2023 Fishing Reports

 

 

Updated Thursday, October 19

Note: This is the last weekly fishing report of the 2023 season. Shorter, more localized segments may become available as opportunities arise. Expect full weekly reports to restart sometime in late April next year.

HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; ANCHOR & DEEP STEELHEAD, DOLLIES

Regional Summary:  Fishing opportunities may seem to be disappearing around Southcentral—and to some degree this is true, at least concerning salmon and larger bottomfish; however, other species like trout, char, and grayling are still very prolific in lakes and streams and there is still time to get after them before the hard freeze hits the region, which is usually sometime in November. Until then, anglers can capitalize on the open-water action available and enjoy the last of the autumn season before winter sets in.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  Anglers are finding some worthwhile opportunities for multiple species in the stocked lakes around the city. Landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are producing fair to good catches throughout the day, although the midday action can sometimes be better than the mornings or evenings due to a warmup in water temperature, which often promotes a better bite this late in the season. With colder weather settling over the area starting this weekend, expect ice to start forming around the edges of local waters and, depending on how things develop weather-wise over the next couple of weeks, freeze-up should begin later this month and early next month.

Rivers and streams in the area have been largely affected by the wet weather conditions recently but will start to drop and clear dramatically very soon. Campbell and Chester creeks are seeing some catches of rainbows and Dollies in their upper reaches, while Eagle River to the north is harboring Dollies and an occasional rainbow in stretches of water along the Eagle River Road towards the nature center. Expect freeze-up to settle in by early to mid-November. Outside of the more populated areas, Turnagain Arm has some limited chances for Dolly Varden in Penguin and Portage creeks. Spawning silver salmon are present in all of these locations, which is a major draw for resident species this time of year. While very late in the season, do not be surprised to come across a bright or semi-bright silver salmon in Portage along the middle and upper reaches; nice silvers are known to occur there with regularity through October and even into November some years.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  Unlike many places around the region, the peninsula still has a decent selection of both lake and stream fishing opportunities to be had, and even salmon action as well. The Kenai and Kasilof rivers continue to see modest catches of silver salmon with the former being the choice spot for bright fish and provides the best access for anglers without a boat. There may be possibilities for a few nice silvers in other drainages as well but this time of season it is a lot more misses than hits; the Swanson and Resurrection (in Seward) could yield a fish. If no longer thinking salmon, steelhead trout are providing plenty of action on the lower peninsula streams of Ninilchik, Deep, Stariski, and Anchor, and there are some in the Kasilof, too. Water conditions in these streams are expected to be near perfect, although there is the chance of some slush ice being present now and through the month. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are active in sections of the Kenai River but are less numerous yet provide a great experience. Dolly Varden may not be super abundant or aggressive at this time, although they are well distributed throughout most drainages on the peninsula; look for spawning salmon and char can be found.

Area lakes are producing some good or better fishing for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling and the opportunity is expected to last through the month or as long as there is open water present; freeze-up generally occurs sometime in November with ice fishing commencing later in the month or December. Stocked lakes and the wild lakes along Swanson River Road are popular. Lakes at higher elevations are likely to start freezing along the shorelines by this weekend.

The marine fisheries are also a hit and miss affair right now. Many species—especially the larger specimens—are in the process of moving offshore to deep waters, leaving smaller fish for anglers to chase. Sharks are still around in fishable numbers along Cook Inlet beaches but expected to largely move out by November or soon thereafter; the same can be said for skate. Small halibut are being caught in small numbers by surf-casters in the inlet as well as off the spit in Homer and fish are present in deeper waters at the head of Resurrection Bay in Seward. Catching these flatfish this time of year typically takes a lot of time and effort but can definitely be done, yet availability will continue to dissipate through the month and into November. Another long-shot is targeting feeder king salmon from shore off the end of Homer Spit. It has been done on multiple occasions before this time of year as the kings frequently come within casting range while chasing baitfish.

KENAI RIVER: The late run of silver salmon continues to push into and through the length of the drainage, from tidewater up to Kenai Lake. While fish still arriving from the salt are in small and declining  numbers, the better strategy if wanting to target these salmon is to try stretches of water on the middle and upper river where fair to sometimes good action may be had. The run does not appear to be strong this year but there are enough fish to be found if willing to take time and scout around in a range of different spots; anywhere there is still or calm current at the edge of the mainstem river could potentially hold a few fresh silvers, maybe even a school. Condition of silvers range from chrome to dark blush with most being bright to semi-bright. The silver salmon season on the Upper Kenai (between Kenai and Skilak lakes) and Middle Kenai (Skilak Lake to Bing’s Landing in Sterling) continues through October 31; the season on the Lower Kenai (Bing’s Landing to Cook Inlet) stretches through November 30. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to fair on the upper and middle Kenai as well, yet an increasing number of fish are beginning the trek to overwintering areas, resulting in a noticeable decrease in success for anglers; the next two weeks will see this trend continue.

KASILOF RIVER: The late run of silvers here is subsiding and there are now more blush salmon present than brighter specimens. Action is fair in deeper holes and runs on the upper river. The opportunity for salmon should hold through the month, come November and later it will likely be slow to spotty, although there is bound to be a good number of darker silvers around. Steelhead trout are being caught and the success rate is fair; the spots that hold salmon likely hold these sea-run trout as well. Dolly Varden fishing is better in tributaries where salmon are spawning, such as Crooked Creek.

ANCHOR RIVER: Water levels have been slightly high and visibility tinted due to recent rains, thus lowering productivity for steelhead trout just a little. However, a cooler and drier weather trend has arrived which will bring the river—as well as nearby Stariski, Deep, and Ninilchik—to clear up and drop significantly. There could be some good action in store for this weekend and next week, although the chill will undoubtedly reserve the best bite for midday when temperatures rise, albeit modestly; try the middle and lower end of the river. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good. The silver salmon run has ended but a straggler or two is possible still. Note: The last day of the fishing season here, by regulation, is October 31.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  The somewhat mild and wet weather has kept things manageable for anglers in this area, especially if focusing on lake fishing opportunities. Both stocked and wild waters are producing decent catches of landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike along with lesser numbers of whitefish and burbot where available. Action ranges widely depending on location and species but tends to be fair to good in most spots, while slow to great in others. While the weather has been cool and damp recently, it has not yet been cold enough to make any significant inroads as far as ice goes, although a few of the smaller ponds are definitely seeing some buildup. This could change this coming week, however, with a cold front settling over the area, bringing nighttime temperatures into the low 20s and even teens possible. The general rule is that larger lakes freeze last, so if the smaller waters are ice-covered or inaccessible from shore, try someplace else like Big, Wasilla, Cottonwood, and Long lakes or a location of similar size. Freeze-up is expected the last of this month or first week to ten days in November, later on larger and deeper lakes.

So far most flowing waters in the area have been free of ice, revealing some relatively decent fishing for anglers trying in or around the mouths of streams flowing into the mainstem Susitna River. The most common catches include rainbows, Dollies, and grayling, and those with the right gear and techniques are also able to pick up whitefish and burbot. But some productive fishing can be had in a multitude of places, especially near a lake; try the outlet of Big Lake and upper end of Fish Creek and upper Cottonwood Creek for nice rainbows. Dollies may be caught in the Matanuska River system, too, especially the mouths of clearwater tributaries. There is some limited opportunity for trout, grayling, and whitefish on the Little Susitna River. The Kashwitna River is yielding a few rainbows and grayling. Another general rule is that if spawning salmon are present, so are one or more resident species as well. With the cold weather approaching, expect slush ice to become an issue shortly, especially in the mornings. Freeze-up usually commences by the first of November in smaller rivers and streams, by mid-month or later on the larger.

While there are populations of ocean-run red, chum, and silver salmon spawning in select locations around the area, finding a fresh specimen is exceedingly difficult. Even in places that historically has a few bright  fish available this time of season, reports have been flat and expected to remain so for the rest of the year. Still, if time to burn and feeling adventurous and lucky, try the middle and upper reaches of Knik River for silvers.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  With winter conditions already presiding throughout much of the valley and surrounding areas and a string of much colder temperatures arriving by this weekend, anglers are having their options further limited. The larger and deeper lakes will be the places to focus on for good open-water action targeting lake trout and whitefish and the are opportunities for grayling and burbot, too. While still ice-free at this time, a thin coat of ice is starting to build in the more shallow, quiet bays and it will not be too much longer before liquid water access will be impeded completely as winter advances. If temperature trends continue, expect open water to last another ten days to a couple of weeks before freeze-up sets in. The smaller lakes in the area are seeing a fair amount of ice coverage already but there is some open water on a few of them where fishing from shore is still possible; trout, char, and/or  grayling are present.

The same story goes for the smaller streams; ice is building and fish populations have left for the season. However, if intent on finding flowing waters with the chance of hooking fish, look to the larger rivers where resident species are still transitioning through on their way to suitable overwintering areas. Although there may be a slight buildup of ice along the shorelines in spots the coming days, freeze-up is not expected anytime soon and things may hold up until November or even later. Locations to try include Gulkana, Gakona, Chistochina, Slana, Tazlina, Klutina, and Tonsina. There is a variety of fish available depending on the drainage, with Dolly Varden and grayling being the most dominant, followed by rainbow trout and whitefish. Even steelhead trout are present in a few of these. As for salmon, there are still spawning reds and silvers around with the rare chance of coming across a fish of good color.

Down in Valdez, there are fishing opportunities yet, although the level of productivity is low. Dolly Varden are feeding and spawning in local streams and anglers are seeing some action in the middle and upper reaches of the Lowe River drainage, including clearwater tributaries where salmon are spawning. Although most all runs of silver salmon have ceased for the year, there will be a trickle of fresh fish coming through the port and entering area waters for the remainder of the month and well into November. Targeting these salmon, however, will be an exercise in futility as late runs are very small in terms of numbers of fish and scope.

 

 

 

Updated Friday, October 13

HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; KASILOF SILVERS, STEELHEAD; ANCHOR STEELHEAD, DOLLIES

Regional Summary:  With snowfall and below freezing temperatures having been realized to one degree or another in most every place throughout the region, time is growing short for anglers to enjoy the open water season before ice locks up the land for the winter. But until then, usually sometime in November, there remains some very good fishing to be had in lakes and flowing waters all around Southcentral, with solid opportunities for late-run silver salmon, rainbow and steelhead trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic char, lake trout, northern pike, burbot, landlocked salmon, and whitefish.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  Local lakes are producing catches of a variety of species, including landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. Given the cool temperatures recently, the action can be good throughout the day. Stream fishing opportunities are somewhat limited but both rainbows and Dollies may be successfully landed in Campbell and Chester creeks; Dolly Varden are also present in fishable numbers in upper sections of Eagle River, the Bird Creek drainage, and Portage Creek, especially where spawning salmon can be found. But as far as locating salmon for sport or table fare, options are extremely limited; while rare or sporadic occurrences of bright silvers (and even reds) is possible most anywhere, Portage Creek does have a history of yielding decent color fish during October and even into November some years.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  Anglers are still able to find good action in lakes, rivers, and streams in this area, yet the marine fisheries are lagging, which is to be expected this late in the season. Fresh silver salmon may still be found in the middle and upper portions of the Kenai River and there are a few in the Kasilof River as well. There may also be a few silvers around in Resurrection and Swanson rivers but the vast majority will be dark. Steelhead continue to dominate the action on the lower peninsula streams of Anchor, Stariski, Deep, and Ninilchik, and there are some nice fish to be had in the Kasilof, too. As for rainbows and Dollies, the focused should primarily be on the Kenai River, although smaller streams around the area will see some activity where spawning salmon are present. The lake fisheries continue to produce good catches of landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling, although some of them are seeing a downturn in success; things should improve as the ice fishing season unfolds later in November or December. Surf-casters will have a more difficult time connecting with their quarry as saltwater species are moving into deeper, offshore locations for the winter; however, smaller numbers of shark and a few skate are still available, along with the occasional small halibut.

KENAI RIVER: The late run of silvers is well distributed throughout the upper and middle river sections and anglers targeting these fish report fair to reasonably good catches in recent days. For best success, hit slow water pockets at the edge of mainstem current, such as the mouth of sloughs, and calm, deep holes and pools of the mainstem. Mornings tend to see the most action. Condition of fish range from chrome to blush with most being bright. Fishing for rainbows and Dollies remains productive, although there has been a slight slowdown this week which follows the typical seasonal trend; however, good catches may still be had in various spots on both the upper and middle. Expect a few steelhead to be present on the lower and middle river. Whitefish are being caught as well.

KASILOF RIVER: Those able to access the semi-remote sections of water upstream of the rapids are experiencing fair catches of both silvers and steelhead. The salmon range from bright to dark blush with most being somewhere in between. Focus efforts on the deeper holes and runs; plugs are what works best. The lower river harbors a few fish too, mainly a trickle of silvers and steelhead, but for density and action, head to the upper reaches. Tributary Crooked Creek supports fair to good Dolly Varden fishing.

ANCHOR RIVER: Main target here are steelhead and fish are being successfully caught throughout the day, but perhaps especially late morning or early afternoon if temperatures are cold. Some anglers report good action on days when temperatures spike, primarily in deep holes and runs of the lower and middle river sections. As freeze-up approaches, expect most fish to move out of the upper river and settle in overwintering areas lower down in the drainage. Dolly Varden fishing can be highly variable but generally fair to good. Very few fresh silver salmon are left but occasionally encountered. Nearby Deep Creek and Ninilchik River are producing catches of steelhead.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  Most of the angling effort in this area has shifted to the lake fisheries where good catches of landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike may be enjoyed. The action can often vary according to location this late in the open water season but is often productive up until freeze-up and especially again after the ice is thick enough to walk on later in November. Anglers are also hitting some nice trout, char, and grayling along with some whitefish at the mouths  of the main tributaries of the Susitna River, such as Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna, and there may even be some opportunity yet in Byers up on the Chulitna. The Knik Arm drainages of Fish and Cottonwood will have some decent rainbows still, in the upper reaches where salmon are spawning. As for ocean-run salmon, anglers may come across a few bright or semi-bright specimens of silvers in the middle and upper reaches of Knik River, but positive reports are very difficult to come by these days. Otherwise, there are several distinct populations of silver, chum, and red salmon actively spawning, including pockets of fish along the mainstems of Susitna, Talkeetna, Kashwitna, Matanuska, and Knik rivers and at Big Lake.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  Many of the lakes and even quite a few of the smaller streams in this area are starting to ice over, although the larger  bodies of water are still open or flowing and will be for the next couple of weeks unless sub-zero temperatures arrive. Anglers are reporting good catches of lake trout, grayling, and whitefish from Louise, Paxson, and Summit lakes, with a few very large lakers being confirmed out of the former. As for the smaller or stocked lakes around here, the next great opportunity will be in November when the ice fishing season begins for landlocked salmon, trout, and char. Steelhead are present in small numbers in the Gulkana and along the mainstem Copper. As for salmon, there are still a few reds and silvers moving through area rivers but the quality typically lacks as the runs are ending and fish are wrapping up the spawn for the year; however, do not be surprised to find an occasional bright or semi-bright specimen at the mouths of tributaries of the Copper as well as Chitina rivers. In Valdez, an occasional decent color silver may be encountered at the mouth of Robe River or even in the port itself but most of the runs down here are in the spawning phase; Dolly Varden are being caught in the middle and upper section of Lowe River or wherever there are spawning salmon present.

 

 

 

Updated Thursday, October 5

HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, DOLLIES, GRAYLING; KASILOF SILVERS, STEELHEAD; ANCHOR & DEEP STEELHEAD, DOLLIES

Regional Summary:  Like always this time of year, salmon runs that are still productive are hard to come by as winter approaches but there is some great action to be had in a few select locations. Anglers willing to put up with inclement weather are typically more interested in lake and stream opportunities for a wide range of resident species these days, like landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, whitefish, pike and burbot. The marine fisheries are kept alive by shark and skate available in a few spots and the myriad of smaller bottomfish.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  Lake fishing in and around the city and down in Portage is good for one or more species such as landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. Things will remain worthwhile right up to freeze-up later this month or next. Fair to good fishing may also be found for rainbows and Dolly Varden in Chester and Campbell creeks as long as water conditions cooperate; be prepared to hit streams as soon as autumn rains hold up for a few days. Focus on the upper reaches where salmon are spawning. Finding fresh specimens of sea-run silver salmon is more difficult; try waters down at the bottom of Turnagain Arm or even Eagle River north of town as silt clears.

PORTAGE CREEK: This could be the last weekend for some decent opportunities for silver salmon in this drainage. Most of the fish are blush and preparing to spawn in clearwater tributaries but there are always some bright and semi-bright salmon left now and through the next few weeks. Seek out deep, slow water or mouths of streams using roe. The chance of encountering a fresh red salmon remains a possibility. Dolly Varden are also present.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  Although the number of angling options have decreased quite a bit from just a few weeks ago, this area remains a sure bet in many respects for a variety of species. Many smaller streams have at least decent opportunities for trout and char, while some of the larger drainages—like Kenai, Kasilof, and Anchor—are seeing great success for fresh late-run silvers, steelhead, rainbows, and/or Dollies. The lake fisheries are staying mostly productive for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling, particularly those along Swanson River Road and in stocked waters. Surf-casters in the briny are reporting a few halibut here and there but are far outnumbered by shark and skate; smaller bottomfish are also becoming less common in the shallows as winter beacons. Even if the highlands and mountain passes may experience some snowfall, the lowlands are snow and ice free for now but do have below-freezing temperatures at night.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Best shot at finding decent silver salmon these days is in spots within the lower Resurrection River, including lower Salmon Creek. There are a lot of silvers present in some places, but most are blush to dark in color, and anglers have to scout around in order to find bright fish. Chances are fair. There are a few stragglers left at the mouth of Scheffler Creek, even small groups of reasonably bright silvers sometimes, but the majority of this run has gone up the creek and into the lagoon. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair or better in waters of Resurrection River; look in places where there are spawning and dying pinks.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Late-run silver salmon are starting to peak in numbers with the majority of the run situated between Sportsman’s Landing and Skilak Lake inlet. Action is good in spots with deep, slow water next to the mainstem current, such as sloughs. Condition of fish are generally bright with only a few showing a tint of color. The late runs of king and red salmon have largely finished spawning and are almost gone, save for a few enclaves. Fishing is excellent for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden and anglers are doing great drifting beads and flesh flies; if things appear slow, mix it up and introduce forage patterns. Whitefish are fairly active in striking offerings, too.

MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: Angling has been great overall here. Late-run silvers are peaking in numbers between Bing’s Landing and Skilak Lake and good fishing and relatively easy limits are being landed. Likewise, action is good to excellent for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden and some really nice catches are being reported; beads and flesh flies is what works. Whitefish are also being caught regularly. The late runs of king and red salmon are wrapping up the spawn and dying off; match the “hatch.” Although the best way to access is by boat or other watercraft, some roadside anglers do well around Sterling and hiking in from the lower Skilak Lake campground.

KASILOF RIVER: For the aspiring angler with access to spots along the middle and upper river sections, fishing is good for late-run silver salmon and fair for steelhead trout. Plugs fished slow and deep in calm holes seem to do best, but an oversized bead or corkie may do the trick on the trout as well. There are some fish available on the lower river and tidewater but the salmon and steelhead runs are now mainly upstream of the highway crossing. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good at the outlet of Tustumena Lake and in Crooked Creek.

COOK INLET: The tidal range will be more moderate this weekend and surf-casters should concentrate on locations that offer a steeper slope to deeper water and avoid generally shallow flats. Shark are abundant still and offer good to excellent fishing along with a lesser number of skate. Catches of halibut are steadily declining as fish have commenced their migration to offshore overwintering areas, yet a few specimens will be around for the rest of the month.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: The primary target in these waters are steelhead trout and the fishing is spotty to good depending on water conditions and location. Most trout are situated in the middle stream sections but fish are still coming in on the tides and gathering in deeper spots right above tidewater. Fresh silver salmon are few and far between at this time as runs are ending. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good. Open season by regulation continues through October 31.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  Catches of bright salmon in this area is an exception in October, yet remains very much a possibility in the Knik River drainage; as the river clears of silt and begins to flow clear, scout the middle section of water for fresh silvers. The Matanuska, Susitna, Talkeetna, and Chulitna systems may also see a smattering of decent color silvers and/or chums this time of year but catches are very inconsistent. But fishing for trout, char, grayling, whitefish, and burbot is typically good in flowing waters, particularly in spots where there are spawning salmon or near overwintering areas. The lake fisheries continue to be very productive for landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike with good to excellent sport possible for another couple of weeks or more, depending on the weather.

SUSITNA RIVER: Anglers do best focusing on the mouths of tributaries if chasing rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling. These fish are now mainly in the mainstem Susitna and action varies from fair to excellent depending on water conditions and location. The confluence areas of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna are producing consistent catches. It is still possible to find concentrations of fish and good fishing in the lower sections of these waters, particularly in Kashwitna and Talkeetna, but the better action is  shifting downstream more and more with each passing day. However, schools of whitefish are prevalent in the middle and upper reaches of streams until right before freeze-up.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  Winter weather arrived this week in large parts of this area, complete with snow and freezing temperatures. Many of the smaller lakes are feeling the chill and starting to ice up, while the larger and deeper waters—such as Louise, Paxson, and Summit—are still wide open and producing very nice catches of lake trout, grayling, whitefish, and burbot. Smaller, flowing waters are also building ice but were yielding fish until just a few days ago and may be productive yet, although not for much longer. Larger drainages, including glacial ones, are often great late season bets for grayling, char, and whitefish. While there are very limited opportunities within the Copper River for salmon, anglers reporting the most luck are down in Valdez where silvers are present and can be landed with time and effort.

COPPER RIVER: The attention of anglers for this weekend will be more directed towards slightly larger rivers and streams compared to recently when the smaller drainages ruled in terms of quick action. While a few of the relatively warmer (lake-influenced) streams may still produce some worthwhile fishing, the Gakona, Little Nelchina, Chistochina, and Slana rivers are flowing clear if not at least somewhat so and seeing late-season catches of grayling with opportunities for Dolly Varden and whitefish as well. Sections of Klutina and Tonsina could be worth a try as fish are definitely there, including a handful of silver salmon. Upper Gulkana has both grayling and rainbows; late-run reds are spawning.

PORT VALDEZ: Angling opportunities around the port are diminishing as salmon runs are slowing down and the weather taking on a more wintry feel and look; however, bright silvers continue to arrive into local waters, albeit in very reduced numbers compared to just a week or two ago. A few nice color fish are being caught around the hatchery on  Dayville Road and are present at Robe River as well, although in very modest numbers. But the better fishing these days is for Dolly Varden along the mainstem Lowe River, especially at the mouths and lower sections of clearwater salmon spawning streams, where good action is taking place.

 

 

 

Updated Friday, September 29

HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; KASILOF SILVERS, STEELHEAD; ANCHOR & DEEP STEELHEAD, DOLLIES; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; COPPER LAKERS, GRAYLING, BURBOT, WHITEFISH; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATE

Regional Summary:  As autumn gradually slides into its latter stage  complete with below freezing nights, colder water, frequent rainfall, and even the chance of an early snow shower, anglers are adjusting their scope of which choice species to target along with methods and techniques in order to find good fishing. The opportunity to find fresh salmon persists and may range from solid late runs of fish to sporadic catches. Trout, char, grayling, and other resident species are yet in their ace with excellent action often reported from lakes and streams. Marine locations still harbor some decent fishing for a variety of saltwater species but the spots providing consistent success is on the wane as many species head to deeper, offshore waters.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  Within the city bowl, anglers are able to find fair to sometimes good catches of rainbows and Dollies in Campbell and Chester creeks. In comparison, stocked lakes in the area provide good to excellent fishing for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling at this time. Although rare this late in the season, occasional specimens of nice silver salmon may be present in both Ship and Campbell creeks, but the silver season closes October 1 on the latter. For a much better opportunity for salmon, try the streams down along Turnagain Arm; a quite decent showing of late-run silvers are currently moving through on the way to drainages at the head of the arm and a few fish can be intercepted on high tides in quite a few spots, such as Bird and others. Portage Creek has always been a reliable late-season bet for silvers.

PORTAGE CREEK: While most late-run silvers currently in Turnagain Arm are headed to such locations as 20-Mile and Placer, there is a smaller component of fish also available here. Chrome silvers continue to enter the drainage on the tides and anglers have the opportunity to pick up a few in calm holes, pools, and mouths of clearwater tributaries; however, be prepared to find more semi-bright to blush specimens at this point in the season, especially in sections higher up. Two-fish limits are possible but action varies from very slow to mediocre; try roe. A few Dolly Varden are also available.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  The late runs of silver salmon into the glacial drainages of Kenai and Kasilof are at a peak and will continue to yield solid catches through the next few weeks, especially on the former which may see catches of chrome fish right through November. There is also a more subdued run of silvers coming into the Resurrection down in Seward. Willing anglers can connect with nice silvers in the Swanson as well, so the opportunity still stands concerning salmon. But for many, late fall means exploring various lakes and streams for trout, char, and grayling. Rainbows and Dollies are very active on the middle and upper Kenai; it is almost difficult to find a water on the peninsula that does not produce worthwhile Dolly opportunities as the species is very prolific. Landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are very active in both wild as well as stocked lakes as some of the best action of the year can be enjoyed right now. The marine fisheries are slowing down but this weekend will see huge tides and a decent shot at halibut before this species heads to deeper water for the winter; shark are plentiful still and typically abundant for another few weeks along with skate.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The action has slowed considerably at the mouth of Scheffler Creek in front of town near the harbor but some bright and semi-bright silvers are being caught, most by snagging. The same result can be experienced at the mouth of other streams around the bay. However, perhaps the better opportunity for silvers is now in the lower Resurrection River drainage (downstream of Seward Highway), including Salmon Creek (downstream of Nash Road). A fair number of bright and semi-bright silvers are being landed, with some blush to dark specimens also present. The Resurrection River is currently flowing low and clear, optimal for finding schools of fish migrating upstream. Do not be surprised to hook a nice late-run red salmon; pinks are still actively spawning and dying off. Dolly Varden fishing is fair. Surf-casting for marine species is fair and continues to slow down.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Late-run silver salmon are entering the area and numbers are building daily. Most fish are still chrome and fat with fair to good catches being reported, mainly from Sportsman’s Landing downstream to the Skilak Lake inlet. The run should begin to peak this coming week with solid action possible for the next several weeks until the season ends on October 31; the limit is 3 fish. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to excellent; beads and flesh flies are working well as the spawning activity of late-run king and red salmon is dissipating and fish are dying off. Expect to hook into a few whitefish, too.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: The late run of silver salmon is at a peak on the middle river from Sterling on up to the outlet of Skilak Lake; action is being described as good or better. The lower river from Soldotna on down into tidewater is still productive as a fair number of fish are entering the river on the tides with limit catches of chrome silvers very much a reality to those putting in the time and effort. The silver salmon season ends October 31 upstream of Bing’s Landing and on November 30 downstream. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is very good in sections of the middle river upstream of Bing’s Landing; beads and flesh flies are what works best. This is also the time of year when anglers start encountering steelhead trout.

KASILOF RIVER: The best fishing is available to those anglers with the means of accessing the middle and upper reaches where concentrations of late-run silver salmon and steelhead trout may be found. Plugs fished slow and deep in calm holes and pools are scoring good catches of silvers and fair steelies; however, also try over-sized beads and attractors and bright spinners may work as well in spots. Dolly Varden fishing is good in Crooked Creek and there may be a few nice color silvers around yet.

COOK INLET: From the mouth of Kenai River to Anchor Point, surf-casters this weekend will witness some of the bigger tides of the year. This means halibut are likely to be around for a last time and the action could be anywhere from slow to reasonably good, depending on location and what the fish decide to do. However, there should be plenty of sharks to be had, especially from Ninilchik on north; big skates are another factor to be reckoned with this time of year.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: These streams are low, clear, and cold, typically translating into the better fishing occurring in the late morning and afternoon hours as temperatures rise. Steelhead trout are providing fair to good catches in the middle sections but some fish are also being hooked down low as well; expect a few fish to be available in tidal areas but runs appear now to be in-stream. A trickle of bright silver salmon persists. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good with fish spread throughout the drainages.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  Like elsewhere in the region, finding fresh salmon around here is difficult, but not impossible. While most runs have already completed their life cycle, some waters are still seeing spawning fish (and hungry trout and char). But the quest for bright specimens is not entirely futile; the Knik River does have a small, late run of silver salmon lasting through October and anglers are able to find nice color specimens at the mouths of clearwater tributaries and—as the Knik clears up later in the month—the mainstem river itself. Apart from that, sporadic occurrences will be it concerning salmon catches in other locations. Fishing for rainbows, Dollies, grayling, whitefish, and burbot is productive in or near the mouths of streams draining into the Susitna River, while the Knik Arm drainages of Fish, Cottonwood, and Wasilla has opportunities for rainbows and Dollies. Dollies may also be found in the lower reaches and mouths of streams flowing into the Matanuska River. Lake fisheries are doing great with plenty of action for landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike.

SUSITNA RIVER: Anglers focusing efforts on some of the larger tributaries, such as Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna, are finding variable success for rainbows, Dollies, and grayling, with the best of it generally situated in the lower end of these streams as well as the mouths. Although some fish may also be found higher up as the silver salmon spawn is still ongoing, density is greater down low as resident species are in the process of vacating the summer feeding grounds for overwintering areas in the mainstem Susitna River. Catch rates range from dead slow to excellent; for best results, zero in on deeper holes where schools of fish may be found and move around a lot in the search. Both late-spawning chum and silver salmon are trickling through mainstem Susitna and Talkeetna but finding nice specimens is an exception.

CHULITNA RIVER: Most of the smaller tributaries, especially those at higher elevations, are now seeing the last of the seasonal outmigration of resident trout, char, and grayling with the better opportunities occurring at the confluence with the mainstem Chulitna. Still, there are definitely some good action to be found for rainbows on Byers and both rainbows and grayling on the East Fork Chulitna; try the lower sections of these waters or wherever there are spawning salmon present. Late-spawning chums and silvers are moving into spots in the mainstem Chulitna.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  Salmon fishing opportunities are getting very slim in this area with only Port Valdez and Tonsina River yielding some sporadic action for silvers. Cooler water temperatures have sparked a feeding frenzy in many lakes and streams for trout, char, grayling, whitefish, and burbot as fish are preparing for the long winter ahead, resulting in outstanding angling in many locations. Steelhead trout is another option, although slight, and may be encountered especially in the Gulkana but also in multiple other locations throughout the area. Some smaller ponds have begun to build a thin layer of ice along the edges but freeze-up is still weeks away in most locations.

LOUISE, PAXSON, SUMMIT LAKES: These large bodies of water all support some very decent angling these days. Lake trout, grayling, whitefish, and burbot are all aggressively feeding and/or spawning in the shallows and collectively yield good to excellent catch rates. While Louise and to some degree Paxson may be a little harder to fish from shore at the roadside access points, Summit is paralleled by Richardson Highway. But a light watercraft opens up even more opportunities, especially concerning trophy-sized lakers. From now and for the next 2-3 weeks the action should be great.

COPPER RIVER: The smaller, clearwater streams connected to the Copper and associated glacial tributaries are seeing some great action for grayling these days as fish are continuing to move out of summer feeding grounds destined to overwintering areas. Dense schools of fish are commonly encountered with fish-on-every-cast success possible. Spots to check include Mendeltna, Tolsona, Gunn, Indian, Little Tonsina, and Tulsona, among others; a few of these also have fair opportunities for rainbow trout. The larger waters, like Little Nelchina, Gakona, Chistochina, and Slana, will soon be productive as well. The upper Gulkana River, as long as access remains possible, will yield excellent grayling fishing along with a decent number of rainbows. The Tonsina River still has a few blush silver salmon.

PORT VALDEZ: The opportunity to catch chrome silvers in this location is very much possible and a few anglers are doing just that along the waterfront immediately west of the fish hatchery on Dayville Road. While limits of 6 may be hard to achieve this late in the season, landing one or two is absolutely feasible; try the incoming, high, and outgoing tides. Spinners work great but snagging is effective too. Robe River harbors a decent silver run and bright and semi-bright fish are present in small numbers. Condition of salmon, in the river as well as the port, range from fresh to spawning. Also look for fair to good action for Dolly Varden at the mouths of clearwater streams draining into the Lowe River. Pink salmon runs have died off but late-run chums are still spawning.

 

 

Updated Thursday, September 21

HOT SPOTS:  SEWARD SILVERS; KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; ANCHOR & DEEP STEELHEAD; VALDEZ SILVERS; COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARK, SKATE; SUSITNA & CHULITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

Regional Summary:  Autumn has arrived in full force, anglers having to deal with periods of heavy, cold rain and strong winds along with swollen rivers and streams as they await the often brief periods of calm and sunny conditions bringing low and clear water conditions. The fishing, however, tends to be great for multiple species, foremost silver salmon along with sea-run rainbow trout—steelhead—and an array of other fish, including resident rainbows, Dollies, grayling, whitefish, pike, and burbot. Lakes and streams are beaming with action, as are some marine waters. Surf-casting the briny for halibut, shark, and skate is some of the best of the year. The next couple of weeks really has some unique (and challenging) fishing opportunities, yet very worthwhile as the action is prime and the crowds are gone.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  Opportunities for fresh salmon is dwindling by the day with the only realistic chance being in the Portage area of Turnagain Arm. Although a few bright silvers continue to move through Bird on the tides, Portage Creek is the best bet for consistent action. Rainbows and Dollies are present in most drainages in Anchorage and Turnagain Arm, with the streams of Campbell and Chester the top contenders—as long as waters conditions are low and clear. The lake fisheries are a solid bet for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling.

PORTAGE CREEK: The stream has settled down a bit since the high water last weekend but is still flowing turbid. Chrome silver salmon continue to enter the stream in reduced numbers on every tide with most fish present being semi-bright to very light blush; the middle stream section is most productive. Schools of salmon may be located in some holes and pools and frequent the mouths of clearwater tributaries as well. Use roe in the glacial mainstem, toss spinners or flies in clearer water. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  Best place to seek out good numbers of fresh silver salmon for the next week is the Kenai River, with nice catches also coming out of the Kasilof, Swanson, and Resurrection rivers. Steelhead trout are now a prolific target in the waters of Kasilof, Ninilchik, Deep, Stariski, and Anchor and likely to hold form well into October. The small stream fisheries around the area are seeing decent opportunities for trout and char, yet it is the mainstem Kenai River that supports the best chances for rainbows and Dollies during the course of the next several weeks. The lake fisheries are doing fantastic right now for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. For surf-casters, the marine fisheries around the peninsula and Prince William Sound fluctuates greatly in productivity according to location, with Cook Inlet being the best for a shot at halibut, shark, and skate, while Kachemak and Resurrection bays prevail for Pacific cod and smaller bottomfish.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Silver salmon fishing around the bay area is still reasonably productive, although the peak appears to have passed. Anglers are picking up fish at the “culvert,” or Scheffler Creek, with regularity and the action can be described as being good on some tides and days; many fish are starting to turn color but there are fair numbers of bright and semi-bright specimens left yet. Snagging is the most efficient method here. But silvers are also caught at the mouths of streams and along beaches in and around town, and there are additional opportunities in the lower Resurrection River drainage, including Salmon Creek, where silvers are running in decent numbers with a few late-run reds in the mix; expect fair to occasionally good success. Pink salmon are plentiful and spawning and dying off; fresh specimens are possible but very few and far between. Dolly Varden fishing is fair. In the salt, surf-casters still have a chance to hook into halibut, rockfish, Pacific cod and other, smaller bottomfish throughout the bay.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: With water levels back to near normal for this time of year, anglers are sampling some really productive action for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden with a few whitefish also being landed. Fish are spread out from the outlet of Kenai Lake to the inlet at Skilak Lake hitting beads as late-run kings and reds are spawning and dying off in large numbers; try forage patterns or something different if the bite seems slow, but generally success has been good to excellent. Fishing for silver salmon is fair as the early run is tapering off and the late run has not arrived in force yet; expect things to really pick up right around the first of next month. A trickle of bright reds are still present and occasionally encountered while casting for other species.

MIDDLE/LOWER KENAI RIVER: Water levels are dropping after the recent glacial dam outburst event and anglers are yet again scoring some very respectable catches of late-run silver salmon. The run is still entering the drainage in good numbers on the tides, with roe being deadly and flashy spinners and flies effective, too. Expect the fast action to hold through the rest of the month on the lower river and until the season ends on October 31 on the middle. The daily bag limit for silvers is 3 fish (after September 1 per regulations). Condition of most all of the fish being caught is chrome; a few early-run fish are lingering in spots, like in or near mouths of tributaries, and are uniformly semi-bright to red in color. The late run of red salmon is peaking in spawning activity but there are always a few bright specimens around through the month and later. Anglers targeting rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are experiencing a surge in activity with very good success in stretches of water upstream of Bing’s Landing in Sterling where most of the salmon are spawning.

SWANSON RIVER: Every tide sees a relatively small number of chrome silvers arriving and catch rates are fair to sometimes good. The majority of the run is now located in the middle section of river and anglers drifting watercraft from the Swanson River access point down to Kenai Spur Highway should experience some great fishing; expect more blush fish in this area. There is a component of the silver population on this river that typically comes in late in the season, thus some bright fish are available well into October and even November. Rainbow trout fishing is good on the upper river and in clearwater tributaries where salmon spawn.

KASILOF RIVER: Fishing for silver salmon is reported as good in the middle and upper stretches as fish enter the drainage and move very quickly through the lower and tidewater sections heading upstream. While decent action can be had according to the tides down low, by far the most fish are being taken in deeper, calmer holes and pools farther up; plugs work best. Condition of these late-run fish range from chrome to light blush with most being nice and bright at this stage in the run. A small number of semi-bright to blush early-run fish are present in Crooked Creek, where Dolly Varden success is greatest also. Steelhead trout are becoming a common catch as more fish enters the river every day; use large beads or plugs for fair to good action.

COOK INLET: Along with cooler water temperatures in the shallows and more halibut venturing into the surf in search of food, anglers are seeing a distinct uptick in action with some limits being achieved. Flatfish are being landed in generally modest numbers between Kenai Beach and Anchor Point and the seasonal window of opportunity should hold through the month before dissipating as winter approaches and halibut finalize their track to deeper, offshore waters. Shark, especially, are very abundant with often excellent catch rates, while skate are making a more fair but consistent appearance.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: The last several days have been tough fishing due to high and muddy water but things are looking much better for the weekend. When water conditions are right, fishing for steelhead trout is good on the lower streams, including tidewater sections; the in-migration of runs is at a peak. However, some fish may now be found in middle reaches as well as runs advance upstream. Dolly Varden are active in most areas of the drainages with good to excellent catches possible. Silver salmon fishing is poor to fair as runs are slowing down but a few fresh specimens are being caught and fish usually continue to arrive all month and through most of October. Nearby Ninilchik River offers decent fishing as well.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  The next week to ten days will see some opportunities for absolutely epic action for resident species in area streams, particularly those of the Susitna River drainage, including Chulitna and Talkeetna rivers. Fish will be moving from summer feeding grounds in clearwater tributaries to overwintering locations in the mainstem Susitna and are often encountered in large masses of fish consisting of rainbows, Dollies, grayling, and whitefish. Expect to find long stretches of water with few if any fish and slow action, then suddenly large concentrations in one spot yielding non-stop action and perhaps as many as dozens of fish or more. There are also opportunities to be had in Knik Arm drainages for trout and/or char, such as Fish and Cottonwood creeks, and at the mouths of clearwater streams flowing into the glacial Matanuska and Knik rivers. Lake fishing is excellent right now targeting landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike.

SUSITNA RIVER: After a spell of cloudy and very wet weather that impacted the tributaries of this vast drainage, it appears that the coming weekend will allow for things to dry out a bit, resulting in water levels dropping and clarity returning. Rainbow trout, whitefish, and grayling are busy feeding on the salmon spawn and thus well distributed throughout all sections of water; however, there is a distinct trend of fish moving downstream towards the mainstem Susitna and this seasonal migration will peak during the next week to ten days. Prime locations include Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Rabideux. As for salmon, the silver salmon runs are wrapping up in these tributaries with only a handful of semi-bright to light blush remaining with most being in spawning colors. However, a few fresh chums and silvers continue to cruise through the mouths of aforementioned waters on the way to spawning locations in the mainstem Susitna, Chulitna, and Talkeetna rivers.

CHULITNA RIVER: Resident species have started vacating the smaller tributaries of this glacial system, but schools of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish may still be intercepted in most streams and will be around the lower sections at least for the next week. Byers Creek and East Fork Chulitna River typically hold some good trout and grayling fishing through the month and well into October; the former location is lake-fed and still has a sizable number of silvers spawning and thus tends to hold rainbows a little later into the season. Targeting salmon tends to be slow right now as the last of the red and chum runs are finishing up the spawn, although a few semi-bright to light blush silvers may be present at the mouths of tributaries, such as Byers and Troublesome.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  There are still opportunities for decent salmon fishing, with Valdez the obvious destination for productive silver salmon action and likely to hold fishable numbers for at least another week. Smaller number of silvers may be found in the Tonsina River through the month and even into October some years. The Gulkana River has a few late-run red salmon left but this run is nearly done for the year. Anglers may also tie into a steelhead trout in the Gulkana as well as other area drainages. Resident species like grayling and rainbow trout are starting their seasonal movements from summer feeding grounds destined to overwinter in the mainstem Copper River or associated lakes; some of the best action of the year coincides with this migration. The smaller lake fisheries are at a peak as trout, char, and grayling are engaged in a feeding frenzy, while the larger lakes such as Louise, Paxson, and Summit are revving up right now and will peak very soon.

GULKANA RIVER: As long as water conditions permit, anglers still have a decent shot at hooking late-run red salmon in the middle section of this river. The run has peaked but a small number of fresh specimens are headed upstream and should be present for another week to ten days. But if looking for quick and easy action, target the grayling and rainbow trout of the upper river between Paxson Lake outlet and the rapids; expect good to excellent results.

TONSINA RIVER: Apart from some good fishing for Dolly Varden and grayling at the mouths of clearwater tributaries, such as the Little Tonsina River, anglers are seeing a decent number of silver salmon here. Salmon roe works best in the main river, while flies and lures draw strikes in spots with clear water. Most silvers are light blush or darker, with a few bright specimens also available. There is a trickle of late-run reds moving through as well.

PORT VALDEZ: The peak of the silver salmon run here may be in the past along with commercial cost-recovery operations, but there are still a very decent number of fish around and enough silvers to be had for some good success for a handful of dedicated anglers. In fact, it is not unusual to come across concentrations of fish yielding quick 6-fish limits this time of the season; try the harbor area or near the hatchery. Condition of fish range from chrome to dark blush. The pink and chum salmon runs are practically done for the year, although an occasional bright specimen remains possible. Robe River in town has fair to good opportunities for bright and semi-bright silvers but there are a lot of blush specimens around, too.

 

 

Updated Saturday, September 16

HOT SPOTS:  SEWARD SILVERS; VALDEZ SILVERS; KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; ANCHOR & DEEP STEELHEAD; COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARK, SKATE; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

Regional Summary:  Autumn fishing continues to fluctuate according to available species and water conditions. Silver salmon are being caught in multiple drainages with the drainages of Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound being the best bet right now. The red, pink, and chum salmon runs are dwindling as more fish spawn and die off. Fishing for resident species in streams is variably good; rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling are most active. The lake fisheries have really picked up and landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike are actively feeding in shallow, nearshore areas. Some opportunities remain for halibut, shark, skate, and other bottomfish in coastal marine waters, primarily around the Kenai Peninsula.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  The most action these days are focused in the stocked lakes around the city bowl. Landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are aggressively striking anglers’ offerings and the good fishing should hold through the month and into October in some waters. Trout and char are also present in Campbell and Chester creeks and make a good account of themselves when the water is low and clear. A few fresh silver salmon are trickling into Ship, Campbell, and Bird creeks, with the latter being the choice pick. But for consistent salmon opportunities, head to the bottom of Turnagain Arm and the larger glacial drainages, such as Portage.

PORTAGE CREEK: For roadside anglers, this stream remains a realistic option if targeting silver salmon. Bright to light blush fish are spread throughout the lower and middle reaches and some have made it to the upper section as well. Scout for silvers hanging out around the mouths of clearwater tributaries and in the quiet water of deeper holes and sloughs. Action is typically fair with good catches possible in the right place. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  As many flowing waters on the peninsula are in peak condition for trout and char in places supporting salmon spawning, fall silver salmon runs are working their way up mainly the Kenai and Kasilof rivers with secondary runs also appearing in smaller drainages such as Resurrection River in Seward and the Swanson River. Multiple other waters support a trickle of late-season silvers as well. Red and pink salmon runs are just about finished but an occasional nice specimen is possible still. The lake fisheries for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are now at a peak and will continue to produce lots of action through the month and into the next. Surf-casters are experiencing consistent catches of halibut, rockfish, shark, skate, and Pacific cod around the peninsula, but this opportunity will dissipate shortly as these fish commence their seasonal migrations to deeper water for the winter.

NOTE: The glacial dam release in the Kenai River drainage is still impacting the middle and lower river around the communities of Sterling, Soldotna, and City of Kenai. Please yield to mitigation work in progress and focus angling efforts away from densely populated areas.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The past week has been great for silvers, with snaggers, especially, enjoying a strong run of fish to Scheffler Creek, the outfall stream of Seward Lagoon. Limits of 6 fish are easily achieved on some days and tides. This weekend should see similar success; however, the run will likely not last for too much longer. While there is a fair number of chrome silvers present, most of the fish are beginning to blush, an indication the peak may already have passed. Anglers are also encountering a few silvers in other parts of the bay, including the mouths of clearwater streams. In addition, silvers are being caught in waters open to salmon fishing within the lower Resurrection River drainage, including Salmon Creek. Most pink salmon are spawning and dying off but a few nice specimens persist. Fishing for bottomfish is fair to good but slowing down; halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod remain available off Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Flooding conditions are no longer in effect and  anglers may get into some decent fishing in places. For early-run silvers, look for calm, slack water at the edge of the main current, such as the mouths of channels and sloughs, where fair success may be had. Late-run fish are very few in numbers yet. Red salmon are spawning but an occasional fresh late-run fish may be found. Targeting rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to excellent throughout the length of the river between the lakes.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: Despite the high and turbid water conditions lately, late-run silvers are being caught in spots; look for the slack water at the mouths of sloughs, channels, and tributaries—spinners and roe are working. The confluences of Moose and Funny rivers and Slikok and Soldotna creeks are producing silvers. Soaking bait on the bottom in the intertidal area of the lower river is proving effective, too. This run is at or near a peak and typically holds strong through the month on the lower end of the river, and through October in the middle section. Red salmon are plentiful in the upper section of the middle river but most are in the process of spawning with very few fresh specimens left.  Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden has dropped off following the water changes but is currently fair to good in spots upstream of Bing’s Landing.

SWANSON RIVER: The number of fresh silvers entering the system has declined but fish are still showing up on the tides on the lower end of the river; expect fair to good results. Anglers floating from the Swanson River Road access point to the Kenai Spur Highway will be in the thick of it with good or better fishing possible; condition of silvers range from chrome to dark, most being semi-bright to light blush. Rainbow trout fishing continues to be good on the upper river.

KASILOF RIVER: Silver salmon fishing is fair to good but may slow down a bit for many anglers as the bait ban regulation takes effect on the 15th. Plugs will be effective in deeper and calmer holes, with large beads or attractors also good bets. Most of the early run has vacated the lower river but the late run is coming in and the action should pick up over the next several days. Steelhead are also being taken and numbers of fish will improve during the next week or two. Crooked Creek has good fishing for Dolly Varden and there are some nice silvers available as well.

COOK INLET: The late-season halibut fishery is in full swing and persistent anglers are able to catch quite a few fish around high tides with 2-fish limits possible. While many flatfish are already leaving the inlet for deeper, offshore water for the winter, there is also a distinct movement along the beaches and into the mouths of salmon spawning streams this time of year, something surf-casters will be able to capitalize on for the next couple of weeks. Spots from Kenai Beach to Anchor Point are historically productive. Shark and skate are abundant as well and often provide excellent catches.

ANCHOR RIVER, DEEP CREEK: While there is a fair presence of silver salmon in these drainages still, the runs are past prime and most fish situated upstream of the markers. Yet, a few bright salmon are being caught, mainly by anglers targeting steelhead that are now arriving in good numbers. The lower reaches and tidal areas are best for sea-run rainbows as the peak in-migration from the salt has started. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to very good with fish spread throughout the streams.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  Salmon fishing in this area has decreased substantially with only minor runs still yielding some catches. Although fresh silvers may be caught in most any location, finding consistent and productive action may prove difficult, although definitely not impossible. The drainages of Knik Arm still hold a trickle of decent fish, such as Cottonwood, Fish, and Wasilla creeks, yet vast majority salmon will be blush or dark. Matanuska River has a few semi-bright silvers present at the mouths of Moose and Eska creeks and in other spots as well. Knik River has a small and sometimes unpredictable return of bright silvers through October. The Susitna River has both chums and silvers available in small numbers now through the month. But for most anglers, it is the fall stream action for resident rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling that is of most interest at this time as fish are fattening up on the last of the salmon spawn as they prepare to commence the migration to overwintering areas; the tributaries of the Susitna River are especially noted. Lake fisheries are yielding good to excellent catches of landlocked salmon, trout, char, pike, and grayling that should persist through the month and into October.

SUSITNA RIVER: Anglers are finding fluctuating stream conditions in the tributaries according to rain events but when flowing low and clear between autumn storm systems, the action for rainbow trout and grayling can be very good in the middle and lower reaches of waters such as Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana. With the possible exception of whitefish, resident species are beginning the downstream movement out of the upper stream sections headed for the mainstem Susitna to overwinter. However, there will still be plenty of opportunity for these fish as long as salmon are present and spawning. As for locating sport and table fare quality salmon, options are very limited; there is a small but steady trickle of fresh silvers and chums moving up the Susitna and anglers intercept a few of these fish at the mouths of clearwater streams and in spots like Rabideux and Sunshine.

CHULITNA RIVER: While a few semi-bright silvers are present in Byers Creek and perhaps the mouths of Troublesome and East Fork Chulitna, most fish are in spawning condition at this time. Fishing for rainbows and grayling is the main attraction in this glacial system and anglers report fair to excellent success depending on location, day, and water conditions. The seasonal downstream movement has started but should intensify shortly, creating great opportunities to discover schools of migrating fish and subsequent fast action in streams such as Troublesome, Byers, Honolulu, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  There are still opportunities for decent salmon fishing, with Valdez the obvious destination for productive silver salmon action and likely to hold fishable numbers for at least another week. Smaller number of silvers may be found in the Tonsina River through the month and even into October some years. The Gulkana River has a few late-run red salmon left but this run is nearly done for the year. Anglers may also tie into a steelhead trout in the Gulkana as well as other area drainages. Resident species like grayling and rainbow trout are starting their seasonal movements from summer feeding grounds destined to overwinter in the mainstem Copper River or associated lakes; some of the best action of the year coincides with this migration. The smaller lake fisheries are at a peak as trout, char, and grayling are engaged in a feeding frenzy, while the larger lakes such as Louise, Paxson, and Summit are revving up right now and will peak very soon.

GULKANA RIVER: As long as water conditions permit, anglers still have a decent shot at hooking late-run red salmon in the middle section of this river. The run has peaked but a small number of fresh specimens are headed upstream and should be present for another week to ten days. But if looking for quick and easy action, target the grayling and rainbow trout of the upper river between Paxson Lake outlet and the rapids; expect good to excellent results.

TONSINA RIVER: Apart from some good fishing for Dolly Varden and grayling at the mouths of clearwater tributaries, such as the Little Tonsina River, anglers are seeing a decent number of silver salmon here. Salmon roe works best in the main river, while flies and lures draw strikes in spots with clear water. Most silvers are light blush or darker, with a few bright specimens also available. There is a trickle of late-run reds moving through as well.

PORT VALDEZ: The peak of the silver salmon run here may be in the past along with commercial cost-recovery operations, but there are still a very decent number of fish around and enough silvers to be had for some good success for a handful of dedicated anglers. In fact, it is not unusual to come across concentrations of fish yielding quick 6-fish limits this time of the season; try the harbor area or near the hatchery. Condition of fish range from chrome to dark blush. The pink and chum salmon runs are practically done for the year, although an occasional bright specimen remains possible. Robe River in town has fair to good opportunities for bright and semi-bright silvers but there are a lot of blush specimens around, too.

 

 

Updated Thursday, September 7

HOT SPOTS:  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; SEWARD SILVERS; KASILOF SILVERS; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARK, SKATE; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; VALDEZ SILVERS

Regional Summary:  As summer gradually yields to fall with changing weather and water patterns and fish populations responding with seasonal movements, anglers are faced with a smaller number of places offering productive salmon fishing but can find great action for resident species. Late-run silver salmon as well as the last red salmon runs of the year may be targeted with success in quite a few places yet, just as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling peak in feeding activity in lakes, rivers, and streams before winter arrives.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary:  Anglers wanting to tangle with salmon do best channeling efforts down along Turnagain Arm, although a few specimens may be picked up still in spots like Ship Creek and Campbell Creek right in town. While city salmon runs are well beyond their peak, there are more consistent catches to be had in Bird, Portage, and Ingram; however, besides in Portage Creek, numbers of salmon tend to be on the low side, although some tides may produce surprisingly good fishing for another week or so. Lake fishing for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling in this area is gaining momentum and could be good to excellent shortly as temperatures continue to cool.

PORTAGE CREEK: Perhaps the most accessible and productive roadside silver salmon fishery this time of year, the few anglers taking time and effort to explore the many deep holes, pools, sloughs, and clearwater confluences of the middle stream section are seeing mixed results right now. While fresh silvers continue to enter this stream on every tide, the bulk of the run is situated upstream. Water conditions are considered good for finding schools of salmon. Salmon roe is most effective.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary:  The autumn angling opportunities are taking shape nicely around here as late-run silver salmon are entering the Kenai drainage in good numbers with action also developing on the nearby Kasilof. Other area silver runs the are productive include those of Swanson River and the waters of Resurrection Bay. Lesser numbers of fish are appearing in the southern peninsula streams of Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor, as well as the Turnagain Arm drainages of Resurrection and Sixmile, and in Passage Canal. A few reds continue to persist in the Kenai and pinks in Seward but these species are generally done for the year along with chums. Besides the main attraction of late-run silvers, most of anglers’ attention will be on the various populations of trout and char from now on until freeze-up. Steelhead are showing up in waters between Kasilof and Anchor; rainbows are most prolific in the Kenai system. Dolly Varden are present in mediocre to good numbers in most flowing waters of the peninsula. Lake fishing is accelerating as temperatures cool with good to excellent success for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling in both stocked and wild waters. The marine fisheries are yielding mainly shark and skate in Cook Inlet along with a few halibut there and in the bays of Kachemak and Resurrection; fish are starting the seasonal migration to deeper waters.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Anglers here are reporting mixed success for silver salmon, ranging from very slow to excellent depending on tide and location within the bay. Best results are often had by scouting the mouths of clearwater streams or looking for silvers jumping along the beaches, an indication of a possible school or mass of fish moving through. The mouth of Scheffler Creek can be very productive at times but do not neglect other spots such as Spring, Lowell, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks. Typically, the incoming and high tides are best. Silvers are also being taken off the mouth of Resurrection River. There are a good number of spawning pinks present; a few bright specimens are possible. Surf-casting for bottomfish like flounder, codfish, and greenling is fair; chances for halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod remain along Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Fishing for early-run silver salmon is good with most catches made in or near the mouth of Russian River, although some decent fish are available in any hole, pool, and slough along length of river. A few bright and semi-bright reds remain; most are dark or ripe. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to excellent with beads effective as king and red salmon are currently spawning. Whitefish are also being caught.

MIDDLE/LOWER KENAI RIVER: The late run of silver salmon is arriving and anglers are experiencing very good catches of chrome fish in the lower section of river from tidewater up to near Soldotna. Silvers weighing in the mid-teens are not unusual; try roe and  spinners on the tides or at dawn. The middle river section is fair for silvers with a mix of early- and late-run fish present. A trickle of bright and semi-bright red salmon continue to enter river with a few nice specimens being caught, primarily upstream of Sterling. For rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, head upstream to Bing’s Landing or above where anglers are reporting good success; fish are keyed in on salmon eggs—use beads.

SWANSON RIVER: The tidewater section of the lower river at the Kenai Spur Highway access point is producing fair to good numbers of fresh silver salmon, but fish are also spread all the way upstream to the Swanson River Road access point and beyond. For quality fish, try the lower river. This is a perfect time to explore more remote sections of water by employing a small watercraft, drifting between the access points. Rainbow trout are striking offerings on the upper river.

KASILOF RIVER: Early-run silvers continue to be available in fair numbers on the lower river in and around the mouth of Crooked Creek but late-run fish are now entering the drainage and should yield good action soon, particularly in spots along the mid to upper river section. An occasional fresh red salmon may still be around. A few steelhead trout are confirmed present and the run is building towards a peak later in the month and next. For good Dolly Varden fishing, try Crooked Creek.

COOK INLET: A series of autumn storms have kept many anglers off area beaches the past couple of weeks as heavy rain, high winds, and waves lashed the coastline of the inlet. Those braving the elements or catching the brief windows of calm reported good numbers of shark along with some skates being landed; halibut have remained elusive for many anglers up until now but there are strong indications that the fall fishery is shaping up very nicely and decent opportunities on the larger tides for the next two to three weeks.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary:  Opportunities for salmon remain subdued in all locations but as is the case in every fishery, there may be spurts of decent activity in some spots. The Susitna River drainage continues to see a small number of nice silvers trickling through and there are a very few reds and chums to be found as well. The smaller Knik Arm weekend-only streams, such as Fish, Cottonwood, and Wasilla, support small numbers of bright and semi-bright silvers too, with the former location even yielding a few bright reds. The Matanuska River drainage has a few isolated opportunities as water conditions allow, mainly at the mouth of clearwater tributaries like Moose and Eska for silvers. The Knik River drainage has seen a smattering of bright and semi-bright silvers being caught at the Eklutna Tailrace. Best fishing these days is for trout and grayling in tributaries of the Susitna, and in the many stocked and wild lakes throughout the area for landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike; action should be good to excellent as temperatures continue to cool.

SUSITNA-CHULITNA RIVERS: With water levels forecast to drop leading up to the weekend, anglers fishing the clearwater tributaries like Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Montana, Byers, and East and Middle forks Chulitna are likely to find some fair to very good fishing this weekend for rainbows and grayling. With chum salmon runs wrapping up the spawn and silvers next, anglers do well trying a variety of offerings from beads to flesh flies to forage imitations. Fish are more or less spread out evenly across all sections of water this time of year but there will be a slow but persistent downstream movement commencing shortly as trout, char, and grayling head to overwintering grounds. A few fresh silver salmon are present in the river system but most of the run is turning color; try the mouth of Montana, Sunshine, Rabideux, and Byers. A few decent late-spawning reds and chums are also present.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary:  There are still opportunities for nice salmon in this area, with the waters of Valdez as well as the Gulkana producing good catches of silver and red salmon, respectively. Also, there are smaller numbers of silvers available in the Tonsina. But in general, anglers are increasingly focused on resident species these days as water temperatures have cooled and sparked some very intense action for lake trout, grayling, and rainbow trout. Smaller stocked lakes are experiencing plenty of activity and the larger bodies of water, like Louise, Paxson, and Summit, are seeing distinct movements of fish from deep water into the shallows and well within range of small watercraft and bank-casters.

GULKANA RIVER: A large slug of late-run red salmon hit about a week ago and more fish continue to enter the river. As long as water condition cooperate, anglers can expect fair to very good success with the better action occurring upstream of the Sourdough area. Condition of fish range from bright to light blush. For grayling and rainbows, the upper river stretches are most productive with good to excellent fishing possible.

PORT VALDEZ: Despite the doom and gloom in the days leading up to Labor Day weekend, the torrential rains held off and the extreme tides of the port helped wash out the heavy mud and silt discharge from area rivers and streams, resulting in good to excellent silver salmon fishing last Sunday and Monday with 6-fish limits very common. While cost-recovery operations for the fish hatchery are in effect in the area, the seiners will not snare all silvers out there and anglers should see at least fair or better catches this weekend and into next week. Most of the pink and chum salmon in the port are dead or dying, although a few fresh specimens remain. The Robe River has been flowing high but is dropping and fishable; silver fishing is fair.

 

 

Updated Thursday, August 31

HOT SPOTS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; KASILOF SILVERS; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATE

Regional Summary: There is a more subdued Labor Day weekend coming up in terms of fishing this year as the very persistent and sometimes heavy rainfall in the region have wreaked havoc on several of the more productive waters. Locations that are historically solid for great action are coming up as mediocre or even poor this time around, yet there is always the optimistic angle that once the rain stops and waters drop and clear, the fishing will be back on track. Only time will tell but for now anglers will perhaps have to seek out other options. Overall, silver salmon season is here and this is also the peak for trout and char in a large number of rivers and streams. As has been stated before, flexibility is the key to success fishing Alaska, this being especially true in September when weather patterns play such a huge role in determining the outcome.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: A few decent silvers may be picked up in Ship and Campbell creeks during most of September but in general, the salmon season is about to conclude there. The only reliable opportunity would be down along Turnagain Arm where fresh late-run silvers continue to be available to anglers taking the time and effort to explore the waters at the head of the arm, such as Portage Creek. Also, Bird Creek will yield a few silvers on the tides for another couple of weeks yet; the hatchery run has ended but these are wild fish destined for other area waters. As long as the weather holds up a bit allowing streams to drop and clear, the fishing in Campbell and Chester creeks for rainbows and Dollies can be quite good at times. Stocked lakes in and around the city are beginning to pick up in productivity as temperatures cool.

PORTAGE CREEK: Silver salmon are present throughout the lower and middle stretches of the stream and best located in slack water, sloughs, and at the mouth of clearwater tributaries. When water conditions cooperate, the action can be good as angling pressure is typically light. Most of the fish are still nice and bright.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: With the late runs of red salmon fading quickly in all areas of the peninsula, silver salmon are now the main target for anglers both in freshwater as well as saltwater locations. The early runs of silvers are at a peak with a few populations starting to show signs of slowing down. The Kenai (including Russian) and Kasilof drainages are doing well in productivity, as is the Swanson. The runs to northern and southern peninsula, like Resurrection, Sixmile, Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor, have peaked already and trending down in success rates. The silver return to Dudiak has just about concluded for the year. If wanting a last chance at decent red salmon action, the middle section of the Kenai still offers this. Chum and pink runs are for the most part finished, although a few nice specimens of the latter may be found in and around Seward. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden opportunities abound in many flowing waters and are at a peak for the season. The lake fisheries are slowly starting back up as temperatures cool and should be in high gear in another week to ten days. Surf-casters in in marine waters around the peninsula are finding good action for smaller bottomfish as well as shark and skate; look for a few locations around Cook Inlet to support a small window of decent halibut fishing commencing right about now.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Some silver salmon are being caught around the bay, with Scheffler, Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina all holding some opportunity; Scheffler is the best bet due to better water conditions and generally more fish. However, anglers are having to work for their salmon. A few decent color reds and pinks are present in the bay as well. Surf-casting for bottomfish like greenling, flounder, and cod is fair to good; for a shot at halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod, try the deep water along Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Anglers are finding fair to very good silver salmon fishing, especially from the Russian River confluence and on downstream to Jims’ Landing. This run is peaking and should hold for another couple of weeks. The river is also loaded with blushed and spawning reds, yet it is possible still to find a few bright specimens with time and effort. The fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is getting hot and will remain highly productive for the next few weeks as late-run salmon are spawning and dying off.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Access is the biggest obstacle here; a major road construction project is underway on road leading to the campground so the only practical way of reaching the river is by boat/raft to mouth of river on the Kenai and hiking upstream. The silver salmon fishing is very good and the run is peaking. There are also a ton of spawning reds in the river so targeting trout and char with beads is often excellent.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: It appears the late run of reds is finally tapering off as numbers of fish entering the river has decreased considerably since just a week ago. However, fair to sometimes even good catches may be had around Bing’s Landing and higher up towards Skilak Lake; limits of 6 fish is possible. Fishing is generally poor to fair at best from Soldotna to tidewater. Condition of fish range from chrome to spawning with most being semi-bright to light blush or darker. Silver salmon action is fair to good with some of the better catches being made upstream of Soldotna as the early run is more concentrated in the middle stretch of river; the late run will begin making its way into the lower river in another week or so. Note: the bag limit for silver salmon increases to 3 fish after September 1. Anglers targeting rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are experiencing good to excellent success between the outlet of Skilak Lake and Bing’s Landing.

SWANSON RIVER: Tides continue to push in schools of fresh silver salmon and the action on the lower river has been good despite all the recent rain. Things are expected to stay consistent for another couple of weeks before slowing down. Anglers are reporting good success for rainbow trout on the upper river.

KASILOF RIVER: Good silver salmon fishing is the rule here with solid catches being made in and around the Crooked Creek confluence just below the campground. Salmon roe is best option; bait and multiple hooks are allowed in area through September 15. The red salmon run is close to finished but some fish continue to enter the river on every tide; expect poor results. Steelhead trout will begin showing any day, if not already.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK: There are fair numbers of silver salmon present in these drainages with variable angler success. Fish keep coming in on the tides but may be caught virtually anywhere from tidewater up to the markers. High and murky water has tempered the fishery recently but should be productive once conditions improve, likely sometime after this weekend. Note: the use of bait and multiple hooks are prohibited starting September 1. Steelhead trout are entering the streams in increasing numbers and should provide fair fishing shortly. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good with most catches made in the middle and upper stream sections.

COOK INLET: Surf-casters are reporting good catches of mainly shark along with some skate but success for halibut remains more subdued, yet some nice fish are being caught from the mouth of Kenai River down along the coast to Anchor Point. Success for halibut is expected to pick up shortly for a brief time before the fish begin their migration to deeper, offshore waters.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: Generally, most of the rivers and streams in this area have been negatively affected by the heavy and persistent rainfall the last several days. There are some locations that are still flowing clear or at least moderately so, this being especially the case in lake-influenced drainages. Silver salmon are present in modest numbers throughout but most are starting to turn color as spawning season approaches. Still, bright and semi-bright specimens are absolutely possible with persistence as long as water conditions allow. As for other species, there may be limited opportunities for both fresh late-run reds and chums in places but the majority of the runs are near completion for the year, along with the pinks. Resident species are typically available in good numbers right now but severely hindered by poor stream conditions; as with salmon, look to lake-based waters for success. Lake fishing is picking up as the water temperatures are steadily  dropping with some productive times, particularly in stocked waters and the smaller wild lakes; landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike are most active.

SUSITNA-CHULITNA RIVERS: For best opportunities for salmon this weekend, look to Sunshine, Rabideux, and Byers creeks. There are some decent silvers present with fair success possible. Sunshine also has a few fresh reds and chums. This is normally a busy time for rainbows and grayling in these parts but the majority of waters known for good action are flowing high and muddy this weekend; the top spot for rainbows in the drainage may be Byers Creek. If the weather improves and things dry up a bit, expect the bite to really pick up around here by early next week.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: The rivers and streams in the area are flowing high and dirty as elsewhere in the region but there may be some limited opportunities for salmon in spots where water conditions allow. Some reds are still moving through the Klutina and Tonsina rivers but the late-run on the Gulkana is peaking and should be productive as long as the water stays low and clear. The Tonsina also has a run of silver salmon; check out the Little Tonsina confluence. Port Valdez has a strong presence of silvers but current water conditions have put a huge dent in the rate of angler success. A few of the smaller lake-based streams may yield a few grayling and rainbows. Lake fishing in the area is improving and can be quite good in many of the smaller waters, especially the ones that have been stocked.

GULKANA RIVER: Water levels are on the rise here and visibility will diminish as well as the weekend rolls around. Solid numbers of late-run red salmon are present in the drainage with anglers reporting fair to very good action the past several days. Condition of fish range from bright to very light blush. There is also good to excellent grayling and rainbow fishing to be had in the middle and upper reaches.

PORT VALDEZ: Normally the number one Hot Spot in the region for salmon Labor Day weekend, anglers are reporting poor fishing conditions for silvers due to all the mud and debris being flushed out into the port by area rivers and streams. Boaters farther out where the water is clean are doing well but surf-casters are managing only the occasional fish; snagging may be the better harvest method in this location. However, should the rain slow down a little bit allowing for the tides to flush out the silt, expect the action to improve significantly. In addition to lots of silvers present within the port, there are some chums still in the harbor area. Most pinks are spawning and dying off but an occasional bright specimens may be possible.

 

 

Updated Friday, August 25

HOT SPOTS: KENAI REDS, SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; ANCHOR & DEEP SILVERS, DOLLIES; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING, RAINBOWS; SWANSON SILVERS, RAINBOWS; KLUTINA REDS, DOLLIES

Regional Summary: This weekend may prove a challenge for anglers in many waters due to the recent heavy rainfall throughout Southcentral, prompting a flood watch warning from the National Weather Service. While the fishing had been productive in the region up until now and expected to continue to do well, things will settle and pick back up again sometime late in the weekend or early next week. However, some drainages are not being impacted much at all or very little, this especially the case in rivers and streams with a natural buffer zone, such as a lake. Lake-based systems are typically great go-to places after high-water events with flood watches in effect.

Salmon runs are overall doing very well with silver salmon predictably taking over much of anglers’ attention in most areas of Southcentral, but the late runs of red salmon are are hanging on later than usual this year in some locations. As for pinks and chums, there are some spots producing limited catches, although these species are for the most part done for the year. Except for the marine fisheries, king salmon are done for the year along the road system.

Resident freshwater species are kicking into high gear now and for the next several weeks as temperatures cool and salmon spawn, providing plenty of protein for fish before winter arrives. Rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden are very active in streams, and lakes are starting to turn on as well.

Saltwater species are continuing to produce action in most all ports, although there will be a shift as smaller bottomfish begin moving out of the shallows into deeper water, yet a few of the larger species such as halibut, shark, and skate will remain inshore for now and the next few weeks.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: The salmon season within the city bowl has slowed considerably recently. Campbell Creek has experienced mostly consistent but sometimes spotty catches of bright silver salmon, although quite a few are beginning to turn color. Ship Creek is still producing nice and chrome silvers but at a much slower rate than a couple of weeks ago; there could be decent opportunities here on the tides into early September. Turnagain Arm drainages are the main producers of salmon this time of season with some good success reported from a few of them, such as Bird, Portage, and Ingram.

BIRD CREEK: Although the hatchery returns are dropping off, there are late-run wild silvers now present and—while maybe not as numerous as the early run—they are typically larger in size. Try around the high tide cycle, or explore deep holes at low tide. Success varies by day and tide, from very good to fair to slow. The run is at a peak now but historically yields nice fish into mid-September. An occasional bright and semi-bright chum or pink may also be caught, yet most are spawned-out and gone.

PORTAGE CREEK: Lots of water in this system right now and those anglers attempting to float it should be extremely cautious. If focused on spots with a calmer flow or the mouth of a clearwater tributary or slough, the lower to middle reaches of the stream holds some fair to possibly good action for fresh silver salmon. Eggs and spinners work best. The run is peaking and should hold for the next two weeks. A few decent reds and chums are around still, too.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: The waters mainly impacted by high and turbid water include those of the southern, eastern, and northern Kenai Peninsula involving rapid-runoff streams, while the larger river systems of the central parts less so but are flowing with more volume yet still very fishable. The late runs of red salmon to the Kenai and Kasilof rivers are scaling back, just as the early runs of silvers take hold of most coastal drainages. Pinks may be a slim option in or near the marine environment, although chums are now largely finished. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are making anglers busy and will peak in activity now on through September. Steelhead trout are becoming a force on the lower peninsula streams. Resident species like landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are becoming more active in lakes. The fall beach halibut fishery has not sparked yet but will shortly; until then, shark and skate are abundant and being caught.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Silver salmon have been arriving at the head of the bay for the past few weeks but reportedly not in any substantial numbers yet, at least not for surf-casters. A small number of fish are being caught at the mouth of Scheffler Creek (Seward Lagoon outfall stream) as well as other spots around the bay, such as the mouths of Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks. Expect fair results at best. While the pink salmon runs have largely entered the spawning cycle, there are still chrome to semi-bright specimens to be had with some success. A few late-run reds are passing through and may be encountered. Fishing for smaller bottomfish is good. Halibut, Pacific cod, and various kinds of rockfish are present in waters along Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: With the red salmon run dwindling as relatively few bright fish are left for the taking, anglers targeting these fish generally do better in the stretch of water from the Russian River confluence to Jims’ Landing. Success is fair to good; expect most fish to be showing signs of color. Silver salmon are becoming more prolific and the run will begin to peak soon if not already; fair to sometimes good catches are possible. The action for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good to excellent as late-run kings and reds are starting to spawn.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: The late run of red salmon had a lot of longevity this season, with large numbers of fish passing through Soldotna and Sterling as recently as this week. Anglers are reporting fair to very good action with limits of 6 fish; however, this run will end very soon. Expect this weekend to hold the last really productive days. Try from Soldotna up to the outlet of Skilak Lake. Quality of fish range from chrome to spawning, with most being bright or semi-bright lower in the drainage to light blush or darker higher up. Targeting early-run silver salmon has seen varied success from good to fair but anglers putting in the time often achieve their 2-fish limit; run is peaking. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing continues to pick up with good results seen from the lake outlet down to around Bing’s Landing.

SWANSON RIVER: This is a great option if other area waters are high and muddy. Fishing for silver salmon has been good for the past ten days or so and should hold through the month and on into early September. The lower end of the river around high tide is best but there are now schools of fish found up into the middle section as well. Fishing for rainbow trout is often good or better in upper parts near the Swanson River Road access point.

KASILOF RIVER: There has been a steady flow of a few thousand reds into this drainage on a daily basis and anglers targeting them report fair success. Like the Kenai, expect this run to end very shortly. Fish are being caught from Crooked Creek up to the rapids on the upper river. Silver salmon fishing is good with concentrations of early-run fish around Crooked Creek and in holes upstream; action is expected to be steady into the first week of September.

COOK INLET: Tides this weekend will be on the small side but quickly pick up in magnitude early next week and for the next several days as peak highs will be in the 20- to 23-foot range. While currents will be strong on the incoming and outgoing, the huge maximum is an ideal condition for surf-casters targeting halibut. It is that time of the season when flatfish begin arriving into the shallows again and good opportunities abound very soon. Fishing is good to excellent for shark and skate.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK: Probably not the best candidates for fishing this weekend as they are expected to flow high and muddy; however, as the waters drop and clear, silver salmon fishing will be fair to good from tidewater up to the markers. Steelhead trout are entering these streams in increasing numbers and targeting them successfully likely to happen in another week or so. A few decent pinks remain present. Fishing for Dolly Varden is good.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Fishing remains good for smaller bottomfish off the end of Coal Point on Homer Spit. Sporadic catches of halibut, Pacific cod, and skate are possible when distance casting. Small schools of silver and pink salmon can sometimes be intercepted in the surf with fair to good results. The early run of silver salmon to the lagoon is near the end but a few stragglers may be present.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: The early runs of silver salmon region-wide has had problems and stream closures or restrictions are in effect in a few of them. Both the Little Susitna River and Jim Creek are closed to silver fishing and a bag limit of 1 fish is now the rule in the Susitna River drainage. But there is still some productive silver action to be had and fish are being caught in Susitna tributaries, in sloughs and mouths of streams draining into the lower expanses of the Matanuska River, and in flowing waters of Knik Arm. In streams where water conditions allow, the rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden action can be hot as salmon are actively spawning. Whitefish are making a solid presence in some waters along with burbot. The lake fisheries are not yet in high gear but water temperatures are dropping and creating a better environment for productive fishing for resident species.

COTTONWOOD CREEK: This weekend should hold some fair to good opportunities for silver salmon as the run continues to peak; however, this is typically the last opener before the run tapers off for the season. There are also a few reds present but most are turning color. Rainbow trout fishing is good in the middle and upper reaches.

FISH CREEK: Silver salmon returns have lacked in numbers the past week but anticipated to improve with the onset of larger tides. However, expect this weekend to provide fair action. There is still a trickle of nice reds coming in which could add to the bounty.

SUSITNA RIVER: The tributaries of the Susitna have been impacted by recent rains and are generally flowing much higher and murkier than just a couple of days ago and may not be the best for targeting salmon, trout, char, and grayling. However, there are a few places that are flowing clear or just slightly silty and very much fishable, such as Caswell, Sunshine, and Rabideux creeks, where some fair opportunities can be had yet for silvers and there may even be a chance for rainbows, grayling, and burbot. Best bet for the other popular streams, like Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana, is to wait a few days for the water to settle.

CHULITNA RIVER: Rain has had an impact in this system as well and anglers are advised to seek out lake-based drainages for clear water. Byers Creek is doing quite well and there are some silvers and even a few reds to be caught. Expect fair to good fishing. Many of the salmon are starting to turn but there are a number of semi-bright silvers present still. As for the rest of the streams in the system, it may be worth to wait a few days for things to clear up.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: While most years see a distinct shift to resident freshwater species this time of season (except for Valdez), late-run red salmon are continuing to infiltrate several of the more popular fisheries, including Gulkana, Klutina, and Tonsina rivers. Silver salmon are starting to show up in the Tonsina and may be worth a try the next couple of weeks. But the main focal point for salmon fishing now lies to the south, in Valdez, where silvers are staging their assault of the port and could very well be the top roadside salmon fishery in Southcentral this time next week. A few pinks and chums are still available in the port. As for resident species in Copper Valley streams, rainbows, grayling, and Dollies are doing great and the action likewise as long as water conditions permit. Lake fishing is heating up as the weather cools but has a way to go yet before being considered a major attraction for anglers.

GULKANA RIVER: The second run of reds has arrived and numbers are spiking after a late start this season. Anglers are reporting fair to very good fishing on the lower river with salmon starting to push into the middle section as well. Most of the fish are relatively bright to semi-bright with some blushed ones, too. Success, depending on water and weather conditions, will continue for the next couple of weeks at least and very possibly into mid-September given the late timing of this run. Fishing for grayling is excellent on the middle and upper river and fair to good for rainbow trout.

KLUTINA RIVER: Very few anglers are fishing the river this time of year but there is a flow of late-run reds coming through and action has been good for the most part. Fish quality ranges from bright to light blush. The opportunity is expected to last for another week. Dolly Varden provide good fishing on the upper river where kings and reds are spawning. Nearby Tonsina River also has a good showing of reds as well as a few silvers.

PORT VALDEZ: Silver salmon are arriving on the tides and the Allison Point area is seeing fair to sometimes good catches depending on the tide. The run just started hitting the head of the port in decent numbers the last few days and anticipated to build in strength up to a peak next week, just in time for the Labor Day weekend. Also check out the city dock, the harbor area, and around the shoreline between Allison Point and the fish hatchery. There is still a lot of ripe pinks in the port with significant spawning occurring in intertidal locations; a few fresh specimens are present. Late-run chums are staging within the harbor and adjacent waters, with some decent fish available yet. Anglers casting off the ferry dock are catching good numbers of smaller bottomfish.

 

 

Updated Friday, August 11

HOT SPOTS: RUSSIAN REDS, RAINBOWS; SHIP SILVERS; KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; LITTLE SUSITNA SILVERS, CHUMS; BIRD SILVERS; CHULITNA REDS, RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; WILLOW CHUMS, SILVERS, RAINBOWS; SHEEP CHUMS, RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; KLUTINA REDS, DOLLIES; MONTANA CHUMS, SILVERS, RAINBOWS, BURBOT; CAMPBELL SILVERS

Regional Summary: With the freshwater king salmon fisheries now closed for the year all around Southcentral (with one notable exception), anglers are busy focusing on the arrival of the early silver salmon runs and the latter half of the late runs of red, pink, and chum salmon. Additionally, the marine ports are also reporting catches of silvers, pinks, and chums, with action for silvers really ready to take off. All in all, there are a plethora of opportunities available for those wanting to experience great salmon fishing.

Fishing for resident freshwater species in flowing waters is good and improving every day as primarily rainbows, Dollies, grayling, and whitefish are increasingly keyed in on salmon and byproducts. The lake fisheries region-wide are down in productivity—as usual this time of summer—but are destined to get better as weather and water cools.

Marine species are doing very well, with anglers targeting smaller bottomfish doing best, although larger fish, such as shark and skate, are peaking in some locations. Halibut action is down for the time being, yet will improve as autumn gets closer.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: As mid-August rolls around, anglers can expect the early runs of silver salmon to city drainages to be at a peak, such as Ship, Bird, Glacier, and Ingram, while the pinks and chums are definitely waning in numbers area-wide as they are mostly in spawning condition and beginning to die off. However, the wild, late runs of silvers to Turnagain Arm waters are just now starting their migrations into select rivers and streams and should offer solid action well into September. There are a couple of spots that also produce the opportunity for fresh pinks and chums later than most places, namely mainstem Glacier and Portage creeks.

Dolly Varden are present in all Anchorage and Turnagain streams, while rainbows are available almost strictly in flowing waters of the city bowl. Lake fishing is still relatively slow as water temperatures are high but will soon turn on with the arrival of wetter, cooler weather.

SHIP CREEK: Silver salmon continue to be caught in good numbers and many anglers are taking home limits of 3 fish. Roe and spinners do best on the tides, try drifting flies on low water. Condition of silvers  range from chrome to light blush. This run is at its peak and should hold for another several days before starting to slow down, if not even sooner. Pink salmon are plentiful but vast majority of fish are in spawning shape. A few chums and even the occasional red are present.

CAMPBELL CREEK: Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have prompted silvers to exit Campbell Lake and enter the lower reaches of the stream in decent numbers. Anglers have scored using roe and spinners in deep holes and pools at first light in stretch of water between Dimond Blvd. crossing up to the Taku Lake area; expect fair to good success. All other salmon species are closed to fishing and must be released. Fishing for rainbows and Dollies is good in upper stream from Folker Street on up.

BIRD CREEK: The silver action here is doing very well with good to excellent action reported, depending on day and tide; roe is the hot item. There are both hatchery and wild silvers present in this fishery and anglers should experience peak catches for another 10 days or more with some larger wild fish coming in towards mid- to late month. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good in Penguin Creek, a tributary.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: There are still tremendous late summer opportunities in this area, in freshwater as well as saltwater. Although most of the red salmon runs are on the wane, there remains good fishing to be had within the Kenai River drainage, including the Russian. Silver salmon are becoming more and more frequent catches in area rivers and streams, from Resurrection and Sixmile creeks in Turnagain Arm to the Swanson, Kenai, and Kasilof rivers, and on through the southern peninsula drainages of Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor (although the latter three locations are flowing high and muddy this weekend due to heavy rains). The marine locations of Homer, Seward, and Whittier are all producing silvers to at least one degree or another, especially at the Dudiak Lagoon. Chum salmon runs are steadily ending but there will be a few bright or semi-bright fish around through the month in both Passage Canal and in Resurrection Bay, as well as in Hope. The pink salmon runs are generally in a decline most places but some fresh fish may be found in all of the marine ports and in several coastal streams of the peninsula.

Steelhead trout are starting to make an appearance in area waters from Kasilof to Anchor Point, but for now anglers are mainly targeting rainbows and Dollies in the flowing waters of the Swanson, Kenai, Kasilof, and southern Kenai Peninsula; sea-run Dolly Varden may also be found in streams around Seward and Turnagain Arm. The lake fisheries are not yet that productive but will turn on in earnest later this month providing cooler weather patterns hold.

Fishing for marine species is good in all ports and beaches and points in between, with smaller bottomfish being particularly active. The larger species, like shark and skate, are locally abundant, while halibut are less so until later this month.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The best chances for finding bright salmon from shore in the bay is to focus on the late runs of pinks moving through and into the mouths of clearwater streams, such as Tonsina, Spruce, and Spring creeks, and around Lowell Point. Be prepared to sort through turning fish but there are still many chrome to semi-bright specimens around. There are a few nice chums to be located also, mainly around Tonsina, but most fish are getting dark. Silvers have been more enigmatic with a few fish caught from shore now and then the last several weeks; however, there is likely to be a more prominent showing of salmon during or soon after this weekend, particularly in the deeper water off Lowell Point Road and near the mouth of Scheffler Creek by the boat harbor. A trickle of late-run reds are present in the bay. Good to excellent fishing can be had for smaller bottomfish around area points and beaches; try off Lowell Point Road for halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Anglers are seeing a big increase of red salmon as the huge mass of fish that entered the lower river a couple of weeks ago are now reaching this area. Success rates for bright fish are in the fair to good range with some anglers doing much better; many of the salmon are starting to turn so expect to do a lot of catch and release in search of quality specimens—the section of water from near the Russian River confluence to the Skilak Lake inlet is most productive. The bag and possession limit was recently increased to 6 and 12, respectively, by emergency order downstream of the Russian. A number of silvers are present and a few of them have been caught throughout the river between the lakes. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good and improving and expected to really turn on in another couple of weeks.

RUSSIAN RIVER: The late run of red salmon arrived in the shadow of the lower Kenai River fishery, with an exceptionally strong showing of up to 10,000 fish per day headed upstream. Anglers present on the river late last weekend and earlier this week were treated to great success and easy limits. With over 75,000 reds already upstream through the counting weir and many more coming, the bag and possession limit has been raised to 6 and 12, respectively. This weekend will likely continue the trend of success. A few silvers have reached the mouth of the river along with a small number of pinks. Targeting rainbows and Dollies is good on the lower river around the campground.

MIDDLE/LOWER KENAI RIVER: As the lower river section keeps a steady pace of passing 10s of thousands of late-run red salmon upstream per day, some anglers are seeing relatively easy 6-fish limits for their efforts from tidewater up to Sterling and beyond. However, while this weekend is expected to be productive, the run is very likely going to slow down shortly, if not already. If the salmon counts drop significantly in the Soldotna area, focus on the middle river upstream of Sterling for results. The condition of the fish range from chrome to dark blush or even red with most being bright to semi-bright at this time; the salmon staging below Skilak Lake tend to be more mature on average. Silver salmon are arriving in increasing numbers and fair success may be had if targeting them—Note: only unbaited, single hook, artificial lures are allowed through August 15 by emergency order. A few pinks are still around in various stages of maturity. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is generally good with most fish being caught from Soldotna up to the Skilak Lake outlet.

KASILOF RIVER: The run of reds is slowing down and anglers will have to plan their attempts accordingly if a successful trip is to be had. The area around Crooked Creek may still produce fair to even good results on some tides, yet some of the better catches are being made higher up in the drainage around the rapids and the more remote sections of the upper river. Silver salmon are moving in and there could be some decent fishing on the lower river by this weekend. Also, a number of pink salmon are present, mainly on the lower river. Fishing for Dolly Varden is quite good on the middle and upper river.

COOK INLET: Surf-casters continue to experience fair to good success for shark and skate on beaches between Anchor Point and Kenai Beach and a few halibut are being landed as well. The halibut action should start picking up in another week to ten days. There are also quite a few salmon moving through on the way to area rivers and streams and silvers and pinks are often caught on lures along the shoreline.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: If targeting salmon, look for jumpers and possible schools of pinks and silvers cruising along the beaches of the spit. Fishing for them is mostly fair but if a sizable number of fish happens to be present, it can be very good action. Surf-casters are still landing a lot of smaller bottomfish off the end of the spit at Coal Point; a few halibut and skate are available to those with right equipment for distance casting.

DUDIAK LAGOON: There is a large presence of silver salmon within the lagoon and anglers are reporting good results on the incoming and outgoing tides. The run is probably past its peak and success is expected to slow soon—if not already—as the silvers develop lock-jaw. A small number of pinks are milling around in the lagoon and at the mouth of the outlet stream.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: The red salmon runs are for the most part tailing off for the year but there are a few locations that will continue to produce fresh fish for a few more weeks, like Fish and Jim creeks, and the mouths of clearwater streams flowing into the Matanuska River. The Chulitna River system also has a decent number of nice reds present, like Byers Creek. While it looked very promising for the silver salmon runs around the area earlier this season, it appears that many of the fish populations have slacked off due to lack of new silvers arriving; an emergency order with 1 silver per day and 2 in possession goes into effect August 14 for the entire Susitna River drainage. Still, some relatively good action may be found in streams up along the Susitna River and in drainages of Knik Arm. Most of the pink and chum salmon runs are on the downside as fish prepare to spawn, yet there will be limited opportunities for the latter in the Talkeetna area and around Knik and Matanuska rivers through the month and into September.

Many rivers and streams of the Susitna and Matanuska valleys hold good or better fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling these days, with the drainages from Willow to Chulitna being most dependable both in terms of number of fish as well as decent size. And with salmon spawning in a great many of these waters, the action will be great from now on into September. The lake fisheries, like elsewhere, are not the best right now due to high water temperatures but will pick up later this month.

COTTONWOOD CREEK: This weekend-only fishery has done well for reds this season and some of these fish are expected to by available yet again this coming weekend, albeit in reduced numbers as the run is slowing down for the season. However, silver salmon are arriving and targeting them could be fair to good the next several weekends as the run peaks. For trout enthusiasts, the middle and upper stream sections hold some fair to good action for rainbows.

FISH CREEK: After a stint of daily fishing for reds by emergency order, this fishery returns to weekend-only status on the 12th and 13th. Some reds are still coming through and typically continue arriving well into September, yet it is the silver salmon that will be the main object of interest here for anglers for the next few weeks. Expect fair to good silver action this weekend. A few pinks and the occasional chum are present.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: The seasonal bait restriction was dropped by regulation on August 6th and anglers are reported good catches of silver salmon on the lower river; however, a new emergency order restricting the use of bait went goes into effect on August 12 due to low abundance of new fish entering the drainage. Expect fair to good success the next couple of weeks but with an increasing number of silvers available in the middle river section as well. The chum salmon run is winding down as less fish are arriving and many of them starting to turn; some bright and semi-bright chums are available still. The majority of pink salmon are in or near spawning condition. Salmon are arriving in the Houston area with most catches being chums, yet a few nice silvers are present.

WILLOW CREEK: Silver salmon numbers are on the increase as more fish arrive by the day and the run is expected to peak shortly. While most anglers are having the greatest success drifting eggs at first light be it at the mouth or lower and middle stream reaches, lures and flies can be productive at the Susitna confluence throughout the day as fresh fish move in. There is a large presence of dark and spawning pinks and chums in all areas of the stream; best shot at bright and semi-bright fish is the mouth with fair success possible. Anglers targeting resident species are finding good rainbow and grayling action in the middle and upper stream; Dollies and whitefish are more common on the lower.

SHEEP CREEK: Chum salmon continue to dominate this stream and anglers are finding fair to good opportunities for bright and semi-bright fish in the lower reaches and at the Susitna confluence; however, fish are turning quickly so this weekend is likely the last reasonable shot at them. Silver salmon are making inroads, with anglers experiencing fair to sometimes good action at dawn in spots. Pink salmon are quite plentiful throughout the stream but most fish are in spawning condition. Rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish are being caught in varying numbers, the former two providing a good bite in the upper and middle reaches. Burbot are available at Susitna confluence.

MONTANA CREEK: Pink and chum salmon are stacking up at the mouth and providing plenty of activity; catching bright and semi-bright specimens is possible, with chums being the best target at this time as most of the pinks are colored up—expect fair to good fishing. Silvers are continuing to arrive with fair to good action for some anglers in the right place at the right time; usually the Susitna confluence area is the better spot at dawn. Targeting burbot during the low-light hours can be good in the slackwater just downstream of the confluence. Rainbow trout and grayling offer solid opportunities to anglers willing to do the footwork and search the upper reaches of the stream.

CHULITNA RIVER: If wanting to target salmon, Byers Creek is experiencing a decent push of red salmon, although a lot of the fish are semi-bright to blush at this time with a smaller number of bright ones present. Still, action is quite good and there are also lots of pinks and chums around. The mouth of Troublesome Creek can be productive for these species as well and may hold a few silvers in addition. For resident fish, check out Byers and East Fork Chulitna for rainbows and the Middle Fork Chulitna for grayling. Honolulu supports a few trout and grayling, too.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: With the king salmon season and early red salmon runs having ended for the year, anglers can still find productive fishing for late-run reds in several spots right now, such as Klutina and Tonsina rivers, and the Gulkana is expecting an uptick in returns any day. Silver salmon have yet to make any solid appearance anywhere in the Upper Copper River drainage but they are beginning to show up in the dip net fishery around Chitina.

All of the lake fisheries remain subdued in productivity with warm water still present, especially concerning smaller and lowland waters. Streams are yielding better opportunities, generally, with grayling, Dollies, and rainbows present in fair to good numbers.

Down in Valdez, the huge pink salmon run has slowed down in terms of bright fish available but there are still some very decent chums to be had. Silver salmon are starting to show up in very limited numbers within the port, including Robe River. Fishing for marine species is mediocre and often improves later on this month.

GULKANA RIVER: The late run of red salmon has been a little lackluster thus far but some fish are coming through with fair success reported by anglers on the lower and middle river. Indications are that there is a strong presence of fish in the mainstem Copper River so this run should improve drastically within the next week to ten days. Anglers are doing good to excellent for grayling and rainbow trout on the upper river from the mouth of middle fork through the rapids to the Paxson Lake outlet.

KLUTINA RIVER: Anglers are experiencing good success for late-run reds on the lower river and limits are not unusual. This is generally a short-lived opportunity but could extend beyond mid-month this year given reports of very large numbers of reds moving through Copper River still. Condition of fish range from bright to light blush. The king salmon season ended on August 10. Fishing for Dolly Varden is good on the upper river.

TONSINA RIVER: Fishing for reds is fair to good with most of the run situated in the middle and lower river. There are very few anglers participating in this fishery so opportunities for decent salmon fishing along with solitude is very real. No reports of silvers yet. King salmon season ended on August 10. Fishing for Dolly Varden and grayling is good at the mouth of clearwater tributaries and in the Little Tonsina River.

PORT VALDEZ: There are loads of pink salmon in the port but finding bright specimens is becoming more difficult with each passing day as the run continues to mature. Anglers must expect to filter through lots of dark, pre-spawn fish in order to find fresh ones; try Allison Point on the incoming tide as well as off the ferry dock for best chances. Chum salmon are fairly plentiful around the boat harbor and are being caught there and off the ferry dock and adjacent waters; many fish are turning color but there are a fair number of bright and semi-bright specimens to be had still. Rumors of a couple of silvers having been caught from shore abound. Also, word is that a few silvers have entered the Robe River. Fishing for smaller bottomfish is fair to good off the ferry dock.

 

 

Updated Thursday, August 3

HOT SPOTS: KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; KLUTINA KINGS; FISH REDS; WILLOW CHUMS, SILVERS, RAINBOWS; SHIP SILVERS; LITTLE SUSITNA CHUMS, SILVERS; VALDEZ PINKS; SHEEP & MONTANA CHUMS, RAINBOWS; TONSINA KINGS

Regional Summary: As the late summer season settles in over Southcentral, there is still lots of great fishing opportunities to be had in all areas of the region. All five species of salmon may be found in solid numbers in at least a few locations, with runs experiencing peak catches. Trout, char, and grayling are becoming very active in their home waters, especially with the introduction of respective salmon runs and the residual food by-products they produce for resident species in rivers and streams. While the lake fisheries are not always the best options for high success rates right now, cooler weather patterns will soon prevail, bringing excitement to many anglers. Surf-casters targeting marine species are seeing fast action for the smaller bottomfish but there is always the opportunity of hitting shark, skate, and halibut from beaches around the region.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: With pink and chum salmon runs on the downhill side, silver salmon are moving into area waters in decent numbers. The early run to Ship Creek is at a peak and the action also worthwhile at Bird Creek in Turnagain Arm and Campbell Creek in Anchorage. If wanting to scout non-stocked locations, there are several spots down along the arm that produce early silvers this time of season, such as Glacier/California and Ingram. Expect some decent opportunities for nice pinks and chums in Glacier and Portage as well. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden present anglers with reliable catches in Campbell and Chester creeks, with Dollies also available in streams in Turnagain Arm. The lake fisheries are a bit on the slow side these days, with most fish suspended in cool, deep water.

SHIP CREEK: While the bright sunshine and low, clear water did put a damper on the silver salmon action, there are lots of fish entering the drainage and anglers may find excellent success starting this weekend and for the next ten days as the run peaks. The incoming and outgoing tides are typically best, yet a few fish may be targeted on low water, too. Pinks are relatively abundant but most fish are dark and well beyond their prime for sport and eating; catch-and-release to find chrome specimens. A few chums are moving through the creek.

BIRD CREEK: This near-town fishery is seeing pulses of silver salmon arriving on the tides with some days being very active and 3-fish limits commonplace, while other days are slow producing; the run is likely to begin peaking next week with good success possible on the incoming and outgoing. There are plenty of pinks in the stream but most are in or near spawning condition with relatively few fresh fish to be had. Chums provide sporadic action but can be fair at times; this particular run is peaking but not for too much longer.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: While the mid-summer runs of late-run reds may be showing signs of slowing down in places, there are exceptional opportunities still on the Kenai and Russian rivers, with the latter staying productive up into mid-month most years—the mainstem Kenai may be following the same trend this season as the run was late coming in. Pink salmon are present in most drainages on the peninsula, from the south shore of Turnagain Arm to Homer and Seward, and are showing in decent numbers in spots around Whittier as well. For chum salmon, head on to streams in or near Hope, or the marine waters in Seward. Silver salmon are arriving most everywhere, just not in masses just yet; the lagoon in Homer is a solid bet for early-run fish, and the streams draining into Turnagain Arm definitely on the list. Expect most coastal rivers and streams to be hot spots for silvers in another tend days or so. As for resident fish, rainbows and Dollies are beginning to turn on the bite in earnest in many waters, especially in the Kenai River system and on the lower peninsula streams. The lake fisheries are producing some action but not to a great degree as fish are sluggish and situated in deep water. Surf-casters are experiencing fair catch rates for mainly shark and skate with occasional decent success for halibut and Pacific cod.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Chum and pink salmon are abundant off the mouth of Tonsina Creek, a relatively short hike south of town, with success ranging from fair to very good. These species are also distributed throughout the marine waters of the bay, with pinks being especially numerous. Some of these fish are changing color but bright specimens are common still. A few late-run reds are to be found, such as the mouth of Resurrection River and Scheffler Creek. Silvers are becoming more numerous by the day, especially around the city breakwater and along Lowell Point Road. Anglers targeting smaller bottomfish are doing great as usual but larger species, like halibut, Pacific cod, and rockfish, are more reliable off Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Anglers are seeing a steady flow of late-run reds moving up from Skilak Lake and into the main river, with most success reported downstream of Sportsman’s Landing; the canyon area to Jims’ Landing is particularly productive—expect very good chances of fish. There is a good mix of bright and blush to dark reds, which is typical in late summer. The upper stretch of water from Russian River to Kenai Lake outlet can be worthwhile too at times but usually not nearly as much as the lower stretch. A few silvers have been spotted. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good and will only improve as more salmon arrive in the area.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Late-run reds are arriving and action is fair to good,  with anglers scouting the river at dawn seeing most of the success. Limits of 3 are very possible if in the right place at the right time. This run is destined to spike shortly as the main run hits, probably sometime early next week. No word yet of silvers showing up. Anglers tempting rainbows and Dollies are seeing fair to good results as well.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: There has been some truly exceptional action to be had for reds the last week, with anglers from tidewater up to the outlet of Skilak Lake reporting quick and easy limits of 6 fish. Although daily catches vary according to pulses of reds entering the river, anglers can expect—if history proves correct—at least another large push of fish arriving any time now. A small number of silvers have been caught and these salmon will only become more common as late summer progresses. A few pinks are present. Targeting rainbows and Dollies is typically good from the upper edge of tidewater to the lake.

KASILOF RIVER: Things have noticeably slowed down around here but there are still very decent catches of reds occurring, albeit the peak of the run has passed. Look for possible spikes of fish entering river up through the weekend before it all wraps up for the year. Expect fair to good success. Silvers and pinks are being caught also but in much smaller numbers. Targeting Dolly Varden can be productive on the upper river.

DUDIAK LAGOON: The big tides these days are helping to push very decent numbers of silvers into the lagoon and anglers are reporting generally good fishing on the incoming and outgoing with limits of 6 not uncommon. This run should start peaking any day now. Herring and roe is best but spinners work, too. There are some pinks to be had as well; a very few dark kings are milling around.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: It is the flood of red salmon that have anglers busy in the valleys, with many streams offering one degree or another of success. Fish Creek is experiencing a big red run this year but the weekend-only drainages of Cottonwood and Wasilla are seeing decent catches too in addition to a number of silvers. Jim Creek is just now starting to show reds and the first few silvers; Byers Creek up in the Chulitna is worth a try for reds. And the Eklutna Tailrace have a few silvers present. Little Susitna River and the main Susitna River are experiencing good runs of chum salmon and there are plenty of pinks around as well; silvers are coming in but not in big numbers as of this report. Rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden are available in varying degrees in area flowing waters, with the former two being most prevalent in the Susitna and Chulitna drainages. The lake fisheries, however, are considerably more subdued due to high surface water temperatures, which makes resident species seek out cooler, deeper layers of water.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Large numbers of chum salmon are present in the lower river and anglers are catching a good number of them that include a mix of chrome, semi-bright, and blush specimens. This is the perfect time to target quality fish. The silver salmon run is increasing in strength and will soon become the dominant salmon species on the river when bait restrictions end this Sunday; expect fair to good catches for the next two weeks. Some chums and a few silvers are to be had in the Houston area but the latter will not really turn on that far upstream until later this month. Pinks are fairly numerous but most are in or near spawning shape; a few late-run reds are present.

FISH CREEK: Following an emergency order to open the lower stream to fishing daily on August 1 and through the 11th, anglers thus far have enjoyed fair to excellent success targeting the strong red salmon run this year. Many are limiting out on reds (6 fish) throughout the area open to salmon fishing. There are also a few pinks and Dolly Varden being caught; silver salmon may not be retained.

WILLOW CREEK: There is a large presence of pink and chum salmon at the mouth and lower end of the stream, with bright and semi-bright fish being commonplace still as the runs peak. Success has been good to excellent and expected to hold for another several days. Targeting silvers using roe at first light has proved a worthwhile strategy and some limits are being achieved. Those anglers trying their luck at the road crossing are seeing healthy numbers of salmon but less quality as most fish are in or near spawning condition, except for the silvers which are usually still bright at this point in the run. Fishing for rainbow trout and grayling is good in the middle and upper stream; a few Dolly Varden are available in the lower and middle reaches.

SHEEP CREEK: The primary species here are chums, which are filling up the stream mouth and lower section, resulting in very good opportunities. Bright and semi-bright fish are mixed in with the darker chums; engage in catch and release for quality specimens. Run will continue to peak through this weekend before rapidly declining as fish enter the spawning phase. Pink salmon provide fair catches with most being blush or darker. Silvers are now being caught regularly, with the majority of fish landed at the Susitna confluence with relatively few specimens situated in holes upstream around the highway crossing. For rainbows and grayling, try the middle and upper sections.

MONTANA CREEK: Similarly to Sheep Creek to the south, chums currently rule here with good action right at the mouth for bright and semi-bright fish; be prepared to release darker chums in order to find fresher ones. There is also a fairly strong presence of pinks and seemingly bright specimens are a possibility still, albeit this run is waning. Silvers continue to arrive and build in numbers with limits possible at dawn; the run should start peaking in about another week to ten days. While some salmon are moving upstream to the highway crossing and beyond, the vast majority of fish are still in the Susitna confluence area. Expect good fishing for rainbows and grayling in the middle and upper reaches where kings are spawning.

CHULITNA RIVER: Red salmon are arriving to a select number of tributaries, with Byers Creek being the most popular destination as the run is relatively large and productive. Fair to very good action may be had for bright to darker salmon with most being semi-bright to very light blush. Most of the run is situated in the lower end of the stream and the mouth; expect a good rainfall to push fish upstream. Pinks and chums are abundant but usually not of the same quality as the reds; a few lighter-colored specimens are possible at the mouth as well as the mouth of nearby Troublesome Creek. Very few silvers are present yet. Fishing for rainbows and grayling is best in the Middle and East forks of Chulitna River, and Byers Creek can be hot for rainbows.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: It is the late runs of king salmon in Klutina and Tonsina that are attracting the most attention around here and—in contrast to most other places in the region this summer—offer solid success rates for the species. The early returns of red salmon are now in the past but the late runs are starting and will only get better as the month progresses. As for silvers, no reports yet of this species showing up anywhere but the first few fish are likely to be encountered by the area dip net crowd within the next ten days. Down in Valdez, pinks are running heavy and chums are starting to show in numbers. With the recent hot and dry weather over this area, the lake fisheries have stayed relatively quiet as resident species are seeking out deeper, cooler water. Fair to sometimes good action may be had in smaller clearwater streams, such as Mendeltna, Tolsona, Gunn, and Indian.

GULKANA RIVER: The late run of red salmon is still not heavy here but bound to improve shortly as more fish enter the drainage; this run often peaks in mid-month or even later. As for now, expect fair success—look for schools of salmon migrating upstream. The king salmon season has ended. Excellent action may be had for grayling and fair to good for rainbow trout in the middle and upper river section.

KLUTINA RIVER: Good to excellent opportunities persist if targeting late-run king salmon; fish range from near bright to dark with most being light blush. Last day of king season is August 10. While the red salmon run has slowed considerably from a few weeks ago, there will be decent fish entering the river throughout the month. Dolly Varden fishing is good on the upper river and a few rainbows and grayling are present too.

TONSINA RIVER: Like nearby Klutina, this river supports good to excellent action for late-run king salmon with the season extending through August 10. Red salmon are moving through and success rates are fair to good. Silver salmon will be showing up in a couple of weeks. Fair opportunities abound for Dolly Varden and grayling at the mouths of clearwater tributaries; Little Tonsina River is a good bet.

PORT VALDEZ: There are large swaths of pink salmon along the shoreline between Allison Point and the fish hatchery; try the incoming and outgoing tides for fast action. This fishery rates fair to good if targeting bright fish only, but most pinks are starting to turn or are already in spawning colors. Limits of 6 chrome pinks is possible given time and effort. Chum salmon are arriving in front of town around the boat harbor; expect fair success. A few reds may be present. Casting off the ferry dock may yield decent catches of smaller bottomfish.

 

 

Updated Thursday, July 27

HOT SPOTS: KENAI & KASILOF REDS; VALDEZ PINKS; KLUTINA KINGS; LITTLE SUSITNA SILVERS, CHUMS, PINKS; SHIP & BIRD SILVERS, PINKS; HOPE PINKS; WILLOW SILVERS, PINKS, CHUMS, RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; TONSINA KINGS, REDS

Regional Summary: The mid-summer blight for anglers was short-lived this year as a whole assortment of salmon species began piling into rivers and streams throughout Southcentral this past week—and in very strong numbers too—just as trout, char, and grayling fishing is really taking off. Reds, pinks, and silvers, in addition to rainbows and Dollies, are providing good to great action on the Kenai Peninsula, kings, reds, and pinks along with grayling rule the Copper Valley down to Valdez, the Anchorage area is loading up on pinks and silvers, and silvers, pinks, and chums, rainbows, and grayling are being caught up in the twin valleys of Matanuska and Susitna. Marine species are plentiful in their respective locations around the coast, with shark and skate responsible for most big-fish catches these days. The late-summer fishing binge is well under way.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: Big news in this area is the early and strong return of silver salmon to Ship and Bird creeks and Campbell should produce worthwhile action for the species relatively soon. Ship and many of the streams down along Turnagain Arm also have a strong presence of pink salmon this year and fair numbers of chums. The middle and upper reaches of area streams are seeing good opportunities for rainbows and/or Dolly Varden. The lake fisheries are on the slow side was water temperatures are high and fish lethargic.

SHIP CREEK: Anglers have noticed a sizable increase in the number of silvers coming in on the tides and are reporting good catches the past week and things should only get better through the weekend on into next week. There are also good numbers of pinks to be caught, some of which are dime bright but many are starting to turn. A few nice chums are being caught as well. The king salmon season is closed for the year.

BIRD CREEK: A respectful number of silvers are being hauled in, the tides being especially productive with limits (3 fish) common. Expect the weekend and the coming week to yield very good silver fishing; try spinners and roe. Pinks and chums are providing fair action with catches possible at all stages of the tide; condition of fish range from chrome to dark blush.

CAMPBELL/CHESTER CREEKS: These streams have settled down after recent downpours and are starting to warm up and become good spots to target both rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. The middle to upper stream sections are best. Some silver salmon have already been caught on the lower end of Campbell Creek; Chester Creek is closed to all salmon fishing.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: Without much doubt, the Kenai River is the top spot this week where late-run reds are making a very strong showing, while  the Kasilof River is doing well also. The Upper Kenai and Russian rivers are not quite there yet but will be soon. Streams flowing into Turnagain Arm, Simile and Resurrection, are producing mainly pinks and chums along with a few silvers. The lagoon on Homer Spit is the first roadside fishery on the peninsula to provide solid silver salmon action. Kachemak Bay has decent pink salmon fishing, while these fish are also present in Resurrection Bay and Passage Canal in addition to chums. Tributaries of the Kenai River are doing well for trout and char, while the lower peninsula drainages of Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor are seeing decent action for both sea-run char as well as pinks. The marine fisheries are very productive for smaller bottomfish, although shark and skate are commonly taken in Cook Inlet still. Lake fisheries are generally on the slow to mediocre side as water temperatures are high and fish lethargic.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Concerning bright pinks for best sport and table fare, the run has already peaked and many of the fish are blush or in pre-spawn mode. However, due to the sheer number of salmon present, catches are still good with anglers successfully sorting out older fish from the newly-arrived ones; try the tides at mouth of stream. A smaller number of chums is being observed and chances of hooking into one of them is fair. A few silvers have also been caught. Nearby Simile Creek supports a decent run of pinks and chums right now along with a limited number of silvers.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: For anglers casting from shore, the more common catches these days include chum and pink salmon, although a few reds and even early silvers have been landed, too. The pinks are spread throughout the bay with good to excellent opportunities along Lowell Point Road, around Lowell Point beaches, and at the mouth of Tonsina Creek. The early run of chums to Spring Creek is fading but reaching a peak for late-run fish at Tonsina Creek; good action is possible on the tides at the latter. Some limited success for halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod is being had along Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: As the late run of reds was slow materializing in this area last week, fish are now making a decent appearance with fair to good catches reported in the section of river from the Russian River confluence downstream to Skilak Lake and should improve to excellent sometime next week. A few blush pinks are present. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good and catches are being made on both wet and dry flies; whitefish are becoming more common. In nearby Russian River, late-run reds are starting to arrive and the success rate is fair.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: This may be the top fishing location in all of Southcentral, with huge schools of between 100,000 and 200,000 reds entering the system per 24-hour periods. Anglers are seeing very fast limits of 6 fish and phenomenal action from tidewater up to Sterling and beyond. With large numbers of salmon still situated in the salt offshore, anglers are bound to see waves of good to excellent fishing for at least the next week to ten days and possibly into the middle of August. A much smaller number of pinks are being landed and even reports of a few early silvers being caught. For rainbows and Dollies, anglers are finding good opportunities from near tidewater up to Skilak Lake outlet.

KASILOF RIVER: As with its glacial twin to the north, fishing for reds here has been and continues to be good to excellent with many days offering quick 6-fish limits. Depending on the tide and days, the stretch of water from tidewater up into the rapids has done extremely well for anglers. This weekend will likely see the action continue and may last through next week. Some pinks are also encountered and there could be a few silvers showing up any day, if not already. Dolly Varden offer fair to good opportunity in the middle and upper river.

COOK INLET: This weekend presents a somewhat smaller tidal range so anglers need to seek out beaches with a steeper slope for the best fishing. However, next week and beyond will experience very large tides and thus a better bet for halibut, shark, and skate. Although the former has been largely hit and miss for the past month or so, the other two have been very consistent for the most part with good to excellent success in places. All beach areas of the inlet from Anchor Point to Nikiski are now open to fishing.

DUDIAK LAGOON: While some anglers are managing limits of 6 silver salmon on the smaller tides right now, things should accelerate further as more fish arrive and the tides get bigger. Roe, herring, and spinners are all great bets for the weekend and next week. A few pinks are also present in addition to an occasional blush king.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casters are finding great action for smaller bottomfish off Coal Point at the end of the spit, yet those with right equipment for long-distance casting are seeing consistent catches of larger Pacific cod along with a few skate and smaller halibut. Fishing is fair to sometimes good for pink salmon along area beaches and a few silvers bound for the lagoon are being caught also.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: There are four species of salmon making major inroads in this area, with pinks, chums, and silvers moving into tributaries of the Susitna River, while the Chulitna drainage is starting to yield catches of reds, pinks, and chums. The Knik Arm drainages are being led by the Little Susitna River for chums, pinks, and silvers, while Cottonwood, Jim, Wasilla, and Eklutna are seeing appearances of reds, pinks, and/or silvers. The king salmon returns to Knik River/Eklutna Tailrace has concluded for the year. Stream fisheries for trout, char, and grayling is good, with the Susitna/Chulitna system the best bet. Lake fisheries are varied but generally fair at best as waters are warm and fish suspended in deeper, cooler areas.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: This week is seeing a fairly sharp increase of salmon entering the drainage with chum salmon, especially, providing good opportunities in the lower river near Point Mackenzie. There are also decent numbers of silvers and pinks showing up; expect the silver run to really kick in in another week or so. A few late-run reds are present and anglers are reporting occasional catches. Only a limited number of salmon have reached the upper river access point in Houston. If targeting trout and char, action is mainly spotty.

COTTONWOOD CREEK: This weekend may be the best opener yet for reds as these fish are returning in good numbers along with the first few silvers of the season. Only the lower end of the stream is open to salmon fishing (weekends), yet the middle and upper reaches support quite decent catches of rainbows.

WILLOW CREEK: The main species here are pinks, chums, and silvers, and all three offer good or better action at this time with the best happening at the mouth. Many of the pinks and some of the chums are starting to turn but there are enough chrome to semi-bright fish around to make for great sport and harvest opportunities. Some fish are also appearing at the road crossing and will build in numbers into next week; however, fish quality tends to be lesser in upper reaches. Those targeting rainbows and grayling are finding good success in middle and upper reaches.

SHEEP CREEK: Fishing is good for chums at the mouth with a solid  showing of pinks as well, but silvers have yet to arrive in force, as is typical this early in season. Up near the highway crossing, anglers are seeing decent catches of predominantly pinks and chums along with a very few silvers. The rainbow and grayling fishing tends to be good in the middle and upper stretches of the stream.

MONTANA CREEK: Anglers are catching good numbers of chums and pinks at the mouth and there is a smaller showing of silvers, too. Although silvers have been trickling for the past two weeks, the main run is expected to arrive in about ten days. Overall, action can be good to excellent at first light with bright and semi-bright specimens being common still. For rainbows and grayling, head upstream to upper reaches where success is typically good.

CHULITNA RIVER: Pinks and chums are arriving at the mouth of clearwater tributaries, such as Troublesome and Byers, with fair opportunities until the runs begin to peak sometime next week. But the main attraction in this drainage will be the red salmon run to Byers Creek; some fish are showing up now at the mouth and lower end of the stream but will likely not be very productive for another week or so.  Rainbow trout and grayling fishing is best in the Middle and East forks of the Chulitna River.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: Late-run kings and reds are now present or in the process of arriving to area waters. Top spots for kings include Klutina and Tonsina, while reds can be found in Gulkana, Klutina, and Tonsina. For pinks, Port Valdez is the obvious choice. Trout and grayling are active in many flowing waters, however less so in lakes and ponds due to higher water temperatures and more lethargic fish.

GULKANA RIVER: With the king salmon season having concluded, anglers are now targeting the late run of red salmon that is picking up steam and could be yielding some fair to good catch rates shortly. Generally, these fish show up in large numbers towards the end of July and continue well through most of August. The middle and upper river sections are producing excellent grayling and fair rainbow trout fishing.

KLUTINA RIVER: Large, late-run king salmon are entering the river in good numbers and anglers are finding excellent action in calmer waters of the mid-section. Condition of fish range from bright to blush with several specimens in the 40- to 50-pound range being landed. The run is peaking now and through the first week of August. The early run of reds has just about concluded for the year but there are late-run fish moving through the mouth and lower river, providing good opportunities and limits of fish still. Nearby Tonsina River is also providing very similar angling success; great fishing for big kings and catches of reds.

PORT VALDEZ: The pink salmon run has arrived and success is rated as excellent. While many of the fish are starting to turn, there are plenty of chrome fish to be had and anglers are filtering out darker fish by catching and releasing. This fishery is expected to stay strong through next week. As a reminder, there are commercial cost-recovery operations in effect within the port so anglers may want to time and choose location to fish accordingly. Allison Point is always a great spot for freshly arriving fish; the mouth area of Solomon Gulch Creek has tons of action. There are also numbers of chum and red salmon in the area.

 

 

Updated Friday, July 14

HOT SPOTS: GULKANA KINGS, GRAYLING; KASILOF REDS; HOPE PINKS; KLUTINA REDS, KINGS; SUSITNA & CHULITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATE

Regional Summary: As the early runs of king and red salmon come to an end in most areas of the region, there is still some opportunity to be had for both, especially in the Copper Valley. Pinks, chums, silvers, and late-run kings and reds are all documented present and being caught in many waters and the intensity of action will only increase over the next week or two as runs build. Trout, char, grayling, and whitefish are becoming much more prevalent these days as water conditions stabilize after a rough spring and early summer where high and dirty water ruled many flowing waters. Also, as salmon arrive and begin spawning, the bite will tighten even more as food sources blossom. As for action concerning marine species, smaller bottomfish such as codfish, flounder, and the alike is flourishing, with the larger halibut, shark, and skate also being active contenders in some locations.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: Things around here are really looking up as multiple salmon species are now entering area waters. While the king season has ended, pinks, chums, and silvers are quickly moving in and being capitalized upon by anglers in drainages within the city of Anchorage as well as streams down along Turnagain Arm. Sea-run char are also being caught in the latter, while city streams are producing respectable catches of trout and char. Lakes, however, are on the downside as fish are generally found deep and may be more lethargic due to high water temperatures.

SHIP CREEK: As is usual for this time of the season, anglers are finding good numbers of bright pink salmon showing up just as the king season ended on Thursday, July 13. As some anglers have noted, there are fresh chums and silvers coming in as well. The first silver was caught about a week ago and several more have followed the last few days as the run accelerates. The incoming and outgoing tides are proving best; overall, the salmon action is quite good.

BIRD CREEK: The season opened today, July 14, and anglers reported fair to good fishing for mainly pink salmon but a few chums and silvers were landed, too. Some were limiting out on bright pinks and those targeting silvers generally experienced one or two fish. The pink run typically peaks in about another week while the silvers start in heavy the last week of the month on into August. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good.

CAMPBELL CREEK: Along with Bird Creek, the silver salmon season opened today, July 14. Very few silvers caught thus far, as expected, but the run should only improve going forward. If the pattern of frequent rainfall and high water continues, anglers should see some worthwhile action later this month. Only silvers may be retained by regulation. The best fishing right now, however, is for rainbow trout and the action is good in upper reaches of the stream.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: There is a huge variety of game species available to anglers right now on the peninsula. Aside from resident fish like landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and whitefish in lakes and/or streams, salmon of all five species can be caught in a multitude of waters throughout the area. While the opportunity for king salmon are slim these days, nonetheless there are places to go still that are yielding a few fish, such as Kasilof and Ninilchik rivers, Dudiak Lagoon, and the head of Resurrection Bay. As the early runs of red salmon come to an end at the Russian and Resurrection rivers, the late runs are arriving in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Pink salmon are most everywhere in varying numbers but predominantly so in Resurrection Creek in Hope and nearby Simile Creek, as well as in Passage Canal in Whittier, the head of Resurrection Bay in Seward, and around the Homer Spit. Chum salmon are a common catch at Spring Creek near Seward and in Turnagain Arm drainages, like Simile Creek. But as for silvers, things are just getting started and a few early fish are entering Dudiak Lagoon on the Homer Spit and may be found in spots around Resurrection Bay and even encountered in Resurrection Creek in Hope. But for those keyed in on rainbows and Dollies, Quartz Creek and Russian and Upper Kenai rivers in Cooper Landing are worth a try. Dolly Varden action is also heating up on Kasilof and Kenai rivers and soon on the lower peninsula streams of Anchor and Deep starting July 16. As far as the marine fisheries go, surf-casters are finding great opportunities for smaller bottomfish in all ports with shark, skate, and halibut present in Cook Inlet and Kachemak and Resurrection bays.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Anglers have been seeing a trickle of pinks into this popular stream for the last couple of weeks with last weekend experiencing limit catches of bright fish. Water levels are high and the current strong, so pinks will be concentrated in a handful of choice areas with calmer and deeper water. The hole around the bridge crossing is doing great right now with pinks stacking up in good numbers. The tides are also productive. Expect a few chums and even the occasional silver to be present. Sea-run char are providing a fair bite in tidewater.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The salmon hot spot in the bay right now is over at the mouth if Spring Creek where anglers are finding decent numbers of chum salmon in addition to some leftover  reds from the early run. Snagging is most effective. There is some effort also at the mouth off Resurrection River but results are poor as the run there has almost ended; expect a few early-run reds to be joined by late-run fish with pinks also possible. Elsewhere in the bay, anglers in the surf are encountering mainly pinks with an occasional silver salmon. The king run to Seward Lagoon has ended but an occasional specimen is still possible. Fishing for smaller bottomfish is good or better; halibut, Pacific cod, and rockfish provide low to mediocre success along Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: As the early run of reds is emptying out, late-run fish are filling the void but in small numbers thus far. Catches of reds can be made anywhere along the river between Skilak and Kenai lakes but expect action to be slow as the main run has not hit this area yet. The better bet right now is to target the rainbow trout and Dolly Varden present with fair to good success. In nearby Russian River, anglers are still seeing small numbers of early-run reds and there should be a few late-run fish in the mix as well by this weekend.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: The late run of reds is a little “late” this year but some fish are being caught all along the river from Skilak Lake down into tidewater. As usual, success fluctuates day to day reflecting the number of fish coming into the river but is expected to spike sometime next week based on reports from offshore test fisheries in Cook Inlet. Until then, the best action going is for rainbow trout on the middle river above Bing’s Landing and for Dolly Varden on the lower river—fair to excellent results may be had, respectively. A few pink salmon are present. Fishing for king salmon is closed by emergency order.

KASILOF RIVER: The red salmon run has been more consistent here this year than nearby Kenai River, with anglers reporting fair to excellent success the last ten days. Although the peak of the run has yet to materialize, it is expected to occur in another week, following the trend of late-run Kenai fish. Try the upper edge of tidewater near Crooked Creek or the stretches of water upstream of the highway bridge; the areas around the rapids can be hot for those able to access them. Hatchery king salmon may be targeted by emergency order; there is a number of them holding in the channel right below the Crooked Creek Campground but the majority of the fish are dark with only an occasional fresher specimen possible.

COOK INLET: Surf-casters are continuing to enjoy consistent catches of shark and skate along with sporadic success for halibut. Depending on location, fishing ranges from fair to excellent and expected to hold through the summer. The larger tides generally produce the larger catches; this weekend the tides are of moderate size. Beaches from Nikiski south to Anchor Point all yield fish; look for halibut in the southern part. Starting July 16, this Sunday, all beaches within the King Salmon Conservation Zones will also open to fishing.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Surf-casting for smaller bottomfish off Coal Point is excellent. A smaller number of Pacific cod and an occasional halibut and skate is possible with distance casting. Red and pink salmon are active around the spit, with anglers seeing fair success on the latter; the reds prove more difficult to catch—snagging is prohibited. The Dudiak Lagoon is slow still for silvers but a few have been caught, and there is still an occasional king to be had. Most sea-run Dolly Varden have vacated the area.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: With the area king salmon fisheries ending, anglers are looking to connect with other salmon species around here. Although a very few brighter kings may still be around at the Eklutna Tailrace, most are dark blush to red in color. As such, pinks, chums, silvers, and late-run reds are now making inroads in valley drainages. The window of early opportunity for reds has closed on Fish Creek and will not reopen again until mid-August, but the weekend-only fishery of Cottonwood Creek is seeing the first few reds arriving. Pinks, chums, and silvers are now appearing in the lower Little Susitna River and at the mouths of Susitna River tributaries, such as Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Caswell, Sheep, Goose, and Montana. Numbers present will be on the low side this weekend but bound to increase exponentially next week on through the month as runs arrive in force. Resident species such as trout, char, grayling, and whitefish are available in good numbers in many rivers and streams, yet the lake systems are a little on the slow side right now due to warm water temperatures.

SUSITNA RIVER: Recent warm and dry weather conditions have only had a positive effect on streams flowing into the glacial Susitna, with anglers reporting good to sometimes excellent catches of primarily rainbow trout and grayling in the middle and upper reaches of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana. Smaller numbers of whitefish and Dolly Varden are also being taken, with these species being more prevalent in the lower stream sections and the mouths. King salmon are present and will soon be spawning in these drainages; “match-the hatch” for success for resident species. As for other salmon species, a few pinks and chums are present at the mouth of Willow Creek and should be available as far upstream as Montana by this weekend. Expect action to be worthwhile for these species in another week to ten days. As for silvers, a few of them are typically caught in stream mouths this time of season.

CHULITNA RIVER: Most attention this high in the Susitna drainage is for resident species like trout and grayling. While king salmon are present, they are closed to fishing this year by emergency order. Action is varied depending on location, with most success coming from the Middle and East forks of the Chulitna, yet Honolulu and Byers are worth a shot, as is Troublesome. As for salmon fishing opportunities, a few reds are likely to show at the mouth of Byers the next several days with pinks and chums towards the end of the month.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: This area of the road system has earned the top distinction for best king salmon fishing this year. The Gulkana has and continues to produce good catches, and the Klutina and Tonsina rivers are likely to follow suit later this month. Additionally, the early red salmon run to Klutina has been good too, yet the Gulkana run was somewhat unimpressive this season. However, for the last two weeks the salmon counter at Miles Lake on the lower Copper River has recorded substantial numbers of fish moving through, so there could be strong returns of late-run reds (and possibly kings) to the drainages  mentioned above shortly. Fishing for grayling, trout, and char in the smaller area streams is fair to good. As for the lake fisheries, Louise, Paxson, and Summit are yielding some catches from shore, mainly grayling, but lake trout are doing well for boaters. Down in Valdez, things are definitely a bit on the slow side as the giant pink salmon run has yet to arrive in force.

GULKANA RIVER: The king salmon run continues to impress anglers here with good to excellent action the last couple of weeks as the run is peaking. Decent numbers of fish present and low and clear water created ideal conditions. However, the last day of the season is July 19, so this weekend is it for this year. Fish range from semi-bright to blush. There are also smaller numbers of reds available but fishing for them has been slow recently; expect things to pick up considerably as the bulk of the late run hits in another two weeks or so. Fishing for grayling is excellent, as usual, on the upper reaches of the river, especially in the stretch from Paxson Lake to the rapids. Some rainbows are also being caught.

KLUTINA RIVER: The red salmon run here started late this year but has had some staying power as anglers are experiencing continued success, which is expected to last for at least another week or more. Fishing is generally good and limits are common. Most reds landed range from grayish-bright to light blush. The river opened to king salmon fishing on July 1, with fair to good catches of early-run fish in the upper reaches. Most of the fish have been darker shades of color, as anticipated, but the larger, late-run kings will begin infiltrating these waters shortly. Dolly Varden provide good action up near the lake outlet.

PORT VALDEZ: The much-awaited run of pink salmon to the port is delayed this year with the bulk of fish still situated outside in the arm. Some fish have been and continue to be caught at Allison Point up to near the fish hatchery for the last couple of weeks but no significant numbers have been reported yet. Forecast calls for the main run to hit the beaches around the city in another week or so. In the meantime, some smaller bottomfish are being caught from the deepwater ferry dock, and fishing is fair for Dolly Varden in parts of Robe River.

 

 

Updated Friday, July 7

HOT SPOTS: GULKANA KINGS, GRAYLING; KLUTINA REDS, DOLLIES; KASILOF REDS; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATE; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

Regional Summary: The mid-summer lull in action is upon the region but there is still some very worthwhile action to be had in some locations. With king salmon soon being history for the season, reds, pinks, chums, and even silvers are due to make ripples in many waters across the region. Trout, char, grayling, and whitefish are becoming very active in flowing waters, while the lake fisheries are slacking off as temperatures increase. The marine fisheries are holding steady for most species, but has tapered off for halibut.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: Salmon anglers are still seeing some limited opportunity for king salmon at Ship Creek but the peak of the run is long gone; expect a few blush specimens along with the occasional bright fish. A few pink, chum, and silver salmon are likely present there as well as in streams down along Turnagain Arm. Try the mouth of California Creek at Glacier Creek in Girdwood, Indian Creek, and Ingram Creek. Bird Creek opens to fishing on July 14 and typically yields a mixed bag of all three species. Dolly Varden action is very good in intertidal areas of most streams draining into the arm. Fishing in stocked lakes for resident species is fair and generally more productive in very early morning or late evening.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: The early runs of king and red salmon are quickly fading away as runs are coming to an end; a few hatchery kings may still be encountered in such locations as Dudiak Lagoon in Homer, Ninilchik and Kasilof rivers, and mouth of Scheffler Creek in Seward, and reds continue to trickle into Resurrection, Russian, and Upper Kenai rivers. Late-run kings are closed to fishing in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. This said, late-run reds are now entering with greater frequency in the lower Kenai and Kasilof and should bust wide open in another week. Pink salmon are being reported from several locations around the peninsula, from Kachemak and Resurrection bays to Passage Canal, and the drainages of Turnagain Arm like Resurrection Creek in Hope and Sixmile Creek are seeing a few fish as well; chums will also be in these waters. Trout, char, and grayling action is fair in area lakes but good or better in streams for the former two. Surf-casters are finding excellent opportunities for smaller bottomfish all around the peninsula, with shark and skate being highly productive,  too. Halibut are less abundant but still a viable target in Cook Inlet and Resurrection and Kachemak bays.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The early run of red salmon to Resurrection River has slowed considerably and anglers are struggling to find a decent catch these days; however, wild late-run reds are available in reduced numbers from now on and through the summer. Casting off the mouth of Spring Creek is yielding a mixed bag of red and chum salmon with the latter building towards a mid-month peak. A handful of pink salmon are moving along beaches of the bay. The king salmon run to Scheffler Creek at the Seward Lagoon is winding down and very few nice-color specimens are left. Dolly Varden action around the bay is fair. Surf-casters targeting marine species are finding good success on codfish and flounders; larger species like halibut and Pacific cod provide some limited opportunities in the deep water along Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: The early run of reds is starting to empty out but anglers can still expect to find a few stragglers with some effort; late-run fish will likely start showing in fishable number in another week or so. Most anglers are now targeting the resident rainbows and Dollies, with fair to good success possible.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Although the peak passed some two weeks ago and numbers of red salmon present are dwindling with each passing day, anglers are still managing limits (9) of fish with some dedication. Quite a few of the fish are beginning to blush but bright and semi-bright specimens are fairly common yet. Expect fair to good catches. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden offer fair action.

LOWER/MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: The best fishing in this stretch of water is for rainbows on the upper end of the middle, or from Bing’s Landing up to Skilak Lake outlet, where prospects are good. Sea-run Dolly Varden are entering tidewater and present fair opportunities. Anglers targeting salmon are encountering fair fishing for late-run red salmon; there could be a spike in fish abundance towards mid next week. A few early-run pinks should be available.

KASILOF RIVER: Red salmon keep streaming into the drainage and anglers are reporting good to sometimes better action. Like the Kenai, fish numbers are expected to boom next week as the bulk of the run arrives. Hatchery king salmon are allowed to be retained until mid-month; there is a decent presence of fish in the channel below the campground but finding a bright specimen may prove difficult. Sea-run Dolly Varden are starting to enter the river down around tidewater.

COOK INLET: A few halibut are being caught on the larger tides on inlet beaches but success ranges from slow to mediocre depending on location; most fish these days are caught south of Ninilchik. A 150-pound flatfish was caught recently from an area beach. Shark and skate are fairly abundant with good to excellent action possible—try the access points north of Ninilchik. Schools of Dolly Varden may be encountered along the beaches. Note: The total closure of sport fishing within the King Salmon Conservation Zones are still in effect for another week.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Anglers fishing the Dudiak Lagoon out on the spit did very well for king salmon on opening day of snagging last week but the action has cooled considerably since then. Even so, a few bright and semi-bright kings are available. Red and pink salmon are running along the beaches of the spit in decent numbers. Surf-casters at Coal Point do extremely well for smaller marine species like codfish and flounder; a few halibut and skate may be encountered.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: With the Little Susitna River closed to king salmon fishing by recent emergency order, the only viable option left is Eklutna Tailrace, yet there is not much life left in that fishery either. Anglers interested in salmon should try the mouth of Fish Creek for red salmon this weekend; some reds are present and the run will go into high gear soon. Pinks, chums, and silvers are starting to enter the lower Susitna River system and a few catches are possible in the next several days. The stream fisheries for trout, char, and grayling are about to take a significant step in the right direction as forecast weather conditions are more conducive to low and clear water conditions. The lake fisheries for resident species, however, have slowed quite a bit from just a couple of weeks ago.

SUSITNA RIVER: The tributaries of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks have been yielding very good catches of rainbows and grayling when flowing low and clear, but persistent rainfall has created issues recently with high and muddy conditions. Warm and dry weather forecast for later this weekend and through next week should help the situation drastically. King salmon are present in all of these drainages, which likely will help spark the bite for resident species. Although a little early, a few pinks and chums could be present in the mouths of the above waters.

CHULITNA RIVER: With weather conditions proving more cooperative in the week ahead, anglers could see some good fishing for rainbows and grayling in various waters flowing into this glacial system—try the Middle and East forks of Chulitna, and the smaller streams like Troublesome, Byers, and Honolulu. King salmon are present; “match-the-hatch” accordingly for resident fish.

EKLUTNA RIVER/KNIK RIVER: A number of king salmon are being landed in the tailrace, including a few semi-bright to light blush specimens, although the action will probably not last much longer than into mid next week as the hatchery run ends. Anglers are also reporting an occasional red salmon along with a smattering of Dolly Varden.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: As long as the weather holds, this area could see some of the better salmon fishing opportunities in the region the next several days as both king and red runs are at or near a peak and anglers noting good to excellent action in at least a couple of locations, including the Gulkana and Klutina rivers. To help support the case for these fisheries, the counter at Miles lake on the lower Copper River is still recording very healthy numbers of salmon passing through, which translate to great angling opportunities in the upper Copper within the next couple of weeks. The stream fisheries for trout, char, and grayling are doing very well and should keep producing good or better catches for the time being. Lake fisheries, however, are more modest in action as water temperatures have warmed up considerably recently. The marine fishery in Port Valdez is improving with the arrival of pink salmon.

GULKANA RIVER: The current hot spot for king salmon in the valley, anglers experiencing good success on the middle river section up around Sourdough. While many of the fish being caught are starting to turn just a little bit, most catches are semi-bright to light blush. This fishery should produce plenty of action right through the end of the season on July 19. Red salmon are present in modest numbers with mediocre chances at best at present time. Fishing for rainbow trout is best on the upper section of the middle river, around the rapids. Grayling action is excellent in many parts of the middle and upper drainage.

KLUTINA RIVER: Anglers are continuing to haul in good catches of red salmon with limits being typical. Most fish being caught are grayish-bright, while some are light blush. There is a presence of blush early-run kings in the upper river, albeit it is getting late in the season to target these fish—brighter late-run fish will be moving into the river in greater numbers soon. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good on the upper river near the lake.

PORT VALDEZ: Anglers have been catching a small number of pink salmon off Allison Point up to near the fish hatchery this past week and the numbers are only going to pick up as the bulk of the run arrives in another week or so. These are chrome fish and perfect for harvest; limit is 6 pinks. Soaking bait off the ferry dock is bringing in catches of codfish and flounder.

 

 

Updated Friday, June 30

HOT SPOTS: RUSSIAN REDS; UPPER KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; DUDIAK KINGS; KASILOF REDS; KLUTINA REDS, KINGS, DOLLIES; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATE; SEWARD REDS; GULKANA KINGS, REDS

Regional Summary: As the early runs of king and red salmon are seeing the final stages of their respective migrations in most locations, there is still some great fishing to be had in several places. Something else to take note of is the fact that other salmon species are now beginning to make an entrance in a few spots, with both pinks and chums reported caught, and early-run silver salmon probably only a week or so way from being confirmed as well. Stream fisheries for resident species, like trout, char, grayling, and whitefish, is picking up around the region, while the lake fisheries are generally slowing down as they always do in mid-summer as water temperatures rise. Fishing for marine species in coastal areas of Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound is generally very productive at this time, yet is tapering off somewhat for halibut. Adding to all of this is the limited opening of clam digging on beaches between Ninilchik and Homer Spit.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: As the limited opportunity for area kings is nearing an end soon, other species are likely to fill the void within the next couple of weeks; the first few pink and chum salmon are likely filtering into various streams in Turnagain Arm right now and before long the silvers will follow suit. Until things really get going, anglers can find good action for sea-run Dollies at the mouths of streams draining into the arm and both trout and char in Campbell and Chester creeks. The lake fisheries has slowed down quite a bit the last ten days as summer conditions take hold.

SHIP CREEK: Anglers continue to land nice and bright kings on every tide with fair success reported overall. While there are a few blush fish starting to show, the quality of kings is holding steady this year. No confirmed reports yet of silvers or pinks having been caught but should be any day now.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: The peninsula has not disappointed this year, at least not in terms of great red salmon fishing, although the king numbers are way down in many drainages with complete closures for the species a rule in a few locations. The Kenai, Kasilof, Russian, and Resurrection rivers have all yielded excellent action in recent weeks with runs continuing strong, even prompting a string of emergency orders liberalizing bag and possession limits as well as open areas. Adding to this is the arrival of late-run fish to a few of these waters, which are only going to provide more opportunity in the weeks ahead. But king salmon is not out of the picture yet as both Ninilchik and Kasilof are open (hatchery fish only) and the Dudiak Lagoon in Homer will be a prolific place to be for kings this weekend due to snagging being allowed by emergency order. A few kings are also being caught in Seward. In other salmon news, pink and chum salmon are now starting to show up in spots, like Resurrection Bay, and the former also in Kachemak Bay. Look to the creek in Hope to see a few pinks any day now, too. The lake fisheries for resident species has slowed but can still be productive in the glacial lakes of Kenai, Skilak, and Trail as they are generally deeper with cooler water. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are being caught in many streams on the peninsula, primarily within the Kenai system. The marine fisheries are still hot for a few of the larger species, like shark and skate, but some halibut are still around and the smaller bottomfish are producing lots of action.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Due to the huge influx of reds to the Resurrection River this season, anglers are now allowed a daily bag limit of 12 fish and 12 in possession by emergency order. Although the run is slowing down, there are still some decent catches being made with limits possible with hard work. A few pinks and chums are now present in the bay; try mouth of Spring Creek for the latter, which also has reds. Silvers are present in the outer bay with none reported from area beaches yet. A few kings are being taken from the mouth of Scheffler Creek (Seward Lagoon outfall stream). Some Pacific cod and a small number of halibut and rockfish are available along Lowell  Point Road. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Early-run red salmon are present in healthy numbers and anglers are seeing good to excellent catches in the vicinity of the Russian River confluence on downstream to the Jims’ Landing area. This is likely the last really productive weekend for reds before the run tapers off. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is fair to good. River is flowing high but clarity is good.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Despite high and a little murky water over the last several days, the fishing has been good for reds as the run continues. Anglers are reporting frequent bag limits of 9 and 18 in possession in a few hours time; most fish are caught in holes just downstream of the campground at first light and within the “Sanctuary” area. Typically, this is the last weekend for solid action before the run starts to slow, with a number of reds starting blush a little bit. Rainbow trout fishing is fair and a few Dolly Varden are also being hooked.

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Most of the early-run reds have vacated this stretch of the river but are quickly being replaced with larger, late-run fish. Anglers are hitting the prime locations between Soldotna and tidewater; expect fair results. The river is closed to king salmon fishing this year. A few early-run pinks should be appearing. For rainbows, the stretch of water from Skilak Lake outlet to Bing’s Landing in Sterling is most productive with fair to good success.

KASILOF RIVER: There is some decent action for red salmon to be had here and anglers are seeing good or even better rates of success on the peak tide in stretches of water near Crooked Creek and in spots above the Sterling Highway bridge; the bag limit has been increased to 6 with 12 in possession by emergency order. The big series of tides this weekend should prove very worthwhile. Also by emergency order, fishing is allowed for hatchery kings through July 31 and fair catches are being made with salmon ranging from chrome to dark blush.

NINILCHIK RIVER: There is a rather sizable presence of kings situated in the harbor area of the river and the coming large tides and water level increase from forecast rain should help push a number of them up into the main river sometime this weekend and/or early next week. Good fishing may result with quality of salmon ranging from chrome to dark blush. Only hatchery kings are allowed to be retained. Clam digging opens July 1 through 4 on area beaches and could be productive; a bag/possession limit of 15 clams in in place.

COOK INLET: Surf-casters are experiencing some very decent action on the beaches of the inlet from Nikiski to Anchor Point. Generally—but not always strictly so—the most halibut are being caught in spots south of Ninilchik this time of year, with shark and skate the predominant catch north of there. While the spring halibut “run” is over, catches are very much possible through the summer until the fall “run” occurs. Pacific cod continue to be landed with frequency. Clam digging is expected to be good during the July 1 through 4 season  from Ninilchik to Homer Spit.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: King salmon action is expected to be good to excellent in the Dudiak Lagoon this weekend as an emergency order has opened the fishery to snagging. While there are still chrome to semi-bright fish to be had, many are turning color. As usually is the case, the catching is best on the opening day of snagging, then subsiding rapidly the following days. Some reds, a few pinks, and even a couple of silvers could be present as well. Surf-casting from Coal Point at the ned of the spit is producing excellent catches of a variety of bottomfish; a few smaller halibut have been caught.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: As the weather and thus the water conditions are looking more favorable near-term, anglers are finding increased opportunity for a variety of resident species in both lakes and streams, with trout, grayling, and whitefish being active in flowing waters, while still water fishing is producing decent catches of trout, char, grayling, pike, and landlocked salmon. While the lake fisheries will begin to slow down as water temperatures rise, rivers and streams are only going to get better. As for salmon, there are a limited number of locations available, with the Little Susitna River and Eklutna Tailrace the betters bets for king salmon fishing. Only Eklutna is open to retention of kings; fish must be released on the Little Susitna. All other roadside waters are closed to king fishing this year. But indications from area commercial fishers are that red, pink, chum, and silver salmon will begin infiltrating valley drainages starting this coming week. Fish Creek is an early-season sleeper fishery that may produce decent action for reds in early July before the season closes mid-month.

SUSITNA RIVER: Water levels and clarity in the tributaries are improving after the recent bout of heavy and/or persistent rain. Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana are all producing mixed catches of rainbows and grayling along with a few Dollies and whitefish; expect good success when water conditions cooperate. Do not neglect the tributaries of the Chulitna River, such as Troublesome, Byers, and both East and Middle forks of Chulitna, where rainbows and grayling dominate. King salmon are present in many of these waters; fishing for them is closed this year by emergency order. Other salmon species, like red, pink, and chum, will be entering the area very shortly.

KNIK RIVER/EKLUTNA TAILRACE: As the season progresses, the number of king salmon moving out of the silty Knik and into the more clean water of the tailrace is increasing with anglers seeing fair success during the lowlight hours. While bright fish are still possible, anglers can expect most salmon to begin turning. No word yet of any silvers being caught, although a couple of reds have been reported so far this year.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: There is much to choose from these days in this area. Red salmon are running strong in the Klutina and available in Gulkana in addition, and king salmon are showing a decent presence in the latter but could be a much better bet on the Klutina as the season opens there. And if the numbers of fish passing through the Miles Lake sonar unit on the lower Copper River is any indication of things to come, anglers are likely to see excellent numbers of at least reds (and perhaps even kings) within the next couple of weeks in tributaries of the upper Copper. Whether these salmon are early-run fish coming in very late or late-run salmon arriving very early remains to be seen. Down in Valdez, a few pink salmon are now present within the port and off Allison Point and likely around the Solomon Gulch fish hatchery also. The lake fisheries around the region have slowed as water temperatures are increasing; however, Louise, Paxson, and Summit are still producing plenty of lake trout, grayling, and/or  whitefish in shallow water as temperatures are cooler there.

GULKANA RIVER: Anglers are hooking into a fair number of kings here and the condition of the fish are quite bright still; most fish appear to be concentrated in the lower river from Sourdough to the mouth so opportunity should prevail for ten days to two weeks at least. Fishing for red salmon is fluctuating, which is not unusual, with decent success in some spots. The grayling action is excellent in stretch of water below Paxson Lake but can be worth while in middle and upper reaches too. Some rainbows are being caught.

KLUTINA RIVER: The king salmon season opens this weekend, July 1, and anglers can expect good to perhaps even excellent catches of early-run fish in the middle or upper reaches of the river. Typically, many of these early fish are blush to red in color by this time but the run was late this year so there could be bright and semi-bright specimens available. Nearby Tonsina River could be worth a shot for kings also. Red salmon fishing is good to excellent as well and anglers are reportedly limiting out quite easily; the run had a late start so should provide some decent action for another week or two. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good on the upper river below Klutina Lake.

 

Updated Friday, June 23

HOT SPOTS: RUSSIAN REDS; UPPER KENAI REDS; KLUTINA REDS; KASILOF KINGS, REDS; SEWARD REDS; SHIP KINGS; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATES; NINILCHIK KINGS; COPPER LAKERS, GRAYLING

Regional Summary: The peak of early summer fishing has arrived and anglers are seeing lots of opportunities for both sport and harvest as red salmon, in particular, are leading the way, yet there is reasonable opportunity for king salmon in several locations as well. This is typically the weekend when the first catches of pink and chum salmon are made in Southcentral roadside waters, and silvers are not far behind. Stream fishing for trout, char, and whitefish is steadily improving, while the lake fisheries offer these species in addition to landlocked salmon and pike as the persistent cool weather in the region has meant a prolonged and productive early season fishery. The marine fisheries in the ports along Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound are holding steady for shark, skate, cod, and other species.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: There are slightly more opportunities to be had in this area these days as both Campbell and Chester creeks are open to fishing and rainbows and Dollies are being caught, while Ship Creek is producing a steady number of nice king salmon on a daily basis. The tidal portions of streams down along Turnagain Arm offer fair to excellent catches of sea-run Dolly Varden and there should be a few pink and chum salmon showing up any day as well; Bird Creek is still closed to fishing by regulation but opens in mid-July. Lake fishing is fair to good for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling.

SHIP CREEK: Anglers are continuing their streak of relatively good king salmon action here, with plenty of fish being caught on the tides. A lot of the fish are still nice and bright with only a few semi-bright and blush kings around, although this will change soon as the run matures. Although very early yet, a few pink and silver salmon may filter in on the tides shortly.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: Despite a lack of king salmon numbers in many locations throughout the area this season, anglers are instead focusing on the strong returns of early-run red salmon to Russian River, Resurrection River, and the Kasilof River. And as summer progresses, anglers can expect other salmon species to begin showing, such as pink and chum salmon in the marine fisheries of Resurrection Bay in Seward and Passage Canal in Whittier. The stream fisheries for trout and char are steadily picking up, particularly within the Kenai River drainage. Anglers trying the lakes around the peninsula are seeing good action still for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. Surf-casting off area beaches is excellent for smaller marine species and likewise for shark and skate, yet halibut has tapered off for the time being.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The mouth of Resurrection River, as well as Spring Creek, are producing good catches of red salmon but will likely begin to slow down soon as the run enters the latter stages. Anglers are taking limits of reds on the tides, although each tide is different with varying results. A few early chums and pinks may show soon in spots around the bay, if not already. King salmon are being caught in limited numbers at the mouth of Scheffler Creek along with a few reds. Fishing for Dolly Varden is fair to good at the mouths of clearwater streams draining into the bay; Tonsina Creek is a top location this time of season. Fishing for bottomfish is good near the SeaLife Center and along sections of Lowell Point Road.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: The early run of red salmon continues to power up the section of water from Skilak Lake to the mouth of Russian River and the daily bag limit has been increased to 9 by emergency order; anglers are seeing good to excellent catches with success likely to continue for at least several more days. Water levels are rising, which may impact targeting rainbow trout and Dolly Varden; expect fair to good results.

RUSSIAN RIVER: The strong run of red salmon continues and the daily bag limit has been increased to 9 with 18 in possession. Success is best in the early morning hours and again in the late afternoon and evening, especially in the Sanctuary area and lower end of river. Expect the action to hold for another week or so before slowing down. For those targeting rainbows, fishing has been fair recently and a few Dollies have been caught as well.

KASILOF RIVER: This fishery is experiencing a strong early showing of red salmon with limits being common. Hit the lower river around Crooked Creek at and soon after high tides, and the middle river from the highway up into the rapids. The king salmon fishing is fair to good with a decent number of hatchery fish being landed; catches into the mid-20s are possible.

NINILCHIK RIVER: King salmon continue to arrive and anglers are managing a fair number of hatchery fish on the tides and early morning hours. Condition range from chrome to blush. As long as water conditions do not get blown out from rain, success will continue through the month and into early July.

COOK INLET: The halibut beach fishery has slowed with anglers reporting generally fair catches at best with some locations falling flat. For success, try spots from near Ninilchik south to Anchor Point; be aware of the King Salmon Conservation Zones where all fishing is closed until mid-July. Catch rates for shark and skate remains high and success is fair to excellent, depending on location, tide, and day; Nikiski, Kenai, Kasilof, and Clam Gulch and all areas in between are producing plenty of action.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Anglers casting off Coal Point are experiencing excellent action for a variety of bottomfish; the action for Dolly Varden is still worthwhile and sometimes good. A few kings destined for Dudiak Lagoon are present.

DUDIAK LAGOON: King salmon fishing continues to be fair to good with some anglers walking away with limits of two fish. As usual, the incoming and outgoing tides are best. Condition of these salmon range from chrome to dark blush.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: Salmon anglers are seeing an uptick in opportunity this weekend as hatchery king salmon are becoming more frequent in the Eklutna Tailrace, yet the catch-and-release fishery of Little Susitna River remains low due to small numbers of fish present combined with poor water conditions. A few early-run red salmon are showing up in the latter and there could be scouts heading into Fish Creek the next several days as well. As for rainbows, Dollies, grayling, and whitefish in streams, the Susitna tributaries were a bit lackluster lately as turbid water conditions prevailed; give it a few days. Yet the lake fisheries are productive for a range of species, including landlocked salmon, trout, char, and pike with good to excellent catches possible.

KNIK RIVER/EKLUTNA TAILRACE: As the water is rising in the main Knik River, more king salmon are entering the tailrace and yielding fair catches. This is the only fishery in the region where kings are allowed to be retained. Expect numbers of fish present to increase substantially next week and through the month. Condition of fish range from chrome to light blush.

SUSITNA RIVER: Many of the popular tributaries were fairly high and somewhat murky the last several days with anglers reporting better success in lake- or marshland-based drainages where the water flows clear. Fair to sometimes good action can be had for rainbows and grayling with lesser catches of Dolly Varden and whitefish. If water conditions improve, expect the streams of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana to turn on for these species. King salmon are arriving in these waters: fishing for them is closed this year by emergency order.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: Recent rains combined with ongoing snowmelt from higher elevations are driving the rise in water levels of larger area rivers and streams, creating a more challenging environment for anglers. While the glacial Klutina will see some impact of this, the Gulkana is more susceptible to high and muddy conditions. Smaller lake-based or marshland streams will likely be the better bets if in pursuit of grayling. Lakes are much less affected by current adverse conditions and continue to support high catch rates of various resident species. Expect a few pink salmon to be available in Port Valdez; Allison Point is usually a good early-season location for these fish.

The sonar unit at Miles Lake on lower Copper River is reporting large numbers of salmon passing through (some of the highest numbers reported this season), these fish expected to reach the roadside fisheries of upper Copper starting the first of July.

KLUTINA RIVER: Despite an increase of water volume and height, anglers here report good red salmon fishing and limits are being taken. Condition of fish are generally bright with a few starting to blush slightly. This weekend and next week is expected to continue being  productive. Fishing for Dolly Varden on the upper river near the lake is fair to good and a few rainbows and grayling are being caught, too.

GULKANA RIVER: Some really nice king salmon have been taken here the last several days but the expected rise in water levels and subsequent addition of silt will likely impact angler success the next several days. As the water drops and clears, action will pick up. The early run of red salmon is quite strong thus far but fishing may slow a bit for reasons stated above. Grayling fishing at the outlet of Paxson Lake and the immediate section of the Gulkana is excellent and there are good numbers of lake trout being hooked as well; water conditions here are great.

SUMMIT/PAXSON/LOUISE LAKES: The early summer fishing continues to be very good with a lot of nice fish being brought to shore and boat. Lake trout are still aggressive and there are plenty of grayling and whitefish around. Success should continue for at least another week, maybe more if the weather remains cool.

 

 

Updated Thursday, June 15

HOT SPOTS: RUSSIAN REDS, RAINBOWS; SHIP KINGS; UPPER KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; NINILCHIK KINGS; KLUTINA REDS, DOLLIES; KASILOF KINGS, REDS; SEWARD REDS; COOK INLET COD, SHARK, SKATE; COPPER LAKERS, GRAYLING, WHITEFISH

Regional Summary: Things happen quickly in Alaska and perhaps more so when it comes to fishing. In just a week, success rates across the region went from generally slow in most salmon waters to great with early-run reds and hatchery kings arriving in force in several key locations. There is now good or better action to be had in at least one or two spots in every area of Southcentral and by all indications, the runs are only improving with each passing day. In addition, the late snow runoff this spring has subsided and area rivers and streams are finally low and clear and very fishable for resident species, such as rainbows, Dollies, and grayling—at least for the most part. And lakes are continuing their streak of excellent success rates that, on top of aforementioned species, includes landlocked salmon, lake trout, and whitefish. While the marine fisheries are seeing a seasonal downturn in surf-casting for halibut in some places, there are still plenty of other saltwater fish to be had.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: The kings are arriving in very decent numbers to Ship Creek and the other city drainages, like Campbell and Chester, are now open to fishing for trout and char. Water conditions are overall good and bound to stay that way, at least for the immediate future. Bird Creek is closed to all fishing until mid-July; other clearwater streams down along Turnagain Arm have good fishing for sea-run Dollies in tidewater. The hooligan runs have ended and so has the regulatory season. Area lakes are producing lots of opportunities for landlocked salmon, trout, and grayling for now.

SHIP CREEK: It seem that with every passing day, the king salmon fishing ups a notch and the run is in all likelihood starting to peak as chrome fish keep piling in on the tides. Most catches are in the low to mid teens, yet some individual kings weighing into the mid-20s have been caught, and if history proves correct, there should be a few 30-pounders cruising up the stream as well. The Slam’n Salm’n Derby is ongoing and the top prize up for grabs still.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: Kings and reds are present in a number of drainages or locations on the peninsula and this weekend and next week should see the peak of these early runs and, depending on run size, there could be significant opportunities right through the month this year. Most all flowing waters are currently open to fishing, with the exceptions of Anchor, Deep, Stariski, and Crooked. Rainbows and Dollies are quite active in streams and the action will only improve over the course of the next several weeks. Lakes are also producing good or better angling success, with landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling being aggressive. The marine surf fisheries are seeing plenty of activity for primarily codfish, shark, and skate, but halibut are definitely in the game yet.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The red salmon run to Resurrection River is at a peak and anglers are scoring easy limits of 6 fish during the tides; however, not every tide cycle is the same and some produce slow action—stick around for at least a few days in order to hit it right. These fish may may targeted off the mouth of Spring Creek, too. This is a snag fishery. Salmon Creek, from Nash Road downstream, will open to fishing on Friday, June 16, and reds are running; expect fair to potentially good fishing. A small number of king salmon and some reds are being caught at the mouth of Scheffler Creek and a few are also being hooked at the mouths of other clearwater streams draining into the bay. Fishing for sea-run Dolly Varden is also productive at the mouths of streams and exposed beaches south of town. Surf-casters are catching codfish and flatfish in many parts of the bay, especially in deeper spots—halibut, rockfish, and Pacific cod are possible.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Opening day came and went and the red salmon action is continuing to build as the main component of the early run is believed to be showing from now on and for the next ten days; good to excellent catches are being reported from the mouth of Russian River on downstream to Skilak Lake. Beginning Sunday, June 18, the bag and possession limit for red salmon is 6 and 12, respectively, from Sportsman’s Landing to Skilak Lake. Those targeting rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are seeing good to fair success, respectively.

RUSSIAN RIVER: The early run of reds has hit the river in force and anglers are seeing limit catches, especially in the early morning hours around the campground. Look for salmon to push upstream from the mouth during the low-light hours with schools being observed when the sun comes up. Good to excellent results are common; the limit, starting this Sunday, June 18, will be 6 per day and 12 in possession. The “Sanctuary” is already open to fishing also by emergency order. Fishing for rainbow trout is fair to good.

MIDDLE/LOWER KENAI RIVER: Anglers are hitting a good number of early-run reds headed to the Russian River with limit catches not unusual, particularly around Soldotna and Sterling on upstream to Skilak Lake. Success should hold through the weekend and into next week before the salmon disappear upstream into Upper Kenai and the Russian. King salmon fishing is closed by emergency order. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is fair, with better results coming from the upper reaches above Sterling to the lake. The hooligan run has ended and so has the season.

KASILOF RIVER: There has been a significant increase in the number of king salmon being caught here in the last week with many bright fish showing on the tides and in early morning. Best area is from mouth of Crooked Creek down into tidewater. Anglers are reporting often good catches with a fair portion being hatchery fish. (Note: wild kings must be released by emergency order.) Early-run red salmon are increasing in strength with more fish entering the drainage; a few limits are being achieved and the action could escalate to good or better by next week.

NINILCHIK RIVER: The king salmon season is proceeding as per regulation, with hatchery fish allowed to be harvested daily starting June 16 through the end of the season. Decent numbers of hatchery kings are present with mostly bright fish available, although some fish are seeing a shade of color. Target these salmon in the harbor on the tides or upstream holes at first light.

COOK INLET: The hectic spring halibut fishery is showing signs of slowing down but some catches are still being made; as far as shark, Pacific cod, and skates go, anglers are seeing good numbers of fish. Any beach between Nikiski and Anchor Point are likely to yield fish on the high tide cycles, with most halibut being hooked south of Clam Gulch. As always, make sure to know where the King Salmon Conservation Zones are located—they are closed to all fishing until mid-July.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: The Dudiak Lagoon on the spit is holding a decent number of kings but many of the salmon have developed lockjaw and reluctant to strike lures or bait. Expect fair fishing, with successful anglers catching the kings on salmon roe on the tidal movements. While bright fish are commonplace still, a sizable portion of the run is starting to turn. Surf-casters off Coal Point are finding excellent catches of smaller bottomfish, such as codfish, flounder, and other species. A few halibut and some Pacific cod are in the mix as well. Those targeting sea-run Dolly Varden are reporting good sport.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: Only the Little Susitna River and Eklutna Tailrace, as well as a portion of Knik River, are open to targeting king salmon this year per emergency orders; only the latter two are open to retention of kings. The Susitna River drainage is closed to all king salmon fishing this year. However, anglers are reporting good catches in the boat fishery on the Knik just downstream of the tailrace so there appears to be a slug of hatchery kings coming—a few kings have also been caught at the road access point this past week. Early-run reds are entering the Little Susitna River in small numbers and isolated catches made elsewhere in the area as well. The rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling action is heating up in tributaries of the Susitna as water conditions are now good. The lake fisheries are producing good to excellent catches of trout, char, grayling, and pike.

SUSITNA RIVER: Fair to good or better catch rates of rainbows and grayling are being reported from numerous clearwater streams in the area from Willow on north to Talkeetna and beyond. The most popular locations right now are Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana, yet any clearwater stream is bound to yield at least a few fish. The trout and grayling are evenly distributed throughout these waters, from near the mouths upstream into headwaters; most of the char are down low still. A few whitefish are showing. Anglers can also target burbot in the main Susitna just downstream of tributary confluences.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: It is official: The salmon season has started and both kings and reds are being caught in varying numbers depending on drainage. The reds lead the action and numbers by far at this point and are now present in the Klutina and Gulkana rivers both; the latter location still struggles a bit with high and somewhat muddy water, although the Klutina is prime for catching. For kings, the Gulkana is the place to try as some fish have been landed this week already, but the run (and water clarity) should only get better towards the end of the month. Fishing for grayling is fair to good in many area streams, such as Tolsona, and the outlet of Paxson Lake and the upper Gulkana is reportedly producing some great fishing in addition to lake trout catches. The smaller lakes in the area are yielding landlocked salmon, trout, and grayling in good numbers, while the larger bodies of water—such as Louise, Paxson, and Summit—are tops if searching for lakers, grayling, and whitefish. Fishing opportunities around Valdez are mediocre, with sea-run char and smaller bottomfish being caught within the port.

KLUTINA RIVER: This fishery has really sparked the last several days with anglers now reporting relatively easy limits of reds and lots of fish moving in; expect good to excellent results this weekend and next week as the run starts to peak. The reds are for the most part still bright and in prime condition. There are some kings appearing, too, but the season for them begins July 1. Fishing for Dolly Varden is good in the upper river right below Klutina Lake and a few rainbows are available as well.

 

Updated Thursday, June 8

HOT SPOTS: UPPER KENAI RAINBOWS, REDS; RESURRECTION REDS, DOLLIES; SHIP KINGS; NINILCHIK KINGS; COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARKS, SKATE

Regional Summary: Things are finally starting to heat up in earnest around Southcentral as both king and red salmon enter select rivers and streams in decent numbers after a slow start to the season, and the lake fisheries are at a peak as water temperatures remain cool, sparking an intense bite from trout, char, landlocked salmon, grayling, whitefish, and pike throughout the region. Smaller streams, plagued by high and muddy water the last several weeks, are clearing up and beginning to yield nice catches of trout, char, and grayling; additionally, the seasonal closures of many drainages to protect spawning trout will be lifted during the course of the next several days to a week and certainly bound to produce fish. The marine fisheries are still hot for halibut and other salt water species and are experiencing a surge of salmon as well.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: With the hooligan runs to area waters largely done for the year except for a few stragglers, anglers are now keenly focused on the downtown fishery of Ship Creek where kings are making a respectable appearance. Stocked lakes are producing excellent catches of rainbows, grayling, and landlocked salmon, while the streams down along Turnagain Arm are seeing fair to good action for sea-run Dolly Varden—try Indian, Glacier, Portage, Kern, and Ingram on the incoming and high tides.

SHIP CREEK: As a relative hot spot for the weekend, king salmon are being taken in varying numbers on each tide and the fishing is only going to get better for the next week or two as the run build to a peak. Most catches are in the 8- to 15-pound range but there have been a few caught in the mid-20s range too. Incoming and high tides are best; expect fair to good success this weekend and next week.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: King and red salmon are arriving into various waters and drainages around the peninsula and anglers could do well this weekend and next week. All of the mainstem Kenai River (and tributaries) will open to fishing this Sunday, June 11, giving anglers access not only to early-run reds but resident species like rainbows and Dollies. Fishing in the marine waters in this area is yielding plenty of action, from red salmon to halibut. Lake fishing is excellent in stocked lakes and good or better in wild waters.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The mouth of Resurrection River has been producing highly varied rates of success for anglers targeting reds the last couple of weeks but appears to be stabilizing a bit more as the vanguard of fish arrives. Each tide is different, and with the commercial boats in action nearby, expect the unexpected. Some days are dead slow, others days hot with limits of 6 common. Mouth of Spring Creek also holds some decent opportunities for reds. A few kings are cruising the waters off Scheffler Creek in town but things are likely to pick up very soon. Fishing for sea-run Dolly Varden is good; try mouths of clearwater streams. A few halibut are possible in the deep water off Lowell Point Road, Lowell Point, and Spring Creek Beach.

UPPER KENAI RIVER: Opening day is coming up this Sunday, June 11, and the fishing for rainbow trout is typically very good on this date and for the following week or so; Dolly Varden opportunities are going to be fair. Red salmon began trickling into the stretch of water from Skilak Lake up to the mouth of Russian River some ten days ago and are building in numbers; this fishery should be fair this weekend. River levels are rising.

RUSSIAN RIVER: No large numbers of red salmon reported yet in the river itself but fish are starting to gather in the “Sanctuary” area at the mouth. Opening day is this Sunday, June 11, and fishing for reds expected to be slow to fair with small groups of salmon available in spots; for a better opportunity, try around the ferry area at the Kenai confluence. Rainbow fishing is predicted to be fair to good in mainstem Russian and there are still a few large trout present from the spawn.

MIDDLE/LOWER KENAI RIVER: Opening day is June 11 and the rainbow trout action will likely be fair to good in upper areas from near Killey River to the outlet of Skilak Lake. The red salmon fishing on the lower river is fair and usually better in locations upstream of Sterling, like Bing’s Landing. King salmon fishing is closed this year by emergency order.

KASILOF RIVER: The king salmon action is improving as more fish push upriver from the inlet and some success can be had off the bank. Try the stretch of river from the bottom of The People Hole down into tidewater; only hatchery fish are allowed for retention—expect fair results. Red salmon are also showing up with sporadic catches, especially right after high tide in the Crooked Creek area. Look for things to be fair or better maybe as soon as this weekend but certainly by next week.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Open to fishing for hatchery kings again this weekend (and the following Monday). Last Saturday morning was very good on the lower end of the river with limits and even proxy limits taken in addition, yet slowed down considerably the rest of the weekend. Success rates should be good at first light this Saturday for kings. Unless an emergency order is issued closing the river to all fishing until sometime in July like last year, the river is scheduled to reopen to hatchery-only king fishing daily starting on Friday next week, June 16.

COOK INLET: Surf-casters targeting the larger marine species, like halibut, shark, and skate, may have another productive weekend coming up. Last weekend saw fair to excellent fishing, depending on location, with some very nice catches of flatfish in the 20- to 30-pound range; limits were common. Although tides are smaller this weekend compared to last, they are of moderate size still and preferred by many anglers due to less current. Whiskey Gulch, Ninilchik Beach, and Clam Gulch are favored with opportunities also at Kasilof, Kenai, and Nikiski, as well as other beach areas. Note: Be aware of the closed areas within the King Salmon Conservation zones.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: King salmon are arriving in modest numbers at the Dudiak Lagoon on the spit and successful anglers are taking them on roe on the incoming and outgoing tides. Expect fishing to be fair this weekend. Sea-run Dolly Varden are cruising the beaches of the spit with best action occurring along the ocean side; good catch rates possible. Bottomfish are hitting off Coal Point; flounder, codfish, and other smaller bottomfish are abundant and the catching excellent. Some Pacific cod and the occasional halibut are available.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: The lake fisheries still rule in this area. Stocked lakes are reporting excellent catches of landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling, and the wild waters are seeing great opportunities for pike, trout, and char. However, the tributaries of the Susitna River are dropping and clearing and will offer good success possibly as soon as this weekend if the trend continues. As for salmon, a few kings are being caught in the Little Susitna River as well as in a small area of the Knik River a ways downstream of Eklutna Tailrace. As a reminder, only the tailrace is open to retention of kings this year per emergency order.

SUSITNA RIVER: Streams flowing into this glacial drainage are seeing favorable water conditions returning after a very tumultuous (and frustrating) spring season as high and muddy water have dominated most tributaries throughout the month of May. In spots where low and clear water is present, expect opportunities to be fair to very good for mainly rainbow trout but also grayling with a few Dolly Varden and whitefish also possible. Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana are all good options. Burbot may be taken in the mainstem Susitna just downstream of tributaries.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: While all of the smaller lakes are ice free and producing excellent catches of a variety of species, like rainbows and grayling, the larger bodies of water—such as Louise, Paxson, and Summit—still have a presence of ice in places but are definitely fishable along the shorelines and anglers are doing well on lake trout, grayling, and whitefish. Floodwaters have receded to a great extent from rivers and streams in the area, although a few drainages are still quite high and somewhat turbid with ongoing runoff. Salmon are starting to arrive in small numbers and the action will improve considerably next week and the week after for reds, especially, as runs build; look to the Klutina to yield some early fish. Down in Valdez, opportunities are limited but a few sea-run char and bottomfish are being caught in spots around the port.

 

Updated Thursday, June 1

HOT SPOTS: COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARK, SKATE; RESURRECTION REDS; NINILCHIK KINGS; HOMER & SEWARD DOLLIES

Regional Summary: Despite anglers throughout the region lamenting the perceived late arrival of salmon to local waterways, this is not the first time fish are this tardy coming in, although it is somewhat concerning regarding the low number of kings showing up, which may prove to be another issue entirely. It should be realized that the late, cool spring definitely affected run timing of both kings and reds this year, yet it is possible the runs may also extend later into the summer than normal, or simply contract into a smaller window of availability. Only time will tell. So far, early runs appear to be a week to as much as ten days behind “schedule.” If this trend continues later into the season and include other summer-run species as well remains to be seen but historically there is no effect or evidence of correlation.

Overall, this coming weekend should see a spike of kings and reds infiltrating rivers and streams all around the Southcentral region as waters warm and fish begin their push upstream in earnest. In short, salmon are arriving in the Little Susitna River and Knik River in Matanuska Valley, in Copper River to the East, and in multiple drainages on the Kenai Peninsula. If waiting for the salmon to really kick into high gear, lakes in the region are offering top-notch action for freshwater species, and the marine fisheries are yielding plenty of opportunity for a variety of bottomfish, sea-run char, and salmon too.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: As the hooligan dip net fishery has closed in all saltwater areas of Turnagain Arm by regulation, there is still opportunity at the 20-Mile River but reports is that the action has slowed considerably over the past week to ten days as the run is ending.

Lake fishing activity is very high as ADF&G stocking efforts are in full swing and lots of landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are being landed. Cooler conditions have actually helped this fishery and the bite likely to last for at least another week or more.

Stream fishing is largely reserved for the drainages of Turnagain Arm where sea-run Dolly Varden are building in numbers in tidal areas and off the mouths of local creeks. Places that generally see consistent catches include Indian, Glacier, Kern, Portage, and Ingram; try on the incoming and high tides. Within the city, Campbell and Chester creeks are closed to all fishing until June 15 to protect spawning rainbow trout.

SHIP CREEK: Kings are arriving and being caught on each tide as numbers build by the day. As usual, focus on the tides; water conditions are great. Some very respectful catches well into the mid-20s range are being achieved. As a reminder, the Slam’n Salm’n Derby begins on June 9th and continues through the 17th.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: While the month of May was mixed in terms of fishing opportunities, the good fishing for halibut and other, larger marine species is about to be joined by more consistent catches of king and red salmon. Although king numbers are generally lacking in most every drainage, the early run of reds bound for mainly the Russian River is coming in and will begin to peak in another week or so; early reds are also arriving at the Kasilof and Resurrection rivers.

Lake fishing opportunities are excellent these days, particularly in stocked waters where landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are being planted. However, there is also very decent fishing for wild rainbows and lake trout in some spots. Action should hold up for another ten days. Stream fisheries are not yet a big player as many drainages are closed to fishing this time of year to protect spawning rainbow trout.

Dip netting for hooligan still persists, with Seward area drainages currently experiencing a return of fish.

RESURRECTION BAY/SEWARD: The red salmon run to the Resurrection River has been inconsistent so far this season as fish are late showing in large numbers inriver and a sizable portion of the run is being intercepted by commercial interests out in the bay before reaching the river. While frustrating to anglers accustomed to fast and furious action being the norm in early June, this particular run and the opportunity it presents was actually created by commercial interests with patience being the perfect solution until the fish show up in force and can be enjoyed by all. Expect fair action at best this weekend with good catches likely starting next week—this is a snag fishery. Very few king salmon have been reported off Scheffler Creek in front of town but numbers are likely to improve within ten days.

Sea-run char are prolific in the bay and being caught at the mouth of clearwater streams and over at Lowell Point. Tonsina Creek is a great spot this time of year for Dollies.

Fishing for smaller bottomfish is generally good to excellent off docks, points, and beaches. Surf-casters putting in time and effort are connecting with Pacific cod, a few rockfish, and even some nice-sized halibut. The cod and rockfish are mainly being caught off the deep water along Lowell Point Road; for halibut, try the beach area north of  Spring Creek or Lowell Beach.

KENAI RIVER: Despite being closed to king salmon fishing, reds are now entering the river in fishable numbers and some anglers are doing fairly well. Focus on shorelines adjacent to the mainstem channel where fish will be migrating, avoiding smaller or shallow channels. As always this time of year, Swiftwater, Moose Meadows, just upstream and downstream of Moose River, and Bing’s Landing are good spots to intercept early-run reds. Expect fair opportunities this weekend, perhaps better depending on run size. Limits will be possible in the right spot with right technique.

Action is generally slow to fair at best for Dolly Varden on the lower river; portions of the middle river and all of the upper river, including tributaries, are closed to all fishing through June 10.

Dip netting for hooligan is spotty to fair in tidal area of river; season ends mid-month.

KASILOF RIVER: Anglers here are allowed to retain hatchery-produced king salmon and required to release wild fish. Some catches are being reported, mainly from boats on the lower river in the tidal area, but fish are also caught from shore from the mouth of Crooked Creek on down into tidewater. This weekend could see a fair push of kings as tides are very large and will extend as far upstream into the river as just below Crooked Creek. An occasional red salmon possible.

Many of the Dolly Varden have exited the river for Cook Inlet but some fish remain in tidewater yet. The steelhead trout fishing is slow as most fish are now in spawning tributaries; a few specimens remain in main river.

COOK INLET: With the series of very large tides this weekend, surf-casters are likely to see decent opportunities for halibut, skate, shark, and Pacific cod in many areas open to fishing between Nikiski Beach and Whiskey Gulch. Note that fishing is closed in the King Salmon Conservation Zones around spawning streams until mid-July (see regulations). However, Ninilchik Beach and the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers will be open, in addition to other locations along the inlet. This could be the last weekend when good, consistent, limit-catches of halibut is possible before the slight summer lull begins.

NINILCHIK RIVER: This weekend could see a significant change in numbers of king salmon being caught as big tides will assist in bringing fish into the river, and water temperatures have increased as well. Water levels are still up a bit and clarity decent; recent rainfall have had some affect on conditions. Expect fair to possibly better action. Only hatchery kings may be retained. Salmon roe was the most consistent producer of fish last weekend and will probably be this weekend too.

KACHEMAK BAY/HOMER: A conservative number of kings have shown up at the Dudiak Lagoon on the Homer Spit and the run is slowly building. Successful anglers are seeing catches made on the tides using herring or salmon roe but spinners will also work. Although action has been slow up until now, there could be fair opportunities this weekend.

Sea-run Dolly Varden are being caught along beaches all around the spit but perhaps the best area is the ocean side surfline up to Coal Point.

Surf-casters are enjoying quick action for smaller codfish, flounders, and other non-sporting bottomfish; a few halibut have been caught in addition to larger Pacific cod.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: Things are slowly taking shape around here in terms of salmon fishing. A few kings have been caught in the Little Susitna River the past few days (this is a catch-and-release fishery by emergency order) and reports are that fish have also started arriving in the Knik River near the Eklutna Tailrace confluence. But as far as any kings being present in the tailrace itself, anglers are not seeing or feeling anything just yet. Anglers are also reminded that all of the Susitna River drainage is closed to king salmon fishing this year by emergency order. Although insignificant at this time, a few red salmon are entering the Little Susitna River and should be present in the main Susitna River as well.

Fishing for landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike is good to excellent in lakes throughout the area. Water temperatures are cool and the action expected to continue for another couple of weeks still. While there may be exceptions, all lakes and ponds within this area are now for all practical purposes ice free.

Flowing waters are producing catches of rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling up and along the Susitna River drainage. Success varies considerably depending on water conditions of specific location but tends to be better in lake-influenced streams. As area waters begin to drop and clear, the fishing will pick up drastically and fish distributed throughout most stretches of rivers and creeks.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: This area has seen considerable challenges so far this season; substantial flooding in rivers and streams from meltwater of snow and warm temperatures a few weeks ago created huge issues for anglers. Now, an unseasonable snow storm has dropped several inches up to nearly half a foot of the white stuff in many areas of Copper Valley, significantly cooling waters and affected fishing success in many places.

For those who do not mind getting out in a wintery setting, there could be decent fishing yet in some grayling spawning streams as long as water conditions are acceptable. Lake fishing success is much better with some of the smaller, stocked waters leading the way. But as for the larger lakes like Louise, Paxson, and Summit, there is still plenty of ice left and the recent dump of snow has not helped the melting process; although some sections along the shoreline may have open water and decent fishing available, expect these popular waters to be ice free in another ten days to two weeks followed by intense lake trout, grayling, and whitefish action.

While a trickle of salmon has been reported in the upper Copper River around the Copper Center area, consistent and fishable numbers of kings and reds are not expected to be available for another ten days still.

Fishing opportunities in Valdez are limited. Sea-run char are present in the port, particularly around the mouths of clearwater streams, with fair success possible. Though effort is lacking, bottomfish are typically available off the city dock with a few codfish and flounder available.

 

Updated Thursday, May 25

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND REPORT

HOT SPOTS: COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARK, SKATE; RESURRECTION REDS; NINILCHIK KINGS; HOMER & SEWARD DOLLIES

Regional Summary: The cool, late spring certainly had a lingering effect on many of the popular fisheries in the region as salmon are slow arriving in decent numbers and lake ice stubborn in places. The Memorial Day weekend is usually a good kick-off for coastal king and red salmon runs but they look to be a little delayed this year so the action may not be quite up to par what anglers are used to experiencing. Some fish have come up rivers and streams already but in small numbers yet as water temperatures are cold and water conditions often high and muddy as meltwater continues to have an effect on runs and angler success. For those seeking kings, fishing is likely to be poor to fair; however, reds are making a decent showing in spots and could actually be the better bet for this weekend.

For those anglers not keyed in on salmon, there is tremendous opportunities at hand right now in a vast number of lakes throughout the region. Both wild and stocked lakes are yielding good to excellent action for one or more species; trout, char, landlocked salmon, grayling, whitefish, and pike are all biting aggressively in places where they may be found.

As for opportunities in rivers and streams, there may be limitations as some waters are closed to all fishing during the rainbow trout spawning season (such as those on the Kenai Peninsula and Matanuska Valley), yet other locations remain open but often regulated to catch-and-release only for trout. Spring snowmelt is slowing the bite down in rapid runoff waters but a few spots that are influenced by a headwater lake are frequently quite decent.

The marine fisheries are humming along very nicely and anglers are reporting respectable catches of larger kinds of saltwater fish such as halibut, shark, and skate, although the action is even more productive for smaller species like flounder, codfish, and greenling. King salmon and sea-run char are hitting anglers’ offerings as well.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: The big news around here is the arrival of king salmon to Ship Creek. The first fish was caught a couple of days ago and since then at least one more salmon has been landed. Expect this run to build in strength over the next ten days.

Many area lakes have been stocked and action is very good or better at this time and should hold for another week to two weeks. Landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are available. Campbell and Chester creeks are currently closed to fishing but will open on June 15. Bird Creek is closed through July 13. Streams down along Turnagain Arm offer fair opportunities for sea-run Dolly Varden in tidal areas.

The dip netting for hooligan has slowed in Turnagain Arm and 20-Mile River as the run is tapering off for the season. There are sporadic good catches on certain tides but success is generally poor to fair at best these days. As a reminder, last day for dip netting in Turnagain Arm is May 31; the last day on 20-Mile River is June 14.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: Salmon fishing is becoming more consistent as runs build, lending a decent shot for anglers to hook into something. Although kings are moving into quite a few spots on the peninsula, only a few of them are actually open to fishing for kings at this time. The Kenai River, Deep Creek, and Anchor River are all closed, yet the Ninilchik River, Kasilof River, and the marine locations of Dudiak Lagoon and Resurrection Bay are open due to receiving runs of hatchery kings. Reds are also finding their way up local drainages, with early-run salmon sighted in the lower Kenai River and a few are likely also present in the Kasilof River; yet the prime location this weekend is Resurrection River in Seward where a steady flow of fish is arriving on the tides.

Lake fishing is great in the area and many of them are currently in the process of being stocked. Wild waters are also producing good catches. Landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling are all available, depending on location. Streams in the Kenai River drainage, including the mainstem upper and a portion of the middle Kenai, are closed to all fishing to protect spawning rainbows but scheduled to reopen on June 11. Other area waters also have restrictions in place, yet a few places are open—like the Kasilof River and lower Kenai River—and Dolly Varden and steelhead trout are present and biting.

Anglers trying their luck in Cook Inlet and Resurrection and Kachemak bays are finding some very nice fish. The spring halibut fishery is in full swing but success varies day by day and according to location; expect the action to extend through early June. This weekend present a series of very small tides so surf-casting may be limited in places. Fishing is also decent for shark, skate, and other, smaller bottomfish.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Red salmon are arriving at the mouth of Resurrection River accessed from Nash Road and anglers are catching fish. The action is not great just yet as anglers struggle to secure half of their 6-fish limit but at least salmon are being landed with frequency. If the run holds true to form, excellent action will prevail sometime next week, although some skilled anglers tend to do well on Memorial Day weekend too. Only a very few king salmon have been reported but they are starting to show up in or near the mouth of Scheffler Creek.

Hooligan are running in the lower sections of Resurrection River and Salmon Creek; dip netters should do fair or better.

Sea-run Dolly Varden are available at the mouths of most all clearwater streams flowing into the bay. A few halibut are also present along the beach area of Spring Creek and may be caught off Lowell Point Road and the south shore beach. Fishing is good for other bottomfish.

KENAI RIVER: Red salmon have started to arrive in numbers and the run will build rapidly through the first week of June. Depending on run size this year, anglers could see a few fish caught this coming weekend: try Swiftwater, Moose Meadows, or Bing’s Landing. Fishing for king salmon is closed by emergency order.

Fishing for out-migrating Dolly Varden is fair on the lower river and there are a few rainbows in the mix too; do not be surprised to encounter a steelhead.

Dip netting for hooligan is poor to fair and fish may be encountered throughout tidewater and some years upstream to at least Soldotna.

KASILOF RIVER: A few king salmon have been caught, primarily by boaters, but at least a couple of fish reportedly also taken from shore near the mouth of Crooked Creek. Only hatchery fish are allowed to be retained. It is that time when a few reds are making it up the river as well.

Dolly Varden can be numerous at times. Also, steelhead and rainbow trout are being hooked in vicinity of Crooked Creek but the peak of the steelhead run has passed; some fish, however, typically linger into June.

NINILCHIK RIVER: Perhaps the best place to hook a king salmon in all of Southcentral this weekend. This is a weekend-only fishery (Mondays included). Kings are arriving and while only a few have made it through the weir to date, there is a group of fish holding in the harbor area and the tidewater holes of the river. Water conditions are fair, a little bit high and off color from the last rainfall but absolutely fishable and there are kings to be caught. Use bait such as salmon roe or herring; flashy lures also work. Success is likely to be fair but potentially better. Steelhead trout are typically also present.

COOK INLET: It has been a good halibut season so far for surf-casters on the east-side beaches of the inlet. Catches are largely consistent with limits not uncommon and a few flatfish of decent size are being landed. The action, if the trend holds, should continue through the first week of June before subsiding. Additionally, shark, skate (some very large), and Pacific cod are being caught. However, the tides are very small this weekend so anglers need to focus on beaches featuring greater slope angles and deeper water during these cycles; Whiskey Gulch, the mouths of Kasilof and Kenai rivers, and Nikiski Beach, as well as other spots along the coast accessible by proper vehicle for conditions.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: A few kings are starting to appear in the lagoon on Homer Spit but success has been limited and slow to maybe fair fishing at best expected this weekend. Try the incoming and outgoing tides.

Sea-run Dolly Varden are aggressively feeding along the beaches of the spit. Good success can be enjoyed casting lures and flies imitating juvenile salmon along the surf-line.

Bottomfish such as codfish, flounder, and other species are plentiful off Coal Point. An occasional halibut and a small number of Pacific cod are being caught too.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: With ice being gone from the vast majority of waters in this area, with the possible exception of a few of the larger lakes at higher elevations, anglers are seeing good to excellent action for landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike. Stocked lakes are in the process of receiving fish and wild lakes are producing nice fish as well. The hectic post-spawn pike fishery is just about to start—if not already—and will continue into June.

Take note that a fair number of rivers and streams in this area are closed to all fishing until June 15 to protect spawning rainbows. This includes Fish, Cottonwood, Wasilla and others. Drainages up along Susitna River are open to fishing but restricted to catch-and-release for rainbows.

A few king salmon are believed to be present in both the Little Susitna and Knik rivers; the former is catch-and-release only, while lower Knik and the Eklutna Tailrace are the only waters in this area open to retention due to being a hatchery run. Rumors abound of a few fish having been caught but do not expect much success until later on in June. A few reds should be in the Little Susitna shortly as well.

SUSITNA RIVER: As spring runoff and high and dirty water continues to dampen success on a vast number of tributaries, anglers are directed to focus efforts on spots that have more ideal angling conditions, like those streams influenced by lakes at the headwaters. Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and/or Arctic grayling are all being caught to one degree or another with some good fishing reported occasionally. For the most part, however, expect slow to fair results.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: Plagued by high and muddy water conditions and even flooding in some drainages, anglers have more or less stuck to lakes in the area to be able to connect with fish. Most all of the smaller lakes are seeing open water and some are ice free but winter persists to one degree or another; the larger lakes like Louise, Paxson, and Summit are covered with ice still. While some anglers have ventured out on the ice and successfully caught lake trout, whitefish, and burbot, melting is occurring along the shorelines and there is open water at or near inlets and outlets—use extreme caution and consult with a local source for advise.

But if insisting on fishing in moving water, focus attention on smaller streams with lakes at the headwaters. These drainages are typically flowing more or less clear and not as high, thus greater probability of fish being caught. Arctic grayling are prevalent in most all streams this time of year.

In Valdez, there is not a whole lot of activity happening at this time but sea-run Dolly Varden are present at the mouths of clearwater streams flowing into the port. Casting off the city dock may connect anglers with a variety of bottomfish.

 

Updated Friday, May 19

HOT SPOTS: COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARK, SKATE; KASILOF STEELHEAD; HOMER & SEWARD DOLLIES; 20-MILE & TURNAGAIN HOOLIGAN

Regional Summary: Word is getting out that king salmon are entering rivers and streams on the Kenai Peninsula with the Kenai, Kasilof, and Anchor all documenting a presence of fish. This in mind, anglers are bound to find a few fish in the Kasilof River and locations in other areas that are open to kings as well. Also, a few reds are beginning to show up at Resurrection in Seward. Next week should see a number of reports coming in of salmon being caught in various places throughout the region.

Action for trout, char, grayling, and whitefish is productive in lakes and generally keeps pace well into June; spots that are stocked with one or more of these fish in addition to landlocked salmon will yield excellent success the next few weeks. The stream fisheries are a bit more reserved due to a rough spring break-up consisting of high and turbid water conditions, particularly in the Copper and Susitna drainages, but should settle down in another week to ten days as the snow melt dissipate and stream levels and water clarity improve. Steelhead are being caught in the Kasilof. Now is the time to target sea-run Dolly Varden along the beaches in Homer and Seward.

The marine fisheries—especially in Cook Inlet and Kachemak and Resurrection bays—are currently supporting really good catches of many fish species, including halibut and other bottomfish.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: All of the lakes around the city are ice free or nearly so with action being fair to excellent for resident species such as landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. Many of them are slated to be stocked within the next week or two, boosting catch rates even further. In area flowing waters, there may be a few sea-run Dolly Varden present in streams down along Turnagain Arm; try the mouths on the tides. Reminder: Chester and Campbell creeks are closed to all fishing through June 14 to protect spawning rainbow trout.

There have been no king salmon reported caught in Ship Creek yet at the time of this writing but the first fish could be caught any day now. Stream conditions are near perfect; somewhat high and clear with a medium tint of silt. The big tides this weekend are bound to push a few kings up the stream.

Hooligan dip netting is fair to good in Turnagain Arm and 20-Mile River, yet it appears the run is only mediocre this year; catches should remain consistent for at least another week still. Reminder: The hooligan dip netting season runs through May 31 in salt water and through June 15 in fresh water.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: With both early-run kings and reds now documented present in several locations, anglers will likely be hitting a few of them this weekend and next week. Promising spots include Kasilof River and Dudiak Lagoon, with the waters at the head of Resurrection Bay also a possibility. Steelhead are being landed in the Kasilof and occasionally encountered on the lower Kenai too.

Lowland lakes have shed the remaining ice and are wide open and fishing well for resident species. Landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling in stocked lakes are doing fair to excellent, as the wild lakes are reporting good catches. Lakes at higher elevations may still have some degree of ice cover, albeit the ice will be very rotten and unsafe for venturing out on.

The marine fisheries are hitting stride as halibut, shark, skate, cod, and a number of other lesser bottomfish are being beached in good numbers in multiple places. Cook Inlet is still the hot spot but fish are available in Seward as well.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Sea-run Dolly Varden have entered the bay in decent numbers and fishing is fair to good at the mouths of clearwater streams, especially the ones that support salmon spawning runs; try lures and flies resembling juvenile salmon. Surf-casters are doing well on various smaller species of bottomfish, such as cod, flounder, greenling, etc. As hooligan and herring are present at the head of the bay, targeting halibut is a possibility—the beach area around Spring Creek off Nash Road is worth an attempt but fish may be caught most anywhere that food sources are present. No word yet of king salmon being encountered by the surf crowd but a few specimens are typically cruising around by now. A few reds have entered the Resurrection River and may be targeted at the mouth on incoming tides; expect slow action for now. Hooligan are also moving up Resurrection River and Salmon Creek in small numbers and success is destined to improve over the next ten days.

KENAI RIVER: King salmon are entering the river but remains closed to fishing at this time. The first few early-run reds are likely entering the lower river at this time and should become more numerous and approachable as the water levels rise with snow runoff. The best action this weekend will be dip netting for hooligan in tidewater and targeting halibut off the river mouth. Dolly Varden bound for the inlet are available; fishing for rainbow trout is fair with rare occurrences of steelhead. As a reminder, the upper section of the middle Kenai as well as the entire stretch of water between Kenai and Skilak lakes are closed to all fishing to protect spawning trout.

KASILOF RIVER: A few king salmon have been hooked here, mainly by boaters, and this coming weekend could be the time to target these fish from shore as numbers increase and tides are very large, helping push salmon up into the vicinity of Crooked Creek. Steelhead are striking offerings and success has been fair; expect catch rates to drop off after this weekend as the trout enter tributary spawning sites. Fishing for Dolly Varden is also fair as more fish are exiting Tustumena Lake headed to Cook Inlet.

COOK INLET: Anglers targeting halibut this season have had some overall great success but actual catch rates can vary quite a bit according to location and angler skill level. Most beach areas that are open to fishing are producing fair to excellent action for flatfish averaging 10 to 20 pounds with a few 30-pounders reported; note that the king salmon conservation zones around the lower peninsula streams are closed to all fishing until mid-July. Anchor Point, Whiskey Gulch, Clam Gulch, the mouth of Kenai and Kasilof rivers, and Nikiski Beach are all producing halibut as well as shark, skate, cod, and smaller bottomfish.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Sea-run Dolly Varden are fairly abundant around the Homer Spit and may be encountered most anywhere along the surf. Surf-casters are finding good numbers of flounder, sole, codfish, and sculpins along with the occasional halibut off Coal Point. Although there are no solid report yet of kings being caught at Dudiak Lagoon, a few specimens are very likely showing up on the tides and could be landed this weekend.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: For solid action around here, look to the lakes for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. Both stocked and wild lakes are seeing fair to excellent catches as the ice is gone from most waters. The lakes at higher elevations do have ice cover but are considered very unsafe to walk out on.

Many streams, especially those draining into Susitna River, are high and a bit silty as spring runoff is in effect but should start to clear soon. In the meantime, focus efforts on lowland or lake-based rivers and creeks where clarity and stream levels are much more conducive to fishing. A small number of rainbows, Dolly Varden, and grayling are being taken at the mouths and lower reaches.

No reports yet of salmon being caught in roadside waters. A few kings are undoubtedly entering the Knik River bound for the Eklutna Tailrace and the first fish or two likely to be hooked any day. The Little Susitna River is flowing high and muddy, although it is open to catch-and-release king action.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: There is a lot of meltwater being reported in streams throughout the area with flooding even the case in a few of them. The cool spring along with a deep snowpack plus a sudden and warm temperature shift created the problem, which is impacting fisheries in flowing waters. Focus efforts on lake-based drainages for possible success on spawn-bound grayling.

The lake fisheries are progressing in ice loss with some being open enough along the edges to allow for catching trout, grayling, and whitefish. Keep an eye on the stocked lakes as they will produce plenty of action very shortly, if not already. The larger, deeper lakes, however, are still ice covered but may be dangerous to venture out on; check with a reputable source for latest conditions.

In and around Valdez, there is very limited opportunities for fishing right now. The Lowe River is flowing high and muddy with meltwater after a rapid warm-up and Dolly Varden have entered the marine waters of the port to feed for the summer; try the mouths of clearwater streams flowing into the bay for success.

 

 

Updated Thursday, May 11

HOT SPOTS: COOK INLET HALIBUT, SHARKS; KASILOF STEELHEAD; KACHEMAK BAY DOLLY VARDEN; TURNAGAIN HOOLIGAN

Regional Summary: Things in respect to fishing in flowing waters has been a bit delayed this spring in many places, much of it due to an unseasonably heavy snowpack and cool weather prompting cold water temperatures that has been holding back otherwise productive early fisheries. However, fish are now being caught and the action should pick up quickly this week as conditions stabilize at more seasonable levels and temperatures rise. Foremost, larger bottomfish—such as halibut along with good numbers of shark—are being caught in certain locations and steelhead are responding with enthusiasm in the Kasilof River. Sporadic to sometimes good catches of rainbows, grayling, and Dollies are being made in open water at the outlets or shoreline margins of lowland lakes, mouths of clearwater streams flowing into glacial systems, and sea-run char are now reported off the Homer Spit in Kachemak Bay. In interest of dip netters, hooligan are appearing in Turnagain Arm and 20-Mile River and are moving up Kenai River as well.

As for ice fishing opportunities, most lakes in the region are now considered unsafe to walk on but a few of the larger bodies of water at more inland or higher elevations may still be relatively safe but stay clear of inlets and outlets. In any case, opportunities for very decent lake trout, burbot, and whitefish can be had yet. Check with a reputable local source before venturing out.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm

Area Summary: The most promising news in this area is the arrival of hooligan to Turnagain Arm and 20-Mile River. Dipping is reported to range from fair to very good depending on the day and tide and the run should start peaking in another week or so as the water warms up a bit as there is currently still a bit of snow and ice in the area surrounding the arm and river.

Fishing in local lakes is picking up as ice covers melt away, revealing plenty of open water in many locations. Fair success may be had and will only improve as water temperatures rise and stocking efforts begin.

King salmon have yet to be spotted or caught in Ship Creek, which is not too unusual by this date, but a fish or two could be nosing into this downtown stream on the tide any day now, if not already. However, the water is very low and cold still so do not be surprised if the run is a bit late this year.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal

Area Summary: As far as open-water opportunities go, the peninsula is the place be this weekend. Bottomfish and other marine species—such as halibut and cod—are moving into the shallows around the coast and effectively targeted. The beaches around Cook Inlet, Kachemak Bay, and Resurrection Bay are where to find consistent action. In addition, sea-run char are present as well.

While many streams in this area have seasonal closures in effect at this time, all of the lakes are fair game and the little ice that is left is rotting away, leaving an increasing amount of open water in which to target resident species such as landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling. Also, many of these waters will be receiving fresh plants of various game fish shortly.

King salmon have been reported seen in the lower reaches of the Kasilof River and a few specimens are probably headed into the lagoon on Homer Spit before long, although no firm catches have come forward as of now. Only the hatchery locations are open to king salmon fishing so far this season, with the Anchor, Deep, and Kenai experiencing total closures; openings may occur if runs appear stronger than anticipated. The Kasilof and Ninilchik, which have both wild and hatchery fish, are only open to retention of the latter—check emergency orders for details.

KENAI RIVER: While closed to king salmon fishing, it will not be long before a few early-run reds begin entering the river. Until then, dip netters are doing fairly well for hooligan on the tides and the run is expected to peak sometime next week. Anglers surf-casting off the beaches around the river mouth are seeing some activity for halibut and this opportunity should continue through the month and into early June. A few sharks are also available. A small number of Dolly Varden and an occasional steelhead and rainbow trout is possible on the lower river.

KASILOF RIVER: A few kings have been sighted rolling in tidewater below Crooked Creek. Keep in mind that only hatchery fish may be retained; wild kings must be released. Most years, fishable number of kings are present starting about the 15th but with runs suspected to be depressed and likely late due to cold water conditions, anglers may have to wait a little this year before targeting kings make sense. As for now, steelhead trout are hitting offerings at or near the mouth of Crooked Creek and success is reported to be fair. Numbers of out-migrating Dolly Varden should be coming through very shortly.

COOK INLET: Halibut are becoming increasingly abundant along the beaches, something surf-casters have been capitalizing on the last couple of weeks. Expect the action to start peaking this weekend and lasting into the first part of June with fair to excellent catch rates possible. Stretches of water from Whiskey Gulch up to Nikiski Beach, including the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers, are reputed spots this time of year with a few anglers taking 2-fish limits. Sharks are appearing in large numbers, and early too. Sizable skates and a few Pacific cod are being landed in addition.

KACHEMAK BAY: Anglers casting off the end of the Homer Spit (Coal Point) are experiencing great success for a variety of smaller marine species, such as flounder and codfish. A few smaller halibut have also been caught recently. Sea-run Dolly Varden are building in numbers along the beaches of the spit and should provide good catches just about now and for the next several weeks. Do not be surprised to hook into a king salmon headed to the Dudiak Lagoon.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

Area Summary: The main rivers and most all lakes in the area are in the process of shedding ice and should be completely free-flowing or open by next week, except for some waters at higher elevations—lakes up and around the Glenn Highway north of Palmer or Parks Highway in the Chulitna area are expected to be ice-free in ten days or so.

Rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden can be targeted at the mouths of streams draining into the Susitna River but actual success is highly dependent on location and water conditions. If water is reasonably clear and not too high or muddy, chances are quite good of finding at least a few fish. Willow, Sheep, and Montana are always good spots to try but do not neglect the smaller streams either.

No reports of king salmon being caught or seen in roadside waters, although a few fish are typically present starting the third week of this month in the channel of Knik River just below the mouth of Eklutna Tailrace. Like elsewhere, total king salmon closures are in effect on all rivers and streams in this area (except Little Susitna, which is catch-and-release) with only the tailrace being open to retention at this time due to it receiving hatchery fish.

Copper Valley-Valdez Arm

Area Summary: Break-up is in progress here with the smaller streams and lakes soon expected to yield grayling as well as trout. The larger lakes, such as Louise, Paxson, and Summit, are still firmly locked in ice and not likely to offer much open water until the last week of this month and early June. Even with some ice cover, as long as there is enough open areas around the shorelines, anglers will find some very productive catches of lake trout, grayling, and whitefish. But as for now, anglers will have to contend with catching fish through the ice on these larger bodies of water; extreme caution is advised still as the winter opportunity will likely come to an end in another week.

To the south, in Valdez, Dolly Varden are being caught in moderate numbers in the Lowe River. This is a limited time fishery and will last until the silt load increases with rising temperatures and fish move downstream into the marine waters of the port.

 

Updated Tuesday, April 18

NOTE: This is the first fishing report for the 2023 fishing season. Additional reports will follow on a weekly basis starting in late April.

Regional Summary:  With an abnormally cool spring that has left a larger than average snowpack in places for this time of the year, anglers can expect to see remnants of winter well into May and even up until June in some locations at higher elevations. This means that some waters are likely to run higher, muddier, and swifter than usual for the early salmon, trout, and grayling fisheries, such as those up along the Susitna River. However, a lot can still happen between now and into the month of May weather-wise, which could drastically alter expectations and fishing success. And for those that live in Anchorage grumbling over the huge snow load still present there, for example, take heart that not all of the Southcentral region has that appearance and in many parts are at or right around where things should be for mid-April.

Apart from the obvious ice fisheries that are still in full swing at the moment, angling opportunities in the stream and marine environments are showing promising signs of soon coming to life. Although many of the locations typically open to king salmon fishing were closed down to sport fishing a few months ago based on a precautionary approach as runs have been very weak region-wide the last several years, the waters that are stocked with kings—like Ship, Ninilchik, Kasilof, Dudiak, Seward, and Eklutna—remain open and should be producing fish in not too long. In fact, historically speaking, the first few mature kings (and soon reds) are likely beginning to appear in the inshore marine waters of Cook Inlet, Resurrection Bay, and Kachemak Bay right about now and will only build in numbers as the season progresses; expect scouts to show in the locations noted above in approximately 3-4 weeks, if not before.

As for other game species, the first few reports of steelhead being caught in Kasilof should come to light any day now—if not already—as the river is in progress of breaking up, yet there is an abundance of thick ice still present along the shorelines and large swaths of water. The lower and middle sections of the Kenai has a few steelhead present as well and there is open water to be found. However, anglers have been landing a fair number of rainbows all winter long in sections of the Kenai that were ice free, the area from Copper Landing at the outlet of Kenai Lake downstream to Jims’ Landing being most popular, and a few fish are currently being caught. Most of the winter silver salmon have spawned and died off but there are a some fish holding on yet, providing much-needed protein for the trout and char. As a reminder, all of the upper Kenai and a section of the middle will be closing to all fishing on May 1 by regulation.

Areas to the north and east, around Susitna and Copper valleys, are firmly locked in ice with some rivers now seeing open leads but not enough to present worthwhile fishing. Wait another ten days to two weeks before tempting the spring trout, char, and grayling fisheries at the mouth and lower reaches of tributaries of the Susitna and Copper. The lakes, however, are producing some nice catches of landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, lake trout, whitefish, and burbot with some good-sized lakers iced recently; safe ice should persist for another week in lowland locations and through the month and into May in spots at higher elevations. Check with local sources before venturing out on any of the lakes to make sure.

The marine fisheries are soon to crank up as the herring and hooligan begin moving into the shallows with halibut in close pursuit. The beaches along Cook Inlet will be the first really productive places to go for surf-casters in Southcentral. Although an occasional flatfish may be caught as early as March some years, there usually are not enough fishable numbers around until the last week of April, coinciding with hooligan running along the coast heading to Turnagain Arm and the mouth of Kenai River. Any location from Whiskey Gulch up to Nikiski Beach is bound to be fair good shortly. While access may be difficult in spots due to ice and snow, the beaches themselves are generally ice free, except for sporadic chunks being flushed out of Turnagain and Knik and area rivers. The Homer Spit and the deeper parts of Resurrection Bay at Seward will be productive for codfish and flounders very soon.

Dip netting for hooligan in Kenai River and Turnagain Arm is still at least another week or two off as cold water temperatures due to ice and snow runoff are keeping the smelt out in the salt for now.