VALDEZ LABOR DAY WEEKEND SPECIAL REPORT
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Summary: Those accustomed to bountiful catches of silver salmon in Port Valdez this past holiday weekend were met with many empty nets and subsequent stringers after days of casting but there was also definite successes in the midst of it all. No or very light wind and cloudy, drizzly skies prevailed, generally perfect weather for promoting salmon to bite with enthusiasm, yet the issue was neither water nor weather conditions but rather the seemingly lack of solid numbers of silvers moving along the beaches at the head of the port. While seining operations in the narrows and outer arm have been largely satisfactory adding to the bottom line of cost recovery operations, the silver action at such roadside locations as Allison Point, around the Solomon Gulch fish hatchery, the boat harbors, and city dock was markedly down from previous years at this time of the season. Even the charter boat fleet faced challenging days finding limits for clients, pointing to the possibility that the run may be smaller than average (mirroring silver runs elsewhere in the Southcentral region) or even speculations that it is coming in late. Whatever the case may be, it is a bit too early to draw any final conclusions as things may still develop pending final success of the area commercial fleet and what actually shows up in the port the next week to ten days.
Silver Salmon Catch Rates: Anglers fishing in the boat harbors and off the city dock in the downtown district of Valdez had some difficulty connecting with silvers but catches of one or two fish was common with a few hours of effort. Due to the lack of numbers, those casting hardware such as spinners were most successful in contrast to snagging as the method attracts fish to the lure instead of hooks happenstance into the body of the fish. This success was generally not the case in other locations, such as the stretch of rocks between the fish hatchery and Allison Point, where snaggers could visually identify and effectively target the few silvers present traveling tightly along the shoreline in the clear water among the throng of pink salmon; quite a few limits of six fish were taken on each high tide in that area. Those casting hardware came up mostly empty or at most one or two fish (though there were exceptions of individuals catching more). Allison Point, on the other hand, proved to be the relative hot spot for catching decent numbers of silvers on lures with a fair number of fish brought in during the incoming and outgoing tides. Catches of one or two fish was not unusual with some anglers bringing in four or more; a few people even limited out on six silvers putting in a full day worth of effort. Snagging was also productive west of the point near the salmon spawning stream, particularly at the low tide cycle.
Water Conditions and Top Lures/Bait: The lack of rainfall in the region coupled with cooling temperatures the last several days had the glacial and turbid drainages around Valdez flowing lower than normal, thus a smaller amount of silt than usual was discharged at the head of the port. This meant that the high tides pushed the silt back significantly towards the far east end of the port and thus brought a prolonged period of relatively clear and clean water conditions, perfect for spotting fish traveling near or along the shorelines. It also tends to improve the bite as silvers can easily see lures and bait more readily. Sight-fishing to individual silvers or small schools of them was entirely possible, especially at Allison Point and a portion of the rocks east towards the fish hatchery, a fact that in particular snaggers took advantage of with great success. Spinners in size 5 outperformed most other lures with orange bodies and silver or bronze blades being top producers. However, blue and silver and yellow and silver combinations or all silver were catching fish too, especially mid-day, and a few salmon were caught using streamer flies. Whole herring fished with a bobber yielded silvers from the city dock.
Silver Salmon Run Timing and Populations: Conventional knowledge and experience places Valdez silvers as returning in late summer and early fall to waters of the port, with the last week of August and the first week of September being best for anglers casting from shore in and around the city. The majority of silvers present derive from efforts by the fish hatchery off Dayville Road near Allison Point, producing a return of 150,000 and 250,000 adults, most of which are harvested by commercial seiners in the area around outer Valdez Arm, the narrows, as well as within the port. Anglers are privileged to partake in this bounty of salmon, often yielding excellent silver salmon action from both boat and shore. However, the rivers and streams in Valdez, primarily the Lowe River drainage, produce naturally occurring runs of silver salmon that spawn in clearwater tributaries (such as the Robe River) and in channels and sloughs of the mainstem river in late fall and early winter. While the runs of silver salmon in Port Valdez are typically very precise to the timing described above, occasional years see significant numbers of hatchery fish peak as late as the end of September or even October and distinct natural runs may arrive later than that.
Pinks and Chums: The very large return of pink salmon to the port was still obvious this weekend at the fish hatchery and west along the rocky shoreline to and including Allison Point as masses of fish could be seen moving by. Most pinks were in the final stage of the life cycle, the phase of spawning or post-spawning with many already dead as well. However, there was a small number of semi-bright fish present and a few specimens chrome bright and full of fight, even fooling some anglers into thinking they were small silvers. A few bright pinks were also caught near the boat harbors. Like the pinks, the run of chum salmon to the port proved strong this season and a fair number of bright and semi-bright fish were brought in by anglers, mainly by snagging. While the boat harbor area typically sees late-arriving chums every year, the clearwater stream west of Allison Point is experiencing a good return this year as well, surprising some anglers casting from the shore between the point and the fish hatchery with a consistent supply of nice fish.
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION SALMON UPDATE
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
SHIP CREEK: Fair number of kings present on tides; some are still chrome, most turning color. Silver salmon appearing regularly along with pinks.
CAMPBELL CREEK: Silver salmon season opens July 14; all other salmon species closed. Kings and reds present. Open for trout, char.
EAGLE RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing remainder of season; open now for all other species. Water high and very silty; reds, chums should be present.
EKLUTNA TAILRACE: Decent tally of kings in tailrace but majority red or blush, few bright specimens; silvers should show any day if not already.
JIM CREEK: No catches of salmon reported yet; first reds due any day.
COTTONWOOD CREEK: Lower stream open to salmon fishing (except kings) on weekend only; a few reds are available on tides.
FISH CREEK: Closed to all fishing in lower stream; season opens August 12 for salmon, except kings. Reds just starting to arrive at mouth.
LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Four species of salmon present. Best chance to catch a king is in middle river downstream of Houston. Reds, pinks, chums, and silvers arriving on tides.
WILLOW CREEK: Opens to salmon fishing (except kings) in lower river July 14; pinks and chums arriving at mouth, silvers likely present on opening day.
LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Opens to salmon fishing (except kings) in lower river July 14; pinks and chums arriving at mouth, silvers likely present on opening day.
KASHWITNA RIVER: Opens to salmon fishing (except kings) in lower river July 14; pinks and chums arriving at mouth, silvers likely present on opening day.
SHEEP CREEK: Opens to salmon fishing (except kings) in lower river July 14; pinks and chums arriving at mouth, silvers likely present on opening day.
MONTANA CREEK: Opens to salmon fishing (except kings) in lower river July 14; pinks and chums arriving at mouth, silvers likely present on opening day.
BYERS CREEK: First red salmon due in a week; closed to king salmon fishing.
EAST FORK CHULITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; other salmon species due by August.
PORT VALDEZ: Good number of pinks arriving at Allison Point/Solomon Gulch fish hatchery; some chums present in port as well.
ROBE RIVER: Small number of pinks arriving at mouth.
TONSINA RIVER: Open to king salmon fishing; small number of fish available. Red salmon run starting.
KLUTINA RIVER: Open to king salmon fishing; fair number of fish available. Red salmon run starting to slow but still worthwhile.
GULKANA RIVER: Largest number of kings available upstream of Sourdough; early red run is done, late run just starting in lower river.
BIRD CREEK: Season opens July 14 for all species (except king salmon); pinks and chums arriving, silvers will be present by opener.
INDIAN CREEK: Pink salmon present on tides in small numbers.
GLACIER CREEK: Water high and silty; mouth of California Creek best bet. Pinks, a few chums present; first silvers due in a week.
PASSAGE CANAL: Schools of pink and chum salmon at head of canal; a few kings and reds also available.
SIXMILE CREEK: Water is high and silty; moderate number of chums and pinks arriving.
RESURRECTION CREEK (HOPE): Water is high but clear; moderate number of pinks and a few chums arriving, an occasional silver possible.
RESURRECTION BAY: A few hatchery kings available in harbor area; reds, pinks, and chums present at mouths of streams in bay, Spring Creek best bet.
RESURRECTION RIVER (SEWARD): Early run of red salmon close to finished; late-run fish and a few pinks and chums likely present.
UPPER KENAI RIVER: Water is high, visibility moderate; small number of early-run reds present, late-run fish just starting.
RUSSIAN RIVER: First run of red salmon slowing but some bright fish still present; late run should start trickling in next week.
LOWER KENAI RIVER: Water is high and silty, low visibility; late-run red salmon arriving in good numbers. King salmon run is slow in building.
KASILOF RIVER: Early king run ending, late-run fish just starting. Good number of red salmon, a few pinks arriving on tides.
NINILCHIK RIVER: Fair number of hatchery kings present, wild fish must be released; some bright specimens still but most blush or red. Pinks just starting.
DEEP CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing for remainder of season; small number of pinks arriving on tides.
ANCHOR RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing for remainder of season; small number of pinks arriving on tides.
DUDIAK LAGOON: Very few kings left but occasional bright specimen possible; silvers available in small numbers.
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION SALMON UPDATE
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
SHIP CREEK: Good number of kings present on the tides; derby has ended. A few pinks showing up, first chums and silvers due at any time.
CAMPBELL CREEK: Silver salmon season opens July 14; all other salmon species closed. Kings and reds present. Open for trout, char.
EAGLE RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing remainder of season. Open now for all other species.
EKLUTNA TAILRACE: Good number of kings in tailrace and surrounding waters; run nearing peak.
LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Reopened to king salmon fishing by emergency order; large push of kings has moved through last several days. Reds, few chums reported.
WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth and throughout lower stream.
LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth and throughout lower stream.
KASHWITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth and throughout lower stream.
SHEEP CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth and throughout lower stream.
MONTANA CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth and throughout lower stream.
PORT VALDEZ: First few pinks arriving near hatchery/Allison Point.
KLUTINA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing through June 30. Red salmon present in good numbers.
GULKANA RIVER: Solid number of kings this year, run is peaking; reds also available.
BIRD CREEK: Closed to all fishing through July 13; season opens July 14 for all species (except king salmon). Pinks starting to arrive.
INDIAN CREEK: A few pink salmon likely present.
GLACIER CREEK: Water high and silty; mouth of California Creek best bet. A few pinks present.
PASSAGE CANAL: Small schools of red and pink salmon present; a few kings also showing up.
SIXMILE CREEK: Water is quite high and silty; first pinks, chums due any day.
RESURRECTION CREEK (HOPE): Water is high but clear; a few pinks arriving.
RESURRECTION BAY: Hatchery kings available in harbor area; reds present at mouths of streams in bay, Spring Creek best bet.
RESURRECTION RIVER (SEWARD): Moderate number of red salmon entering river on the tides; limit of 12 fish possible but takes a lot of due diligence.
UPPER KENAI RIVER: Red salmon moving through in decent numbers still but early run has peaked.
RUSSIAN RIVER: Early run has likely peaked but good numbers of fish still coming in; sanctuary and lower end of river best bet for 9-fish limit.
LOWER KENAI RIVER: Some kings available; run has peaked. Red salmon arriving in small numbers as early run is ending and late run is just getting started.
KASILOF RIVER: Early king run is slowing but decent number of fish present near mouth of Crooked Creek; late component of red run starting.
NINILCHIK RIVER: Fair number of hatchery kings available, wild fish must be released. First pinks due.
DEEP CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing for remainder of season; stream opens to fishing for other species on July 1.
ANCHOR RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing for remainder of season; stream opens to fishing for other species on July 1.
DUDIAK LAGOON: King salmon run slowing down, some bright fish present; first silvers due any day.
RUSSIAN RIVER PRE-SEASON UPDATE #2
Monday, June 10, 2019
Summary: Water levels in the river has dropped the last several days and anglers may have to change their tactics to take full advantage of the fishery. With sunny, warm weather forecast for the area, those wanting to limit must be on the river at dawn and ready to do some sight fishing for schools of fish moving through. There are still reds gathered in the deeper holes and runs throughout the lower river but these fish are expected to be cleared out in short order as the fishery opens tomorrow morning. Nearly 5,000 salmon have already gone through the weir at Lower Russian Lake as of yesterday (6/9) so a bit of scouting upstream of the campground will do good to secure a bag limit if the lower river section empties out quickly.
If spending a few days at the Russian, be prepared to be on the river fishing before sunrise. Under such stream conditions as is now the case, the best of it is over by mid-morning. However, if arriving late for the morning “bite,” another option is to hike downstream on the Upper Kenai as sizable numbers of reds are present there. The water level on that river is currently quite high but clarity is good.
RUSSIAN RIVER PRE-SEASON UPDATE
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Summary: With only days to go before this fishery opens for the 2019 season, red salmon are already moving upstream in decent numbers with the sanctuary area black with fish in some places. This strong, early showing comes as no surprise as the lower Kenai began seeing reds appear around May 15 with limit catches occurring as soon as Memorial Day weekend. The first few fish were spotted in the Russian shortly after the holiday weekend as well but they did not appear in any greater numbers until just a few days ago. At the time of this writing, several of the more popular holes below the campground are stacked with reds so there is definitely opportunity to get a limit of salmon come next Tuesday morning. Stream conditions are in great shape with moderate water flows and very good clarity, perfect for sight-fishing.
The prognosis for the first day of the season at this point is for excellent fishing. In fact, an exceptional early run is expected as there are still relatively large numbers of salmon in the lower Kenai River destined for the Russian, so hot action should prevail for at least the next two weeks if not more. Additionally, there is already word from within the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to increase the bag limit from the current 3 fish to 6 reds. Stay tuned!
The upper Kenai is seeing a significant increase in numbers of red salmon arriving and opportunities there should also be very good in many areas between the Russian River confluence and the inlet of Skilak Lake; water flows are at summer highs and clarity good. Fishing for rainbow trout on the Kenai is typically very good at the June 11 opener and anglers on the Russian will likely do well too.
A follow-up report will be filed if conditions warrant it.
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION SALMON UPDATE
Thursday, June 6, 2019
SHIP CREEK: Good number of kings arriving on the tides; Slam’n Salm’n Derby opens tomorrow, Friday, June 7.
EAGLE RIVER: Small number of kings present; third weekend opener Saturday, June 8.
CAMPBELL CREEK: Silver salmon season opens July 14; all other salmon species closed. Kings and reds present.
EKLUTNA TAILRACE: First few kings have been caught at road crossing, more arriving.
LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; small number of kings and reds arriving.
WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth, lower stream.
LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth.
KASHWITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth.
SHEEP CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth, lower stream.
MONTANA CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; kings present at mouth.
KLUTINA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing through June 30. Moderate number of reds present, fish are being caught.
GULKANA RIVER: Open to salmon fishing; kings and reds are being caught throughout lower river.
BIRD CREEK: Closed to all fishing through July 13; season opens July 14 for all species (except king salmon).
PASSAGE CANAL: Small schools of red and chum salmon, an occasional king present on high tides; angling pressure very low.
RESURRECTION BAY: Hatchery kings arriving in harbor area; reds present at mouths of streams in bay, Spring Creek best bet.
RESURRECTION RIVER: Large number of red salmon entering river on the tides; limits of 6 fish common.
UPPER KENAI RIVER: Season opens June 11. Red salmon arriving in good numbers.
RUSSIAN RIVER: Season opens June 11. Red salmon arriving in good numbers.
LOWER KENAI RIVER: King salmon available in small numbers; fair at best. Red salmon arriving in good numbers.
KASILOF RIVER: King and red salmon arriving in good numbers; fishing from shore productive.
NINILCHIK RIVER: King salmon arriving; third weekend opener Saturday, June 8. Expect fair to good catches.
DEEP CREEK: King salmon arriving; third weekend opener Saturday, June 8. Expect fair to good catches.
ANCHOR RIVER: King salmon arriving; third weekend opener Saturday, June 8. Expect fair to very good catches.
DUDIAK LAGOON: King salmon arriving in good numbers; best fishing on the tides.
Updated May 29, 2019
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION SALMON UPDATE
SHIP CREEK: Handful of kings have been caught, increasing number of kings arriving on tides.
EKLUTNA TAILRACE: A few kings have been caught downstream on the Knik River; sightings reported near highway crossing.
LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; few fish arriving. A few reds now present.
WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; a few kings present at mouth.
LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; a few kings present at mouth.
KASHWITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; a few kings present at mouth.
SHEEP CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; a few kings present at mouth.
MONTANA CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; a few kings present at mouth.
KLUTINA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing through June 30. No reds reported caught; a few fish should be present.
GULKANA RIVER: Open to salmon fishing; first few kings and reds due any day.
BIRD CREEK: Closed to all fishing through July 13; season opens July 14 for all species (except king salmon).
PASSAGE CANAL: Schools of red and chum salmon, an occasional king present on high tides; angling pressure very low.
RESURRECTION BAY: First few hatchery kings arriving in harbor area; some reds may be present at mouths of streams in bay.
RESURRECTION RIVER: Good number of red salmon entering river on the tides; fish are being caught, some limits.
UPPER KENAI RIVER: Season opens June 11. Red salmon are arriving.
RUSSIAN RIVER: Season opens June 11. Red salmon are arriving at Kenai confluence.
LOWER KENAI RIVER: King salmon available in small numbers; fair at best. Red salmon arriving; spotty to good.
KASILOF RIVER: King salmon available in small numbers; fair at best. A few reds have been caught; numbers improving.
NINILCHIK RIVER: King salmon arriving; second weekend opener Saturday, June 1. Expect fair to good catches.
DEEP CREEK: King salmon arriving; second weekend opener Saturday, June 1. Expect fair to good catches.
ANCHOR RIVER: King salmon arriving; second weekend opener Saturday, June 1. Expect fair to good catches.
DUDIAK LAGOON: King salmon arriving on tides; fair fishing.
Updated May 21, 2019
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION SALMON STREAM UPDATE
SHIP CREEK: A few kings have been hooked and landed; catch rates still poor.
EKLUTNA TAILRACE: No reports of kings caught or sighted at road crossing. Very slow from boats also at Knik River confluence.
LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order; very few fish arriving. No reds reported in river yet.
WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. Trout, grayling, char present.
LITTLE WILLOW CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. Trout, grayling, char present.
KASHWITNA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. Trout, grayling, char present.
SHEEP CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. Trout, grayling, char present.
MONTANA CREEK: Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order. Trout, grayling, char present.
KLUTINA RIVER: Closed to king salmon fishing through June 30. No reds yet; a few could be present by holiday weekend.
GULKANA RIVER: Open to salmon fishing; first few kings and reds due in about 10 days.
RESURRECTION RIVER: Fair number of red salmon entering river on the tides; fish are being caught.
UPPER KENAI RIVER: Closed to all fishing through June 10. No salmon present yet.
RUSSIAN RIVER: Closed to all fishing through June 10. No salmon present yet.
LOWER KENAI RIVER: King salmon available in small numbers; catch rates generally poor to fair. Decent showing of red salmon.
KASILOF RIVER: King salmon available in small numbers; catch rates generally poor to fair. A few red salmon arriving.
NINILCHIK RIVER: King salmon arriving; river opens to fishing Saturday, May 25.
DEEP CREEK: King salmon arriving; stream opens to fishing Saturday, May 25.
ANCHOR RIVER: King salmon arriving; river opens to fishing Saturday, May 25.
DUDIAK LAGOON: A few king salmon coming in on tides; spotty to slow fishing.
Updated Sunday, April 14, 2019
TURNAGAIN ARM HOOLIGAN: With the early onset of spring this year, hooligan are making an early appearance as well and are currently arriving in fair numbers. Very few dippers have yet to test the silty waters of the arm (or the 20-Mile River) but the fish are there and should be building in numbers throughout next week and on into early May. As is typical at this point in the run, the outgoing and low tides will hold the best opportunities, with the stretch of shoreline between the mouth of 20-Mile River and Peterson Creek being best. As the run is just getting started, keep expectations on the conservative side but filling half a bucket with fresh smelt during an outing is entirely possible.
This is one of the earliest showings of these silvery smelt on record as fish began trickling into the area at the beginning of this week. As the last remnants of ice disappeared from Turnagain Arm and lower 20-Mile River about two weeks ago, waters have been steadily warming and thus prompting hooligan to start moving out of the briny of Cook Inlet saltwaters destined for spawning grounds at the head of the arm. The annual migration is also attracting its fair share of wildlife as pods of beluga whales as well as seagulls and bald eagles are currently gathering in and along Turnagain.