is best but spinners and flies work too. Rainbow trout action is fair to good in middle and upper reaches of Cottonwood. Nearby Jim Creek is producing fair opportunities for mainly silvers but reds are being caught as well in addition to Dolly Varden.

FISH CREEK: The red salmon fishing here has slowed considerably after intense angling pressure this past week but silvers are present in decent numbers with fair to good catches; try the mouth of the stream on an incoming and high tide using eggs and spinners. Reds respond better to flies.

WILLOW CREEK: For silvers, try the mouth at dawn using eggs or spinners with fair to good success. Anglers can also scout the deeper holes near the highway crossing and sight-fish to individual salmon or small groups of silvers. A few bright and semi-bright chums are still available low in the drainage but most are spawning; the pink salmon run is done for the year. Fishing for rainbow trout and grayling is good to excellent using flies and beads in the middle and upper reaches of the stream. A few large Dolly Varden also being caught. Water conditions are very low and clear.

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: While the pink and chum salmon runs here are essentially over for the season, silvers are coming through and can be caught on eggs and spinners in early morning in deeper holes. Expect fair to good results. The best fishing, however, can be found for rainbows and grayling using beads and flesh; good to excellent action in morning and evening. Whitefish are hitting small beads; fair.

SHEEP CREEK: Anglers targeting silvers are doing best at the Susitna confluence at dawn using eggs and spinners; expect fair to good results. The chum run is ongoing but most fish are blush to dark with only a few bright and semi-bright specimens left; the pink run has finished for the year. For rainbows and grayling, try the middle and upper reaches around the highway crossing and on upstream. Whitefish are being caught on small beads in the lower stream reaches. Water conditions are variable depending on the day, from low and clear to elevated and slightly silty.

MONTANA CREEK: Flowing very low, clear, and warm, anglers here are finding the most productive salmon fishing at the Susitna confluence where silver salmon success is fair to good. Most fish are being caught at first light; try eggs and spinners. A small number of fresh and semi-bright chums are also present but most are dark and spawning at this time; the pink run has ended. The area of water just downstream of the mouth on the Susitna River can be good for burbot at night; fish herring, hooligan, or salmon scraps on the bottom. For trout and grayling, the upper reaches is good to excellent using flies and spinners.

CHULITNA RIVER: The East and Middle forks of the Chulitna as well as all clearwater tributaries are flowing very low and clear. Schools of red and silver salmon may be found at the mouths of Troublesome and Byers creeks, with a few of the latter also found in the upper forks of the Chulitna near Honolulu Creek; these locations should really turn on for silvers and rainbows and leftover reds if the area receives a good downpour. East and Middle forks are good locations for rainbows and grayling right now using beads and flesh as they are feeding on the king salmon spawn.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: One of the last really productive spots for late-run red salmon. Anglers are finding limits of 6 fish here floating flies in likely spots or sight-fishing to schools of reds moving upstream. The run is peaking and should hold steady for the next two weeks, maybe longer; most salmon being caught are bright or semi-bright. Fishing for grayling and rainbow trout is fair to excellent in the upper reaches of the stream around the canyon up to Paxson Lake; use beads or flies. Nearby Klutina and Tonsina rivers are receiving some late-run reds as well but success is better on the Gulkana.

ROBE RIVER: For Dolly Varden, this small stream in Valdez produces some good catches using primarily beads or egg pattern flies. Pinks are spawning and dying. A few silvers are possible. Port Valdez still holds the opportunity for bright and semi-bright pinks but the vast majority of fish are dark and in spawning condition; no reports of silvers caught from shore yet around the harbor or Allison Point.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Surf-casting for bottomfish is good to excellent with the better spots being at the head of the bay and along Lowell Point Road; flounder, sole, greenling and sculpin are main species but a few rockfish and halibut may be caught too. Salmon fishing is slow to fair from shore as the red, pink, and chum runs are subsiding and the silver run yet to start in earnest; some fresh pinks are still being caught at Spring Creek off Nash Road and Tonsina Creek near Lowell Point, as well as in clearer sections of water in areas of the Resurrection River. Look for silver salmon to start showing along the beaches in better numbers by next week.

PTARMIGAN CREEK: The red salmon run is arriving here and on their tails are hungry Dolly Varden. Use beads or egg imitation flies for good success; try section of stream from highway crossing and on upstream for a couple of miles. Lake trout can be caught off the mouth of the creek in Kenai Lake using bait.

QUARTZ CREEK: Dolly Varden are being caught on beads and egg and flesh pattern flies with good to excellent success from the Crescent Creek confluence upstream to the highway crossing and beyond. A smaller number of rainbows are also present. Red salmon are spawning and dying off in upper Quartz. Fishing for lake trout can be very good off the mouth of the creek in Kenai Lake using bait. Nearby Daves Creek is fair to good for Dolly Varden.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Excellent action for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden with best success on beads as the king and red salmon are preparing to spawn. The whole length of the river can be productive at this time, from the Kenai Lake outlet to the inlet at Skilak Lake. If targeting salmon, bright and semi-bright reds are available in fair numbers, particularly near the Russian River confluence, but fresh fish can be caught anywhere from there on downstream to Skilak. A few silver salmon are showing up and this run should only get better leading up to the peak of the early run at the end of the month.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Water conditions are low and clear. Successful salmon anglers are finding good action still for bright and semi-bright reds at the mouth of the river and in holes near the campground at first light; midday success is generally very poor in the river itself. Remember, the red salmon season ends on August 20. A few nice silvers are being caught, either incidentally in the confluence area or by sight-fishing in the clear waters of the Russian at dawn. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to excellent using beads and flesh, especially during low-light hours.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: While the late run of reds is gradually waning, anglers targeting these salmon are still finding good success and even 6-fish limits after a few hours of effort; the early morning and evening has been best. Most fish are starting to see a light blush hue but there are also a decent number of chrome reds coming through. Expect this weekend to be the last really productive shot at these fish around Soldotna and Sterling; the middle river closer to Skilak Lake typically has nice reds available until September. Silver salmon fishing is starting to pick up by anglers targeting them in tidewater areas but quite a few are also caught incidentally to flipping for reds around Soldotna. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is excellent on the middle river above Bing’s Landing but can be good on the lower river as well.

SWANSON RIVER: The tides are bringing in schools of silver salmon and fishing has been fair to good the last several days with action only expected to get better this coming week. Drifting salmon roe and casting spinners is best. Rainbow trout fishing is good on the upper river near the Swanson River Road access point.

DUDIAK LAGOON/HOMER SPIT: Limits of silver salmon are being taken on salmon eggs in the lagoon but this run has peaked and success will start tapering off from now on through the month; expect fair to good results this weekend. A few silvers in addition to pinks are being caught off the beaches around the spit; look for fish jumping or surfacing. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good with flounder, codfish, and sculpins being caught; anglers able to commit long-range casts are also finding smaller halibut and Pacific cod off Coal Point at the tip of the spit.

 

 

Updated Thursday, August 8, 2019

Weekly Summary:  The unusual warm and dry summer weather that impacted fishing last month continues to play a role in angling success this month. Record high temperature readings in some waters and little or no rain to cool things off have made fish lethargic and reluctant to strike angler’s offerings in some drainages, while other systems have benefited one way or another from the heat spell. However, there are still plenty of opportunities available for great fishing, most notably the huge Kenai River red salmon run that is providing lots of limits for local and visiting anglers, and silver fishing in Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage as well as at the mouths of Susitna River tributaries in the valley is productive in the cool morning hours. The lagoon in Homer is yielding lots of action for silvers and the glacial tributaries of Klutina and Tonsina of the Copper River are seeing some truly excellent late-season king salmon catches; also, the nearby Gulkana is experiencing a good shot of late-run reds in addition to its legendary grayling fishing. Fish Creek near Wasilla is opened by emergency order for increased days and bag limits for red salmon as an epic run continues there and silvers are available too. The key to finding outstanding angling at current conditions is to be flexible and willing to fish the low-light hours of early morning and late evening. Yet, if the region does finally receive a good soak, expect the action to really take off in many waters as the silver numbers blossom. Fishing for resident species, such as trout, char, and grayling, has remained constant this season with superb opportunities now at hand for anglers as salmon spawning streams are prime feeding grounds and fish are engaging in gluttony in preparation for a change of seasons.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; SHIP SILVERS; FISH REDS, SILVERS; TONSINA KINGS; HOMER SILVERS; RUSSIAN REDS; SUSITNA CHUMS, RAINBOWS; GULKANA REDS; LITTLE SUSITNA CHUMS, SILVERS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: One of the more reliable spots to target silver salmon, with many limits being taken on the incoming and outgoing tides, particularly in early morning. Eggs are the hot item but spinners and flies do work well at times too. This weekend and next week likely will continue to see good to excellent catch rates. The pink run is still ongoing but most fish are spawning or spawned out with only an occasional fresh specimen available. Occasional catches of chum salmon.

BIRD CREEK: While not nearly as productive for silvers as Ship in downtown Anchorage, this stream still manages to offer fair to good fishing on the tides using eggs and spinners. Some fish are also being taken on flies during low tide. Some spawning pinks are present but most of the run has ended; occasional fresh specimens may be caught still. A few bright and semi-bright chums are available but this run is slowing down as well.

PORTAGE CREEK: Four species of salmon plus char are present in this glacial stream. Anglers doing best are floating eggs or letting the bait sit on the bottom in the tidal area with mainly silvers along with lesser numbers of chums being landed. Expect fair to good success. Reds are more numerous in the middle and upper reaches and can be caught drifting flies; condition of fish ranges from dime bright to dark blush. Most of the pinks are either spawning or spawned out but some fresh fish remain still.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

COTTONWOOD, WASILLA CREEKS: Silver salmon are likely to provide good opportunities this weekend, especially on the tides using eggs but fish may be caught on spinners and flies. Anglers scouting deep holes throughout lower Wasilla Creek up to near the highway crossing may do quite well first thing early Saturday morning. Nearby Jim Creek is producing a small number of silvers along with a few reds and expected to improve over the next week.

FISH CREEK: Normally a weekend-only fishery, an exceptionally strong return of red salmon this year has changed the dynamic, prompting an emergency order to open the stream on a daily basis starting this Friday (August 9) and increasing the bag limit for red salmon to 6 fish (bag limit for other species remain unchanged). Chrome and semi-bright reds continue to arrive in good numbers on high tide so action should be productive at least for several more days; try flies. Also, although less numerous, silvers are more aggressive and should yield good catches come Friday morning; focus on the tides using eggs. Some blush to dark pinks and chums are present.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: There are plenty of salmon present in this valley stream but the bite has been off recently due to high water temperatures and bright sunshine. If wanting to score here, focus on the early morning hours at the lower river access point; limits of silvers are being taken. Midday action has been slow. There are also a decent number of semi-bright chums available, yet most are turning. The pink salmon run is waning rapidly with very few quality fish left. A few rainbows are being caught. The upper river around Houston supports good numbers of mainly blush chums and some pinks along with a few silvers. Once the area receives rain and clouds, expect this river to really become active.

WILLOW CREEK: The best place to hook up with fresh salmon is the mouth of the stream where silvers and chums are schooling. The early morning bite is good using eggs and spinners but fish will respond well to spoons and flies too. Low and clear water conditions are keeping fish in the deepest parts with silvers scattered up to Deception Creek confluence. Pinks as well as kings are spawning and dying off, with rare catches of bright pinks. For rainbows, hit the middle and upper reaches using beads and flesh flies. Dolly Varden are also being caught, primarily near highway crossing.

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Lots of spawning and dying pinks in this location at the road crossing along with blush and semi-bright chums. Look for silvers in deep holes using eggs with fair success; the run should improve starting next week. Rainbow trout and grayling action is good to excellent in middle and upper reaches; use beads and flesh pattern flies. Whitefish present.

SHEEP CREEK: The stream mouth offers the best salmon fishing with good success reported for chums and fair to good for silvers; spoons, attractors, and flies are popular with the former while the latter are best targeted using eggs and spinners. For the more adventurous angler, hike to the more remote sections of the lower stream and try the deep holes and runs for potentially decent catches of salmon. The pink run is in stages of spawning and dying; expect very few fresh specimens. Rainbows and grayling are good to excellent in middle and upper stream; whitefish respond to small beads.

CASWELL CREEK: The confluence with Susitna River is a productive spot for silver salmon with fair to good opportunities available at first light. Eggs are best but spinners work well too. Schools of blush and spawning pinks and chums present with some bright specimens of the latter being taken.

MONTANA CREEK: Flowing very low and clear, the mouth of the stream offers prime success for salmon. Bright and semi-bright chums landed with good catch rates in morning and evening using spoons and flies; most fish are blush or dark. For silvers, anglers are having fair to good chances with eggs and spinners best bet. Stretches of water upstream near the highway contain mostly spawning and dying pinks and chums but a few fresh silvers may be eked out at first light. Rainbow trout and grayling are biting in the middle and upper reaches accessed off Talkeetna Spur Highway; good to excellent.

CHULITNA RIVER: With pinks spawning and dying and chums following suit soon, anglers here are doing best targeting red salmon in locations such as Byers Creek. Expect fair to good results, best fishing is at stream mouth. As water is low and clear, the next good rain is likely to bring an onslaught of salmon heading upstream. The East and Middle forks of the Chulitna are solid spots for rainbow trout and grayling right now as kings are spawning; use beads.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: This drainage is currently experiencing the peak of the late run of red salmon and anglers are having good success along most of the length of river from the mouth upstream to Sourdough and beyond. Low and clear water conditions preside and sight-fishing to schools of salmon is possible; use flies. Kings and early-run reds are spawning in the upper reaches and anglers do well using beads and egg imitation flies for rainbows and grayling; good to excellent action possible.

KLUTINA, TONSINA RIVERS: The last two freshwater drainages on the road system in Southcentral to provide great late-season fishing for king salmon. The past week has seen good to excellent catches of fish up to 50-60 pounds using attractor and egg combinations and the action is expected to continue through the season closure on Saturday, August 10. Most fish are some degree of blush to red with a few bright and semi-bright specimens present. Red salmon are available in fair numbers on the Tonsina and can be caught using flies.

PORT VALDEZ: Although the peak of the pink run here is long gone and most fish present in or near spawning mode, patient anglers may still be able to filter out bright specimens through catch-and-release; limit on pinks is 12 per day by emergency order. As numbers of dark fish is most dense near the fish hatchery, anglers wanting to keep quality fish are encouraged to try off Allison Point on high tide and off the city dock as fresh late-season specimens are more likely in these locations. Fresh chums also possible near harbor. Robe River supports good fishing for Dolly Varden right now; lots of spawning pinks present.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Targeting fresh salmon can be challenging here right now but anglers may pick up some decent catches in a couple of spots, including Spring Creek off Nash Road (for pinks) and Tonsina Creek, accessed by trail from Lowell Point (for pinks, chums); fish the incoming tides using spoons, spinners, and flies. Some fresh pinks and late-run reds are available at the mouth of Scheffler Creek near the boat harbor in town. Surf-casting is good to excellent for a variety of marine species, including flounders, codfish, greenling, and sculpins. A few halibut and rockfish can be taken from shore from the SeaLife Center and south along the Lowell Point Road.

QUARTZ CREEK: Fair to good fishing here for Dolly Varden with best stretch of water being from the Crescent Creek confluence upstream to and beyond the highway crossing. Reds are actively spawning; match the hatch. A few rainbow trout are available too. Nearby Daves Creek draining out of Tern Lake can be productive for char as well.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Water conditions are good and the rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good to excellent. Forage-type fly patterns work very well but egg and flesh imitations are gaining attention as more king and red salmon enter spawning mode. Targeting fresh and semi-bright reds is very possible with a fair number of nice fish still available; try stretch of water from Russian confluence downstream to Jim’s Landing. A small number of silver salmon are passing through with occasional catches being made.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Water conditions here are very low and clear; if targeting bright red salmon, anglers must be on the water at first light when schools of nice fish push through. Midday action for salmon on the river has been very slow with predominantly blush or dark fish present. The sanctuary may hold a good number of fresh reds with the early morning action being very good. This run is maturing quickly; red season ends August 20. A few silvers are showing up as well. The low-light hours are providing good fishing for trout and char.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: The late run of red salmon continues here with good numbers of fish moving through on a daily basis. The limit is 6 red per day with many anglers limiting out after a few hours on the water; however, the action is expected to drop off quickly downstream of Sterling as mid-month approaches and the run subsides. If having access to the middle river above Bing’s Landing, the red salmon fishing will likely stay very good for another ten days still. Silver salmon have been slow coming into the river with relatively few fish being caught so far. As a reminder, a bait ban is in effect on the entire river through August 15 to protect a weak run of incoming king salmon; the king season ended on July 31. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good throughout the drainage but excellent between Bing’s Landing and Skilak Lake.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK: Very low and warm water conditions in these streams have kept the silver salmon fishing confined more or less to the tidal areas with anglers using eggs and spinners reporting fair action; once the water cools off and increases volume following a good rain, the fish will get active and begin to surge upstream. The best fishing right now is for Dolly Varden, which are providing good sport in the mid- to upper reaches of these drainages where the king spawn is taking place; use beads. The pink run has ended but an occasional fresh specimen is still possible.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Silver salmon are entering the lagoon in good numbers on the tides and some anglers are managing to limit out using eggs but spinners tipped with herring can be very effective as well. The incoming and outgoing tides see the most action. Surf-casting off the end of the spit at Coal Point is good for bottomfish such as flounder, codfish, and sculpin on low tide, while anglers targeting halibut are catching a few specimens on high tide. A number of silver and pink salmon are patrolling the beaches around the spit with fair success a possibility.

 

 

Updated Thursday, August 1, 2019

Weekly Summary:  This past week have seen sizable surges of late-run red salmon to several locations around Southcentral, most notably the Kenai River which experienced two days of almost 100,000 fish passing the sonar unit in Soldotna each of those days, resulting in phenomenal angling success from tidewater all the way up through Sterling and beyond. Some of these fish are steering into the Russian River, that is now really coming alive with action as well. However, it is not only the Kenai drainage that is productive for late arriving reds; the Copper River tributaries are experiencing strong pushes of fish as well; the Gulkana River is a great bet right now. Additionally, late-run kings are still available for harvest and sport in Copper Valley, such as the Klutina and Tonsina rivers, and fishing for them has been good to excellent the last several days. While the early and strong showing of pinks this season is waning rapidly, there are still a few locations that support good fishing, such as Port Valdez and Resurrection Bay. The chum salmon runs appear to be down a bit from previous years but fishing for them is still productive, especially in the Susitna River drainage. Last but not least, the early runs of silver salmon are at or near peak in several areas with the lagoon in Homer and Ship Creek in Anchorage leading the way, soon to be followed by the streams of the Matanuska and Susitna valleys like Little Susitna River and Willow Creek. Apart from salmon, fishing for rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden is beginning to go into high gear as the early runs of salmon begin spawning, sending the resident species into a feeding frenzy throughout the region. This week is historically a superb time of the season to fish the road system in Alaska.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; VALDEZ PINKS; SHIP SILVERS; TONSINA KINGS; RUSSIAN REDS; SUSITNA CHUMS, RAINBOWS; GULKANA REDS; LITTLE SUSITNA CHUMS, SILVERS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: This is a great spot to target early silvers with many limits being caught the last few days. Morning and evening tides are producing the most fish with salmon roe being the top enticement by far, although a number of salmon are also falling to spinners and flies. Expect good to excellent action this weekend and next week. Pink salmon, although still very numerous in spots, are turning color or already dark with only a small number of chrome specimens left; fair catches of quality fish at best. A few chums continue to be caught time to time.

BIRD CREEK: The silver run here is lagging in strength compared to Ship but some fair to good catches may yet be had on the incoming and outgoing tides. This run should hold some decent opportunities for the next couple of weeks, if not longer. Use eggs and spinners on the tides, flies when water is out. The pink salmon run has matured with fresh fish becoming less likely by the day but a few will be available for another week to ten days. Chums are present in small numbers.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

COTTONWOOD, WASILLA CREEKS: Weekend-only fisheries, reds and silvers are showing in good numbers and action is expected to be likewise this weekend. Hit the tides on Saturday for peak opportunity. Cottonwood has both species available, Wasilla primarily silvers plus a smaller presence of reds and pinks. Use flies for the reds, eggs for the silvers. This should be the last productive weekend for reds while the silvers will only increase in numbers from now on.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Fishing around the lower access point is good for chums and silvers; note that the use of bait is not allowed until August 6th. Spoons, spinners, plugs, and flies are all catching fish. The pink salmon run has slowed with most fish present being in spawning condition, relatively few are still bright enough to keep. The upper river, around Houston, is still slow going for salmon but some reds and chums are moving through. Rainbow trout offer fair opportunities throughout the drainage.

WILLOW CREEK: Chums are showing in decent numbers as the run is peaking, presenting good action using a variety of lures as well as eggs. Fishing for silver salmon is not hot yet but the morning bite definitely see limits being taken fairly easily using roe; the mouth is best but a few may be found as far upstream as Deception Creek. While pinks are still thick in this stream, anglers will have to do a lot of sorting in order to find chrome specimens. Rainbows are good to excellent in the middle and upper reaches along with grayling and a few Dollies; kings are spawning.

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: The road crossing presents good opportunities for salmon with mainly blush pinks and chums and a smattering of bright silvers. Search out deeper holes where brighter specimens can be found. The morning bite is generally the best. This is also a perfect time to float from the highway down to the stream mouth as fish are abundant and water conditions ideal. Trout and grayling action is good to excellent throughout the middle and upper reaches, especially around spawning kings.

SHEEP CREEK: The mouth of this stream has good fishing for bright and semi-bright chum salmon with fair catches of silvers as well; try at dawn using spinners or eggs. Pinks are plentiful from highway crossing to Susitna confluence but most are dark with few fresh specimens available. For rainbows and grayling, try the stretch of water from just below the road on up towards the headwaters; kings are actively spawning so egg imitations are tops at this time.

MONTANA CREEK: Water conditions are still very low yet clear with the best salmon fishing occurring at the Susitna confluence. Heavy run of blush/dark pinks inundate the lower stream but some fresh specimens still available at mouth, where chum salmon are staging in decent numbers providing fair to good catches using spoons and flies. Silvers are coming in and fishing for them is fair to quite good, particularly in the early morning using eggs and spinners. For rainbows and grayling, try upper reaches of stream where kings are spawning; good to excellent success.

CHULITNA RIVER: The clearwater tributaries and upper reaches of this glacial drainage supports good fishing for rainbows and grayling at this time. The Middle and East forks are recommended, as is Byers and Troublesome creeks; the latter two are currently experiencing a good run of pinks and some bright and semi-bright fish are present. Additionally, a run of reds is building in Byers and could produce some good fishing this weekend and next week using flies.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: The late run of reds have hit and anglers targeting them here are scoring limits from the mouth upstream to the Sourdough area. Most salmon are reasonably bright with some being light blush. Success ranges from fair to excellent depending on day and location on river. Sight-fishing to schools of fish possible in places. The king season has ended. Action is excellent for grayling and fair to good for rainbows in the middle to upper reaches of the river.

KLUTINA, TONSINA RIVERS: This is the perfect weekend to go for late-run kings on these waters as runs are peaking and fish aggressive. Attractors with salmon roe is best. Good to excellent catches reported this past week and expected to sustain through the end of the season on August 10; expect condition of fish to range from silver bright to dark red. Decent numbers of late-run reds are also arriving with fair to good opportunities at this time, especially on the Tonsina.

PORT VALDEZ: Pinks are extremely abundant at the head of the port, in particular around the fish hatchery off Dayville Road near Allison Point. The limit has been doubled by emergency order (now 12). Although most of the fish are quite advanced in maturity, successful anglers practice catch and release to filter out chrome specimens which are also quite numerous. Good action awaits. A few chums are showing up closer to town but no signs yet of silvers from shore. Robe River on the outskirts of town has very good fishing for Dolly Varden; lots of blush and spawning pinks present so egg imitations are best.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Best shot at getting some fresh salmon in the bay is to hit the mouths of clearwater streams on an incoming tide, such as Spring, Alice, Spruce, and Tonsina, all of which support large runs of pinks right now. Be prepared to catch and release darker specimens in order to find chrome pinks; fair to good. Tonsina is also worthwhile for chums. Pending weather stays relatively cool with little or no rain, spots within the lower Resurrection River drainage (such as Salmon Creek off Nash Road) may yield good pink and chum catches as well. Surf-casting in the bay is fair to excellent for bottomfish.

QUARTZ CREEK: Spawning red salmon have arrived and along with them are good numbers of Dolly Varden. Anglers are doing very well in places from the highway crossing downstream to Crescent Creek. Move around often and scout for nice char. Use beads.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Water conditions are normal for time of year. Large numbers of red salmon have arrived and more stack up by the day; some fish are blush but still good numbers of bright and semi-bright salmon to be had. Catch rates range from fair to excellent with generally the best fishing to be found downstream of the Russian confluence to Skilak Lake inlet; run is peaking. Reports of individual silvers caught along with a few pinks. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good to excellent; forage patterns best but egg and flesh starting to turn on.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Late-run reds are stacking up at the Kenai confluence, creating excellent opportunities for anglers to fill their limit. Lots of bright and semi-bright fish available with relatively few blush ones thus far; run is peaking in quality. Look for schools of salmon moving through river headed upstream at dawn. First few silvers should be present. Rainbow trout is good and Dolly Varden fair using forage, flesh, and egg patterns.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: The Soldotna area has had about a week of superb red salmon fishing and there should be another week worth of very good fishing before the runs slows down; bag limit is 6 reds. Keep an eye out on daily escapement through the sonar, using it as a guide for success and set expectations. The king salmon season has ended (July 31 was last day). The dip net season has also ended and will boost numbers of fish ascending the river. Some silvers are being caught, mainly in the tidal area, and with bait now legal, anglers using eggs are likely to connect. Small number of pinks are being caught too. The middle river above Bing’s Landing offers excellent rainbow trout and Dolly Varden opportunities at this time.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK: Good fishing for Dolly Varden in lower and middle section of water, fair or better in upper reaches where king salmon are now spawning. Pink run is slowing as fish are maturing but some bright fish are still around. Silver salmon offer fair action using roe and spinners on the tides with some anglers scoring limits in early morning; these streams will turn on with a good rain and a rise in stream volume.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Anglers targeting silvers using herring, eggs, and spinners are doing very well on incoming and outgoing tides with limits of 6 fish common; the run is likely peaking and will stay productive at least for another ten days to two weeks. Most fish are nice and bright but some are blushing. The king run is done for the year but an occasional nice fish may still be present. At the bay side of the lagoon outflow and around the shoreline of the spit, some silvers and a few pinks may be caught casting spinners.

 

Updated Thursday, July 25, 2019

Weekly Summary:  Like clockwork for the late July, salmon of all five species are filling streams and providing plenty of great opportunities for this coming weekend and more than likely through next week as well. A very large (and early) showing of pinks started the fishing mayhem in the Southcentral region with heavy runs of late-run reds and even silvers and kings now joining in for some truly exceptional action. From Talkeetna to Homer to Valdez, rivers and streams are teeming with activity not just for salmon but rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling too. As the weather has cooled somewhat over the last several days, so has the water temperatures, which has helped the bite considerably. Some rivers that were flooded with meltwater from snowfields and glaciers are dropping to more seasonal levels and the streams already very low and crystal clear had a brief shot of rain to help improve conditions. North of Anchorage, the Susitna Valley and the tributaries of the Susitna River are experiencing an unusually large run of pinks for an odd year cycle, with Copper Valley and the Copper River drainage seeing late-run reds and kings arriving as the pinks pile into the briny around Valdez. South of town, the Kenai Peninsula waters of Kenai and Kasilof rivers are experiencing some impressive returns of late-run reds and Homer is the place for silvers. The hamlet of Hope, as usual, is the place to go for pinks. Even Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage has a productive run of silvers in progress. The peak of the Alaska fishing season has arrived and should keep anglers busy for the next couple of weeks.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; VALDEZ PINKS; TONSINA KINGS; RUSSIAN REDS; WILLOW PINKS, RAINBOWS; KASILOF REDS; SHEEP PINKS, RAINBOWS; SHIP SILVERS; HOPE PINKS; MONTANA PINKS, RAINBOWS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: Virtually every tide is bringing in sizable schools of chrome silvers as well as pinks with many anglers easily limiting out on three salmon. The silvers are responding best to salmon roe but some are also being caught on spinners. Water conditions are low and clear. The early morning bite has been most productive with good to excellent action possible; aim for tides around dawn and dusk but some anglers are also finding nice fish scouting holes in the stream at low tide. A few chums also present.

BIRD CREEK: Good run of pinks present but anglers are having to filter through older fish in favor of newly-arrived, chrome specimens. The silver salmon run has yet to materialize in larger format but some limits are being taken on incoming and outgoing tides using eggs and spinners. Those skilled at sight-fishing will find silvers and chums hiding in deeper sections of water throughout area open to salmon fishing. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good.

TURNAGAIN STREAMS: The lower reaches and mouths of various streams flowing into the arm have been very productive for pinks this past week with Indian, Glacier, Portage, and Ingram being points of focus. Although many fish are turning, there are still plenty of bright and semi-bright pinks to be had. A few chums and silvers are now moving into these waters as well. Opportunities for sea-run char are fair to good in the aforementioned locations in addition to Kern Creek.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

COTTONWOOD, WASILLA CREEKS: Weekend-only fisheries, reds and a few silvers are present in both drainages, with the latter also supporting pinks. Schools of fish are moving in on the tides with Saturday morning offering the greatest chance of success; expect good salmon opportunities.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: As water temperatures have cooled, the action has picked up. Anglers are finding good fishing for a variety of species with silvers and pinks being most abundant at this time but the chum run is improving also. Bait is still not allowed. The best fishing is downstream of the access point on the lower river, especially in early morning. Reds and rainbow trout are present in small numbers throughout the drainage. Fishing around Houston is still on the slow side but some pinks and chums are arriving.

WILLOW CREEK: Hordes of pink salmon are filling up the stretch of water from the highway crossing down to and including the Susitna confluence; the freshest fish are being taken at the mouth with pinks typically showing more color higher up in the drainage. A fair number of chum and silver salmon are available and better targeted using bait such as roe due to huge influx of pinks. Anglers trying for trout and grayling are faring better from the highway bridge upstream to the canyon area off Willow-Fishhook Road where kings have started spawning (match the hatch).

LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Roadside anglers do best hiking down from the highway crossing and fishing deeper holes and pools for salmon; expect good action. Plenty of pinks abound but many are turning color; catch-and-release for quality fish. A few chums are also in the mix. Silvers can be weeded out from the other salmon with the use of eggs. For trout and grayling, hike upstream of the road crossing, scouting areas where king salmon are spawning.

SHEEP CREEK: Water conditions here have improved with stream flowing low and clear at this time. Anglers are finding most salmon action at the mouth, with pinks being particularly plentiful; bright fish are present. Chums are moving up in fair numbers along with silvers. Spoons and spinners are seeing lots of attention but eggs are probably best for silvers. The middle stream section has lots of blush pinks and some chums plus a few silvers. For trout and grayling, head upstream.

MONTANA CREEK: Very low and clear, anglers can expect the best salmon fishing in and around the Susitna confluence. Pinks are most abundant with many chrome specimens showing up. Chums and silvers are being taken in fair numbers that should only increase during this coming week as the runs build toward a peak. Overall, good to excellent action here. For rainbows and grayling, try the upper parts off Talkeetna Spur Highway access roads.

EAST & MIDDLE FORK CHULITNA RIVER: Water conditions are near perfect pending that the weather holds. Rainbow trout and grayling are easy targets using a variety of flies and small lures; anglers hiking along these rivers and scouting deeper parts where kings are spawning could do very well; beads are hot items. Silver salmon have yet to reach these parts.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

TONSINA RIVER: The big news here is the arrival of late-run kings that are currently plugging portions of the river from the highway crossing down to the mouth on the Copper. While walk-in fishing is possible, it is the floaters that do best here in accessing the most productive spots. Excellent catches are being made for fish weighing between 30 and 50 pounds. Being a fast-flowing, glacial drainage, come prepared. Red salmon are also moving through the river in decent numbers.

PORT VALDEZ: The south side of the port along Dayville Road west to Allison Point has excellent fishing for pink salmon. Incoming and outgoing tides are best with some of the fastest action occurring on the outgoing at the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. Be prepared to catch and release a good number of blush fish in order to reach the chrome ones. Pinks are also being caught in and around the harbor area along with a few chums. No reports yet of silvers caught from shore. Robe River has very good pink salmon fishing right now and there are many Dolly Varden to be caught as well.

KENAI PENINSULA:

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: The return of pink salmon was large this year and on the early side; judging by the onslaught of blush fish in the stream, it is obvious that the run has already peaked with anglers having to release a lot of salmon in order to catch chrome specimens. Still, the action is very good but likely the last weekend to experience really productive fishing for quality pinks. Some chums are arriving and a few silvers have already been caught. Dolly Varden fishing is fair.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Hot spots around the bay for salmon this weekend include Lowell Point, the rocky shore line along Lowell Point Road, and the mouth of Tonsina Creek for bright pinks. Chum salmon are making a fair showing at Tonsina also, whereas the run at Spring Creek across the bay off Nash Road is nearing an end. The early run of reds in Seward is for all practical purposes finished but late-run fish are starting to appear in small numbers at the mouths of streams in the area. Likewise, the hatchery run of kings is done for the year. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Water levels here are slowly dropping. Late-run red salmon are moving through the river in good numbers and anglers are doing best in locations from the highway crossing near Russian River downstream to the inlet at Skilak Lake. Catch rates are currently quite high with limits of fish very possible. It seems that the number of bright reds is higher this year than many previous years. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to excellent.

RUSSIAN RIVER: The late run of red salmon has started here with good to excellent fishing possible, especially at the mouth of the river and the first few holes above the confluence area. Peak action generally occurs at dawn when schools of fish move into the clear Russian from the glacial Kenai. Rainbow trout fishing is fair; a few Dolly Varden are also present.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Water levels are steadily dropping and clarity improving. The last several days have seen high concentrations of late-run red salmon pushing upstream from the salt with good to excellent catches quite common in the Soldotna and Sterling area; this weekend into next week should see the continuation of the peak of this run. Additionally, fishing for late-run kings is slowly improving as river conditions change. As a reminder, the king salmon season ends on August 1. A few silvers are being caught in the tidal area and pink salmon are being reported as well. For great trout and char fishing, seek out the cleaner water of the middle river.

KASILOF RIVER: Red salmon are moving through the river in good to decent numbers, fishing ranging from fair to excellent depending on the day and tide. The current daily bag limit for red salmon was recently increased to six fish. Productive spots include the Crooked Creek area around high tide and stretches of river upstream of the highway crossing. Late-run king salmon are available but anglers have not had great success this season. A few silvers are present.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: These streams are flowing low and clear and currently harboring good fishing for pink salmon and Dolly Varden. The tides and the deeper holes and runs right above tidewater are best. Silver salmon are entering these waters (including Ninilchik River) in fair numbers with some limit catches achieved; salmon roe and spinners best.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Silver salmon have started returning in good numbers to this location on the Homer Spit. Try inside the lagoon on incoming tide and the bay side as the tide goes back out. Spinners, herring, and eggs are all responsible for success. The limit is six fish and some limits are being taken. Nearby Coal Point at the end of the spit is producing fair catches of both pink and silver salmon along with surf-casting for bottomfish.

 

Updated Thursday, July 18, 2019

Weekly Summary: Fishing is beginning to pick up at a quick pace throughout most of coastal and inland roadside drainages, with reds, pinks, and silvers entering waters in large to decent numbers; chum salmon is the only species still lagging slightly but there are signs things will turn around soon there as well. The late runs of red salmon are moving into the Kasilof and Kenai systems in pulses that are building momentum every few days and should peak in numbers within the next week, while early runs of silver salmon are appearing in several locations, including the lagoon in Homer, Ship Creek in Anchorage, and the lower Little Susitna River near Wasilla. Although odd-numbered years generally see more modest returns of pink salmon in the Southcentral region, they are proving very plentiful this year with solid showings in the tributaries of the Susitna River and in streams emptying into Turnagain Arm, most notably Resurrection Creek in Hope. Port Valdez and the lower peninsula streams of Deep and Anchor are other spots seeing a lot of pinks. Late-run kings, however, have yet to make a big impression on the sport fisheries in Kenai, Kasilof, Klutina, and Tonsina as less than ideal water conditions are preventing anglers from enjoying success as these rivers are currently very high and silty but expected to improve shortly but perhaps not in time for this coming weekend. Resident species such as trout, char, and grayling are active in many areas, such as inland waterways of Susitna Valley, Copper Valley, and central Kenai Peninsula. The best fishing of the summer season on the road system is about to begin.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KASILOF REDS; VALDEZ PINKS; WILLOW PINKS, RAINBOWS; SHEEP PINKS; KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; HOPE PINKS; MONTANA PINKS, RAINBOWS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: With the king salmon season wrapped up for the year, pinks and silvers are running and collectively offering great sport. Very good catches of ocean-bright pinks can be had and some anglers are also scoring limits of silvers (3) using eggs. The incoming and outgoing tides are doing best for action, yet low tide can produce some surprising results as well in deeper portions of the stream. A few chums are  showing up and have been caught.

BIRD CREEK: Opened to fishing for all species (except kings) on July 14. Good spot to catch bright pinks along with some chums. Silvers are arriving and being caught mainly on the tides using spinners or eggs; limits (3) may be possible soon. Do not neglect to try various holes and runs using flies after the tide has gone out.

TURNAGAIN STREAMS: Pinks are present in good numbers with chums mixed in in most drainages, like Glacier, Portage, and Ingram, with reds also available in Portage. It is increasingly likely that there will be silvers caught in these waters within the next several days as well. Sea-run Dolly Varden are providing fair to good activity on incoming and high tides in the above locations in addition to Kern and Indian creeks.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

COTTONWOOD CREEK: A weekend-only fishery, word is that red salmon are arriving in the tidal section at the mouth and could be a good shot for anglers trying the incoming and outgoing tides. This run usually peaks starting now and for the next ten days.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: This is a great place to encounter a variety of species right now and includes reds, pinks, chums, silvers, and rainbows; the king salmon season here has ended. Best salmon fishing is occurring on the lower river with good catches reported, especially for pinks but also silvers. The use of bait is not allowed here until later on in August so spoons and spinners are the main options right now. The upper river, around Houston, is not a recommended area for salmon at this time but a few reds in addition to rainbow trout are present.

WILLOW CREEK: The stretch of water from the Susitna confluence upstream to near the highway crossing is thick with pink salmon with the brightest fish being available at the mouth; expect excellent success. Most of the pinks higher up in the drainage are semi-bright to dark. Chums are increasing in numbers daily along with silvers; if targeting the latter, use salmon roe. Rainbows and grayling are abundant throughout the middle and upper reaches along Willow-Fishhook (Hatcher Pass) Road. Water conditions are low and clear. Tributary Deception Creek can be a great spot for rainbows.

SHEEP CREEK: For quick and easy action for pink salmon, the mouth of this stream provides it; use spoons and spinners. Chum and silver salmon are moving into the stream also and should provide decent fishing in another week or so. Water conditions have fluctuated quite a bit recently, ranging from high and slightly silty to moderate and mostly clear; trout and grayling fishing is best when water is lower and visibility good.

MONTANA CREEK: Very low and clear water conditions with salmon concentrated at the Susitna confluence and in the very deepest holes. Lots of pinks at mouth providing fast action with many still being fresh and in good shape, although some are starting to blush. Some chums and a few silvers are arriving; use spinners or eggs for the latter. While the pinks should peter out the next couple of weeks, the other salmon species will only get better. Rainbow trout and grayling are biting readily in the middle and upper sections of the stream.

EAST & MIDDLE FORK CHULITNA RIVER: To experience some very good action for rainbow trout and grayling, these drainages may prove right on target providing low and clear water conditions. With decent road access, anglers scouting for fish do well right now on both forage as well as egg imitation flies. King salmon are present and on the cusp of spawning so match the hatch.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

PORT VALDEZ: Pink salmon are coming in and anglers are getting limits (6) off Allison Point and the shoreline up to the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. The incoming and outgoing tides are generally best using spoons and spinners. Yarn flies may be used at the mouth of the creek as the tides goes out. A good part of the run is chrome bright but some fish are starting to blush. The harbor area has a smaller number of pinks in addition to a few chums. Surf-casting is fair for bottomfish off the city dock. Nearby Robe River is seeing a fair showing of pinks along with Dolly Varden.

KENAI PENINSULA:

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Anglers here can get into some truly excellent action for pink salmon. Water is flowing at moderate levels and clear. The tides bring in schools of fresh fish but the best opportunities are above the road crossing, up in the braids and channels where fish are congregating in huge numbers. Still lots of chrome pinks available but also an increasing number of dark or blush fish. Chums have been slow coming in but some are being caught. A few silvers are present on high tide along with Dolly Varden; fishing is fair to good.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Pink salmon are arriving in good numbers throughout many sections of the bay with better options being off the rocks along Lowell Point Road and the mouth of Tonsina Creek. Chums are also present in the latter location but currently more abundant at the mouth of Spring Creek off Nash Road, where there are also a few reds left. The return of king salmon at Scheffler Creek/Seward Lagoon has for all practical purposes ended but a few stragglers may still be around. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good to excellent; some smaller rockfish and halibut are possible.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Good and solid action for rainbow trout through most of length between the lakes but generally best downstream of the Russian confluence to Skilak Lake inlet. The early run of reds is just about over but late-run fish are now present with fair to good opportunities; some limits are being taken. Water is very high and slightly silty. The mouth of the Russian River can be quite productive for reds this time of the month.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Late-run reds are coming into the river in waves and the peak should occur sometime within this weekend and the next ten days. Although water conditions have been sub-par the last few weeks, flowing very high and turbid, anglers can still hook reds any place where there is less of a gradient and some limits are being achieved. Action can be fair to very good depending on angler skill and the  fishing spot. Success for king salmon is slow due to murky water. Rainbow trout opportunities are good on the middle river above the Killey River confluence to the outlet of Skilak Lake.

KASILOF RIVER: Red salmon fishing here is generally good on the tides but can vary significantly from one day to the next as waves of fish come through; use yarn flies on high tide down near mouth of Crooked Creek and at the highway crossing. A few blush/dark early-run kings are hanging around still in the channel below the campground but chrome late-run fish are just starting their run. Pink salmon are also present in small numbers.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: Good action for sea-run Dolly Varden with the lower end of the river and the tidal holes being best. In addition, pink salmon are arriving in good numbers with best opportunities on incoming tide and deeper holes and runs right above tidewater; some fish are blushing but bright specimens are still plentiful. The first silver will likely be caught in the next week or so.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Silver salmon are arriving at Dudiak Lagoon on the spit, incoming and outgoing tide being best; try pieces of herring or spinners this early in the season. The early morning bite is generally best with a few 6-fish limits being taken. A small number of kings are present in the lagoon and a few specimens are in reasonable shape still. Surf-casting off the spit is good for bottomfish and anglers are getting a few pink and silver salmon as well.

 

Updated Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Weekly Summary: The early runs of kings and reds are quickly evaporating throughout the region but are being replaced by a multitude of species, including pinks, chums, late-run reds, and even fishable numbers of silver salmon. It is very clear at this time that salmon runs in Southcentral are generally following an early timing trajectory, something of which anglers should take notice. Several coastal locations are already producing good to excellent catches and fishing overall will rapidly build in magnitude the next week to ten days as the angling season in the region truly reaches its zenith. Additionally, water conditions are in great shape, ideal for experiencing superb angling for resident species such as rainbows, grayling, Dollies, and others.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  KASILOF REDS; KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; VALDEZ PINKS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; HOPE PINKS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: Although the abundance of king salmon has decreased this past week, a few nice bright and semi-bright specimens remain; note that last day of the king season is Saturday, July 13. However, the big news here is the fishable number of silver salmon entering the stream on high tides with a few lucky anglers even scoring limits of three fish. Spinners and salmon roe will score on kings and silvers both. Additionally, pink and chum salmon are showing up. Give it another week and this downtown fishery could be one of the hot spots on the road system.

BIRD CREEK: Opens to fishing this Sunday, July 14, and fishing is expected to be good with a variety of species currently present. Pinks are seemingly numerous with a number of chums also spotted and what appears to be silver salmon. Search deeper sections of the stream at dawn on the opener and following days and the incoming and outgoing tides should produce success. All species will hit lures and flies with silvers being especially fond of salmon roe.

TURNAGAIN STREAMS: Decent numbers of pinks and some chums are being taken out of several streams in the area, most notably Glacier/California and Ingram creeks but Indian and Portage also support worthwhile action for these species in addition to reds in the latter location. A few silver salmon may be available in these waters. Sea-run Dolly Varden are striking lures and flies resembling juvenile salmon as well as salmon eggs.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: Fishing for rainbow trout continues to be very productive with excellent catches common in many streams; grayling and Dolly Varden as well as whitefish are being caught with fair to good opportunities. Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Goose, Montana, Peters, Byers, and East and Middle forks of Chulitna are all good bets at this time with low and clear water conditions. The lower portions of these waters (including Sheep Creek) will open to all salmon species (except kings) this coming Sunday, July 14, and anglers can expect fair to good action for pinks and chums with some silvers present too. Runs here, as elsewhere around Southcentral, seem to be early this year so success should be better than most openers with stream mouths the best bet, particularly at dawn.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: Flowing low and clear, anglers are scoring kings in the middle and upper sections of water with holes around Sourdough being best. Anglers are reminded that the king salmon season ends on July 19. Most of the fish are blush to quite dark with a smaller number of semi-bright salmon; fresh kings are becoming the exception these days as the run matures. Fair to good fishing is possible in very early morning or late evening. The early run of red salmon has ended and the late run is only beginning to nose into the lower end of the river. Grayling fishing is excellent, rainbows fair on the upper, while lake trout is still keeping the pace going at the Paxson Lake outlet.

KLUTINA RIVER: Despite high water levels and swift current, anglers are pulling out some reds here with fair opportunities at present as the early run is slowly waning. Limits are possible with effort. A few kings are available and being caught but fishing should get better for this species in another week to ten days.

PORT VALDEZ: Great spot these days to catch limits of dime-bright pinks with six fish allowed. Anglers are reporting good to excellent catches at Allison Point and adjacent waters on incoming and outgoing tides, including the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek near the fish hatchery. Quite a few specimens are starting to turn so catch-and-release is in order for quality fish. A few chums are appearing around the city breakwater. Nearby Robe River is seeing a presence of pink salmon as well and should produce good success in its lower reaches shortly; expect Dolly Varden to be abundant. Surf-casting for bottomfish is fair from the city dock.

KENAI PENINSULA:

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: Schools of pink and chum salmon along with a few kings and reds are cruising the beaches and rock outcroppings at the west end of the canal and can be spotted by fish surfacing or swimming by if water is clear. Good success is possible; however, expect some of the pinks to be quite dark already. The mouth of Cove Creek may be a decent spot to look for straggler kings and fresh pinks. Surf-casting for bottomfish is fair with flounder, codfish, and rockfish available.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Pinks began entering this stream in fishable numbers two weeks ago and the run is building towards what could be an early peak. Although flowing high and swift, sight-fishing is good to excellent with easy hook-ups. The tides are producing good action on arriving schools of pinks; prepare to catch and release fish if targeting table-quality salmon. A few chums and even an occasional silver salmon may be present. Dolly Varden opportunities are fair to good on incoming and high tides.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: With kings and early-run reds fading throughout the bay, pinks and chums are entering area waters in decent numbers. Spring Creek is doing well on bright and semi-bright chums and a number of reds are still available; snagging is preferred harvest method here. Pinks are more common along the Lowell Point Road, from area rocks and beaches. The mouth of Tonsina Creek is also a spot to try but not yet at its peak in fishing. Dolly Varden action is fair throughout the marine waters but slowing as fish are entering fresh water. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good to excellent.

KENAI RIVER: While the upper river between Skilak and Kenai lakes has a decent number of reds available, it is the lower river downstream of Sterling that is seeing the greatest abundance of fresh, dime-bright salmon. The last couple of days have seen an early push of late-run fish with fair to good action and limits being achieved; expect the action to vary according to individual days but with a steady and increasing number of reds present overall. The king salmon fishing, however, is poor with the run lagging behind the last few years at this time. Rainbow trout fishing is very good on the middle river above Bing’s Landing up to the Skilak Lake outlet and throughout the upper Kenai.

KASILOF RIVER: In similarity to the Kenai, this river is experiencing a nice early push of red salmon with good success enjoyed on the peak tide levels in the Crooked Creek area; limits are being taken. The middle river from the highway crossing to the rapids should turn on very shortly as well. The early run of kings has for all practical purposes ended but there are a few blush stragglers still being caught in the channel below the campground. Wait another ten days for the late run of kings to begin in earnest.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: These drainages are now open for all species (except kings) with best opportunities occurring for Dolly Varden on incoming and high tides. There are also pink salmon arriving; no reports of silvers yet. Nearby Ninilchik River is open to king salmon fishing, only hatchery fish may be retained; anglers are reporting fair catches but most fish are blush to dark red with few chrome salmon left.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casting for bottomfish is generally good with low tides being most productive, in particular those occurring in early morning. Flounder/sole, codfish, sculpin, and a few halibut are available. Few Dolly Varden remain in area waters as most are entering fresh water at this time. Reds, pinks, and silvers can be observed jumping near the surf with fair success possible. The Dudiak Lagoon is the place to be for silvers on incoming and outgoing tides; this run is steadily increasing in strength and should be a hot spot for the species shortly.

 

Updated Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Weekly Summary: The mid-season lull in Southcentral is now settling in but anglers will still be able to located good salmon fishing in some areas, most notably the Copper Valley area with Gulkana and Klutina leading the way, but the late runs of kings and reds as well as other salmon species are making first appearances in many waterways this week. Pinks and chums are becoming more numerous by the day and some locations will be excellent in just another week or so. Also worth noting is the early appearance of silver salmon, which are now ascending certain coastal drainages. But the most consistent and intense action these days are from resident species, with rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling fishing often excellent in many locations in the Susitna and Copper valleys and on the Kenai Peninsula.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  GULKANA KINGS; KLUTINA REDS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; HOMER KINGS; KENAI RAINBOWS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: The king salmon run here is beginning to show signs of slowing down but there is still some fair to good opportunities to be had, especially on an early morning or late evening tide. Bright fish continue to arrive every day but many kings are turning color ranging from slight blush to dark red. A small number of pinks are also coming in on the tides and chums could be in the mix as well. But the highlight here is the early arrival of silver salmon, signaling that the mid-summer fishing season is approaching. So, for the chance of hooking four species of salmon on one visit is very much as possibility here.

TURNAGAIN STREAMS: Sea-run Dolly Varden are active in most all of the drainages flowing into silty Turnagain Arm, with Indian, Glacier, Kern, Portage, and Ingram are the spots to try. If the water is silty, bait such as salmon roe fished on the bottom is tops; if clear, small lures and flies resembling juvenile salmon work great. These waters are also seeing an influx of small numbers of pink and chum salmon and an occasional silver is not too unusual. Bird Creek remains closed to all fishing through July 13; pinks and chums (and likely silvers too) are arriving here and will soon be available to anglers.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

EKLUTNA TAILRACE: Good number of kings present but the bite has been off recently due to sunny weather and silty water; try during twilight hours for best success, daytime action has been very slow. Use eggs fished on bottom or drifted with a bobber. Many of the salmon are turning with relatively few bright specimens left. Expect the first silvers to arrive in about a week.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: If targeting kings, the road access points are producing poor catches with the better option being to float the river from Houston to the lower river take-out as the main part of the run is in the semi-remote middle stretch; anglers are finding fair to good success in early morning and late evening. Condition of kings range from dime bright to dark red. A small number of reds are scattered throughout the river while some pink and chums salmon along with a very few silvers are to be found in the tidewater area and the first several miles above. A few rainbows are being hooked too.

SUSITNA RIVER: Rainbow trout are putting on good to excellent action in many clearwater tributaries of the Susitna as well as the Chulitna, with Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Montana, Rabideux, Troublesome, Byers, and East and Middle forks of Chulitna being great waters this month. Grayling are also being caught in decent numbers in addition to Dolly Varden and a few whitefish. Waters are low and clear. Streams are starting to fill up with king salmon up to highway crossings and above. As a reminder, all of the Susitna River drainage is closed to king salmon fishing this year by emergency order.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: Water conditions here are low and clear with anglers hooking plenty of kings upstream of the Sourdough access point; success has been best in early morning and late evening. Many of the fish are still in decent shape, semi-bright to very slightly blush with a smaller number of dark and chrome salmon. The early run of red salmon has ended with only a very few fish passing through the lower river at this time. The late run of reds will begin arriving in about two weeks. Good to excellent fishing may be had for grayling and rainbows on the middle and upper river sections.

KLUTINA RIVER: Anglers here are still managing limits of red salmon and productive fishing will continue to be had for at least another week before the run starts to slow. Also, the river opened to king fishing on the first of the month with fair catches for early run salmon on the upper river section. Most of these early run kings are blush to dark red. The larger and more abundant late-run kings will begin arriving in two weeks. Water conditions are very high so caution is advised if wading or boating. Nearby Tonsina River has a small number of early-run kings too.

PORT VALDEZ: The much-awaited run of pink salmon to Allison Point and the fish hatchery has started with anglers reporting fair to mediocre catches on incoming and outgoing tides, albeit some tidal changes are better than other ones. Try the early morning and late evening tides for greatest chance of success. The mouth of Solomon Creek can be a relative hot spot on the outgoing. Pink and orange spoons and spinners are producing most fish. Expect this fishery to improve significantly over the next week.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Fishing for bottomfish such as flounder, cod, and greenling is good to excellent using pieces of herring as bait or small jigs. Anglers are also finding good action for sea-run char at the mouth of Tonsina Creek. Snagging reds and chums at the mouth of Spring Creek is fair. The Resurrection River red salmon fishery is fair at best as the run is ending. A few hatchery kings are continuing to be available near the boat harbor and the mouth of Scheffler Creek. Pink salmon are starting to arrive along the beaches at the head of the bay.

RUSSIAN RIVER: The early run of reds is tapering off with fair catches experienced overall; however, individuals skilled in fishing this river may still attain the 9-fish limit. Try the lower river at first light and the sanctuary throughout the day. Rainbow trout fishing is good. Water is flowing slightly elevated but clear.

KENAI RIVER: Water conditions are very high as hot weather in area is resulting in heavy amounts of snow and ice meltoff in the mountains. Visibility is in the medium range on the upper and middle river sections, and poor on the lower. Rainbow trout fishing is good to excellent upstream of Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake and throughout the upper portion to Kenai Lake. The early run of reds has ended with late-run fish now ascending the lower river below Sterling; expect fair success. King salmon fishing is slow as the early run is ending and late run just starting.

KASILOF RIVER: Red salmon fishing is fair to good on the tides as the run builds; try the Crooked Creek area or just upstream of the highway crossing for best results. A moderate number of early-run kings are still present in the channel just below the mouth of Crooked Creek with most fish being blush to light red in color; a few chrome salmon may be encountered. The late run of kings will begin in another ten days.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK: These three lower peninsula drainages are running very low and clear with the best fishing opportunities occurring in very early morning or at the stream mouths on an incoming tide. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good and a few pink salmon are starting to arrive. The Ninilchik is still open to king salmon fishing and there are a small number of these fish available; only hatchery kings may be kept. Expect kings to be blush to dark dark red but a few chrome specimens are always present.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Opens to snagging at midnight on July 4 by emergency order. Good supply of kings persist and a fair number of them are still bright and fresh, although the majority of the run is turning color. Many jack kings present again this year. Expect the first day or two of snagging to be excellent, then success dropping off sharply as run is depleted. A few silver salmon are also available and will begin to arrive in earnest in another week to ten days.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Casting jigs or pieces of herring or squid are yielding good to excellent catches of bottomfish on low tide. Common species include flounder, sole, codfish, and sculpin. Long-distance surf-casters are finding a limited number of halibut on high tide. A few Dolly Varden still patrol the beaches along with specimens of late-arriving kings and early silvers.

 

Updated Friday, June 28, 2019

Weekly Summary: As the typical mid-summer lull approaches when the early runs of kings and reds dissipate and the late runs and other salmon species have yet to show up in force in most places, anglers still have one more weekend of excellent fishing available to them before the calm. King salmon continue to be a significant presence in much of the region, most notably in the Little Susitna River, that was just recently opened to harvesting these fish after a previous emergency order to close the fishery, and the Gulkana River, both of which are seeing relatively strong runs this year compared to prior seasons. Also, Ship Creek is experiencing a good push of kings and very decent catch rates. Red salmon, not to be outdone and surely the center of angler’s attention the last couple of weeks due to increased bag limits and record-size runs, are providing solid options on the Russian and Klutina rivers where anglers are filling coolers in rapid fashion. For those less centered on salmon, there is great rainbow trout and grayling fishing to be had in many waters throughout Southcentral, such as the clearwater tributaries of the Susitna and Copper rivers as well as in the Kenai River drainage. But the seasonal reprieve in fishing action for salmon in early July may be short lived this year as pink salmon are already making inroads in our local streams and nearshore tidewaters along with a trickle of chums and even silvers too. Give it another ten days or so and these species will headline fishing reports for certain, in addition to late run reds and kings.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  RUSSIAN REDS; LITTLE SUSITNA KINGS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; SHIP KINGS; KENAI RAINBOWS; GULKANA KINGS; KLUTINA REDS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: This has proven a very reliable spot to catch kings this year with anglers still bagging a good number of fish on the tides. There are still chrome fish arriving on each and every tide, albeit an increasing number of salmon present are starting to show color. Water conditions are perfect and large spinners and salmon roe with or without attractors are proving highly successful. King fishing should stay productive through this weekend and next week before finally tapering off for the year; however, a very few pink and silver salmon have been showing up.

TURNAGAIN STREAMS: The streams draining into the arm are producing some very good sea-run Dolly Varden action these days and there is also a small number of pink salmon starting to arrive; in all likelihood there will also be a few chums and silvers present by this coming week. Best fishing is on high and incoming tides at the stream mouths using a variety of offerings, from salmon fry/smolt imitation flies and lures to single salmon eggs or small clusters fished on the bottom. Indian, Glacier, Kern, Ingram, and Resurrection (in Hope) creeks are all spots to explore, the latter being the best bet.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

EKLUTNA TAILRACE: In what could arguably be the most easily accessible king fishery in the state, fish have been showing up in decent numbers recently. Although the water is high and silty due to the hot weather melting snow at higher elevations, successful anglers are using salmon roe fished with a strike indicator or on the bottom to coax strikes. Bright kings are possible but a number of them are coloring up. The best fishing has been very early morning.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Opened to king salmon fishing by emergency order following a good plug of fish moving through the weir all this week. The bulk of the run appears to be centered from about halfway between Houston and the lower river access point to just below the point of access; this is a perfect weekend to do a float fishing trip to sample the best of this run. Good to excellent catches have been reported and this weekend and next week should see similar success before the run matures. Anglers can expect a mix of chrome and dark red kings to be present. A small number of reds are also available and a very few chums (and possibly silvers) have been sneaking into the far lower end of the river as well.

SUSITNA RIVER: There is plenty of elbow room on the clearwater tributaries of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks where the fishing has been good to excellent this past week and expected to continue to stay very productive barring prolonged heavy downpours. Peters Creek off Petersville Road and the drainages of the Chulitna River to the north are also worth trying, such as Troublesome, Honolulu, Byers, and East and Middle forks of Chulitna. Streams are low and clear, ideal for fast action for rainbow trout and grayling; a smaller number of Dolly Varden and whitefish are being caught too. King salmon are moving into these waters so anglers should bring a good assortment of flies to match appetites of resident fish.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: When weather and water conditions cooperate, this is the spot to be for king salmon. From Sourdough downstream to near the highway crossing, anglers are hooking a good number of fish either by hiking in or floating through this area. The run is peaking and expected to stay strong for another week to ten days before subsiding. Red salmon are also moving through but the peak of the run appears to have moved out of the lower river and into the middle; fair to good opportunities are still available. Grayling fishing, as always, is excellent on the middle and upper reaches. Lake trout are biting at the outlet of Paxson Lake.

KLUTINA RIVER: Red salmon are running in big numbers here and limits are relatively easy with action more than likely lasting through next week. Water levels have come up due to recent hot weather in area, which has helped concentrate and push fish upstream, thus increasing catch rates. Starting July 1, the river opens to king salmon fishing; only a few of these fish are present at this time so the season is expected to start off slow. However, the late-run kings generally do not arrive in large numbers until the third week of the month so angler have something to look forward to later on.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Anglers are still doing reasonably well snagging reds at the mouths of Resurrection River and Spring Creek off Nash Road with some limits being taken, but the run is slowing down and catch-rates dropping; a few chrome chums are showing at the latter location. A few reds are also being caught in lower Salmon Creek. The hatchery run of kings to Seward Lagoon is ebbing as well with fair fishing at best, primarily at the mouth of Scheffler Creek. Bottomfish action is good to excellent, depending on location, with various species of codfish, flounder, sole, and greenling being caught by anglers casting bait and small jigs. A few rockfish and small halibut are present on the west side of the bay along Lowell Point Road.

RUSSIAN RIVER: While the daily passage of reds through the weir has slowed the last several days, there are still good numbers of salmon arriving and being caught, primarily at the mouth in the sanctuary area; limits of 9 fish are possible and common. Success can also be very high at dawn in holes and runs near the campground. Expect this to be the last weekend of truly outstanding fishing before the run begins to dwindle in earnest. Rainbow trout are providing fair to good opportunities. Water levels are moderate and clear.

KENAI RIVER: The early run of red salmon has largely exited the lower river section and more confined to the upper these days. Action is still quite good but starting to taper off as the run slows down; best fishing is from Russian confluence downstream a few miles. However, late-run reds are entering the lower river below Soldotna and some fish are being caught with fair catches reported. July 1 marks the regulatory start of the late run of king salmon but fishing is expected to be slow. Anglers targeting rainbow trout are finding good to excellent results on the upper and middle sections of water.

KASILOF RIVER: Still productive for early-run kings right around the vicinity of Crooked Creek but many of the fish are blush with relatively few fresh specimens left. For chrome salmon, confine efforts according to tides. Late-run reds are beginning to hit the river in larger numbers with some limits being taken; again, hit the tides for greatest success. Fishing for these reds (and late-run kings) will improve in another week to ten days.

NINILCHIK RIVER: This small stream is open to fishing for hatchery kings and success is fair with the best of it occurring at dawn. Many salmon are turning color but there are chrome kings arriving on every tide and will continue to be available until mid-July, although the season extends through October 31 by regulation. All “wild” kings must be released. A very few pinks are showing up.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Targeting bottomfish from the end of the spit has been good to excellent lately with herring and squid responsible for a mix of species, including flounder, sole, codfish, and sculpin; low tide is best. Proper surf-casting gear and distance casting will likely produce a halibut or even two. A few leftover kings and early silvers are cruising the beaches of the spit and will respond to spinners. The Dudiak Lagoon is doing reasonably well for kings but catches are diminishing as the run is maturing and many of the fish blush. Yet, a small number of bright kings are available and the first few silvers are due to arrive any day now.

 

Updated Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Weekly Summary: With solstice rapidly approaching, anglers will have plenty of daylight to ply their favorite activity around the region as the early runs of king and red salmon are still on the take in many rivers and streams. Although the king runs are producing good catches in most locations, a few of them (such as those on the Kenai Peninsula) are seeing downticks in numbers of fresh salmon coming in on the tides; however, inland waters around Copper Valley are just now experiencing the peak of their respective runs. Others are just chugging along, like Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage being a typical example. But red salmon are still formidable in numbers, with superb opportunities not only on the peninsula but in drainages of the Copper River too. In fact, multiple emergency orders were filed recently favoring the liberalization of open fishing areas and increased bag and possession limits. If wanting to fill coolers and freezers with fresh salmon fillets, now is a perfect time to do so. Remember, life can be uncertain in the world of fishing and runs do not materialize in strength as expected sometimes, the 2018 Kenai late-run reds being case in point along with numerous other examples over the years. Opportunity is knocking right now. Additionally, it is possible that Southcentral will experience early runs of pink and chum salmon as these species are making a distinct showing already in coastal waters and a few have even made it into local streams the last few days. For those wanting a change of scenery with less people and more resident fish, the small clearwater streams and lakes of Matanuska, Susitna, and Copper valleys offer ample action for grayling and rainbows and even lake trout as well.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  RUSSIAN REDS; SHIP KINGS; UPPER KENAI REDS; GULKANA KINGS; KLUTINA REDS; KASILOF KINGS; SEWARD REDS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: The king fishing here is holding up well with good catches the norm; this weekend will see medium to small-sized tides that are favored with many anglers as action can be consistent throughout the incoming, high, and outgoing stages. Attractor and roe combinations and spinners are getting the most fish. Nice, chrome kings are coming in but a few are showing signs of turning so this coming week is critical for those wanting ocean quality fish to take home. Also, the Slam’n Salm’n Derby is ongoing through Sunday, the 23rd. Big fish are still present and they are not all on the board yet so opportunity abounds.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: As king salmon runs build to a peak in the Susitna drainage, the rainbows and grayling, and even some Dolly Varden, will be hot on their tails. Anywhere from the mouths of clearwater tributaries into the headwaters will produce fine catches using forage flies and lures. The usual suspects of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana are fishing generally well with fluctuations experienced on some days ranging from less than mediocre to stellar, a lot of it pending on favorable water conditions. In general, however, anglers will do good using the right gear and tackle/flies. the middle and upper reaches of Rabideux, Peters, Troublesome, Little Coal, Byers, and the Middle and East forks of Chulitna are definitely worth scouting out. As a reminder, all waters of the Susitna system are currently closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; additionally, the Little Susitna River is also closed for kings.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE: This location near Palmer is currently receiving decent numbers of kings and the only area drainage open to king salmon fishing. Anglers are reporting fair to good catches and the fishery is expected to pick up even more during this coming week. From the road crossing downstream to the Knik confluence, anglers are catching fish using attractor and salmon roe combinations. Spinners can be effective at times as can fishing eggs right on the bottom. Chrome salmon are common but a few fish are starting to turn or blush. Try at dawn or dusk for best success.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

GULKANA RIVER: Anglers hiking into sections or floating this semi-wilderness river will find some very productive king salmon fishing this weekend. The run looks healthy and early with quality fish available. Expect fair to excellent catches of kings as the run will be nearing a peak. The highway bridge to Sourdough stretch is recommended for solid action. Also, the red salmon run is progressing nicely here with limits of fish common among anglers targeting them; good action awaits when water runs clear. Grayling are very prolific from the falls/rapids area on upstream with fish on every cast very possible. Rainbows are being taken in fair numbers too. Lake trout are still quite active at the Paxson Lake outlet.

KLUTINA RIVER: Not much attention given to this popular early-season red salmon hot spot this year due to the heavy Kenai Peninsula runs but the fishing is good to excellent with limits being normal. The run is at a peak and should continue to be productive for another week to ten days. Some kings are in the river and fishing for them opens July 1. The upper end of the river and the outlet of Klutina Lake are still yielding some very nice catches of Dolly Varden.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The hatchery run of king salmon to Seward Lagoon is doing reasonably well as snaggers and spin-casters are connecting with a fair number of fish on the incoming and high tide; expect reds to be in the mix also. The mouth of Spring Creek on the other side of the bay has the better red salmon opportunity and a few chums are showing up. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good to excellent in most areas of the bay, especially spots bordering deep water with even bottom structure; flounder, codfish, and greenling are typical catches but a few rockfish may be taken along Lowell Point Road. Cut pieces of herring, sardine, or squid all work but small jigs can be equally productive at times. Expect the occasional halibut to make an appearance if using larger baits.

RESURRECTION RIVER: With a bag limit of 12 reds per day, this drainage is still receiving attention despite fish numbers having peaked. The incoming tides are most productive but catches vary with each tide or day; excellent success can be had some days and times, others slow action prevails, common signs of the run starting to wane. This weekend and into next week should be the last stretch of which anglers can expect the opportunity to land limits of fish, unless conditions significantly change. Salmon Creek downstream of Nash Road offers fair red salmon fishing using yarn flies; no snagging allowed.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Good to excellent action here for red salmon with the current new limit at 9 fish per day. With well over 50,000 salmon passed through the weir at Lower Russian Lake, far exceeding the maximum goal of 42,000 and fish still moving in large numbers through the Upper Kenai destined for the Russian, this location looks to be a solid hot spot at least through the weekend and next week and very likely into July. Big schools of reds move through the lower river at night with anglers trying their luck at dawn being most successful; the mass upstream migration from the sanctuary halts during midday. For consistent, all-day success, the sanctuary area is best. Fishing for rainbows is fair to good using egg and flesh flies. Water levels are moderate and clarity very good.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Still a solid bet for good to excellent red salmon fishing with the best of it occurring from the Russian confluence downstream to the canyon area and below. Expect this early run of reds to see signs of slowing down after this weekend or by mid next week at the latest. Those targeting rainbows and Dollies are finding good opportunities casting forage flies as well as egg and flesh imitations. A few whitefish also present. King salmon are reportedly entering the area; fishing for them is prohibited year-round. Water levels are high, clarity moderate.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: With water conditions quite high and turbid recently, fishing for king salmon slowed but expected to pick up somewhat again pending improved visibility. There are a fair number of fish in the river and spots from the highway bridge in Soldotna down to tidewater should produce salmon. The epic early red salmon run has peaked in this section of water but some catches are still being made; typically there is an overlap between the “early” and “late” runs starting this coming week. Expect fair fishing this weekend. As for rainbow trout, the catching is good on the middle section of water from Bing’s Landing upstream to the Skilak Lake outlet.

KASILOF RIVER: The king salmon run here is slowing down as most fish are now present instream with a smaller number of fish arriving on the tides. Also, many of the kings being caught are blushing with fewer chrome specimens available. Yet, good action awaits in spots at dawn, particularly around the Crooked Creek campground from the People Hole to the channel by the island. Yarn flies and beads do produce nice fish but lures such as spoons and spinners are increasingly effective in tying into kings. The red salmon run is spotty to quite good on the tides but generally not yet strong enough for consistent limits of fish; this is hopefully going to change during the course of the coming week as the late-run component begins to arrive.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Hatchery kings keep arriving in moderate numbers on the tides, providing reasonable opportunity to land one of these fish at dawn or during the high tide period. Some fish are turning color but there are still enough chrome specimens in the mix to be worthwhile for at least another week. “Jack” kings are abundant this year and the limit is 10 fish (hatchery-only) under 20 inches. This unique king fishery is open daily through the remainder of the 2019 season.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casting off the end of the spit for bottomfish continues to be good to excellent, anglers using herring and squid as bait catching a variety of species, including flounder, sole, codfish, and sculpin. Targeting halibut is becoming a possibility now. A few kings are cruising the beaches around the spit with occasional catches made using spinners. Action for sea-run Dolly Varden is slowing down but fair opportunities still prevail.

DUDIAK LAGOON: King salmon fishing here is fair to good, the best of it occurring on the tidal changes; incoming is best inside of the lagoon, outgoing on the bay side. Spinners and salmon roe is effective at this time. Flies can also do well if a school of fish can be encountered holding in the channel between the lagoon and the bay. Many of the fish are showing some signs of turning color but there are still moderate numbers of chrome salmon around.

 

Updated Friday, June 14, 2019

Weekly Summary: This weekend and next week are seeing what is probably the best salmon fishing overall of the season yet on the road system in Southcentral Alaska. King salmon are still abundant in several locations with good catches reported and early-run red salmon are showing up in exceptional numbers in the Kenai River drainage, prompting emergency orders doubling bag and possession limits and opening up fishing areas for increased opportunity. Ship Creek in Anchorage is experiencing a healthy return of kings too and the numbers look encouraging for the Gulkana for both kings and reds as the season there is about to swing into action; nearby Klutina will follow suit very shortly as the reds there are staging their run upstream. The Kasilof and Ninilchik rivers and Dudiak Lagoon look strong for hatchery kings and Resurrection River in Seward still has decent red salmon fishing as kings are picking up in numbers near the boat harbor. Still, anglers are also seeing very good to excellent opportunities for rainbow trout, lake trout, and grayling in many inland waters, particularly those in central Kenai Peninsula and northern Susitna Valley, as well as throughout Copper Valley. For the roadside angler, the fishing is great all around the region and likely to continue until the summer runs of pink, chum, and silver salmon make their appearance.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  RUSSIAN REDS; SHIP KINGS; UPPER KENAI REDS; NINILCHIK KINGS; SEWARD REDS; KASILOF KINGS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; KLUTINA REDS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: With the annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby continuing through this coming weekend and next week (ending June 23rd), anglers are experiencing good to very good catches of king salmon in this downtown Anchorage stream. Many anglers are getting their fish, primarily on the tidal changes using salmon roe and attractor combinations but large spinners are also effective. Average size of salmon landed has increased too with a fair portion of the run consisting of fish weighing between 20 and 30 pounds with occasional larger specimens. King numbers here are at a peak right now and for the next week or more.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: For a small stream feel fishing for trout and grayling with few other people around, the clearwater tributaries of the Susitna River are hard to beat. Good to excellent catch rates are possible pending low and clear water conditions. Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana are all doing well with fish scattered from the Susitna confluence and far up into the headwaters. Forage pattern flies and lures are responsible for most fish caught but as salmon are now beginning to enter the lower reaches of these waters, egg patterns will soon come into play. The smaller drainages of the Chulitna River are also worth a try, in particular Troublesome, Byers, and East and Middle Fork Chulitna. As a reminder, all waters of the Susitna system are currently closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; additionally, the Little Susitna River is also closed for kings.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

KLUTINA RIVER: The run of red salmon is finally making inroads here with good fishing available. Limits are possible and common with numbers of fish present increasing by the day; expect this run to start peaking sometime between this weekend and early next week. Water levels are great and clarity relatively likewise. There are also a few kings in the river but the season does not open until July 1. Fishing for Dolly Varden has been productive on the upper river and the outlet of Klutina Lake.

GULKANA RIVER: Water conditions are great also here with low water and excellent clarity, perfect for sight-fishing if targeting schools of reds that are present. The run is slightly early and also looks strong and healthy at this point with most fish caught lower down in the drainage; limits are being taken. The king salmon run is building with action being fair to quite decent but can be good in spots in lower areas of the river just upstream and downstream of the highway crossing. Grayling are making an excellent account of themselves on the upper river along with fair to good rainbow catches. Lake trout are still biting willingly at the outlet of Paxson Lake.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: King salmon are showing up in decent numbers at the mouth of Scheffler Creek at Seward lagoon near the boat harbor. Snaggers are taking the most fish but some are also being caught on large spinners. Fair to good catch rates reported on incoming and high tides. A few reds are also present. Tonsina Creek has good Dolly Varden action. On the other side of the bay, Spring Creek is seeing fair to good catches of red salmon; this is mainly a snag fishery. A few chums should be showing soon. Casting bait for bottomfish such as flounder, codfish, and greenling is good to excellent around the bay, mainly on the flats at the north end and near the Sealife Center.

RESURRECTION RIVER: The red salmon run here is still productive with snaggers at the mouth catching good numbers of fish on the incoming and high tide. Some reduction in angler success is being experienced at times which may be attributed to the run starting to slightly wane for the season. Still, this should be a decent spot to catch fish this weekend and enough fish have passed through the Bear Creek weir to prompt an emergency order to allow a daily bag and possession limit of twelve (12) reds. Also worth noting, the section of river up to the Seward Highway crossing will open to salmon fishing on June 14, two days earlier; snagging not allowed in that area, use flies. Lower Salmon Creek below Nash Road will also open to fishing for salmon on June 14; expect fair to good opportunities using flies.

RUSSIAN RIVER: The season here opened June 11 and fishing for early-run red salmon is excellent. Sight-fishing will achieve easy limits, which are increasing to 6 a day, 12 in possession this coming Friday. The sanctuary is also open to fishing due to strong numbers of reds coming in. For best success in Russian proper, go in early morning around dawn; in the sanctuary, fishing can be very productive throughout the day. Expect this run to yield exceptional action for at least the next ten days. Rainbow trout fishing is fair to good, forage flies getting results but flesh flies and egg patterns do well near fish cleaning stations.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Very large numbers of reds bound primarily for the Russian River are passing through with angler success being good to excellent from Skilak Lake upstream to the Russian confluence. Successful catches will last at least for another week if not longer as salmon are still moving through the lower Kenai. Fishing for rainbow trout is good and fair for Dolly Varden using forage flies and lures. A few whitefish are also around.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Early-run red salmon are passing through the Soldotna and Sterling areas in good numbers still but should see decreases shortly, likely after this weekend. Anglers are managing limits. River conditions are moderate water levels and rising, clarity poor to fair with best visibility in early morning. King salmon action is fair at best but the run is steadily building on every tide; this is a catch-and-release fishery until July 1 by emergency order. Good fishing for rainbow trout in the middle river section above Bing’s Landing.

KASILOF RIVER: Early mornings are providing good catches of king salmon here, with the best of it occurring just downstream of the Crooked Creek confluence. Anglers have noted that most of the 20-25-pound fish are of wild stock, hatchery kings generally averaging 6 to 15 pounds with occasional larger specimens to 25 pounds or more. For those targeting red salmon, fair to good success can be had on the tides on the lower river and around 12 hours after peak high near the highway crossing. The reds are expected to increase in numbers substantially this coming week. The steelhead run has ended.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Good action is expected on this small stream come Sunday, June 16, when it opens up again to fishing for king salmon daily through the season ending October 31. Only hatchery kings may be retained. At this stage in the run there are usually more hatchery fish than wild fish but it can vary from day to day. Additionally, there is a strong return of “jack” kings to the river this year. For greatest success, fish at dawn upstream in the river or on incoming and outgoing tides in the harbor.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Bottomfish such as flounder, codfish, and sculpin are abundant along the spit with best catches occurring from Coal Point at the end of the road; good to excellent success possible on low tides. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good but expected to drop off soon. Some kings are also available and can be caught casting spinners.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Incoming and outgoing tides are producing good catches of king salmon. Floating salmon roe or casting spinners are taking the most fish but some are also caught soaking herring under a strike indicator. The run is peaking and should stay productive through this weekend and well into next week. Some of the fish are starting to blush.

 

Updated Wednesday, June 5, 2019

Weekly Summary: The Southcentral region of the state is currently experiencing great opportunities for salmon in several coastal and inland streams with runs noticeably stronger (and earlier) compared to the last several years. The popular king and red salmon fisheries on the Kenai Peninsula–mainly Anchor, Deep, Kenai, Kasilof, Dudiak, and Resurrection–are leading the way but indications are very promising that certain drainages of the Copper Valley–such as Klutina and Gulkana rivers–are on the cusp of producing some very worthwhile fishing for these species as well. Even Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage is seeing really good early-season catches with fish into the 40-pound range having been landed recently. If king runs continue to ramp up and we see historic numbers of fish return, it is possible that reprieve to an extent may be issued anglers concerning fisheries in regards to currently closed seasons and areas, gear/bait restrictions, and wild fish bans; the next few days to ten days may see modifications to emergency orders or perhaps some even being lifted. Additionally, the early red runs are showing up in strength on the peninsula and the Copper River system and yielding good to excellent action in places right now or likely within the next several days, which is about a week or more ahead of average or normal timing. But there is also other opportunities to be had, such as great rainbow and grayling fishing in lakes and creeks and sea-run Dolly Varden in marine waters of the region. June is shaping up to be a super start to the 2019 fishing season!

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  SEWARD REDS; ANCHOR & DEEP KINGS; KENAI REDS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; ANCHORAGE KINGS; COPPER GRAYLING, LAKERS

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: The annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby beings June 14 and runs through the 23rd and indications are that it will be a very hectic as well as productive one at that seeing the nice kings being caught on every tide, one of which weighed 43 pounds. Most fish being hauled in were caught on salmon roe and attractor combinations with big spinners also proving deadly. While the last several days has yielded a decent catch ratio, expect the next ten days to two weeks to be great if the current trend continues.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: For anglers seeking solitude from the busy coastal salmon fisheries, the streams draining into the glacial Susitna may be the perfect spots to go. Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and other clearwater drainages are experiencing good to excellent fishing for rainbows and grayling with lesser numbers of Dolly Varden and whitefish mixed in. Fish are distributed throughout the length of these waters but a few creeks typically produce better catches in the middle and upper reaches this time of the season. Although salmon are arriving, forage pattern flies and lures are still best bets. Anglers in this area are hoping the strong salmon runs to the south will see these northerly runs follow suit, thus perhaps leading to at least a limited opportunity for kings. As of this date, however, the Susitna drainage remains closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. Also the Little Susitna River is closed to kings by emergency order.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Grayling and trout fishing is very good in many area waters. The smaller streams of Mendeltna, Tolsona, Tulsona, and Indian are producing grayling at a steady rate and these fish are also very prolific right now in some lakes, such as Lake Louise, Paxson, and Summit; these locations are good spots to hit for lake trout with action being excellent at times. For rainbows, try the stocked lakes around the area. The big news around here, however, is the early arrival of king and red salmon to Gulkana and Klutina rivers. Some anglers have already managed decent catches of both species this past week and the numbers of fish arriving is growing exponentially as the season progresses. Only the Gulkana is open for kings right now with fair catch rates reported in the lower river; reds are becoming more abundant by the day and those familiar with this fishery should be able to do quite well this weekend. The Klutina is closed to king salmon until July 1 by regulation but the reds are pushing upstream in moderate numbers and fishing is slow to fair depending on the day and time. These two locations will be featured more prominently in future fishing reports as runs develop.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Anglers focusing on the mouths of clearwater streams in the bay are finding some worthy opportunities for red and even king salmon. Spring Creek is a snag fishery targeting big schools of reds and the catching has been very productive as of late with many limits being taken on the tides. Scheffler Creek in front of town is the place to connect with kings and success is fair but steadily improving; use snag hooks or big spinners. A few reds are also being taken here. Dolly Varden action is best at the mouth of Tonsina Creek. For those targeting bottomfish, pieces of herring or squid are producing good fishing for various species, including flounder, codfish, and greenling–and an occasional halibut and rockfish.

RESURRECTION RIVER: This is the spot for truly productive salmon fishing. Catches of red salmon have been generally excellent recently with many 6-fish limits hauled ashore at the mouth of the river. The run is peaking and expected to continue strong for yet another week if not more. Success later on this month depends on the cost-recovery operation of the commercial fleet tied to this run. If the run proves to be very large this year, commercial harvest efforts could increase substantially, thus limiting the numbers of fish available in the sport fishery. Timing is a huge factor given these variables so from now on through the weekend and into next week is the time to go.

KENAI RIVER (Lower): Early-run red salmon primarily bound for the Russian River are surging through the river and anglers are experiencing fair to excellent success. Locations along the river from Soldotna up through Sterling and higher are connecting with fish with the action likely continuing into next week before slowing. Limits of three fish are very possible at this time using yarn flies or any other fly proven to effectively hook reds. The abundance of reds may prove a great sign for the Russian River opener on Tuesday, June 11th (detailed updates on the Russian opener will follow shortly in the Fish Alert section on this site). Also the king run is building in strength but fishing is still only fair at best; the next two weeks is historically the best time to hook these special salmon. Fishing for trout and char is fair.

KASILOF RIVER: Fair to good catches of both king and red salmon are reported here. Only hatchery kings may be retained; wild fish must be released by emergency order. The incoming and high tides are bringing schools of salmon into the river and successful anglers time their efforts accordingly. The Crooked Creek area has been best for those fishing from shore. Limits of red salmon are possible. Boaters do best on kings using plugs and attractors while bank anglers prefer yarn flies. Dolly Varden are abundant in tidewater areas of the river and immediately above. The steelhead run has ended but a few spawned-out fish will be present in this fishery through most of the month.

COOK INLET: Big tide series this week and into the weekend means halibut will be within easy range for surf-casters. Proven summer locations include Whiskey Gulch and Ninilchik Beach with some opportunities also to be had at the mouth of Kasilof. Recent catches to 38 pounds reported. Kenai beach has slowed way down as the hooligan run has ended. Best time is two hours before to two hours after high tide.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Another weekend opener for kings and the fishing is expected to be fair to good. The last two weekends were fair with more wild kings present than hatchery at a ratio of approximately 4:1; however, good numbers of hatchery “jack” kings were caught, indicating that the next few years could see nice returns of larger hatchery fish. At this time, only hatchery fish are allowed to be retained; all wild kings must be released by emergency order. However, by regulation, the river opens daily to hatchery-only kings on June 16 and lasting through October 31.

DEEP CREEK: The final opener this weekend, anglers can expect fair to very good or even excellent catches Saturday morning and on high tides. The action was hot in the tidal area of the stream right at the beach campground last weekend with fish up to 30 pounds or more landed so look for similar success this coming opener as fish are still arriving in good numbers. Spinners have worked exceptionally well with flies also producing results, especially in current above tidewater.

ANCHOR RIVER: As with Deep Creek to the north, this river has its final opener this weekend as well. A good return of kings this year with number of fish through the weirs right now at the same level as the beginning of July last year. Again, time effort early Saturday morning and on the tides. Many fish weighing between 15 and 20 pounds present with larger specimens to 30 pounds or more a possibility. Spinners cast into tidewater as well as deep holes and pools work great as do large streamers. Expect good fishing, maybe even better in the right spot.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casting for bottomfish and char is good along the spit, Coal Point at the end of the road being a favorite place for anglers. Cut bait and squid produce fast action for flounders and codfish with occasional catches of halibut; the sea-run char respond better to small lures and flies resembling juvenile salmon and other baitfish. King salmon are in the area and a few have been taken from the beach as well.

DUDIAK LAGOON: This week has seen numbers of king salmon increase with action being quite good on incoming tides, particularly in early morning. Salmon roe is now outpacing herring in effectiveness but spinners are getting some kings too. The incoming tide is best inside of the lagoon; the outgoing is best fished from the beach where the stream draining the lagoon empties into the bay. This run should be starting to peak with decent catches lasting for another ten days or so.

 

Updated Thursday, May 30, 2019

Weekly Summary: In contrast to the previous weekend, the Southcentral region is seeing a surge in productive salmon fishing as king salmon are finally arriving in decent numbers to several coastal drainages and red salmon are becoming an important factor as well. After a slow start during the Memorial Day weekend, the Kenai Peninsula streams look to be the hot spot destinations this coming weekend for salmon and Ship Creek in Anchorage is seeing steady and increasing catches by the day for kings. And for those that are still looking to fill buckets of hooligan, Seward is a great place to be right now. With a few halibut still lingering in the shallows of Cook Inlet along with sea-run char around most coastal ports and trout and grayling active in lakes and streams throughout the Matanuska, Susitna, and Copper valleys, it is shaping up to be a good season with diverse opportunities.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  SEWARD REDS, HOOLIGAN; ANCHOR & DEEP KINGS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; ANCHORAGE KINGS; COPPER GRAYLING; HOMER DOLLY VARDEN

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

SHIP CREEK: Anglers do not have to venture far to get into some nice king fishing. This downtown Anchorage stream is beginning to yield some very nice catches of fish weighing into the 20s and attractor/salmon roe combinations in addition to large spinners are doing well on incoming and outgoing tides. The run is just starting to hit stride and this weekend into next week should see good catches happening as long as stream conditions hold steady barring heavy, prolonged rain showers.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: The clearwater tributaries of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks are all responsible for some nice catches of rainbows and grayling right now with forage flies and lures being the top choice for anglers. Weather is often the key factor this time of year and if weather holds giving low and clear water conditions then some very good action is to be found. Typically, the entire length of any stream will yield fish, from the Susitna confluence upstream to headwaters but the middle and upper sections generally are most productive. Do not neglect other, less popular waters, such as Rabideux, Peters, Troublesome, Honolulu, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna, all of which can be good spots for trout and grayling as well. As a reminder, the entire Susitna drainage is closed to king salmon fishing this year (including catch-and-release) by emergency order. Nearby Little Susitna River is also closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. If wanting an opportunity to catch a salmon, head over to the Eklutna Tailrace where a few kings are starting to make an appearance. Area lakes are excellent for trout, pike, and grayling.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: With the annual spring spawning runs of grayling wrapping up for the year, anglers are directed to target streams that tend to hold fish all season long. Mendeltna and Tolsona creeks on the Glenn Highway, Gulkana River on the Richardson, and Indian and Tulsona creeks on the Tok Cutoff are all solid bets as long as water and weather conditions cooperate. Expect good to excellent action in the middle and upper portions of these waters. For lake trout, Lake Louise and Paxson Lake are the spots to be; Summit Lake is still mostly frozen over but another week should see open water develop significantly. The smaller stocked lakes in the region are great for rainbows. Some reds are likely in the mouths of Klutina and Gulkana rivers at this time but fishing for them is still slow as the runs have yet to arrive in earnest; starting mid next week should see fishable numbers on the Klutina.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Surf-casting for bottomfish is good to excellent in the bay using small pieces of bait like herring. Sea-run Dolly Varden is also good in places, generally the mouths of salmon spawning streams; try Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks. Hatchery kings bound for the Seward Lagoon release site are starting to show up, most notably at the mouth of Scheffler Creek draining the lagoon, but small schools or individual fish may also be located most anywhere clearwater streams drain into the bay. Fishing is still poor but expected to pick up this coming week. A few reds bound for the Resurrection River are also encountered in these locations; give the mouths of Spring and Alice creeks a shot on an incoming tide.

RESURRECTION RIVER: Snagging reds at the mouth of this river has produced consistent catches of reds this past week and the run is still developing. Some anglers are achieving their 6-fish limit but most anglers succeed in landing two or three; expect this weekend and next week to improve with limit catches becoming more common. Hooligan are plentiful in the river as well as in lower Salmon Creek, a tributary. Dip netters should be able to easily fill a large bucket or cooler with smelt; excellent fishing.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: This has been a hit and miss fishery so far this season but schools of red and chum salmon may be encountered on incoming and high tide at the end of the canal off the mouth of Shakespeare Creek near the tunnel. Sight fishing is best method with some fair to good catches achieved very recently. This, like in Seward, is mainly a snag fishery; success is dependent on clear water conditions. Reports of individual kings showing but no confirmed catches yet.

KENAI RIVER (Lower): While king salmon numbers continue to be depressed and angler success being fair at best, the highlight of this river is the relatively strong showing of early-run red salmon bound for primarily the Russian River. Anglers are doing best in the Soldotna and Sterling area with Swiftwater Campground and Bing’s Landing being two traditional locations for effectively targeting these early fish. Some anglers have been scoring limits of reds the last several days using yarn flies but one or two fish is more typical. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are also being caught. The hooligan run has almost ended but fish are still being netted in the tidal area of the river. As a reminder, the upper Kenai River in addition to Russian River will open to fishing on June 11.

KASILOF RIVER: The current series of larger tides are helping push kings up into the Crooked Creek area where bank anglers are picking up some fish. Catch rates are fair; boaters are doing better with good success possible on some tides. Note: Only hatchery kings may be retained; catch-and-release only for wild fish. Red salmon are making a more prominent appearance here with multiple fish now being caught following high tides. The steelhead trout run has ended although a few stragglers may be possible yet. Dolly Varden are abundant and will respond to egg imitations.

COOK INLET: This weekend until next will see a series of large tides which are conducive to successful surf-casting for halibut. Fish are no longer keyed in on hooligan as much but fair catches are possible casting herring off beaches and river mouths in the area; try Whiskey Gulch, Ninilchik Beach, Kasilof River, and Kenai River. Spiny dogfish are increasing in numbers, as are skate and codfish. Schools of Dolly Varden may be encountered, particularly south of Ninilchik. A few kings may be landed from inlet beaches too.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Fair to good possibilities for king salmon this weekend using flies, spoons, and spinners. Hatchery-only fish may be kept, wild kings must be released. Try upstream early Saturday morning; the harbor can be productive on incoming and outgoing tide. Steelhead were relatively abundant last weekend but should diminish in numbers next two weekends.

DEEP CREEK: The king salmon run here is steadily building and the opener should provide some fair to good catches. Lures, attractors, and flies will all work. As with Ninilchik, early Saturday will see decent opportunities throughout the stream; later on focus on incoming and high tides. As long as water conditions stay low and clear, the action will be worthwhile. Steelhead trout also present.

ANCHOR RIVER: The last few days have seen impressive numbers of kings moving through the weir/sonar stations, which could signal this river being a potential hot spot for the weekend. From the upper edge of tidewater to the Old Sterling Highway bridge should see very decent catch rates come Saturday morning pending low and clear water conditions; focus on lower river and mouth on incoming and high tides. Steelhead trout will likely see a good showing.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casting for sea-run char is good on the tides with small lures and flies resembling juvenile salmon being best. A variety of bottomfish like flounder, codfish, and sculpins are providing good to excellent fishing off Coal Point on pieces of herring and squid; metal jigs also work well. A few kings are cruising the beaches and may sometimes be caught on lures and bait.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Things are finally picking up at this hatchery release site as king salmon are returning in decent numbers. Anglers that do best are using salmon eggs, herring, and spinners. Focus effort around the tides, especially the incoming and outgoing tide. Expect fair success, maybe even better on some days.

 

Updated May 23, 2019

Weekly Summary: While the Memorial Day weekend usually kicks off a flurry of solid salmon fishing opportunities throughout the Southcentral region, it has been noted that some of the traditional early-season fisheries have been slow thus far in producing the catches anglers are accustomed to this time of year. Kenai and Kasilof rivers, Ship Creek, and the lagoon in Homer all have confirmed kings present and a handful being caught and salmon are entering the lower peninsula streams of Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor in small numbers as well. It is no secret that many of the king waters around the state are suffering in numbers of fish returning, hence the precautionary approach the ADF&G and Board of Fisheries have taken in respect to preseason emergency orders. All may not be lost, however, as marine anglers are reporting good action for mature kings bound for local spawning streams and these fish should be showing up in area rivers and streams sometime in the next week or two. Additionally, red salmon are making an early and significant appearance in at least one river system–in Seward, which should take some heat off the lackluster king fisheries. In the meantime, anglers also have some very productive trout, char, and grayling fishing to enjoy throughout the region this coming holiday weekend.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  SEWARD REDS; 20-MILE HOOLIGAN; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; COPPER GRAYLING; HOMER DOLLY VARDEN

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: Fishing the tributaries of the glacial Susitna can be inconsistent at times due to changing water conditions from rain and snowmelt and anglers are best off being flexible in searching out the stream that exhibits low and clear water. Top producers recently have been Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks where rainbows and grayling are actively biting. The middle and upper reaches of these drainages usually hold the best opportunities but the lower sections can be very productive as well. The Kashwitna River has entered its silty seasonal phase and is currently flowing high from glacial meltwater; expect challenging fishing conditions. As a reminder, the entire Susitna drainage is closed to king salmon fishing this year (including catch-and-release) by emergency order. Area lakes are excellent for trout, pike, and grayling.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Grayling spawning and summer feeding streams are producing plenty of fish these days with good to excellent success rates being experienced. Startup, Cache, Mendeltna, Tolsona, Sourdough, Haggard, Poplar Grove, Gunn, and Tulsona are all locations worth wetting a line. A few early reds should be present at Klutina River this weekend but the numbers would not warrant much attempt; expect very slow fishing. Likewise, it is too early to expect any salmon to be available at the Gulkana. Lakes in the area are seeing excellent action for rainbows and grayling. Lake Louise is ice free, Paxson Lake is seeing some open water, and Summit is still ice covered but conditions are starting to change quickly with recent warm weather.

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

20-MILE RIVER: Fair to good dipping for hooligan persists, yet this run is quickly winding down for the season. Boaters accessing areas right above tidewater may still have excellent days. As a note, Turnagain Arm saltwater will close to hooligan dip netting on June 1; the 20-Mile River, however, will remain open until June 15.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Without much notice, the run of red salmon into the Resurrection River has begun as hinted in the fishing report from last week. While not a deluge quite yet, there are enough salmon present to make it worthwhile. As usual, the incoming and high tides are the best time to fish the tidal area and mouth of the river; snagging is the harvest method of choice here. Be prepared to spend time trying several tidal changes as numbers of fish available can vary greatly from one tide to another, especially this early in the season. Some reds may also be located at the mouths of Spring, Alice, and Scheffler. Sea-run char continue to be present in decent numbers in and around the mouths of salmon spawning streams emptying into the bay. No confirmed reports of hatchery kings being caught yet but should be any day now. Casting bait for bottomfish is good to excellent, main species being codfish, flounder, and greenling.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Numbers of king salmon in the river is increasing but action is still fair at best. The tidewater holes are producing a few fish every day and water conditions are near perfect. As a reminder, this is a catch-and-release only fishery for kings by emergency order lasting through June 30. Red salmon are also entering the river with some fish present as far upstream as Bing’s Landing in Sterling, though the bulk of the run is still on the way; expect very slow to fair success this weekend. Dolly Varden fishing is fair throughout the river.

KASILOF RIVER: A few king salmon are now being taken by anglers casting yarn flies from the bank near the Crooked Creek confluence. Time efforts around the high tide mark. Boaters are getting kings using plugs, primarily in the tidewater section of river, with fair success at best. Note that only hatchery kings may be retained by emergency order lasting through June 30. Dolly Varden are quite abundant and readily caught on small lures and forage flies. A few steelhead trout are still available but most fish have entered tributaries to spawn.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Season opener is this Saturday, May 26. King salmon are entering the river in small numbers according to visual sightings and actual success will only be known as anglers are allowed on the river; poor to fair catch rates are expected but can be better in some holes. Water conditions have been generally good lately but rains can change that quite quickly. Only hatchery kings may be retained; also, only single hook, artificial lures and no bait may be used.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: If water conditions hold and/or improves, anglers may find fair opportunities for kings this weekend. Numbers of fish observed on sonar or video units are not seeing any large returns as of yet. Only single hook, artificial lures and no bait may be used. If water runs a bit high and silty, use lures with plenty of color or flash, fished slowly in deep, calm parts. Focus on tidewater holes.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: King salmon are returning in small numbers to the Dudiak Lagoon on the spit and anglers are catching a few on herring, spinners, and eggs. Incoming and outgoing tides are best. Along the ocean beaches on the spit and in front of town, anglers are doing well on sea-run Dolly Varden using lures and flies imitating juvenile salmon. Surf-casters at Coal Point are having good success on a variety of bottomfish, including codfish and flounder.

 

Updated May 16, 2019

Weekly Summary: Mid-May is often a critical time for salmon runs in Southcentral as it marks when these fish begin entering roadside rivers and streams in fishable numbers, and this year is no exception. Although it is still generally too early for any good catches, some kings have already been caught in several locations, including Dudiak Lagoon on the Homer Spit, Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage, and the Kenai and Kasilof rivers on the Kenai Peninsula. The first reports of red salmon being caught will soon follow as this species has begun returning to at least a couple of locations. If salmon fishing is not yet an option to consider, the trout and grayling action is good in many places throughout the region with both lakes and streams producing steady catches. Additionally, char are quite active in spots as well and dip netters are finding great opportunities in Turnagain Arm and the mouth of Kenai River. Surf-casters targeting shallow-water halibut from the beaches of Cook Inlet are hitting stride these days with a few lucky anglers even managing 2-fish limits along with an occasional fish of very respectable size. As always, check regulations and emergency orders before heading out.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  20-MILE HOOLIGAN; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; COPPER GRAYLING; HOMER, SEWARD DOLLY VARDEN; COOK INLET HALIBUT

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: Depending on water conditions, anglers are finding fair to very good fishing for rainbows and grayling in multiple tributaries of the Susitna, including Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana. Steady numbers of these species are entering streams to spawn and/or feed for the summer and the mid- to upper sections generally hold the better fishing this time of the season. Be prepared to move around a bit in search of clear, relatively warm water and cast forage item flies and lures to entice strikes. A smaller number of char as well as occasional whitefish may be present too. As a reminder, the entire Susitna drainage is closed to king salmon fishing this year (including catch-and-release) by emergency order. Opportunities in stocked and “wild” lakes in the area is good to excellent for trout, landlocked salmon, and pike as waters are ice free and fish aggressive.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: Fair to excellent success may be had for grayling and even rainbow trout in waters flowing into this glacial river and its larger tributaries, such as the Gulkana and Tazlina. Depending on location and water conditions of the day, anglers can expect fast action using small lures and forage flies. Hit Startup, Cache, Mendeltna, Tolsona, and Moose on the Glenn Highway, Sourdough, Poplar Grove, Haggard, and Gunn on the Richardson Highway. Lakes in these areas as well as along Lake Louise Road, Edgerton Highway, and McCarthy Road are good to excellent for trout. Lake Louise is generally ice free but Paxson and Summit are still locked up but expected to open in about two weeks.

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

TURNAGAIN ARM/20-MILE RIVER: Hooligan are still moving through the area in good numbers but there are signs of things slowing down a bit soon as the catches along the arm are dropping off; however, the 20-Mile River is still producing good to excellent catches depending on the tide and spot on the river. A few boaters accessing the upper section of tidewater are reporting easy dipping and full coolers. Dolly Varden are currently moving out of the 20-Mile (as well as other overwintering waters), destined for Turnagain Arm. Anglers can expect to do fair at the mouths of clearwater drainages flowing into the arm, such as Indian, Glacier, Ingram, and Resurrection creeks; try flies and lures imitating juvenile salmon.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Surf-casting for sea-run char is fair to good at the mouths of salmon spawning streams and smolt/fry imitations lures and flies are doing well catching them. Choice locations this time of year include Spring, Alice, Scheffler, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks. While usually a long shot, a few feeder king salmon and even halibut may be found off the beaches in front of town as they chase the local herring run. Also, the first hatchery kings to the area are due in another week or so. Anglers awaiting the popular red salmon run into Resurrection River may not have to hold off much longer as a few fish have already moved in and been sighted in Salmon Creek, a tributary. Access this fishery off Nash Road, incoming and high tide being most productive. Fishable numbers of reds should be present by Memorial Day weekend, if not sooner.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Opportunities are a bit limited in terms of quantity of fish available but fair catches of Dolly Varden are being made and the first several kings of the season have already been caught this past week with more salmon arriving on every tide. By emergency order, king salmon are catch-and-release only by emergency order unless conditions change. Smaller numbers of early-run red salmon are typically present in tidewater holes the third week of this month; expect slow action. A few rainbows and steelhead trout continue to be present at or near mouths of tributary streams, such as Slikok and Funny. Dip netting for hooligan is regarded as good down in tidewater, from Warren Ames Bridge upstream to edge of tidal action around River Mile 12.

KASILOF RIVER: The steelhead run is waning for the spring season as it enters Crooked Creek to spawn but some fair action is still possible through this weekend. Forage and egg imitation flies and corkies are responsible for most catches. Dolly Varden are becoming more common each and every day with fair to quite good opportunities available throughout the length of the river from Tustumena Lake outlet to Cook Inlet. King salmon are entering the river in small numbers and a few fish have been caught, mainly by boaters. Casting from shore is still slow but the big tides this weekend will help push fish up into the People Hole just downstream of the campground; drift yarn flies and attractors. Do not be surprised to see the first red salmon of the season taken sometime the next several days.

COOK INLET: Halibut are being caught in decent numbers off area beaches by surf-casters using herring as bait. With the big tides this weekend, locations between Anchor Point and Nikiski are all viable, with Whiskey Gulch and the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers being best bets. Two-fish limits are not unusual on some tides and specimens up to 50 pounds have been taken recently, albeit the average fish is closer to 5 to 15 pounds. Spiny dogfish, skate, and codfish are present in smaller numbers. Schools of Dolly Varden are not unusual so bring an ultralight rod just in case.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: The best bet yet are Dolly Varden off the tip of the spit with good catches being quite possible. Small lures and flies imitating salmon smolt and fry are hot items when cast along the surfline. Tossing bait like herring and squid is also catching good numbers of bottomfish such as flounder and codfish, particularly off Coal Point. King salmon are starting to show in small numbers along the spit and a few of them are making it into the Dudiak Lagoon where anglers have connected with them on outgoing tides using herring, roe, and spinners. It is still slow action but will improve to fair by early to mid next week.

 

Updated May 7, 2019

Weekly Summary: As the Southcentral region continues to warm up, the fishing is slowly heating up as well. Trout and grayling are venturing up spawning streams, sea-run char are appearing in nearshore waters on the coast, and bottomfish are chasing baitfish within range of the surf. Angling opportunities will flourish in most all of the roadside fisheries from now on out and it is just a matter of days before someone hooks the first stream king salmon of the season; in fact, a few kings have already been sighted in the tidewater portions of the Kenai and Kasilof rivers and without a doubt are starting to nudge into more locations around the region, like Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage and the fishing lagoon on the Homer Spit. However, anglers should also be informed that a fair number of streams in the Matanuska Valley and Kenai Peninsula are closed to all fishing until mid-June to protect spawning populations of rainbow trout and there are a number of restrictions this year on certain rivers in regards to king salmon. As always, check regulations and emergency orders before heading out.

CURRENT HOT SPOTS:  TURNAGAIN HOOLIGAN; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; COPPER GRAYLING; HOMER DOLLY VARDEN; COOK INLET HALIBUT

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: The tributary streams along the Parks Highway are doing well so far with angler reporting good catches of rainbow trout and grayling. Try casting from the mouths to the middle and even upper reaches of these waters using an arsenal of fry/smolt imitation flies and lures and other forage patterns. Willow, Little Willow, and Montana creeks are a few of the better producers right now but waters such as Sheep, Kashwitna, and Goose are worth the effort if water conditions are right. Also, local lakes that are ice free support fair to good trout opportunities.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: The smaller clearwater drainages of the Copper and Gulkana rivers are yielding nice catches of grayling and even a few rainbows. Although action can be sporadic at times this early in the season, fair to good results are typical. Try Mendeltna, Cache, Tolsona, Moose, Tulsona, Sourdough, Poplar Grove, and Haggard using small spinners or forage flies. Lake fishing in the area is picking up too as ice is melting and revealing more open water by the day; stocked waters are good for trout.

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

TURNAGAIN ARM/20-MILE RIVER: Dip netters targeting hooligan have been doing generally good this past week with the run peaking along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm between Girdwood and Portage. Best fishing is in deeper channels on low tide but decent results can be had on outgoing tide as well. Full buckets and even coolers are possible in the right spot given a couple of hours or less of dipping. The 20-Mile River is picking up with good fishing also here; expect run to peak starting this coming week. A few Dolly Varden are available at the mouths of clearwater streams draining into the arm.

KENAI PENINSULA:

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Sea-run Dolly Varden are prowling the beaches near town and the mouths of most any clearwater stream will produce a fish or two. Scheffler, Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina are all decent spots to try using fry/smolt imitation flies and lures. No reports yet of salmon being caught from shore but a few kings typically chase herring around the breakwater in front of town and in the harbor this time of year; also, the mouth of Resurrection River off Nash Road will start seeing a trickle of reds by next week. Flounder, cod, and other bottomfish are present in fair numbers around the bay and respond best to bait.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Dolly Varden are moving downstream from Skilak Lake heading to Cook Inlet to feed, providing anglers with fair action using lures and flies resembling juvenile salmon. There are also catches of rainbow trout being made, in addition to a few steelhead. A few king salmon are entering the river but angling pressure is very light due to catch-and-release only restrictions applied to the early run; check emergency orders for additional details regarding this fishery. Hooligan have started their annual return with most fish currently being caught in the tidewater section of the river; expect fair to good dipping.

KASILOF RIVER: Anglers are hitting a fair number of steelhead trout, particularly around the Crooked Creek confluence. This fishery has peaked but fish will continue to be present for another week to ten days. Plugs and large orange beads/corkies are best. Dolly Varden moving from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet are migrating through the river in decent numbers and may be caught on a variety of forage pattern lures and flies. A few king salmon have been spotted in the tidewater section of the river but no confirmation of any fish caught from shore yet; check emergency orders for additional details regarding this fishery.

COOK INLET: Surf-casters are experiencing fair to good results on halibut these days. The mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers as well as Whiskey Gulch and Clam Gulch are seeing flatfish caught on chunks of herring; go one or two hours before on through after high tide. A few spiny dogfish and skate are also present, in addition to starry flounder and cod. Keep an eye out for schools of Dolly Varden passing by near shore and bring a light rod just in case.

HOMER SPIT: Good fishing for sea-run char awaits. Although fish can be caught anywhere along the spit, most catches are being made at the tip (Coal Point) and the breakwater on the ocean side. Use smolt imitation flies and lures. Bottomfish are increasing in numbers with fair to good action possible using pieces of bait, like herring or squid. No confirmed catches of king salmon at the Dudiak Lagoon but the first fish will be caught here literally at any time; cast and drift cut herring or blue spinners during incoming and outgoing tide.

 

Updated April 24, 2019

This is the first weekly open-water fishing report of the 2019 season.

Weekly Summary: Despite a slight setback in spring weather over the past week with the return of cool temperatures and snow, much of the Southcentral region is seeing a flurry of fishing activity as ice is gone from coastal rivers, streams, and most lakes (except for higher elevations). Things are starting to happen and due to the early spring we had in March and first part of April, angling opportunities are getting an early start as well. Trout and grayling are on the move to their spawning destinations and char increasingly active as they anticipate the annual glut of juvenile salmon headed out of streams and into the briny. Halibut are starting to chase hooligan in the shallows and the first few king salmon are due to arrive in fresh water in a matter of a week or so. Dip netters are catching good numbers of smelt too. It will only get better from here on out. As always before heading out, please check a copy of the 2019 fishing regulations for areas or waters that are open to fishing.

MATANUSKA-SUSITNA VALLEYS:

SUSITNA RIVER: Many waters south of Talkeetna are ice free and seeing action ranging from slow to very good depending on location and water conditions, which can vary day to day. The mouths and lower sections of tributary streams are generally best this early in the season as rainbow trout and grayling are gathering for the spring spawn but some Dolly Varden are also present. Fry and smolt imitations are sometimes great but flesh and forage flies can be hot also. Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna are all worth a try.

COPPER VALLEY-VALDEZ ARM:

COPPER RIVER: While still spotty in many places, grayling are starting their spawning runs up small clearwater tributaries of the Gulkana and other larger drainages. Expect the next week to ten days to really pick up as water temperatures and numbers of fish increase.

LOWE RIVER: Currently flowing low and relatively clear to slightly tinted, anglers in this Valdez area location here have been catching a fair number of char the last couple of weeks and should stay productive for another week to ten days or more until river becomes too silty to effectively fish. Try smolt and fry imitation flies and lures.

ANCHORAGE AREA-TURNAGAIN ARM:

TURNAGAIN ARM: Dip netting for hooligan is relatively good these days as the run is a bit on the early side and getting a half bucket or more full of fish is very possible from a couple of hours effort. Very few dippers have yet to show up so choice locations along the arm are available. The outgoing and low tides are producing best catches, primarily between Peterson Creek and 20-Mile River. A few Dolly Varden are beginning to show at mouths of clearwater streams.

20-MILE RIVER: Very little effort here still for hooligan but they are present and dippers are netting up to half buckets in a few hours.

KENAI PENINSULA:

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Anglers here have been catching rainbows and char all winter long in section of river right around Cooper Landing but fish are beginning to spread out as many mature rainbows are entering the Russian River and other tributaries to spawn and feed. Forage flies and plugs are doing best with fair to good fishing possible. The outlet of Kenai Lake is another spot to hook up with trout; use smolt imitation flies and lures. Note: The Upper Kenai and Russian rivers as well as a section of the middle Kenai and tributaries close to all fishing on May 1 and will not reopen until June 11.

RESURRECTION BAY: Sea-run Dolly Varden are being caught in and around Seward, mainly at Preachers Pond and the outlet of Grouse Lake but are starting to show in the salt in front of town as well. As usual, fry/smolt imitation lures and flies are best.

KASILOF RIVER: Steelhead trout are being caught in small numbers from the highway crossing downstream to the mouth of Crooked Creek; expect fair results with intermittent good catches. Forage and egg imitation flies and corkies/beads are taking the majority of trout. A few Dolly Varden are showing up. The first king salmon of the season is likely to be spotted within the next week.

COOK INLET: Herring are spawning along inlet beaches and schools of hooligan are making their way to the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, prompting fishable numbers of halibut to give chase into the shallows. Successful surf-casters have been getting a few fish on high tides using herring as bait. Whiskey Gulch, the mouth of Kasilof River, and even the Nikiski area are choice spots this time of year. Note: Please check fishing regulations for open and closed sections of water.

HOMER SPIT: Casting for feeding sea-run Dolly Varden is currently fair to good; smolt/fry imitation lures and flies are very effective in the surfline. Some flounders and codfish are starting to appear but action is a bit on the slow side still. While very early, a king salmon or two bound for the lagoon may be present along the beaches of the spit.