Hot Spots of the Week

The most productive roadside fisheries this week:

 WELCOME TO THE 2024 FISHING SEASON

This page is primarily catered to open-water fishing opportunities in Southcentral Alaska rivers, streams, and saltwater, but there will be some information on ice fisheries in season. Main reports run weekly from approximately late April to late October reflecting the availability of salmon, trout, char, and other popular species in regional waters; however, there may be occasional reports between November and April as conditions warrant.

 

Updated Thursday, October 24

LAST ROADSIDE WEEKLY FISHING REPORT OF 2024 SEASON

TOP WEEKEND PICKS:  DEEP, ANCHOR, KASILOF STEELHEAD;  KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   Mild temperatures and rain are becoming increasingly rare now as cold air is moving in and any precipitation is likely to consist of snow. But that is not keeping anglers away who are still intent on getting in the last cast before winter really locks in most flowing waters with solid ice. Especially the smaller rivers and streams in the region are already in the process of freezing up with some inland waters already ice covered, and many lakes also have a sheet of ice present but not yet deemed safe enough to walk on. However, there are a few spots where reliable action may be had, such as the upper reaches of Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna rivers where trout, char, and/or grayling are being landed with frequency. The Lower Peninsula drainages of Anchor and Deep and their glacial brethren to the north–Kasilof–are yielding some very productive steelhead trout action this fall. Also, for those wanting a chance of hooking into a fresh, ocean-run salmon may find some yet on the Kenai River; this weekend is the last reasonable opportunity to do so as most really productive areas will close to silvers next week. Saltwater fishing is getting slim as well with most all larger species now having left the nearshore environment for deeper hangouts in the gulf until next spring. But Pacific cod and a few other, smaller species will still be around all winter long and certainly within range of surf-casters–Seward and Homer are the places to go.

 

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low and dropping with cool weather; clarity excellent. Single-hook, artificial lures only; check regulations/emergency orders for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish may be found anywhere from tidewater up to Kenai Lake but most action can be found from Kenai Keys area upstream to outlet of Skilak Lake and from Jims’ Landing up to the vicinity of Princess Rapids. Success is highly variable; spinners, plugs, and flies work. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order. Last day of season is Thursday, October 31, on middle and upper river; Saturday, November 30, on lower.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair. River sections between Bing’s Landing in Sterling to outlet of Skilak Lake and Princess Rapids area to outlet at Kenai Lake most productive, slow to sometimes decent action most everywhere else. Flesh and various forage fly patterns top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off. Fish are starting to settle in overwintering areas.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. River sections between Bing’s Landing in Sterling to outlet of Skilak Lake and Princess Rapids area to outlet at Kenai Lake most productive, slow to sometimes decent action most everywhere else. Flesh and various forage fly patterns top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off. Fish are starting to settle in overwintering areas.

OTHER: Some nice steelhead trout are being caught in spots along middle river. A few late-run reds still spawning along with a handful of early-run silvers; round whitefish occasionally caught.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low and dropping with cool weather; clarity quite good. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. Fall run present; try stretch from upper rapids to below Tustumena Lake Road access; boaters doing best, hit and miss for hike-in anglers. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best; over-sized beads/corkies also work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent action in upper river where salmon are spawning and dying off.

OTHER: A few decent silvers are still present; some rainbows possible, round whitefish occasionally caught.

 

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water levels are generally very low with cooler weather; clarity good to excellent. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only. Shorelines are starting to develop ice with slush flowing in early mornings. Last day of season is Thursday, October 31; waters close to all fishing starting November 1.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. Fish are scattered from upper end of the lower streams and through middle sections; afternoon bite most productive now when water temperatures are higher. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: Silver salmon are mostly spawning and dying off in upper stream sections; some rainbow trout being caught.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events. Mainstem river is dropping and becoming semi-glacial, should be fishable very shortly with advent of cold weather if not too much slush flows; tributaries are very low and clear and starting to develop ice. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair. Most catches are being made at mouths and surrounding waters of Willow, Sheep, Montana, Kashwitna, and Talkeetna. Fish are starting to spread to overwintering areas in mainstem Susitna.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor. A few fish may be caught at mouths of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna. Fish are starting to spread to overwintering areas in mainstem Susitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair. Most catches are being made at mouths and surrounding waters of Willow, Sheep, Montana, Kashwitna, and Talkeetna. Fish are starting to spread to overwintering areas in mainstem Susitna.

OTHER: A very few spawning and dying chum and silver salmon present in spots; round whitefish and burbot may be encountered.

 

 

 

Updated Thursday, October 17

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; DEEP, ANCHOR, KASILOF STEELHEAD

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   The recent cold spell has promoted regional rivers and streams to drop and clear and even the larger, glacial mainstem systems are shedding their silt and will  soon be fishable. Resident fish in flowing waters, like trout, char, and grayling, are continuing the trend of vacating summer and fall feeding grounds and increasingly becoming situated in larger, deeper rivers and lakes to overwinter. However, there are still some very decent opportunities to be had, specifically in the upper parts of Kenai and Kasilof rivers as well as the Susitna, and not to forget the steelhead action on the Anchor, Deep, and Kasilof which has been and continues to be very good this season. Late-run silver salmon are being taken in the upper and middle sections of the Kenai and a few are also left at Kasilof with some days producing quite nice catches; bright specimens will persist through October and may be caught up until the season closure on December 1 on the Kenai. As for lake fishing, results vary according to location but generally quite good for rainbows, char, grayling, lake trout, and pike. However, a number of the smaller waters are starting to develop ice along the shorelines, yet larger and deeper lakes are expected to yield action up until freeze-up sometime in November. Surf-casters are not yet giving up in Cook Inlet, Resurrection Bay, nor Kachemak Bay as lesser opportunities are still there, particularly for smaller bottomfish, although Pacific cod and halibut remain a possibility.

 

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to low and steadily dropping with cool weather; clarity excellent. Single-hook, artificial lures only; check regulations/emergency orders for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Late run scattered in small numbers from Kenai Keys area upstream to outlet of Kenai Lake, only a trickle of fish moving through lower river and in tidewater; anglers report quick results of fish some days; spinners, plugs, and flies work. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright; a few spawning early-run fish remain in spots. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order. Last day of season is October 31 on middle and upper river; November 30 on lower.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. River sections between Bing’s Landing in Sterling to outlet of Kenai Lake most productive, slow action in lower river. Flesh and various forage fly patterns top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off. Fish are in process of migrating to overwintering areas.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. River sections between Bing’s Landing in Sterling to outlet of Kenai Lake most productive, slow action in lower river. Flesh and various forage fly patterns top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off. Fish are in process of migrating to overwintering areas.

OTHER: Most all of late-run reds done spawning and deceased; round whitefish occasionally caught.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to low and steadily dropping with cool weather; clarity quite good. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Late-run salmon present in small numbers from rapids area to lake outlet; boaters catching a few nice color ones, hit and miss for hike-in anglers. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most light blush. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Fair to Good. Fall run present; try stretch from rapids to below Tustumena Lake Road access; boaters doing best, hit and miss for hike-in anglers. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best; over-sized beads/corkies also work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Most all of late-run reds done spawning and deceased; some rainbows possible, round whitefish occasionally caught.

 

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been flowing low and clear last several days due to dry and cool weather.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. Fish are scattered from upper end of the lower streams and into middle sections; midday and afternoon bite most productive now when water temperatures are higher. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: Rare decent silver salmon possible but most are spawning; some rainbow trout being caught in upper reaches.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear at high tide, semi-glacial to clear on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are very large this weekend, moderate to small next week.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning; also Grouse Lake.

ROCKFISH: Poor. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road may a few smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road and Lowell Point can be highly productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Poor to Fair. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center, Lowell Point Road, and other parts of the bay hold some opportunity for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: An occasional decent silver salmon is possible within the lower Resurrection River drainage, including lower Salmon Creek, through the month and even into November. Halibut are not out of reach yet and a specimen or two may still be caught from shore in deeper areas of the bay, such as along Lowell Point Road.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA-CHULITNA RIVERS

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events. Mainstem rivers keep dropping but still somewhat silty, should be fishable shortly with advent of cold weather; tributaries are very low and clear. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught at mouths and surrounding waters of Willow, Sheep, Montana, Byers, Kashwitna, and Talkeetna.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor. A few fish may be caught at mouths of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught at mouths and surrounding waters of Willow, Sheep, Montana, Byers, Kashwitna, and Talkeetna.

OTHER: A few spawning chum and silver salmon present in spots; round whitefish and burbot may be encountered.

 

 

 

 

 

Updated Thursday, October 10

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; DEEP, ANCHOR, KASILOF STEELHEAD

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   With snow having fallen even in some lowland locations around the region, anglers can expect opportunities in flowing waters to deteriorate even further as temperatures cool, ice begins to form, and resident species starting their trek to overwintering areas in lakes and large, deep rivers. Over the next week or two, most of the truly productive fishing spots will fall to two or maybe three locations before winter really sets in. Sea-run salmon are still available in very subdued numbers compared to most years but the opportunity is there in the usual haunts, such as the middle and upper reaches of Kenai River and to some extent upper Kasilof River as well. It appears to be a good season for steelhead trout and anglers are scoring nice catches when water conditions cooperate; the lower Kenai Peninsula streams– including Kasilof–are yielding results. Lake action is holding up and anglers in all areas of Southcentral report great success for landlocked salmon, trout, char, and pike, with some very large lake trout coming out of the Copper Valley, such as Lake Louise. As for marine species, all larger fish are in the process of moving into deeper, offshore waters but there will be some fish around still for the next week to ten days; Pacific cod are a true winter stalwart and typically present within reach of surf-casters year-round–try Seward or Homer for potential success.

 

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and generally dropping but may increase during the weekend; clarity good to excellent. Single-hook, artificial lures only; check regulations/emergency orders for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Late run scattered in moderate to small numbers from Bing’s Landing in Sterling upstream to Sportsman’s Landing near Cooper Landing, only a trickle of fish downstream to tidewater; anglers report quick catches of one fish some days; spinners, plugs, and flies work. Fish quality: chrome to medium blush, most bright; a few spawning early-run fish remain in spots. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order. Last day of season is October 31 on middle and upper river; November 30 on lower.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. River sections between Bing’s Landing in Sterling to outlet of Kenai Lake most productive, slow action downstream of Sterling. Flesh and various forage fly patterns top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off. Fish are just starting migrations to overwintering areas.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. River sections between Bing’s Landing in Sterling to outlet of Kenai Lake most productive, slow action downstream of Sterling. Flesh and various forage fly patterns top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off. Fish are just starting migrations to overwintering areas.

OTHER: Majority of late-run reds done spawning and deceased; round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to low and generally dropping but may increase during the weekend; clarity fair to good. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only. Tides are large to medium this week/weekend, medium to small through all of next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late-run salmon present in small numbers from rapids area to lake outlet; boaters doing best, hit and miss for hike-in anglers. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Fair to Good. Fall run present; try stretch from rapids to below Tustumena Lake Road access; boaters doing best, hit and miss for hike-in anglers. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best; over-sized beads/corkies also work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Majority of late-run reds done spawning and deceased; some rainbows and a few whitefish available.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are small this week/weekend, medium to very large all of next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive. Seasonal migration of large marine species to deeper waters is ongoing and generally concludes by November.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Spotty success for 10- to 20-pound fish next several days due to small tides; long-distance casting helpful. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik may produce flatfish. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Poor to Fair. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing some shark action with occasional skate also possible. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Small schools of silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been flowing low to moderate and clear last several days, may increase in flow and turbidity this weekend pending more rain. Tides are small this week/weekend, medium to very large all of next week.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. Most fish are now in freshwater and scattered from upper end of the lower streams and into middle sections; beads and corkies work very well when water is murky–morning bite still hitting but as water temperatures cool action will be productive all day. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: Rare decent silver salmon possible but most are spawning; some rainbow trout being caught.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear at high tide, semi-glacial to clear on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are small this week/weekend, medium to very large all of next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Very few fresh silvers still present in the bay; seek out freshwater locations for higher chance of success. Lower Salmon Creek (below Nash Road) and mouth of Japanese Creek (near airport) seeing a trickle of salmon. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most dark. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning; also Grouse Lake.

HALIBUT: Poor. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point typically has opportunities through fall and into winter; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road may yield limited numbers of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road and Lowell Point can be highly productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Poor to Fair. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is mediocre for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA-CHULITNA RIVERS

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Mainstem river steadily dropping but still silty; tributaries are low and clear. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being caught at mouths of Willow, Sheep, Montana, and Byers; lower reaches of Kashwitna and Talkeetna also productive.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor. A few fish have been caught at mouths of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana; also try lower reaches of Talkeetna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Fish are being caught at mouths of Willow, Sheep, and Montana; lower reaches of Kashwitna and Talkeetna also productive.

OTHER: A few spawning chum and silver salmon present in spots; round whitefish and burbot may be taken.

 

 

 

 

Updated Wednesday, October 3

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; DEEP, ANCHOR STEELHEAD

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   There are some great stream opportunities for trout, char, and/or grayling in spots along the Susitna and Chulitna rivers as well as in drainages of the Kenai Peninsula, such as the Kenai River, and in waters of Copper Valley. But whereas fish used to be distributed throughout wide reaches of these systems, these days anglers are having to focus their efforts in increasingly smaller locations as fish are moving out of summer feeding grounds and staging in or near places associated with overwintering habitats. However, for those still intent on catching sea-run salmon, the Kenai River is producing catches of late-run fish and there are some in the Kasilof as well. As air and water temperatures drop further and ice begins to form, look for most action in the region to occur in lakes and in flowing waters where there are salmon spawning. For anglers trying their luck in the briny, opportunities persist in Cook Inlet for halibut and shark and in Seward and Homer for cod.

 

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, MIDDLE

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and generally dropping but may increase during the weekend; clarity good. Single-hook, artificial lures only; check regulations/emergency orders for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Late run present in moderate to small numbers upstream of Bing’s Landing, only a trickle downstream to tidewater; anglers report quick catches of one fish some days; spinners, plugs, and flies work. Fish quality: chrome to light blush, most chrome; a few pre-spawn early-run fish remain in spots. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. River section between Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, really slowed downstream of Sterling. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good to Excellent. River section between Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, really slowed downstream of Sterling. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite is off.

OTHER: Most late-run reds done spawning and now dying off or deceased; round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to low and generally dropping but may increase during the weekend; clarity excellent. Single-hook only, no bait; check regulations for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Late run arriving, increasing in numbers every day; early run has ended but a few spawners present in spots. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Stretch between Kenai Lake outlet and Jims’ Landing is producing, also Skilak Lake inlet; nice fish possible throughout length of river. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good to Excellent. Stretch between Kenai Lake outlet and Jims’ Landing is producing, also Skilak Lake inlet; nice fish possible throughout length of river. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

OTHER: Most late-run reds done spawning and now dying off or deceased; round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to low and generally dropping but may increase during the weekend; clarity fair to good. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only. Tides are large to medium this week/weekend, medium to small through all of next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Bright late-run salmon present in small numbers from rapids area to lake outlet. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most bright/semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Fair to Good. Fall run present but some fish still arriving on tides; try stretch from rapids to below Tustumena Lake Road access. Plugs fished slow/stationary in deeper holes best; over-sized beads/corkies also work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Most late-run reds done spawning and now dying off or deceased; some rainbows and a few whitefish available.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large to medium this week/weekend, medium to small through all of next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair to Good. Mixed success for 10- to 20-pound fish; larger catches to 35 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing flatfish; limits taken by anglers some days and locations–last weekend for worthwhile opportunities. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Fair to Good. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing decent shark action with a few skate also possible. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds, skates to 50 pounds or more not unusual. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Small schools of silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been flowing low to moderate and clear last several days, may increase in flow and turbidity this weekend. Tides are large to medium this week/weekend, medium to small through all of next week.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. A few fish still arriving on tides but upper end of the lower streams and into middle sections producing now; beads and corkies work very well when water is murky–morning bite still best. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: Rare fresh or semi-bright silver salmon possible but most have turned; some rainbow trout being caught.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear at high tide, semi-glacial on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are large to medium this week/weekend, medium to small through all of next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Hatchery run has ended at Scheffler Creek but a few wild fish possible still. Try lower Salmon Creek (below Nash Road) and mouth of Japanese Creek (near airport). Fish quality: chrome to pre-spawn, most blush/dark. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Fish now situated in freshwater; try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning.

HALIBUT: Poor. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point typically has opportunities through fall and into winter; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road may yield limited numbers of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road and Lowell Point can be productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Poor to Fair. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is mediocre for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Mainstem river is dropping but still silty; tributaries are generally low and clear. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught at mouths of Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana; lower and middle reaches of Kashwitna and Talkeetna also productive.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Fish are being caught at mouths of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana; also try lower and middle reaches of Talkeetna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught at mouths and lower stretches of Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana; lower and middle reaches of Kashwitna and Talkeetna also productive.

OTHER: A few dark blush to spawning chum and silver salmon present; round whitefish and burbot may be taken.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Mainstem river is dropping but still silty; tributaries are generally low and clear. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught in lower reaches and mouths of Byers and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught in lower reaches and mouth of East Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish may be taken. Small/sporadic numbers of spawning silvers present.

 

Other Productive Fisheries

TURNAGAIN ARM STREAMS: Late-run silvers moving through the arm and into 20-Mile and Placer rivers, can occasionally be intercepted on high tides of area streams such as Bird, Glacier, and Ingram.

PORTAGE CREEK: Small run of silvers this season; a few bright and semi-bright specimens possible in middle and upper reaches, mostly darker fish now. Rare good color red salmon possible.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A few bright/semi-bright silvers present in area at mouth of Cove Creek/Kelsey Cove and head of canal around high tide.

SWANSON RIVER: A few bright/semi-bright silver salmon possible still in lower and middle river; rainbows good on upper stream.

KACHEMAK BAY: Success for smaller bottomfish is slow off end of Homer Spit; larger Pacific cod, smaller halibut, and the occasional feeder king salmon still possible off beach.

GULKANA RIVER: Late run of red salmon has effectively ended but occasional semi-bright specimen possible yet; grayling action excellent and rainbows good in parts of upper river. Steelhead trout moving through lower and middle river.

KLUTINA RIVER: Dolly Varden good in and near lake outlet where salmon are spawning and dying off; a few rainbows and grayling present.

TONSINA RIVER: A few decent color silvers present in middle and upper river along with some reds. Dolly Varden and grayling are to be found at mouth and lower section of  Little Tonsina River.

VALDEZ AREA STREAMS: Very few silvers available in Robe River, bright specimens possible but most dark; anglers experiencing variable success in lower river and mouth. Dolly Varden present fair opportunities in Lowe River floodplain where salmon are spawning. Saltwater areas of Port Valdez remain closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order through October 31.    

 

 

 

Updated Wednesday, September 25

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; DEEP, ANCHOR STEELHEAD

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   The freshwater salmon season in Southcentral Alaska is coming to a close soon with the only truly active locations being the Kenai and Kasilof rivers where chrome, ocean-run fish are continuing to be caught with regularity despite low returns and recent restrictions. But for most anglers, they have now turned attentions to the more dominant and lucrative trout, char, and grayling fisheries throughout the region, which typically hold up well into October and even later in some drainages. Also, surf-casters in Cook Inlet are battling the last large marine species of the season–like halibut, shark, and skate–before also these retreat to deeper waters until next spring. Although fishing opportunities are somewhat dwindling across the board for salmon and bottomfish, for many veteran anglers up here this is their favorite time of the year as fish are still very much active and the summer crowds are gone.  

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER/MIDDLE

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and dropping; clarity good. Tides are medium to large this weekend, very large next week. Bait and multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order; single-hook, artificial lures only September 19 through December 31.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Late run present in decent numbers upstream of Sterling, small numbers downstream to tidewater; anglers report quick catches some days; spinners and plugs work. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most chrome; a few dark early-run fish remain in spots. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, less so downstream of Sterling. Very nice catches reported. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, less so downstream of Sterling.Very nice catches reported. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

OTHER: Rare bright/semi-bright red salmon possible, round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and dropping; clarity excellent. Single-hook only, no bait; check regulations for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Early run ending, late run just getting started. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. Stretch between Sportsman’s Landing and Skilak Lake inlet best but nice fish are being caught throughout length of river. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. Stretch between Sportsman’s Landing and Skilak Lake inlet best but nice fish are being caught throughout length of river. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

OTHER: Round whitefish frequently caught along with rare grayling. Rare bright/semi-bright red salmon possible. Russian River is producing decent number of rainbows and Dollies along with a few silvers (silver season ends September 30) but only accessed by boat/raft; ferry has ceased operations and road to campground is closed.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and dropping; clarity fair to good. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only. Tides are medium to large this weekend, very large next week.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Bright late-run salmon present in decent numbers from rapids area to lake outlet; a very few blush early-run fish still being caught at Crooked Creek confluence. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Fair. Fall run arriving; try from tidewater to above rapids and near Crooked Creek confluence. Over-sized beads/corkies and plugs work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. Rare catch of semi-bright red salmon possible.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are medium to large this weekend, very large next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair to Good. Mixed success for 10- to 20-pound fish; larger catches to 50 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing flatfish; limits taken by anglers some days and locations. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing plenty of shark action with a few skate also possible. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds, skates to 50 pounds or more not unusual. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been flowing high and muddy on and off the last several days but dropping and clearing and in decent shape barring any additional heavy downpours. Tides are medium to large this weekend, very large next week.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. Fish still arriving on tides, try spots from above tidewater and throughout lower and middle sections; beads and corkies work very well when water is murky. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: A few fresh silver salmon and rainbow trout possible.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear at high tide, semi-glacial on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are medium to large this weekend, very large next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Run ending at Scheffler Creek, a few stragglers remain. Look to lower sections of Resurrection River to produce; Salmon Creek and mouth of Japanese Creek. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most blush. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Fish now situated in freshwater; try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning.

HALIBUT: Poor. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is mediocre for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: Occasional decent red may be encountered in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being landed in lower sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Smaller number of fish may be encountered around spawning salmon at Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Consistent success is being seen in lower sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

OTHER: A few dark blush to spawning chum salmon, round whitefish, and burbot present.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught in lower reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught in lower reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: A few spawning red and chum salmon, Dolly Varden, and round whitefish present.

 

Other Productive Fisheries

TURNAGAIN ARM STREAMS: Late-run silvers present in 20-Mile and Placer rivers, can sometimes be intercepted on high tides of area streams such as Bird, Glacier, and Ingram.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A few bright silvers present and being caught at mouth of Cove Creek/Kelsey Cove and head of canal.

SWANSON RIVER: A few bright silver salmon available up to Swanson River Road area; rainbows good on upper stream.

KACHEMAK BAY: Success for smaller bottomfish has slowed off end of Homer Spit; larger Pacific cod and smaller halibut and skate available. Occasional feeder king salmon possible off beach.

GULKANA RIVER: Trickle of decent reds moving through lower and middle sections, run ending; grayling action excellent and rainbows good in parts of upper river. Steelhead trout moving into lower and middle river.

KLUTINA RIVER: Dolly Varden good in and near lake outlet; spawning red salmon and a few silvers present.

TONSINA RIVER: A few decent color reds and silvers present. Dolly Varden and grayling being caught in Little Tonsina River.

VALDEZ/ROBE RIVER: Very few silvers present; anglers experiencing variable success in lower river and mouth. Saltwater areas of port remains closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order through October 31.    

 

Updated Friday, September 20

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; DEEP, ANCHOR STEELHEAD

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   With the early runs of silver salmon and the last late runs of reds ending, the fall runs of silvers are ascending the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, bringing a much-needed shot of energy to an otherwise lackluster season for the species. Also, there remains some marginal opportunities to be had for fresh silvers in Seward and even Whittier, yet these locations typically experience a downhill trend as October approaches. Steelhead trout are taking a fair amount of attention of anglers these days with the lower Kenai Peninsula streams of Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor–as well as Kasilof–seeing very nice catches lately. Still, the autumn months are prime for all resident species with rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling, and lake trout leading the way in most lakes and flowing waters. Surf-casting for saltwater game fish remains a viable option as halibut, shark, and skate along with smaller bottomfish persist in Cook Inlet, Homer, and Seward.  

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and dropping; clarity good. Tides are very high to high this weekend, moderate to very low next week. Bait and multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order; single-hook, artificial lures only September 19 through December 31.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Late run arriving in decent numbers in lower river up to Sterling; anglers report quick catches in early mornings; spinners and plugs work. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most chrome; a few dark early-run fish remain in spots. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, less so downstream of Sterling. Very nice catches reported. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, less so downstream of Sterling.Very nice catches reported. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

OTHER: Slim opportunities for fresh reds still, round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and dropping; clarity excellent. Single-hook only, no bait; check regulations for details.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Tail end of early run, best spot is at Russian River confluence; few late-run fish yet–wait ten days. Fish quality: bright to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. Stretch between Sportsman’s Landing and Skilak Lake inlet best but nice fish are being caught throughout length of river. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. Stretch between Sportsman’s Landing and Skilak Lake inlet best but nice fish are being caught throughout length of river. Beads and flesh flies top; mix it up with presentations if bite slows.

OTHER: Round whitefish frequently caught along with rare grayling. Occasional bright/semi-bright red possible; rare pink present. Russian River is a decent spot for semi-bright silvers, rainbows, and Dollies but only accessed by boat/raft; ferry has ceased operations and road to campground is closed.

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and dropping; clarity fair. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed by regulation; single-hook only. Tides are very high to high this weekend, moderate to very low next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor Fair. Bright late-run salmon present in decent numbers from tidewater up to rapids area; a few mostly blush early-run fish still being caught at Crooked Creek confluence. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor to Fair. Fall run arriving ; try from tidewater up to rapids and near Crooked Creek confluence. Over-sized beads/corkies and plugs work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. Rare catches of bright/semi-bright reds, ripe pink possible.

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are very high to high this weekend, moderate to very low next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair to Good. Mixed success for 10- to 20-pound fish; larger catches to 50 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing flatfish; limits taken by anglers some days and locations. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing plenty of shark action still with skate also possible. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds, skates to 50 pounds or more not unusual. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been flowing high and muddy on and off the last several days but starting to drop and clear and should be in decent shape shortly barring any additional heavy downpours. Tides are very high to high this weekend, moderate to very low next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Try early mornings; focus on deep holes and pools up towards markers; most of run now located upstream of area open to salmon fishing. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish arriving on every tide, try spots in and above tidewater but fish are scattered throughout lower and middle sections; beads and corkies work very well when water is murky. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: A few rainbow trout and rare pink salmon possible.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are very high to high this weekend, moderate to very low next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Try mouths of Scheffler Creek and Japanese Creek, also lower Salmon Creek when water clears up. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most semi-bright. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Very few sea-run char still present in saltwater with majority of fish now situated in freshwater; try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning.

HALIBUT: Poor. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be very productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: Occasional decent red and pink may be encountered in various locations throughout the bay and in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

CHUM SALMON: Poor. Very limited opportunity for decent fish at mouths of Montana and Sunshine and up into Talkeetna River. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being landed in lower and middle sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Smaller number of fish may be encountered around spawning salmon at Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Consistent success is being seen in lower and middle sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek.Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Only unbaited, artificial lures or flies allowed by regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and lower reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and lower reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of blush and spawning red and chum salmon. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish present.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; middle/lower river sections forecast moderate levels and slightly murky this weekend, better early next week.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late-run fish situated upstream of Sourdough and into sections closed to salmon fishing; a few fresh specimens still possible around roadside access points. Fishing is best when water is low and clear. Fish quality: bright to dark blush, most semi-bright/light blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg/flesh imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout middle and upper mainstem river; highest abundance is between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake.

OTHER: A few whitefish and steelhead usually present.

 

Other Productive Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: A very few wild silvers may be present around high tide; fish are mainly bound for drainages at head of Turnagain Arm.

PORTAGE CREEK: Some decent success for silver salmon in lower and middle stream sections. Occasional fresh red possible still.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: A very few wild silvers may be present around high tide; fish are mainly bound for drainages at head of Turnagain Arm.

SIXMILE CREEK: Trickle of silver salmon available at Canyon Creek confluence on upstream.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A few bright silvers present and being caught at mouth of Cove Creek/Kelsey Cove and head of canal.

SWANSON RIVER: A few mostly blush silver salmon available in lower and middle sections up to Swanson River Road area; rainbows good on upper stream.

KLUTINA RIVER: Dolly Varden good in and near lake outlet; occasional decent color red salmon, also silver.

TONSINA RIVER: A few decent color reds and silvers present. Dolly Varden and grayling being caught in Little Tonsina River.

VALDEZ/ROBE RIVER: Few silvers present but anglers are having some success in lower river and mouth. Saltwater areas of port closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. KACHEMAK BAY: Success for smaller bottomfish has dropped off at the end of Homer Spit; still larger Pacific cod available and smaller halibut and skate. Occasional feeder king salmon possible.      

Updated Friday, September 13

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; DEEP, ANCHOR STEELHEAD

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   With additional emergency orders out and thus cutting silver salmon opportunities even further in Southcentral, anglers have a slim–yet viable–selection of waters where to still connect with salmon. Foremost, the Kenai is producing steady catches and neighboring Kasilof is yielding some silvers, too, along with spots in Seward. Also, the Gulkana is still supporting a late run of reds. If salmon is no longer a primary target, there are lots of places throughout the region that are providing great action for resident freshwater gamesters such as trout, char, and grayling. For larger bottomfish, Cook Inlet and even Seward are the locations to go for the next ten days.  

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high; clarity good. Tides are moderate this weekend, large to very large all next week/weekend. Emergency order lifted; bait and multiple hooks now allowed downstream of Moose River. Bait and multiple hooks prohibited upstream of Moose River by regulation.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Late run arriving in tidewater and lower river, some early-run fish left in middle section and mouths of spawning tributaries; limit possible in right spot. Better success in morning and evening; eggs best, spinners and plugs also work. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most chrome. Bag limit is (2) fish effective September 1 by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, also decent downstream to Soldotna area. Epic catches reported. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning but egg glut may be occurring; mix it up with presentations.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, also decent downstream to Soldotna area. Epic catches reported. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning but egg glut may be occurring; mix it up with presentations.

OTHER: Slim opportunities for fresh reds still, round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high; clarity excellent. Single-hook only, no bait; check regulations for details.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Early run present, backside of peak; best area is in or near Russian River confluence. Fish quality: bright to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (2) fish effective September 1 by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. Action is peaking; epic catches reported. Fish are being caught throughout length of river. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning but egg glut may be occurring; mix it up with presentations.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. Action is peaking; epic catches reported. Fish are being caught throughout length of river. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning but egg glut may be occurring; mix it up with presentations.

OTHER: Round whitefish frequently caught along with rare grayling. Occasional bright/semi-bright red possible; a few dark pinks present. Russian River is a good spot for silvers, rainbows, and Dollies right now but only accessed by boat/raft; ferry has ceased operations and road to campground is closed.

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high; clarity fair. Bait not allowed by emergency order through September 15; single hook only. Tides are moderate this weekend, large to very large all next week/weekend.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Some early-run fish still being caught at Crooked Creek confluence; late run arriving in tidewater. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor to Fair. Fall run arriving on the tides; try downstream of rapids and near Crooked Creek confluence. Over-sized beads/corkies and plugs work. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. Rare catches of fresh reds, a few pinks possible.

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are moderate this weekend (distance-casting helpful), large to very large all next week/weekend. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair to Good. Mixed success for 10- to 20-pound fish; larger catches to 50 pounds or more possible in autumn. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai should produce flatfish; limits taken by anglers some days and locations. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing plenty of shark action with skate also possible. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds, skates to 50 pounds or more not unusual. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of pinks, Dolly Varden, and Pacific cod.

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been flowing somewhat high and muddy the past week but starting to drop and clear up and should be in decent shape by Sunday or early next week barring any additional heavy downpours. Tides are moderate this weekend, large to very large all next week/weekend.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Try early mornings; focus on deep holes and pools up towards markers; most of run now located upstream of area open to salmon fishing. Fish quality: chrome to medium blush, most bright/semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Good. Fish arriving on every tide, try spots in and above tidewater but fish are scattered throughout lower and middle sections; beads and corkies work very well when water is murky. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle reaches of streams where salmon are spawning; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: A few rainbow trout and occasional decent pink salmon possible.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are moderate this weekend, large to very large all next week/weekend.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Generally slow but bursts of activity on some tides reported; hit mouths of Scheffler Creek and Japanese Creek, also lower Salmon Creek when water clears up. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most semi-bright. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. A few sea-run char are still in saltwater but majority of fish are now situated in freshwater; try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be very productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: Occasional decent red and pink may be encountered in various locations throughout the bay and in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Closed to silver salmon fishing and use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

CHUM SALMON: Poor. Limited opportunity for decent fish at mouths of Montana and Sunshine and up into Talkeetna River. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being landed in lower and middle sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Smaller number of fish may be encountered around spawning salmon at Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in lower and middle sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and lower reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and lower reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of blush and spawning red and chum salmon. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish present.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; middle/lower river sections forecast moderate levels and murky this weekend, should be better early next week.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Late-run fish moving through lower and middle river with most of run situated from Sourdough on upstream. Fishing is best when water is low and clear, making sight-fishing to groups of fish possible. Fish quality: bright to dark blush, most semi-bright/light blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: A few whitefish and steelhead usually present.

 

Other Productive Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: A few wild silvers may be present around high tide, can be decent fishing some days; pinks and chums done.

PORTAGE CREEK: Some success for silver salmon upstream of tidewater. Pinks and chums are done, occasional fresh red possible still.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Very small number of silver salmon present on the tides and in spots upstream; pinks and chums done.

SIXMILE CREEK: A few silver salmon available from tidewater up to Canyon Creek confluence; pinks, chums done.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A very few silvers present. Pinks and chums done.

SWANSON RIVER: A few mostly blush silver salmon available ion lower and middle sections up to Swanson River Road area; chrome specimens possible down low. Rainbows good on upper stream.

KLUTINA RIVER: Trickle of reds present but almost done. Dolly Varden good in and near lake outlet.

TONSINA RIVER: A few reds and silvers present. Dolly Varden and grayling being caught in Little Tonsina River.

VALDEZ/ROBE RIVER: Few silvers present but anglers are having some success in lower river and mouth. Saltwater areas of port closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order.      

Updated Friday, September 6

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: VALDEZ SILVERS; KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; GULKANA REDS, GRAYLING; DEEP, ANCHOR STEELHEAD; SWANSON SILVERS

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   The prolific summer fishing season has met its demise but angling opportunities are still substantial heading into fall with, foremost, late runs of silver and even red salmon arriving in coastal and inland waters and rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling being very numerous and aggressive in rivers and streams throughout the region. Also, the lake fisheries are turning on as lake trout and other resident species are moving into the shallows as water temperatures cool. However, for many anglers that struggled getting enough salmon for sport and/or freezers, there is some great action to be had for the next several weeks. The late run of chrome silvers are ascending the Kenai River and will be present through the month and October as well with a two-fish daily bag limit, just as there are very decent numbers of silvers moving into Port Valdez where many anglers had no problem filling their three-fish limits plus proxies last weekend with similar action expected to continue this weekend. Additionally, the Gulkana River is experiencing a very strong showing of fresh late-run reds that typically persists through mid-month. For catch-and-release aficionados, steelhead trout are moving into lower Kenai Peninsula streams in healthy numbers for this early in the season. Surf-casters along Cook Inlet beaches are finding a bump in activity as the autumn fishery targeting shallow-water halibut is on a roll and should last for the next few weeks. In all, it is looking like a great transition to fall for anglers all around Southcentral.  

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity good. Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week.

PINK SALMON: Poor. Late-run is coming to an end; most fish located from Soldotna area up to Skilak Lake outlet. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most blush/spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Transitioning from early-run tributary fish to mainstem late run; limits possible, especially in middle river upstream of Bing’s Landing and in tidewater. Better success in morning and evening; eggs best but spinners and plugs also work. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright to semi-bright. Bag limit is (2) fish effective September 1 by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, also decent downstream to Soldotna area. Epic catches reported. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, also decent downstream to Soldotna area. Epic catches reported. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

OTHER: Slim opportunities for fresh reds still, round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

SWANSON RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to low; clarity good. Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week. Single-hook only, no bait by emergency order.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Decent catches are being made around the tides and in select holes upstream; spinners most reliable. Salmon are distributed throughout river but nicer fish down low. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright in and near tidewater. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Anglers seeing good action in stretches on the upper river; fish are hitting primarily forage flies.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden present throughout river.

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity excellent. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Poor. Spawning late-run fish present in large numbers; scout for fresh specimens among masses. Best stretch to encounter nice color salmon is from Jims’ Landing to Russian River vicinity. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Early run present and peaking; best area is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian River vicinity. Fish quality: bright to medium blush, most bright/semi-bright. Bag limit is (2) fish effective September 1 by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. Action is peaking; epic catches reported. Fish are being caught throughout length of river. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. Action is peaking; epic catches reported. Fish are being caught throughout length of river. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

OTHER: Round whitefish frequently caught along with occasional grayling. A few dark pinks present. Russian River is a good spot for silvers, rainbows, and Dollies right now but only accessed by boat/raft; ferry has ceased operations and road to campground is closed.

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity fair. Bait not allowed by emergency order through September 15; single hook only. Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week.

RED SALMON: Poor. Run is ending; very few nice fish left. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, darker fish more common upstream. Bag limit is (6) fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Poor. A few nicer fish are being caught on lower river and mouth of Crooked Creek. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught from Crooked Creek confluence to up above rapids. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright/semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. A few steelhead present.

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair to Good. Mixed success for 10- to 20-pound fish; larger catches to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai should produce flatfish this weekend, distance casting necessary next week with smaller tides; limits taken by anglers some days. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing plenty of action of primarily sharks with skate also fairly common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds, skates to 50 pounds or more not unusual. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of pinks, Dolly Varden, and Pacific cod.

ANCHOR RIVER & DEEP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; been high and muddy last several days but dropping and clearing now. Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Early mornings and the tides may yield decent catches; try spinners, flies. Focus on deep holes and pools upstream of tidewater. Fish quality: chrome to light blush, most bright/semi-bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Fair to Good. Some fish arriving and mostly hooked by anglers targeting salmon; Anchor and Deep best bets. Tidal zone offers improved chances but fish are scattered throughout lower and middle sections. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle and upper reaches of streams where salmon are spawning; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: A few rainbow trout and occasional decent pink salmon possible.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Good. Generally slow but sporadic bursts of activity on some tides reported; hit mouth of Scheffler Creek. Also Japanese Creek and Salmon Creek when water starts to clear. Fish quality: chrome to dark blush, most bright/semi-bright. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. A few sea-run char are still in saltwater but majority of fish are now situated in freshwater; try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be very productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Good. Deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: Occasional decent red, pink, and chum salmon may be encountered in various locations throughout the bay and in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Closed to silver salmon fishing and use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Limited opportunity for decent fish at mouths of Montana and Sunshine. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being landed in middle sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Smaller number of fish may be encountered around spawning salmon at Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being caught in middle reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Fish are being caught in middle reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of spawning pink and chum salmon; occasional blush red possible in Byers Creek still. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish reported.

Copper Valley-Port Valdez 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; middle/lower river forecast moderate levels and murky this weekend.

RED SALMON: Good. Late-run fish are moving through in large numbers with most of run currently situated on lower river between Sourdough and river mouth. Fishing is best as water drops and clears, making sight-fishing to groups of fish possible. Fish quality: bright to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout being caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish present. A few steelhead usually available by now.

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide; silty on low tide. Tides are moderate this weekend, low next week.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Excellent. Generally productive on the tides with limits possible. Snaggers report fast action some days near the hatchery; also some success at Allison Point, along Dayville Road, and around the boat harbor casting hardware. Fish quality: chrome to light blush, most bright/semi-bright. Bag limit is (3) fish by emergency order.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: Occasional decent pink and chum may be present in bay and harbor area. Robe River has good Dolly Varden fishing among dying pinks; a few silvers are showing up.

Other Productive Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: A few wild silvers may be present around high tide, can be decent at times; pinks and chums done.

PORTAGE CREEK: Some success for silver salmon in tidewater and in holes upstream; a few chums being caught. Pinks are done, occasional fresh red possible still.

INGRAM CREEK: A few silver salmon present in tidewater and immediately above; pinks done.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Very small number of silver salmon present on the tides and in spots upstream; pinks and chums done.

SIXMILE CREEK: A few silver salmon available from tidewater up to Canyon Creek confluence; pinks, chums done.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A very few silvers and chums present. Many spawning, dying, and dead pinks in area streams.

KLUTINA RIVER: Trickle of decent reds present but run ending. Dolly Varden good in and near lake outlet.

TONSINA RIVER: A few reds and silvers present. Dolly Varden and grayling being caught in Little Tonsina River.

 

Updated Thursday, August 29

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  LABOR DAY WEEKEND HOT SPOTS

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, RAINBOWS, DOLLIES; VALDEZ SILVERS; SWANSON SILVERS

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   With the Labor Day holiday weekend looming upon anglers in Southcentral, the realization of summer coming to an end, frequent rain and wind storms battering the region, rapidly cooling temperatures, and salmon runs slowing down and emptying out of popular rivers and streams, there are still some great experiences to be had. Late runs of salmon persist, mainly on the Kenai Peninsula and certain locations in Copper Vally-Port Valdez, and resident species like trout, char, grayling, and others are highly active in a great many if not most waters on the road system. Additionally, the marine fisheries continue to yield great fishing for bottomfish and larger game species. Another bonus is that an increasing number of locals and visitors begin pursuing other interests beside fishing starting in September, thus giving the more persistent and dedicated anglers plenty of space to roam and explore the fantastic and often very rewarding autumn fisheries for which this region of the state is known.  

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate, dropping; clarity is good. Tides are large this weekend and into next week. Single-hook only by emergency order through August 31; bait allowed.

RED SALMON: Poor. Late run is down to a trickle and ending; middle river between Bing’s Landing and Skilak Lake outlet has most fish, lower river downstream of Sterling and Soldotna occasional fish only. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most dark/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Late-run mainstem pinks present; most fish located in Soldotna area up to Skilak Lake outlet. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most semi-bright/light blush. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Early run peaking, late run just starting in tidewater; limit possible, especially in middle river upstream of Soldotna. Better success in morning and evening; eggs best but spinners and plugs also work. Fish quality: chrome to blush, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order through August 31; increases to (2) fish starting September 1.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, also decent downstream to Soldotna area. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. River section above Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake outlet most productive, also decent downstream to Soldotna area. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

SWANSON RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and seasonal; clarity good. Single-hook only, no bait by emergency order.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Decent catches are being made around the tides, spinners most reliable. Fish are distributed throughout lower river. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order. RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Anglers are reporting good action in stretches on the upper river; fish are hitting primarily insect and forage flies. OTHER: A few Dolly Varden have been taken on the lower river by anglers targeting salmon but there are fish higher up in drainage as well.  

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity is good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Poor. Spawning late-run fish present in large numbers; scout for fresh specimens among masses. Best stretch is from Jims’ Landing to Russian River vicinity. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Early run present and starting to peak; better stretch is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian River vicinity. Fish quality: bright to light blush, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Excellent. Action is peaking. Fish are being caught throughout length of river. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

DOLLY VARDEN: Excellent. Action is peaking. Fish are being caught throughout length of river. Bead-bite is on with salmon spawning.

OTHER: More round whitefish being caught and the occasional grayling. A few dark pinks present.

 

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are very low; clarity excellent. Closed to red salmon fishing until next season by regulation. Check hook restrictions; no bait. NOTE: Road to Russian River Campground is closed for construction remainder of season; access river through Russian River Ferry or by drift boat/raft. The Russian River Ferry will close down after Labor Day weekend.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Early-run fish being caught at river mouth and sanctuary area; run expected to peak this weekend and for the next couple of weeks. Fish quality: bright to light blush, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Action is peaking. Fish are being caught throughout length of river but sometimes best in lower reaches and sanctuary. Bead-bite is on with salmon starting to spawn.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Fish are being caught throughout length of river but usually best in lower reaches and sanctuary. Bead-bite is on with salmon starting to spawn.

OTHER: A few dark pink salmon present in lower end of river/sanctuary. Occasional catches of grayling, usually in upstream reaches towards falls.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate/high; clarity fair. Bait not allowed by emergency order through September 15; single hook only. Tides are large this weekend and into next week.

RED SALMON: Poor. A trickle of fish coming through; run is ending. Fish quality: chrome to medium blush, darker fish more common upstream. Bag limit is (6) fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught on lower river and mouth of Crooked Creek. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught from tidewater and Crooked Creek confluence to up above rapids. Fish quality: chrome to light blush, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing where salmon are spawning.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. A few steelhead reported by anglers targeting silvers.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large this weekend and into next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths is allowed. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair. Decent success on 10- to 15-pound specimens; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing flatfish and action is improving; limits reported taken by anglers some days; big tide cycle this weekend could yield some nice fish and a more consistent bite. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from primarily sharks with skate also fairly common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with skates to 50 pounds or more not unusual. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of pink and silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Dolly Varden and Pacific cod.

 

LOWER PENINSULA STREAMS

Conditions: In the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River, water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events. Tides are large this weekend and into next week.

PINK SALMON: Poor. A few fish are present but success is low due to small runs. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Early mornings and the tides are yielding decent catches as run peaks; try spinners, flies. Focus on deep holes and pools upstream of tidewater. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. A few fish are arriving and mostly hooked by anglers targeting salmon. Tidal zone offers improved chances but fish are scattered throughout lower and middle sections. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best fishing is in middle and upper reaches of streams where salmon are spawning; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: A few rainbow trout and an occasional red salmon possible.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are large this weekend and into next week.

PINK SALMON: Poor to Fair. Small numbers scattered around the bay area with better bets in and around mouths of clearwater streams; try mouths of Tonsina and Japanese creeks. Also Salmon Creek and areas of Resurrection River below road crossings. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish in saltwater, (3) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

CHUM SALMON: Poor. Mouth of Tonsina Creek may still yield decent fish; try incoming and high tides. Fish quality: light blush to spawning, most dark/spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish in saltwater, (3) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Generally slow but bursts of activity now and then with limits occasionally; hit mouths of Scheffler and Japanese creeks, also Salmon Creek when water starts to clear. By emergency order, bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwaters open to salmon fishing.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. A few sea-run char are still in saltwater but most of fish are now situated in freshwater; try clearwater streams such as upper Salmon Creek or anywhere there are salmon spawning.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be very productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Good. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: Occasional late-run red salmon may be encountered in various locations throughout the bay.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages. Closed to silver salmon fishing and use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Limited opportunity for decent fish at mouths of Montana and Sunshine. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Smaller number of fish may be encountered around spawning salmon at Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of mostly dark/spawning pink and chum salmon but a few light blush reds may be present in Byers Creek still. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez 

KLUTINA & TONSINA RIVERS

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and clarity fair. King salmon fishing closed by regulation. Bait allowed.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late-run fish are trickling in; limits possible in spots with persistence. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. A few fish have arrived, mainly at Tonsina, but angling pressure is very low and may make it worth a try. Mouth of Little Tonsina and calm, deep holes downstream on Tonsina best bet. Fish quality: bright to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (2) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best locations are outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream as well as Little Tonsina River.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events; currently moderate level and dropping, clarity generally fair and improving.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Late-run fish are moving through in increasing numbers with most of run currently situated on lower end of river from highway to river mouth. Fish quality: bright to blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout being caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish present. A few steelhead may show any day now, if not already.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide; silty on low tide. Tides are large this weekend and into next week. 

PINK SALMON: Poor. Run is near an end with only a few fresh specimens still around, mainly on the incoming and outgoing tide at Allison Point and around boat harbor; beach area around hatchery has mainly older, darker fish. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some opportunity still in and around harbor area and off city dock. Snagging most common harvest method. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Numbers of fish in port still relatively low but anglers are having some success on incoming and outgoing tides at Allison Point and in and around the boat harbor; limits are possible. Casting spinners best bet. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most bright. Bag limit is (3) fish by emergency order.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: Robe River has good Dolly Varden fishing among spawning pinks; a few silvers are showing up.

 

Other Productive Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: Small number of mainly wild silvers showing up on the tides, can be decent at times; pinks and chums largely done.

GLACIER CREEK: Limited success for decent pinks, chums, and silvers and occasional red in lower stream and tidewater.

PORTAGE CREEK: Some success for silver salmon in tidewater and holes immediately upstream; chums also being caught higher up. Pinks almost done, occasional fresh red possible still.

INGRAM CREEK: A few silver salmon present in tidewater and immediately above; pinks finished.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Small number of silver salmon being caught on the tides and in spots upstream; pinks finished, occasional nice chum possible.

SIXMILE CREEK: Silver salmon being caught from tidewater up to Canyon Creek confluence; pinks, chums finished.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A few silvers and chums present; spotty success. Many spawning, dying, and dead pinks in area streams.

 

Updated Friday, August 23

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, PINKS, RAINBOWS; SWANSON SILVERS

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   Despite a rash of recent emergency orders targeting the low numbers of silver salmon returning to the Southcentral region, anglers are managing some very decent catches in multiple locations and there are even a couple of opportunities for red and pink salmon remaining. Also, the fishing for resident species in primarily rivers and streams is really busy with the advent of the salmon spawn and cooler water temperatures. Surf-casting the marine waters for saltwater species is showing some promise as halibut, particularly, are becoming increasingly more common catches from area beaches. Overall, dedicated and persistent anglers will be able to find some great fishing this weekend and for the next several weeks.  

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are high, dropping; clarity is fair. Tides are large this weekend, smaller next week. Single-hook only, no bait by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late run tapering off and will soon end; middle river between Bing’s Landing and Skilak Lake outlet has most fish, lower river around Soldotna spotty/generally slow but better shot at quality fish. Limits possible. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

PINK SALMON: Good to Excellent. Late-run mainstem pinks arriving in tidewater and lower river; try Cunningham Park, Eagle Rock for bright specimens, darker fish upstream. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most semi-bright/light blush. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Early run starting to peak; limits possible. Better success in morning and evening; spinners and flies work. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Excellent. Middle river section above Bing’s Landing most productive; decent elsewhere. The bead-bite is turning on.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Excellent. Fish are spread throughout river; productive from Soldotna to Skilak Lake outlet. The bead-bite is turning on.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

SWANSON RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and seasonal; clarity good. Single-hook only, no bait by emergency order.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Decent catches are being made around the tides, spinners most reliable. Fish are distributed throughout lower river. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order. RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Anglers are reporting good action in stretches on the upper river; fish are hitting primarily insect and forage flies. OTHER: A few Dolly Varden have been taken on the lower river by anglers targeting salmon but there are fish higher up in drainage as well.  

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are high; clarity is good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late-run fish present in large numbers; scout for fresh specimens among masses. Best stretch is from Jims’ Landing to Russian River vicinity. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most dark blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Early run arriving and success rate improving daily. Better stretch is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian River vicinity. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Action building towards a peak. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good to Excellent. Action building towards a peak. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are being caught. A few pinks present.

 

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Road to Russian River Campground is closed for construction remainder of season; access river through Russian River Ferry or by drift boat/raft. Water levels are low; clarity excellent. Closed to red salmon fishing until next season by regulation. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some early-run fish being caught at river mouth and sanctuary area; run is building. Fish quality: chrome to semi-bright, most bright. Bag limit is (1) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Will improve shortly when salmon begin spawning. Egg/flesh patterns work.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Will improve shortly when salmon begin spawning. Egg/flesh patterns work.

OTHER: A few pink salmon present in lower end of river/sanctuary. Occasional catches of grayling, usually in upstream reaches towards falls.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high; clarity fair. Single-hook only by emergency order. Tides are large this weekend, smaller next week.

RED SALMON: Poor. A few fish still being caught; run is ending soon. Fish quality: chrome to medium blush, darker fish more common upstream. Bag limit is (6) fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught on lower river and mouth of Crooked Creek. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught in tidewater and around Crooked Creek confluence. Bag limit is (1) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. A few steelhead trout should be present.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large this weekend, smaller next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths is allowed. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Some 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing some flatfish and success is improving with a few limits taken; big tide cycle this weekend produce some nice fish and a more consistent bite. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of red, pink, and silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Dolly Varden and Pacific cod.

 

LOWER PENINSULA STREAMS

Conditions: In the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River, water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on recent rainfall events. Tides are large this weekend, smaller next week. Single-hook only, no bait by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Poor. Some fish are present but success is low this year due to small runs; try the tidal sections. Fish quality: chrome to spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Early mornings and the tides are yielding decent catches, especially on spinners, flies. Focus on deep holes and pools upstream of tidewater. Fish quality: generally chrome/bright. Bag limit is (1) fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. A few fish have been arriving since the last week of July and mostly hooked by anglers targeting salmon. Tidal zone offers improved chances but fish are scattered into the middle sections. No bag limit; catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. The better fishing is in middle and upper reaches of streams where salmon are spawning; fair success in lower sections.

OTHER: A few rainbow trout and an occasional red salmon possible.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are large this weekend, smaller next week. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby has ended.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Schools of fish present around the bay area with most consistent catches possible in and around mouths of clearwater streams; try Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks. Also Salmon Creek and areas of Resurrection River below road crossings. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most light blush. Bag limit is (6) fish in saltwater, (3) in freshwater.

CHUM SALMON: Poor. Mouth of Tonsina Creek may hold a few decent chums; try incoming and high tides. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most blush. Bag limit is (6) fish in saltwater, (3) in freshwater.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some fish are present off area beaches and have begun entering freshwater. Scout mouths of Scheffler, Spruce, Spring, and Tonsina and along Lowell Point Road and Lowell Point for success; anglers reporting limits possible at Scheffler. Bag limit is (3) fish in saltwater, (1) in freshwater by emergency order.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. A few sea-run char are still in saltwater but most of fish are now situated in freshwater; try head of bay or clearwater streams.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be very productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Good. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: Late-run red salmon may be encountered in various locations throughout the bay. Upper reaches of Salmon Creek offers fair to good Dolly Varden action.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Caswell, Sunshine, and Rabideux. Closed to silver salmon fishing and use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some decent fish present at mouths of Willow, Montana, and Sunshine. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Smaller number of fish may be encountered around spawning salmon at Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Poor. Fish present at Byers Creek; scout lower reaches of stream. Fish quality: bright to spawning, most dark blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of mostly dark/spawning pink and chum salmon. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; currently moderate to low levels and dropping, clarity decent and improving.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish are moving through in smaller groups; look for concentrations of fish in and around slower water. Fish quality: bright to medium blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout being caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish are present. A few steelhead trout typically show within the next couple of weeks.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear to semi-glacial at high tide; silty on low tide. Tides are large this weekend, smaller next week. 

PINK SALMON: Poor. Run is tapering off and ending soon. Try incoming and outgoing tide at Allison Point and around boat harbor for fresh specimens; beach area around hatchery has mainly older, darker fish. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most dark/spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Best opportunity is in and around harbor area and off city dock. Snagging most common harvest method. Fish quality: chrome to spawning, most blush. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Small number of fish present at head of bay but improving. Try Allison Point and boat harbor. Bag limit is (3) fish by emergency order.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: Robe River has good Dolly Varden fishing among spawning pinks; a few silvers showing up.

 

Other Productive Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: Small number of mainly wild silvers showing up on the tides, can be decent at times; pinks and chums mostly finished.

GLACIER CREEK: Limited number of fresh pinks and chums left, few reds and silvers present.

PORTAGE CREEK: Some success for silver salmon in tidewater and upstream holes; chums also being caught higher up. Pinks, reds mostly finished.

INGRAM CREEK: Some silver salmon present in tidewater and immediately above; pinks finished.

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: Small number of silver salmon being caught on the tides and in spots upstream; pinks finished, chums present.

SIXMILE CREEK: Silver salmon being caught from tidewater up to Canyon Creek confluence; pinks, chums finished.

WHITTIER/PASSAGE CANAL: A few silvers and chums present, occasional dark hatchery king; spotty success. Many spawning and dying pinks in streams.

 

Updated Thursday, August 15

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI SILVERS, REDS, PINKS, RAINBOWS; RUSSIAN REDS; SWANSON SILVERS

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   As the late summer season continues, anglers are having to contend with dwindling runs of late-run red and pink salmon just as new restrictions on mainly early-run silver salmon stocks in Cook Inlet take hold, and, unfortunately, there are indications surfacing that the later timing populations of silvers may be implicated as well. But despite the lack of solid numbers of quality salmon, there exist some really nice opportunities still, although anglers are having to work a little harder for their catch and are advised to try out some more obscure spots to achieve success. However, anglers not so tied into the salmon fishing scene are finding terrific action for resident species like rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling in rivers and streams all over the region; the lake fisheries targeting lake trout, pike, rainbow trout, Arctic char, and grayling turning on, too, as water temperatures cool. Also, fishing the briny is managing quite well for a plethora of bottomfish, including shark and skate, and there are signs that the late summer/fall halibut fishery is picking up.

Kenai Peninsula

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Tides are large this weekend and through next week. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby has started and runs through August 18.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Schools of fish present around the bay area with most consistent catches possible in and around mouths of clearwater streams; try Spring, Spruce, and Tonsina creeks. Fish quality ranges from chrome to dark, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (6) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Mouth of Tonsina Creek best bet for fresh chums; try incoming and high tides. Fish quality ranges from chrome to dark, most light blush. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Low success from shore at this time; a few fish are present off area beaches and have begun entering freshwater. Scout mouths of Scheffler, Spruce, and Tonsina and along Lowell Point Road for early catches. Bag limit is (6) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. A few sea-run char are still in saltwater but majority of fish are now situated in freshwater; try head of bay or clearwater streams.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road typically supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay along Lowell Point Road can be very productive at times; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Good. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin. No bag limits.

OTHER: There may be small schools of late-run red salmon encountered in various locations throughout the bay.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are high; clarity is good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish are moving through in large numbers. Most fish are starting to blush but bright salmon also common. Best stretch is from mouth of Russian River and downstream next several miles along associated beaches. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Some fish are showing up but catches generally spotty; will improve next week. Better stretch is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian vicinity. Bag limit is (2) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Consistent, productive results; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are being caught. A few pinks present.

 

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Road to Russian River Campground closes August 16 for construction; access river through Russian River Ferry or by drift boat/raft. Water levels are low, dropping; clarity is excellent. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Good. Late-run fish moving into sanctuary and up river. If fishing mainstem Russian, focus on deeper holes at first light. Fish quality ranges from near chrome to dark blush, many bright to semi-bright. Last day of season is August 20. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. A few fish are beginning to show at river mouth and sanctuary area; catches reported. Expect more consistent success next week. Bag limit is (1) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Decent success in and below deeper holes/pools and near locations where anglers are cleaning and gutting fish. Egg/flesh patterns work.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Decent success in and below deeper holes/pools and near locations where anglers are cleaning and gutting fish. Egg/flesh and forage patterns work.

OTHER: A few pink salmon present in lower end of river/sanctuary. Occasional catches of grayling, usually in upstream reaches towards falls.

 

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are high, dropping; clarity is fair. Tides are large this weekend and through next week. Single-hook only by emergency order through August 31; bait allowed starting August 16.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Late-run fish moving through in varying numbers from tidewater to outlet of Skilak Lake; limits still common some days. Greatest fish abundance generally upstream of Sterling; success rate on lower section depends on daily passage of reds. Fish quality ranges from chrome to near spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish starting Friday, August 16.

PINK SALMON: Good. Late-run mainstem pinks arriving in tidewater and lower river; try locations downstream of Soldotna and in tidewater for bright specimens, more darker fish upstream. Fish quality ranges from chrome to near spawning. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Most fish are being caught in lower section from tidewater to Soldotna; try spinners and large streamers, especially bait when allowed. Some anglers are achieving limits. Bag limit is (2) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good to Excellent. Middle river section above Bing’s Landing most productive; decent elsewhere.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Fish are spread throughout river; productive from Soldotna to Skilak Lake outlet.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

SWANSON RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and seasonal; clarity good.

SILVER SALMON: Fair to Good. Decent catches are being made around the tides, bait and spinners most reliable. Fish are distributed throughout lower river. Bag limit is (2) fish. RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Anglers are reporting good action in stretches on the upper river; fish are hitting primarily insect and forage flies. OTHER: A few Dolly Varden have been taken on the lower river by anglers targeting salmon but there are fish higher up in drainage as well.  

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high; clarity fair. Bait not allowed by emergency order through September 15; single hook only. Tides are large this weekend and through next week.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Success rate depends on daily passage; run is ending soon. Try near Crooked Creek area one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or upper section above highway bridge throughout day. Bag limit is (6) fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught on lower river and mouth of Crooked Creek. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Fair. Some fish are being caught in tidewater and around Crooked Creek confluence. Bag limit is (2) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Decent action in upper river and in Crooked Creek around road crossing.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large this weekend and through next week. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths is allowed. Low light and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Some 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing intermittent flatfish but success is improving; big tide cycle should produce some nice fish and a more consistent bite. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of red, pink, and silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Dolly Varden and Pacific cod.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Tides are large this weekend and through next week.

PINK SALMON: Poor to Fair. Limited success achieved by surf-casting off beaches around the spit. Most fish are bright to semi-bright with a few blush specimens also present. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some fish are being caught on the tide swings casting hardware and bait; mix of wild and hatchery silvers. Dudiak Lagoon also producing a few fish. Bag limit is (6) fish.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. A few smaller flatfish are being caught intermittently but larger specimens possible. Herring or squid works; fish any tide cycle in deeper area off Coal Point at front of hotel/condos. Bag limit is (2) fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Some very nice fish are being brought in at Coal Point on low and incoming tide; stretch of beach out from hotel/condos is usually a decent spot. Bait like herring and squid best. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Skate and shark also possible.

OTHER: Occasional catches of king, red, and chum salmon and sea-run Dolly Varden around the spit and in Dudiak Lagoon.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

KNIK AREA STREAMS

Conditions: All area waters, except Eklutna Tailrace, are closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Some of the smaller runoff streams in the area are still flowing high and slightly silty to brown due to recent heavy rainfall; try lake-based drainages, such as Fish, Cottonwood, and Jim creeks and Eklutna Tailrace for better opportunities. 

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Runs have peaked in lower sections of streams, smaller number of fish still present in Cottonwood, Jim, and Fish creeks, as well as Eklutna Tailrace. Quality of fish range from bright to spawning, most blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Check out mouths of tributaries draining into Knik and Matanuska rivers. Quality of fish range from generally blush to dark but bright specimens possible. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Try fishing Eklutna Tailrace. Best action in early morning. Quality of fish range from bright to light blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Middle and upper sections of Fish and Cottonwood creeks produce nice fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Upper section of Jim Creek can be productive; also Wasilla Creek.

OTHER: Pink salmon present in Wasilla Creek.

 

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Caswell, Sunshine, and Rabideux. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order. Use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Poor. A few nice fish present at the mouths of Willow, Sheep, Montana, Sunshine. Quality of fish range from light blush to spawning, most dark/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some decent fish present at the mouths of Willow, Sheep, Montana, and Sunshine. Quality of fish range from bright to spawning, most blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek. Closed to silver salmon fishing by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Poor. Fish present throughout Byers Creek; salmon fishing only allowed downstream of Parks Highway crossing. Quality of fish range from bright to dark, most medium blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of mostly dark/spawning pink and chum salmon. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; currently moderate to low levels and dropping, clarity decent and improving.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish are moving up in smaller numbers and should peak now and for next couple of weeks or so; look for groups of fish. Quality of fish range from bright to medium blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout still being caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish are present.

 

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and clarity poor to fair; expect turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing closed. Bait now allowed.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Run has slowed but a few nice late-run fish still moving through; limit possible with hard work. Quality of fish range from bright to dark, most light blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Best area of river is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible. Also try Little Tonsina River.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible. Nearby Tonsina River also has red salmon, char, and grayling.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide; silty on low tide. Tides are large this weekend and through next week. Silver salmon bag limit is being reduced from (6) to (3) starting Monday, August 19, continuing through December 31.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Run is tapering off; for bright fish, try incoming and outgoing tide at Allison Point and around boat harbor. Beach area around hatchery has mainly older, darker fish. Bag limit is (6) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Best opportunity is in and around harbor area and off city dock. Quality of fish range from chrome to dark, most semi-bright/light blush. Snagging most common harvest method. Bag limit is (6) fish.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: Still only a few silvers being caught from shore in port. Robe River has good Dolly Varden fishing among spawning pinks; early silvers possible.

 

Updated Thursday, August 8

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI REDS, PINKS; RUSSIAN REDS; VALDEZ PINKS

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   There are a mix of species to be had this weekend and into next week as the late summer fisheries take hold. Late runs of red and pink salmon are continuing strong into Kenai River still but not for much longer before conditions change and silver salmon take command. Although the early silver runs to Cook Inlet and associated drainages in Susitna Valley, the Anchorage area, and Turnagain Arm have shown to be a disappointment thus far, the later runs that tend to be more prolific hold some promise as the season unfolds towards autumn. But until that time, resident species such as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling are busy entertaining anglers in a great many rivers, streams, and lakes as the runs of summer salmon are engaged in spawning. In marine waters, some opportunities exist yet for primarily pink and silver salmon but it is the increased presence of halibut in addition to shark and skate that has a lot of surf-casters’ attention. Like much of July, August is a great month to be out on the water in Southcentral Alaska.

Anchorage Area-Turnagain Arm

SHIP CREEK

Conditions: Varies according to weather events; currently high and murky water, should drop and clear up with improved fishing success expected by early next week.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Small run this year; try tides for brighter fish, most are turning color. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Numbers starting to increase; incoming and outgoing tides generally best option. Spinners and roe work. Bag limit is (3) fish.

OTHER: A few chum and occasional red salmon possible.

 

BIRD CREEK

Conditions: Varies according to weather events; currently high and murky water, should drop and clear up with improved fishing success expected by early next week.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Small run this year; try tides for brighter fish, most are turning color. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some brighter specimens being caught on the tides. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Numbers starting to increase; incoming and outgoing tides best option. Mix of hatchery and wild fish present. Spinners and roe work. Bag limit is (3) fish.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and occasional red salmon possible.

 

Kenai Peninsula

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high, clarity good.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Relatively small run this year; fishing in tidewater best option for bright fish. Angler success is highly variable. Fish located upstream are mostly dark blush/spawning. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor. A few specimens may be found by anglers sight-fishing upstream but tides may also yield catches. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. A few fish being caught in tidal area and lower stream but expect spotty success at best. Bag limit is (2) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Try deeper, slower pools and holes in lower and middle stream.

OTHER: Also check out lower end of nearby Simile Creek for chums, a few silvers.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at peak high tide, silty on low but recent torrential rains have turned much of waters around the bay very muddy. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Caution: Venturing out along Lowell Point Road could subject travelers to potentially being stranded due to very heavy outflows from Lowell Creek/waterfall.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Schools of fish present around the bay area with most consistent catches possible in deeper waters where visibility is improved; snagging can be good at stream mouths. Bag limit is (6) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Mouth of Tonsina Creek best bet for fresh chums; Spring Creek is yielding mostly dark/spawning fish. Try incoming and high tides. Snagging is most common harvest method. Bag limit is (6) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some sea-run char are being taken throughout the bay area but majority of fish are now entering freshwater; try beaches and points where water is clear.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and deeper parts of the bay typically yield a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is (2) fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. Deeper parts of the bay supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

BOTTOMFISH: Good. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and other parts of the bay is productive for a variety of species like codfish, flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin.

OTHER: A few silvers are likely beginning to show. There may be small schools of late-run red salmon encountered in various locations throughout the bay.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is very good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish are moving through in large numbers. Most fish are starting to turn but bright salmon also common. Best stretch is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian vicinity. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Consistent, productive results; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are being caught. A few pinks and silvers present.

 

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising due to heavy rain at headwaters; clarity is excellent. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Late-run fish moving into sanctuary and river. If fishing mainstem Russian, focus on deeper holes at first light. Quality of fish range from near chrome to dark blush, most semi-bright. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Decent success in and below deeper holes/pools and near locations where anglers are cleaning and gutting fish. Egg/flesh patterns work.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent success in and below deeper holes/pools and near locations where anglers are cleaning and gutting fish. Egg/flesh and forage patterns work.

OTHER: First few silver salmon should be present. Grayling are caught on occasion, usually in upstream reaches towards the falls. A few king salmon are entering river; closed to fishing.

 

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are high and near typical summer levels; clarity is fair. Tides are small this weekend and through next week.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Late-run fish moving through in varying numbers from tidewater to outlet of Skilak Lake; limits common. Success rate depends on daily passage of reds. Bag limit is (6) fish; will return to (3) fish from August 16 through rest of season.

PINK SALMON: Good. Late-run mainstem pinks arriving in tidewater and lower end of river; try Cunningham Park, Eagle Rock for bright specimens—quality ranges from chrome to dark blush. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Most fish being caught are incidental to targeting reds. Numbers are building; Soldotna to tidewater best option but have been reported up to Skilak Lake. Bag limit is (2) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river above Sterling best; decent elsewhere and improving as season progresses.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Sea-run fish are spread throughout river; productive from Soldotna to Skilak Lake outlet.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity considered optimal/fair. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only. Tides are small this weekend and through next week.

RED SALMON: Fair. Success rate depends on daily passage of fish; may be a last push of reds coming through any day but run will be slowing down. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Bag limit is (6) fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some fish are being caught on lower river and mouth of Crooked Creek. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some fish reported caught the past week and action is improving. Bag limit is (2) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent action between upper edge of tidewater to lake outlet. Also try fishing Crooked Creek.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are small this weekend and next week; long-distance casting necessary for best success. Two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing through August 15. Surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths is now allowed. Night fishing and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing intermittent flatfish but success is beginning to tick upwards; next big tide cycle should produce some nice, more consistent fish. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also being common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit is (5) spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of red, pink, and silver salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Limited success achieved by surf-casting off beaches around the spit. Most fish are bright to semi-bright with a few blush specimens also present. Bag limit is (6) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some fish are being beached on the tides casting hardware and bait; mix of wild and hatchery silvers. Dudiak Lagoon also producing some fish. Bag limit is (6) fish.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. A few smaller flatfish are being caught intermittently but larger specimens possible. Herring or squid works; fish any tide cycle in deeper area off Coal Point at front of hotel/condos. Bag limit is (2) fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Some very nice fish are being brought in at Coal Point on low and incoming tide; stretch of beach out from hotel/condos is usually a decent spot. Bait like herring and squid best. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Skate and shark also possible.

OTHER: Occasional catches of king, red, and chum salmon and sea-run Dolly Varden around the spit and in Dudiak Lagoon.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

KNIK AREA STREAMS

Conditions: Many of the smaller streams in the area are flowing high and slightly silty to brown due to recent heavy rainfall, except for lake-based drainages, such as Fish, Cottonwood, and Jim creeks and Eklutna Tailrace.

RED SALMON: Fair. Runs have peaked in intertidal areas of streams, smaller number of fish still present in Cottonwood, Jim, and Fish creeks, as well as Eklutna Tailrace. Fish quality range from chrome to dark, most a shade of blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Check out mouths of tributaries draining into Knik and Matanuska rivers. Fish condition generally blush to dark but bright specimens possible. Bag limit is (2) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor to Fair. Present in most area streams; try Cottonwood and Jim creeks and Eklutna Tailrace. Best action in early morning. Bag limit is (2) fish, except for Jim (1) and Eklutna (3).

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Middle and upper sections of Fish and Cottonwood creeks produce nice fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Upper section of Jim Creek can be productive; also Wasilla Creek.

OTHER: A few pink salmon are present in Wasilla Creek.

 

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water level and color varies greatly depending on recent rainfall events. Use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Poor. Small number of fish showing up. Some bright specimens present on lower river but generally blush to spawning color. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair to Good. Decent number of fish passing through lower and middle river sections; few fish present at Park Highway crossing. Quality range from chrome to dark, most being semi-bright to light blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Relatively few fish showing up; lower river best bet. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Intermittent catches while targeting other species on lower river, generally better upstream.

OTHER: Occasional catches of red salmon, grayling, and whitefish.

 

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if water is high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Caswell, Sunshine, and Rabideux. Use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Some fish present at the mouths of Willow, Caswell, Sheep, Montana, and Sunshine. Bag limit is (3) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Some fish present at the mouths of Willow, Sheep, Montana, and Sunshine. Bag limit is (3) fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. A few fish are present at mouths of Willow, Sheep, Caswell, Montana, Sunshine, and Rabideux but numbers still lacking. Bag limit is (1) fish by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events; if tributaries are high and muddy, go to lake-based and lowland drainages such as Byers Creek.

RED SALMON: Fair. Fish present at Byers Creek; mouth of Troublesome Creek also worth a try. Quality of fish range from bright to dark blush, most light blush. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence of pink and chum salmon, first silver due any day. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and clarity poor to fair; expect turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Action has slowed down a bit with most fish caught being semi-bright to blush; limits are possible in right place. Mix of early- and late-run fish. Bag limit is (3) fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible. Also try Little Tonsina River.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are currently fairly low with clarity good but heavy rain in parts of drainage may elevate stream flows and create muddy conditions soon.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late-run fish are moving up in smaller numbers but should begin peaking in another week or so; look for groups of fish. Bag limit is (3) fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout still being caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish are present.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide; currently very silty with debris on low tide due to torrential rain in area.

PINK SALMON: Fair to Good. Run has peaked; for bright fish, try incoming and outgoing tide at Allison Point and around boat harbor. Beach area around hatchery has mainly older, darker fish. Bag limit is (6) fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Better opportunities for fish is in and around harbor area. Condition of fish range from chrome to blush. Snagging most common harvest method. Bag limit is (6) fish.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: Occasional catches of silvers in port. Robe River has good Dolly Varden fishing among spawning pinks; early silvers possible.

 

UPCOMING HOT SPOT FISHERIES

ANCHOR RIVER/DEEP CREEK: Sea-run Dolly Varden have arrived. Success rates are good upstream of tidewater and throughout lower river; also productive in middle and upper sections. A few pinks present; silvers are arriving.

QUARTZ CREEK: Dolly Varden are moving up stream in decent numbers along with some rainbows and whitefish. Good number of reds spawning in upper stream around highway crossing—use egg patterns for trout and char.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Hatchery silvers return to this Homer Spit location and anglers are getting some on the tides; success has been variable but for most part fair at best.

 

Updated Tuesday, July 30

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI REDS; KASILOF REDS; VALDEZ PINKS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; GULKANA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   Most anglers in Southcentral are still reeling from the huge and continued onslaught of late-run red salmon hitting the glacial twin rivers of Kenai and Kasilof which have experienced some incredible action for the last two and a half weeks. And, overall, most of the red salmon runs throughout the region have yielded some incredible opportunities accompanied with very liberal bag limits. Additionally, there has been some very noteworthy fishing for resident game species such as trout, char, and grayling. But for the remaining members of the salmon clan, particularly in drainages of Cook Inlet, the pink, chum, and silver numbers are far below normal for this time of the season and there may even be restrictions for one or more of them in some locations in the near future if things do not improve soon. Valdez, however, has still seen good abundance of pinks this year, unlike most of the continuous road system in the state.

Kenai Peninsula

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high, clarity good. Closed to king salmon fishing.

PINK SALMON: Fair to Good. Fishing has improved to some extent but it appears like a relatively small run this year; sight-fishing to small groups of fresh pinks is best option. Angler success is highly variable. Try around the tides for bright specimens; fish located upstream are mostly blush to dark. Bag limit is 3 fish.

CHUM SALMON: Poor. A few specimens may be found by anglers sight-fishing upstream but tides may also yield catches. Bag limit is 3 fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. A few fish have been caught in tidal area but expect spotty success at best. Bag limit is 2 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some decent action may be had on incoming and high tide; juvenile salmon imitations very effective. Bait also works.

OTHER: Also check out lower end of nearby Simile Creek for chums, pinks, a few silvers.

 

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is fair. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only allowed by emergency order. Tides are small this week but large by the weekend.

RED SALMON: Excellent. Late-run fish moving through in heavy numbers from tidewater to outlet of Skilak Lake; limits commonplace. Success rate depends on daily passage of fish; third large wave of reds just passed through, will be productive for another ten days. Bag limit is 6 fish.

PINK SALMON: Poor to Fair. Late run of large, mainstem pinks arriving in tidewater; try Cunningham Park, Eagle Rock. Some darker, early-run fish present at mouth of tributaries still. Bag limit is 6 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river above Bing’s Landing best; mediocre elsewhere and getting better as season progresses.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Sea-run fish have entered lower river; productive from top of tidewater to Skilak Lake outlet.

OTHER: A few silvers are present at this time. Round whitefish and the occasional grayling caught.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is very good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Late-run fish are moving through in increasing numbers. Some fish are starting to blush but bright and semi-bright salmon still the rule. Best stretch of water is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian vicinity. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Consistent, productive results; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are being caught. A few early-run pinks present, first silver expected any day now.

 

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are generally low; clarity is excellent. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Late-run fish moving into sanctuary/lower end of river, some also proceeding upstream. If fishing mainstem Russian, focus on deeper holes at first light. Reds are nice and bright; a few blush to dark fish present.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Some success in deeper holes/pools and near locations where anglers are cleaning and gutting fish. Most trout are in 8- to 12-inch range. Egg/flesh patterns work.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish are being caught but will improve once more salmon enter drainage and begin spawning.

OTHER: Grayling are caught on occasion, usually in upstream reaches towards the falls. A few king salmon are entering river; closed to fishing.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. King salmon fishing closed rest of season by emergency order. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only. Tides are small this week but large by the weekend.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Large numbers of fish arriving; limits are common. Success rate depends on daily passage of fish. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Bag limit is 6 fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Poor. A few fish are being caught incidentally to targeting other species on lower river and mouth of Crooked Creek; run should improve shortly.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Decent action between tidewater and highway bridge.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. First silvers expected any day.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Water is generally clear at high tide, silty on low. Salmon Creek downstream of Nash Road and Resurrection River downstream of Seward Highway is open to salmon fishing (except kings) as of June 16; no bait allowed, single-hook only. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Red salmon bag limit is 12 fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Fair to Good. Schools of fish present around the bay area with most consistent catches possible from mouth of Tonsina Creek up to Lowell Point/Beach and the breakwater along Lowell Point Road and the harbor area; also try around Spring Creek. Bag limit is 6 fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Mouth of Tonsina Creek best bet for fresh chums; Spring Creek is yielding mostly blush/dark fish. Try incoming and high tides. Snagging is most common harvest method. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some sea-run char are being taken throughout the bay area but majority of fish are now entering freshwater; try Tonsina and Spruce creeks and associated beaches and points.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road typically yields a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is 2 fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. Stretch of water along Lowell Point Road supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road is productive for a variety of species like codfish, flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin.

OTHER: There may be small schools of late-run red salmon encountered in various locations throughout the bay. Too early for silvers yet from shore but occasional catch possible.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are small this week but larger into the weekend and early next week; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing through August 15. Surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths is now allowed. Night fishing and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing intermittent catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also being common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of red and pink salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for glacial drainages such as Kashwitna and Talkeetna which are high and generally silty. King salmon fishing closed.

PINK SALMON: Poor. Some fish are available at the mouths of Willow, Sheep, and Montana; runs appear very small this season. Bag limit is 3 fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Some fish are available at the mouths of Willow, Sheep, and Montana; runs should improve by weekend and into next week. Bag limit is 3 fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. A few fish are showing up at mouths of Willow and Sheep but numbers still down; use bait at dawn. Bag limit is 2 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others. Catches to 4-5 pounds or more possible.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

BURBOT: Fair to Excellent. Look for fish in slack/slow water in or around mouths of Sheep, Caswell, Montana, and Rabideux; Sunshine sometimes productive, too. Best action is at night using bait sitting on bottom.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear; mainstem Chulitna River is flowing high and silty. King salmon fishing closed.

RED SALMON: Fair. Anglers are starting to see fish arriving at mouth and lower section of Byers Creek; mouth of Troublesome Creek also worth a try. Bag limits is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: Limited presence yet of pink and chum salmon. A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible.

 

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels and color varies greatly depending on recent rainfall events. Use of bait, multiple hooks prohibited prohibited until August 6. Closed to king salmon fishing.

PINK SALMON: Poor. Few fish showing up; numbers may increase in August but quality will not. Some bright specimens present on lower river but generally blush to dark color. Bag limit is 3 fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair to Good. Groups of fish passing through lower river off Knik-Goose Bay access site; few fish present at Parks Highway crossing. Quality range from chrome to dark, most being semi-bright. Bag limit is 3 fish.

SILVER SALMON: Poor. Few fish showing up; a bump in numbers likely to occur in August. Lower river best bet. Bag limit is 2 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Intermittent catches while targeting other species on lower river, generally better upstream.

OTHER: Occasional catches of red salmon, grayling, and whitefish.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and clarity poor to fair; expect turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing closed by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Run is showing signs of wearing down as most fish caught are semi-bright to light blush; limits still common. A few bright late-run fish may be coming in. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible. Also try Little Tonsina River.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels and color varies greatly depending on recent rainfall events. King salmon fishing closed.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late run of reds building and should peak in the next week or two. Look for small groups of fish traveling upstream along shoreline and holding in deeper holes. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: A few whitefish are present.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide, silty on low.

PINK SALMON: Excellent. Run is peaking and many chrome to semi-bright fish being caught; incoming and outgoing tide best at Allison Point and around the hatchery. Cost recovery operations for hatchery are operating in outer arm, which may impact angler success.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: A few red and chum salmon and Dolly Varden are present; occasional silver salmon reported caught from beach.

 

Upcoming Hot Spot Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: Opened to fishing on July 14. Generally slow action being reported but a few pinks and chums and occasional silver present.

SHIP CREEK: Re-opened to fishing on July 14. Typically a solid hot spot by now, limited success reported opening day but a few silvers were caught yet no sound uptick in action yet; small number of pinks present.

ANCHOR RIVER/DEEP CREEK: Sea-run Dolly Varden have arrived. Success rates are good upstream of tidewater and throughout lower river. A few pinks present; soon also a few silvers.

QUARTZ CREEK: Dolly Varden are moving up stream in fair numbers along with rainbows and whitefish. Good number of reds spawning in upper reaches around highway crossing—use egg patterns for trout and char.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Hatchery silvers return to this Homer Spit location and anglers are getting some on the tides; should improve next week.

 

Updated Wednesday, July 17

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI REDS; KASILOF REDS; KLUTINA REDS; VALDEZ PINKS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; GULKANA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   The onslaught of late-run red salmon to the Kenai and Kasilof rivers continues, just as drainages of the upper Copper River begin to see the start of their respective late runs. While this is ordinarily the time to target chrome pinks and chums in the region, most of the Cook Inlet area is seeing a low abundance of pinks thus far; chums, however, appear to be somewhat more numerous and are infiltrating quite a few locations in varying numbers, including Resurrection Bay, Turnagain Arm, and the lower end of Susitna River. Valdez is the exception, where pinks are strong. Even silver salmon are making a presence felt, specifically in Ship Creek, Little Susitna River, and even Willow Creek. Resident game fish are hitting stride in salmon spawning streams as well as more inland drainages, yet remains for the most part subdued in lakes. As for marine species, halibut is going through the typical mid-summer dry spell with shark, skate, and the smaller bottomfish species producing most action right now.

Kenai Peninsula

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high, clarity good. Closed to king salmon fishing.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Run is definitely lagging in number of fish arriving but expected to improve this weekend and next week. Until fish decide to pile in, sight-fishing is best option to small groups of chrome pinks. Angler success is highly variable. Try around the tides and scout holes upstream. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Some decent action may be had on incoming and high tide; juvenile salmon imitations very effective. Bait also works.

OTHER: Some chums in addition to a few silvers are often present in stream at this time. Also check out lower end of nearby Simile Creek for chums.

 

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is fair. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only allowed by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Late-run fish moving through in heavy numbers from tidewater to outlet of Skilak Lake; limits very common. Success rate depends on daily passage of fish; the second large wave of reds is arriving with more expected during the next 2-3 weeks. Bag limit is 6 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Middle river above Bing’s Landing best; fair on lower end but picking up. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Sea-run fish are entering lower river in sizable numbers, providing decent action between tidewater and Sterling.

OTHER: A few early-run pinks are being caught; this year will see large run of late-run fish starting later this month and well into August. Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are present.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is very good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish are moving through in increasing numbers; expect solid action by next week. Best stretch is from Skilak Lake Inlet to Russian vicinity. Early-run fish have mostly cleared out. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Consistent, productive results; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are being caught. An occasional early-run pink present.

 

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are generally low; clarity is excellent. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish moving into sanctuary/lower end of river, some also proceeding upstream. If fishing mainstem Russian, focus on deeper holes at first light. Reds are nice and bright; a few dark early-run fish present.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Some success in deeper holes/pools and near locations where anglers are cleaning and gutting fish. Most trout are in 8- to 12-inch range. Egg/flesh patterns work.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor. A few fish are being caught right now but will improve once more salmon enter drainage and begin spawning.

OTHER: Grayling are caught on occasion, usually in upstream reaches towards the falls. King salmon are beginning to enter river; closed to fishing.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. King salmon fishing closed rest of season by emergency order. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only. Tides are large this weekend into next week.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Large numbers of fish arriving as run is peaking; limits are common. Success rate depends on daily passage of fish. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Bag limit is 6 fish by emergency order.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Sea-run fish are entering lower river in sizable numbers, providing decent action between tidewater and highway bridge.

OTHER: Some rainbows and a few whitefish available. A few pinks are present and being caught. First silvers expected in another week or so.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large this weekend and into middle of next week; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing through August 15. Surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths is now allowed. Night fishing and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing intermittent catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also being common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of red and pink salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Condition: Water is generally clear at high tide, silty on low. Salmon Creek downstream of Nash Road and Resurrection River downstream of Seward Highway is open to salmon fishing (except kings) as of June 16; no bait allowed, single-hook only. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing. Red salmon bag limit is 12 fish by emergency order.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Groups of fish are present around the bay area with most consistent catches possible from mouth of Tonsina Creek up to Lowell Point/Beach and the breakwater along Lowell Point Road; also try around Spring Creek. Bag limit is 6 fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair to Good. Mouth of Spring Creek is yielding chrome to light blush fish on the incoming and high tide; run is peaking. Snagging is most common harvest method. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some sea-run char are being taken throughout the bay area but many fish are now entering freshwater; try Tonsina and Spruce creeks and associated beaches and points.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road typically yields a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is 2 fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. Stretch of water along Lowell Point Road supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road is productive for a variety of species like codfish, flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin.

OTHER: There may be a few straggler kings present around mouth of Scheffler Creek and reds at Spring Creek but hatchery runs are near completion; wild, late-run reds are starting to show in bay. Too early for silvers yet from shore.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for glacial drainages such as Kashwitna and Talkeetna which are high and generally silty. King salmon fishing closed.

PINK/CHUM SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some fish are arriving at the mouths of Willow with catches reported up to Sheep and Montana; chums most common, few pinks. Better success starting next week.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others. Catches to 4-5 pounds or more possible.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

BURBOT: Fair to Excellent. Look for fish in slack/slow water in or around mouths of Sheep, Caswell, Montana, and Rabideux; Sunshine sometimes productive, too. Best action is at night using bait sitting on bottom.

OTHER: First few silvers reportedly caught at Willow.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear; mainstem Chulitna River is flowing high and silty. King salmon fishing closed.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible. Red, pink, and chum salmon begin arriving in about a week.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and clarity poor to fair; expect turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Good. Run is hanging on still and fresh fish are passing through river mouth; many limits being taken throughout length of river. Fish quality range from bright to dark blush with most being semi-bright to light blush. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible. Also try Little Tonsina River.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low and clarity good. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Poor. Small number of early-run fish still moving through and a trickle of larger late-run fish just starting. Look for small groups of fish. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Middle river section around rapids most productive; some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout are still being caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish are present.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide, silty on low.

PINK SALMON: Goo to Excellent. Run was a little slow materializing this season but fish are definitely being caught; incoming and outgoing tide best at Allison Point and around the fish hatchery. Cost recovery operations for hatchery are operating in outer arm, which may impact angler success.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: A few red and chum salmon and Dolly Varden are present.

 

Upcoming Hot Spot Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: Opened to fishing on July 14. Slow action reported opening day but a few pinks and chums were present; expect better fishing this weekend and into next. Silvers will be arriving.

SHIP CREEK: Re-opened to fishing on July 14. Mostly low success reported opening day but a few silvers were caught; expect better fishing this weekend and into next.

ANCHOR RIVER/DEEP CREEK: Sea-run Dolly Varden are arriving in increasing numbers. Success rates are best in tidewater and lower end of river. Some pinks present; soon also a few silvers.

QUARTZ CREEK: Dolly Varden are moving up stream in fair numbers along with a few rainbows and whitefish. Should be good once salmon begin spawning. Decent number of red salmon arriving and these fish typically begin spawning towards the end of the month.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Hatchery silvers return to this Homer Spit location and the early-run fish will likely present some decent action in another week to 10 days.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Red, pink, chum and silver salmon are confirmed present and numbers are building. The lower river is likely to support some decent chum action in another week, silvers in two weeks.

 

Updated Thursday, July 11 (Revised)

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KENAI REDS; KASILOF REDS; KLUTINA REDS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; GULKANA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

REGIONAL SUMMARY:   The big news around the Southcentral region is the early and strong arrival of late-run red salmon to the Kenai and Kasilof rivers with recent days clocking daily counts of 10s of thousands of fish and many more still to come as the runs are just getting started in earnest. Before long, the Russian will be added to the list of hot spots. Furthermore, the late run of reds up the Copper River is looking promising and should bode well for the Klutina, Tonsina, and Gulkana in the coming days. While the pink salmon return had a somewhat tardy start in many locations this year, things appear to be coming together nicely now. The chum salmon runs are building in the typical areas, such as the Susitna Valley, in Resurrection Bay, and in streams along Turnagain Arm.

Fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and grayling is good or better in rivers and streams throughout the region and as the early runs of king and red salmon begin spawning, the action will pick up even further. Most angling success on lakes has taken a more subdued tone, as is typical for mid-summer.

Surf-casting the marine waters is great for smaller bottomfish but more reserved for halibut these days; shark and skates, however, are very active in some places, mainly along Cook Inlet beaches.

 

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is fair. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only allowed by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Late-run fish moving through in heavy numbers from tidewater to outlet of Skilak Lake; limits very common. Main run came in early this year and could be large with peak starting this weekend and for the next three weeks. Note that reds in lower river typically appear in multiple large pulses during the season so success can vary from day to day. Bag limit is 6 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Middle river above Bing’s Landing best; fair on lower end but picking up. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Sea-run fish are entering lower river in sizable numbers and are providing decent action between tidewater and Soldotna.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are present. A few early-run pinks possible from Sterling on downstream.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at typical summer levels; clarity is very good. Check hook restrictions; no bait.

RED SALMON: Poor. A few early-run fish remain near Russian confluence but run is almost over. Late-run fish are trickling through and should be productive in another week. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses. Fish are being caught throughout length of river.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Increasing number of fish are entering the fishery and should be up to par with the rainbow fishery very soon.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling are being caught. An occasional early-run pink salmon may be present.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are fairly high and rising; clarity considered optimal/fair.Tides are small this weekend. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing starting July 15 through rest of season by emergency order. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Poor. A few hatchery fish are to be caught in channel by the island; quality is dark blush to near spawning, occasional catches of bright specimens. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 1 hatchery fish by emergency order. Last day of “late run” king salmon season is Sunday, July 14; neither wild nor hatchery fish may be targeted after that date.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Large numbers of fish arriving as run starts to peak; limits are common. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Bag limit is 6 fish by emergency order.

OTHER: Some rainbows and Dollies, a few whitefish.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are on the smaller side this weekend; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing. No surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths until mid-July. Night fishing and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor. Some 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing intermittent catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

SHARK/SKATE: Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also being common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red and pink salmon may be encountered. Occasional catches of Pacific cod.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide, silty on low. Salmon Creek downstream of Nash Road and Resurrection River downstream of Seward Highway is open to salmon fishing (except kings) as of June 16; no bait allowed, single-hook only. Bay is closed to lingcod fishing.

RED SALMON: Poor. Early run of fish bound for Bear Lake has practically ended but a few fish remain still at mouth of Resurrection River and Salmon and Spring creeks. Some late-run reds should begin to trickle in any day now. Bag limit is 12 fish.

PINK SALMON: Poor to Fair. Small groups of fish are beginning to show around the bay area with most consistent catches possible from mouth of Tonsina Creek up to Lowell Point/Beach and the breakwater along Lowell Point Road. Bag limit is 6 fish.

CHUM SALMON: Fair. Mouth of Spring Creek is yielding chrome fish on the incoming and high tide; snagging is most common harvest method. Run is building and usually peaks mid-month. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Sea-run char are being taken throughout the bay area with some of the better action being stream mouths; try Tonsina and Spruce creeks and associated beaches and points.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road typically yields a few smaller specimens but larger fish possible; distance casting very helpful. Bag limit is 2 fish.

ROCKFISH: Poor to Fair. Stretch of water along Lowell Point Road supports limited number of smaller fish; distance casting very helpful for larger specimens.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. The deeper spots around the SeaLife Center and along Lowell Point Road is productive for a variety of species like codfish, flounder/sole, small sablefish, greenling, and sculpin.

OTHER: There may be a few straggler kings present around mouth of Scheffler Creek but hatchery run is near completion. Too early for silvers yet from shore.

 

HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high, clarity good. Closed to king salmon fishing.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Run is having a slow start but fish are arriving in fishable numbers in tidewater up to bridge and above. Sight-fishing possible; angler success is variable, limits of chrome fish can be had. Try around the tides and scout holes upstream. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Some quick action may be had on incoming and high tide; juvenile salmon imitations very effective. Bait also works.

OTHER: A few chums are often present in stream at this time. Chance for first silver salmon expected next week.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

FISH CREEK

Conditions: Water levels are low, clarity excellent. Open to fishing through July 14; closed to all sport fishing for remainder of the month until second weekend of August starting on July 15th. Closed to king salmon fishing. RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Fish are moving up the stream in large numbers following high tides. Some fish are being caught in tidewater but most are hooked from edge of tidewater up to just above road crossing where water flows fast and groups of salmon can be effectively targeted. Streamer and egg pattern flies and beads are catching fish. Bag limit is 3 fish. OTHER: There could be a few early pinks or chums in lower stream with even opportunity for a first silver of the season. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are present in small numbers.

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for glacial drainages such as Kashwitna and Talkeetna which are high and generally silty. A wide range of offerings work for resident species, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and forage patterns. King salmon closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others. Catches to 4-5 pounds or more possible.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

OTHER: Pink and chum salmon are starting to arrive in lower drainage; mouth of Willow is holding a few specimens and fish should spread to mouths of other streams by next week. Expect first silvers shortly. Fishing for burbot at the mouths of clearwater streams and sloughs will be very productive starting in about a week.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear; mainstem Chulitna River is flowing high and silty. A wide range of offerings work for resident species, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and forage patterns. King salmon closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible. Red, pink, and chum salmon begin arriving in about ten days.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and clarity poor to fair; expect turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Good. Run is doing well and will hold through the weekend; many limits being taken. There should be a fresh influx of late-run fish shortly. Fish quality range from bright to medium blush. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible. Also try Little Tonsina River.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low and clarity very good. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Poor. Some early-run fish are still moving through and the late run has not arrived yet. Most fish are semi-bright to light blush at this time. Look for small groups of fish. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. The middle river section around the rapids is most productive, but some fish also to be caught on the upper. Forage flies to egg imitations work well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good to Excellent. Fish are spread throughout system; highest abundance is in upper part of middle river between rapids and outlet of Paxson Lake, and in West Fork.

OTHER: Lake trout are still being actively caught from shore at outlet of Paxson Lake. A few whitefish are present.

 

PORT VALDEZ

Conditions: Water is generally clear at high tide, silty on low.

PINK SALMON: Fair. Run has been slow materializing but picking up every day; incoming and outgoing tide best at Allison Point and the fish hatchery. Cost recovery operations for hatchery are operating in outer arm, which may impact angler success.

BOTTOMFISH: Fair to Good. Various species present; codfish, flounders/sole, small sablefish, and sculpins most common. Occasional catches of lingcod and rockfish. Try at city/ferry dock.

OTHER: A few red and chum salmon and Dolly Varden are present.

 

Upcoming Hot Spot Fisheries

BIRD CREEK: The much-anticipated opener will be on July 14 and anglers can expect some decent fishing, at least in the morning opening day and on the tides thereafter. Fair or better numbers of pinks and chums should be available in addition to a lesser presence of silvers.

SHIP CREEK: The stream reopens to fishing for all species (except kings) on July 14 but not expected to yield any intense action for a couple of weeks as more pinks and silvers arrive.

RUSSIAN RIVER: Reflecting the strong numbers of red salmon moving into the lower Kenai River at this time, these fish will begin infiltrating the sanctuary area of the Russian in another 10 days and expected to support some excellent action.

ANCHOR RIVER/DEEP CREEK: These lower peninsula waters are open to fishing in the lower reaches and Dolly Varden are arriving in increasing numbers. In another two weeks the fishing could be good to excellent. Also, there will be some pinks and even a few silvers to be found.

QUARTZ CREEK: While presently open to fishing, the stream is a relative hot spot for Dolly Varden, especially when salmon are spawning. There are some red salmon arriving right now and these fish typically begin spawning towards the end of the month.

DUDIAK LAGOON: Hatchery silvers return to this Homer Spit location and the early-run fish will likely present some decent action in another 10 days to two weeks.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Both pink and chum salmon have been confirmed present the past 10 days and numbers will build rapidly as the main components of the respective runs arrive in force, usually around the third week of this month. Some silvers are also very likely to be caught.

 

Updated Friday, July 5

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KASILOF REDS; KLUTINA REDS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  Things have slowed down concerning the early runs of kings and reds in the region, yet the Klutina (and to a lesser degree Gulkana) continue to hold on in notable productivity for reds. The late runs of kings to the Kenai, Kasilof, Klutina, and Tonsina are closed to fishing this season. However, the late or mid-summer runs of reds into the Kenai and Kasilof are headed for a banner year it appears by all early accounts; additionally, there is a strong surge of late-run reds headed up the Copper River, which should appear in the upper drainage in another ten days. Other salmon species, like pinks and chums, are now starting to show up in freshwater around the region and increasing in numbers in the marine waters, most notably Valdez and Seward. Silvers, although having a fishable presence in outer areas of some saltwater locations, typically move inshore and up early-run drainages in small numbers right about now; look to Ship and Bird creeks in the Anchorage area, Little Susitna River and Willow Creek north of town, and the lagoon in Homer for a decent shot at these fish within the next 10 days. Fishing for resident species like trout, char, and grayling is holding steady in all lakes and streams in the region and will only improve with time. Surf-casting for marine species is decent with mainly the multitude of smaller bottomfish as well as shark and skate being the main hitters this time of year; halibut are being caught in smaller numbers in Cook Inlet, Kachemak Bay, and Resurrection Bay. For what is coming up next, make sure to check the “Upcoming Hot Spot Fisheries” at end of report.

Kenai Peninsula

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at seasonal levels; clarity is very good on upper river, fair on lower. On lower river, king salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only allowed by emergency order. Check hook restrictions for upper river; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair. Late-run fish arriving in decent numbers from tidewater to Sterling with some limits being taken; early-run fish remain on upper river near Russian confluence but run is ending. Bag limit is 3 fish on upper river, 6 fish on lower.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Upper and middle river best; slow on lower but picking up. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Upper river still the choice but sea-run fish are currently entering lower river in numbers and should provide good or better action shortly.

OTHER: Round whitefish and the occasional grayling may be present. Kings are present but closed to fishing.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate to high and rising; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only. Tides are large this weekend.

KING SALMON: Poor. A few hatchery fish are to be had but quality is mostly in the blush to dark range, occasional catches of bright specimens. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 1 hatchery fish.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Fish enter river in good numbers most days; limits are common but success varies day-to-day. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Small yarn flies or beads work well. Bag limit is 6 fish by emergency order.

OTHER: Some rainbows and Dollies, a few whitefish.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large this weekend; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also produce. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing. No surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths until mid-July. Night fishing and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Mainly some 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Ninilchik are producing intermittent catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Poor. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing a few fish. Size range is 4 to 10 pounds. No bag limit.

SHARK/SKATE: Good to Excellent. Beaches from Ninilchik to Kenai are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Large presence of Kasilof- and Kenai-bound red salmon off the beaches; some pinks in the mix. Sea-run Dolly Varden provide some opportunity.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for glacial drainages such as Kashwitna and Talkeetna which are high and generally silty. A wide range of offerings work for resident species, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and forage patterns. King salmon closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others. Catches to 4-5 pounds or more possible.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

OTHER: Pink and chum salmon are just starting to arrive in lower drainage; mouth of Willow may be holding a few specimens. Some kings and a few early-run reds are moving into or through the mouths of area drainages; kings are closed. Fishing for burbot at the mouths of clearwater streams and sloughs will be very productive shortly.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for mainstem Chulitna River. A wide range of offerings work for resident species, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and forage patterns. King salmon closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible. Other salmon species will arrive by late July.

 

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and clarity poor to fair; expect turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only by emergency order.

RED SALMON: Good. Run is peaking but will slow down soon; many limits being taken. Fish quality range from bright to light blush. Salmon are moving close to the bank. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river to target these char is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible.

OTHER: Catches of rainbow trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

Upcoming Hot Spot Fisheries

LOWER KENAI RIVER: This will arguably be one of the best locations for salmon in the whole Southcentral region in another week to 10 days or so. Early numbers through the sonar are very promising; expect excellent fishing shortly from tidewater up to Bing’s Landing. FISH CREEK: The tidewater portion of the stream is open to salmon fishing (except kings) and red salmon are beginning to arrive in small numbers. Should the trend of strong and early numbers of reds in the region prove correct, this Wasilla-Knik area sleeper fishery could be hot in another week. PORT VALDEZ: Pink salmon are moving into the port and starting to congregate at Allison Point and associated areas. Give it a week to 10 days and action could be excellent at the point and around the hatchery. HOPE/RESURRECTION CREEK: A few pinks have arrived in tidewater and immediately upstream around the bridge; opportunities for chrome fish and limits will be a reality starting around July 12-15, if not sooner. TURNAGAIN ARM STREAMS: The mouths and tidewaters of various area creeks are seeing a trickle of pink salmon coming in and there could be chums in the mix also. Try Indian, Glacier, and Ingram in ten days for good action. Bird Creek opens to fishing on July 14.

 

 

Updated Thursday, June 27

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: KASILOF REDS; KLUTINA REDS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  The mid-summer lull in action and productive fishing locations has arrived as more emergency orders directed at king salmon are issued and early runs of red salmon are waning, and the lake fisheries are slowing down as well with the advent of rising water temperatures, which drive resident species deep and halts the bite to a great extent. However, there have also been some very promising developments, such as the increase in bag limit for reds on the Kasilof River and the strong showing of these fish into Klutina River. Also, the trout and grayling small stream fisheries throughout the region are looking very promising just as sea-run char begin homing in on their late summer and fall habitats. Before long, other salmon runs like late-run reds, pinks, chums, and early run silvers will be showing with more frequency. But until then, the following fisheries present very satisfying opportunities for the next week or two.

Kenai Peninsula

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity very good. The Sanctuary (mouth/Kenai confluence) remains closed to all fishing through July 14. Only single-hook, artificial flies allowed.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Early run should be at a peak but success has been highly variable; early morning hours best time around campground area of river, midday/afternoon very slow. Try hiking up to area below falls where fish are congregating. A few spots produce quick action and limits, most do not—scout around. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair. Egg and flesh imitations work well; focus on areas just downstream of where anglers have been cleaning/gutting salmon. Some large specimens weighing several pounds possible.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden are present; grayling possible.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear on high tides and in outer bay; murky to very silty at head of bay. Fishing for salmon in freshwaters of lower Resurrection River and Salmon Creek opened on June 16; only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures or flies allowed—consult ADF&G regulations for details.

KING SALMON: Poor. A few hatchery fish are being taken around the mouth of Scheffler Creek on the tides. Snagging best harvest method. Bag limit is 2 fish.

RED SALMON: Fair. The early run is ending; each tide may provide varying results. Snagging best harvest method. Angler success reported as 1 to 3 fish; full bag limit very unlikely. Try around tides. Top locations include mouths of Spring Creek, Salmon Creek, and Resurrection River. Bag limit is 12 fish by emergency order.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Mouths of clearwater streams flowing into bay produce results; try Spruce, Tonsina creeks. Use small spoons/flies resembling juvenile salmon.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Try deep waters along Lowell Point Road, near the SeaLife Center, and off the mouth of Lowell Creek; beaches of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek sometimes productive. Flatfish being caught are usually less than 10 pounds; up to 40 pounds or more possible. Herring best bait. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Good. Try deep water along Lowell Point Road, near SeaLife Center, and Tonsina Beach. Catches to 10+ pounds possible. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. Best spots along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point for pollock, flounder, greenling, and a few rockfish. Herring or squid bait best; smaller jigs work well at times. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate/other bottomfish.

OTHER: A few pinks and chums are showing up around Spring and Tonsina creeks and deep waters off Lowell Point Road.

 

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are high and at seasonal levels; clarity is good on upper river, poor on lower. On lower river, king salmon fishing closed and no bait, single hook only allowed by emergency order. Check hook restrictions for upper river; no bait.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Early run fish are congregated just downstream of Russian confluence on upper river; fishing is poor to fair on lower river—late run is just starting. Bag limit is 3 fish on upper river, 6 fish on lower.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Upper and middle river best; slow on lower. Action continues to be productive; getting better as season progresses.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Upper river best bet; improving on lower as fish begin arriving in tidewater from Cook Inlet.

OTHER: A few round whitefish and the occasional grayling may be present. A few kings are showing up but are closed to fishing.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and rising; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only. King salmon fishing will close on July 1 by emergency order. Tides are small this weekend.

KING SALMON: Fair. Best catches from the bank are being made from Crooked Creek confluence to below The People Hole. Chances improve an hour before to three hours after peak high tide. Some fish are starting to blush but chrome specimens possible. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish. Last day of season is Sunday, June 30.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Fish are entering river in good numbers; limits are common. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Small yarn flies or beads work well. Bag limit is 6 fish by emergency order.

OTHER: Some rainbows, a few Dollies and whitefish.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are on the smaller side this weekend; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing. No surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths until mid-July. Night fishing and cloudy/rainy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair. Mainly some 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish to 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Nikiski are producing intermittent catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Poor to Fair. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing a few fish. Size range is 4 to 10 pounds. No bag limit.

SHARK/SKATE: Good. Beaches from Ninilchik to Nikiski are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also being common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red salmon may be encountered with a few pinks in the mix.

 

NINILCHIK RIVER

Conditions: Daily fishing allowed through rest of season ending October 31. Water levels are low and clarity excellent. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait not allowed by emergency order; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair. Tidewater and the boat harbor is producing most consistent catches; try fishing at dawn or one hour after peak high tide using spinners. Most fish are holding in deep water of harbor pending an increase in stream volume. A few anglers are limiting out; catches will favor hatchery fish as season progresses. Some fish are turning color but chrome fish still possible. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

OTHER: An occasional rainbow trout may be present. Occasional catches of red and pink salmon and Dolly Varden possible in harbor area.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for glacial drainages such as Kashwitna and Talkeetna. A wide range of offerings work, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and flesh patterns. There are some king salmon present but are closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others. Catches to 4-5 pounds or more possible.

DOLLY VARDEN: Poor to Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Deception, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

OTHER: Kings and a few early-run reds are moving into area drainages; kings are closed. Fishing for burbot at the mouths of clearwater streams and sloughs will be very productive soon.

 

CHULITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location and recent rainfall events but the majority of tributaries are low and clear, except for mainstem Chulitna River. A wide range of offerings work, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and flesh patterns. King salmon fishing is closed in all waters by emergency order or regulation.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, Honolulu, and East Fork Chulitna.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Fish are being caught in middle and upper reaches of Troublesome, Byers, Honolulu, East Fork Chulitna, and Middle Fork Chulitna.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and round whitefish possible.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are elevated/high and clarity poor to fair; snow and glacial meltwater are filling river, creating high turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing opens on July 1 by regulation; catch-and-release only. No bait, single hook only by emergency order takes effect Monday, June 24.

RED SALMON: Good. The big plug of fish that hit the lower Copper River last week is now starting to be felt in this river. Anglers are hitting limits regularly and peak of run should occur beginning this weekend and last for the next couple of weeks. Salmon are moving close to the bank. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river to target these char is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible.

OTHER: Some early-run kings present; closed to fishing by regulation. Catches of rainbow/steelhead trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

 

Updated Thursday, June 20

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT:  HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

TOP WEEKEND PICKS:  KASILOF KINGS, REDS; KLUTINA REDS; RUSSIAN REDS; GULKANA KINGS, GRAYLING; SEWARD REDS; SHIP KINGS; NINILCHIK KINGS; UPPER KENAI REDS, RAINBOWS; COOK INLET SHARK, SKATE; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; HOMER BOTTOMFISH

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  The early runs of king and red salmon are at or near their peaks, with anglers seeing a good amount of activity in drainages on the Kenai Peninsula as well as in the Copper Valley; the Matanuska-Susitna Valleys are seeing salmon being caught but in very reduced numbers yet and probably will not see an abundance of opportunities until the mid-summer runs of pink, chum, and silver salmon arrive. But as for other resident freshwater species like landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, whitefish, pike, and burbot, there is significant action to be had in all areas of the Southcentral region. Targeting the larger marine species like cod, shark, and skate is good as well, although surf-casting for halibut has entered its mid-summer lull and will not pick up again until later on in the season. Dip netting for hooligan is closed for the year.

Anchorage & Turnagain Arm

SHIP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity varies with daily temperatures but semi-clear right now; water may cloud up if temperatures increase, prompting greater snow melt at headwaters in the mountains. The Slam’n Salm’n Derby runs through Saturday, June 22; get tickets at The Bait Shack. Note: New regulations are in effect this season concerning king salmon—check ADF&G news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair to Good. The run has improved with decent chances around high tide; run is peaking. Tidal changes are large now into early next week. Kings caught the last week have been in the 8- to 16-pound range with a few fish between 20 and 28 pounds. Probably only a matter of time before a 30- to 40-pounder shows. Bag limit is 1 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Try the lower tidewater area for sea-run char up to 20 inches; use small lures or flies imitating juvenile salmon, or bait sitting on the bottom.

OTHER: Hooking a pink or chum salmon or even a very early silver becomes a possibility by next week.

 

Kenai Peninsula

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity very good. The Sanctuary (mouth/Kenai confluence) remains closed to all fishing through July 14. Only single-hook, artificial flies allowed.

RED SALMON: Good. Early run is slowly improving as more fish continue to move in but big push has not hit yet; morning hours best time around campground area of river, midday/afternoon slow. Also try hiking up to area below falls. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair. Egg and flesh imitations work well; focus on areas just downstream of where anglers have been cleaning/gutting salmon. Some large specimens weighing several pounds possible.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden are present; grayling possible.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear on high tides and in outer bay; murky to very silty at head of bay. Dip netting for hooligan in area streams is closed for the season by regulation (June 15). Fishing for salmon in freshwaters of lower Resurrection River and Salmon Creek opened on June 16; only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures or flies allowed—consult ADF&G regulations for details.

KING SALMON: Poor to Fair. Some nice hatchery fish are being taken around the mouth of Scheffler Creek on the tides; kings may be encountered at any stream mouth around the bay. Bag limit is 2 fish.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. The early run has peaked but anglers are still reporting decent catches; each tide may provide varying results, mainly based on if hatchery cost recovery operations are being held. Snagging best harvest method. Try incoming or outgoing tide. Top locations include mouths of Spring Creek, Salmon Creek, and Resurrection River. Bag limit is 12 fish by emergency order starting Friday, June 21.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Mouths of clearwater streams flowing into bay produce results; try Spruce, Tonsina creeks. Use small spoons/flies resembling juvenile salmon.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Try deep waters along Lowell Point Road, near the SeaLife Center, and off the mouth of Lowell Creek; beaches of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek sometimes productive. Flatfish being caught are usually less than 10 pounds; up to 40 pounds or more possible. Herring best bait; use hinged-style set-up. Bag limit is 2 fish.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. Best spots along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point for Pacific cod, pollock, flounder, and a few rockfish. Herring or squid bait best; smaller jigs work well at times. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate/other bottomfish.

OTHER: A few early pinks and chums are reportedly starting to show up, mainly from beach areas around Spring and Tonsina creeks and deep waters off Lowell Point Road.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are fairly high from ongoing runoff of snowmelt from area mountains; clarity is good.

RED SALMON: Good. Anglers are readily catching fish throughout length of river from the Russian River area to Skilak Lake; fewer fish are present upstream to Kenai Lake. Run is building as more fish arrive from lower drainage—run expected to peak starting this weekend. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Action continues to be quite productive; typically mediocre to decent until August when peak fishing occurs. Get creative for success; try forage as well as dry flies, flesh flies where anglers are cleaning/gutting salmon.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some char are being caught targeting salmon and trout but not in good numbers yet as most fish are still transitioning out of Kenai Lake.

OTHER: A few round whitefish and the occasional grayling may be present. A few kings are showing up but are closed to fishing.

 

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and rising; clarity is fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed.

RED SALMON: Fair. Early-run fish bound for Russian River and other locations are passing through the Soldotna and Sterling areas; Bing’s Landing offers best chance for limits. Peak of run believed to have passed through but remains productive still. Late-run fish will begin arriving in tidewater and lower end of river any day. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Stretch of water on the middle river (upstream of Bing’s Landing) best. Can be productive in some spots, very slow in others depending on day and fish movements; rainbows most common catch at this time, Dollies will improve come July.

OTHER: Some early-run kings present in river but closed to fishing this season by emergency order. A few pinks may show starting next week. The hooligan run has finished; dip netting closed on June 15.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and rising; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait not allowed by emergency order starting Friday, June 21; single hook only. Tidewater opens to dip netting on June 25. Large tides this weekend and next week will help push salmon up to vicinity of Crooked Creek very quickly.

KING SALMON: Fair to Good. Best catches from the bank are being made from Crooked Creek confluence to below The People Hole. Chances greatly improve an hour before to three hours after peak high tide. Some fish are starting to blush. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Early-run fish are entering river in good numbers; limits are possible. Try near Crooked Creek confluence one hour before high tide to one or two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Small yarn flies or beads work well. Bag limit is 3 fish.

OTHER: Some rainbows, a few Dollies, and a rare steelhead being caught.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are on the larger side now and into next week; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing. No surf-fishing within 200 yards of stream mouths until mid-July. Night fishing/cloudy days most productive.

HALIBUT: Fair. Mainly 10- to 15-pound specimens being landed; larger fish weighing 40 pounds or more possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Nikiski are producing intermittent catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing some fish. Typical size range is 4 to 10 pounds. No bag limit.

SHARK/SKATE: Good. Beaches from Ninilchik to Nikiski are producing lots of action from sharks with skate also being common. Most fish weigh 15 to 30 pounds with a few skates to 50 pounds or more. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red salmon may be encountered with a few pinks in the mix.

 

NINILCHIK RIVER

Conditions: Daily fishing allowed through rest of season ending October 31. Water levels are low and clarity good to excellent. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait not allowed by emergency order starting Friday, June 21; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair to Good. Tidewater and the boat harbor is producing the most consistent catches; try fishing at dawn or one hour after high tide using spinners. Most fish are holding in deep water of harbor pending an increase in stream volume. A few anglers are limiting out; most of the wild kings have gone upstream beyond the markers and catches will favor hatchery fish as season progresses. A number of fish are starting to display color. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

OTHER: An occasional rainbow and steelhead trout may be present. Occasional catches of red and pink salmon and Dolly Varden possible in harbor area.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. Some kings available at the Dudiak Lagoon; try outside of lagoon on the outgoing tide and the inside on the incoming tide. Bait like herring and roe is best but spinners also effective. Run is believed to have peaked, yet a few anglers are still limiting out. Bag limit is 2 fish in the lagoon. An occasional king is also being landed at the end of the spit (Coal Point).

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. The incoming and outgoing tides along south side of spit usually most productive but fish can be found anywhere around the bay; expect action to start slowing down as fish commence movement to freshwater habitat. Small flies/lures imitating juvenile salmon work best.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few smaller flatfish are being caught intermittently but catch rates and fish size should improve as the season unfolds. Herring or squid works; fish any tide cycle in deeper area off Coal Point at front of hotel/condos. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair. Some very nice fish continue to be brought in at Coal Point on low and incoming tide; stretch of beach out from hotel/condos is usually a decent spot. Bait like herring and squid best. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Skate and shark also possible.

OTHER: Occasional catches of red and pink salmon around the spit and in and around the lagoon.

 

Matanuska-Susitna Valleys

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location but the majority of rivers and streams are clearing up, except for glacial drainages such as Kashwitna and Talkeetna. Trout, char, and grayling are distributed into headwaters on some drainages, but better fishing has been in the middle sections. A wide range of offerings work, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and flesh patterns. There are some king salmon present but are closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Fish are being landed in the lower and middle sections of Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and others. Catches to 4-5 pounds or more possible.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Sheep, and Montana.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Good. Consistent success is being seen in middle and upper sections of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana.

OTHER: Some kings and a few early-run reds are moving into or through the mouths of area drainages; kings are closed. Fishing for burbot at the mouths of clearwater streams and sloughs will be very productive soon.

 

Copper Valley-Port Valdez

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are elevated/high and clarity poor to fair; snow and glacial meltwater are filling river, creating high turbidity and swift currents. King salmon fishing opens on July 1 by regulation; catch-and-release only. No bait, single hook only by emergency order takes effect Monday, June 24.

RED SALMON: Good. The big plug of fish that hit the lower Copper River last week is now starting to be felt in this river. Anglers are hitting limits regularly and peak of run should occur beginning this weekend and last for the next couple of weeks. Salmon are moving close to the bank. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Best area of river to target these char is at outlet of Klutina Lake and the first few river miles downstream. Larger specimens to 3-4 pounds possible.

OTHER: Some early-run kings present; closed to fishing by regulation. Catches of rainbow/steelhead trout, grayling, and whitefish possible.

 

GULKANA RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are mediocre and dropping; water clarity is good and getting better. Emergency order takes effect on Monday, June 24; catch-and-release only for king salmon. No bait allowed, single hook only starting June 24 as well.

KING SALMON: Fair. Anglers are landing fish throughout area open to king fishing and the run should be nearing a peak shortly; run appears to be small thus far so catch-and-release restrictions are in place by emergency order starting next week. Quality of fish is prime, mostly bright specimens are being caught in the 10- to 25-pound category.

RED SALMON: Fair. Schools of early-run fish are moving through the lower and middle river sections and anglers are managing to land some of them drifting or flipping flies. The run is likely to start peaking this weekend. If water continues to drop and clear further, action could be good.

RAINBOW TROUT: Good. Search area around and up above the rapids on the middle river for best opportunities. Forage item flies are working well.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Excellent. Fish are spread throughout river from mouth to headwaters, with best fishing occurring on the middle and upper river, especially in section below Paxson Lake.

OTHER: Lake trout fishing is good at outlet of Paxson Lake. An occasional steelhead trout and whitefish may be encountered.

 

Updated Thursday, June 13

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

TOP WEEKEND PICKS:  SEWARD REDS, COD; RUSSIAN REDS; SHIP KINGS; NINILCHIK KINGS; COOK INLET HALIBUT, COD, SHARK, SKATE; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; HOMER KINGS, BOTTOMFISH

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  King and red salmon are rolling into a good handful of locations throughout Southcentral, from the Kenai Peninsula to Copper Valley, and the action is intensifying as June progresses. Seward has been hot for reds for a few weeks already, while the Russian, Upper Kenai, and Kasilof are just truly getting started. Hatchery kings are being tapped at Ship, Ninilchik, Kasilof, and Homer and are becoming more numerous in Knik/Eklutna; even the Anchor is opening for wild kings, albeit catch-and-release only. In other developing news, the Klutina is now starting to yield limits of reds, as is the Gulkana where a few kings are also up for grabs—these two drainages will likely claim the Hot Spot limelight within the next week or so.

As for other species, stocked lakes are kicking out some plentiful catches of landlocked salmon, trout, char, and grayling, while wild lakes and streams of Kenai Peninsula, Matanuska-Susitna Valleys, and Copper Valley are seeing lots of activity as well for these, including pike and whitefish.

Marine fish like halibut, cod, shark, and skate and a variety of bottomfish have been active all spring until now and will provide a steady supply of action through summer and into fall around waters of the Kenai Peninsula.

Hot Spots of the Week

RUSSIAN RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate; clarity very good. River opened to fishing on June 11; the Sanctuary (mouth/Kenai confluence) remains closed to all fishing through July 14. Only single-hook, artificial flies allowed.

RED SALMON: Good. Early run is accelerating as the main component of fish start to arrive. While there is still a higher volume of water than many anglers prefer, limits are being caught by persistence and sight-fishing is productive identifying groups of reds. Early morning hours best time around campground area of river. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair. Egg and flesh imitations working quite well; there are a few leftover fish from the spring spawn still present, some of which may reach 4 to 8 pounds or more.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden are present; grayling possible.

 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear on high tides and in outer bay; murky to very silty at head of bay.

KING SALMON: Poor. A few fish have been caught the past week or so but a slight uptick in action should occur now and for the next couple of weeks. Focal point is the mouth of Scheffler Creek near boat harbor for hatchery fish. Bag limit is 2 fish.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. Run has probably peaked but a good number of anglers are still reporting limits of salmon in a relatively short amount of time; each tide may provide varying results. Snagging best harvest method. Try incoming tide. Good action also found at mouth of Spring Creek; some at Tonsina Creek, too. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Mouths of clearwater streams flowing into bay produce results; try Spruce, Tonsina creeks. Use small spoons/flies resembling juvenile salmon.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Try deep waters along Lowell Point Road, near the SeaLife Center, and off the mouth of Lowell Creek; beaches of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek sometimes productive. Flatfish being caught are less than 10 pounds; up to 40 pounds or more possible. Herring best bait; use hinged-style set-up. Bag limit is 2 fish.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. Best spots along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point for Pacific cod, pollock, flounder, and a few rockfish. Herring or squid bait best; smaller jigs work well at times. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate/other bottomfish.

HOOLIGAN: Fair. Dip netters at Nash Road bridge crossing Salmon Creek have experienced some decent catches this week but run is quickly slowing down; some fish also present in spots along Resurrection River. Season closes this Saturday, June 15.

OTHER: A few early pinks and chums are possible, mainly from beach areas around Spring and Tonsina creeks and deep waters off Lowell Point Road.

 

KENAI RIVER, UPPER

Conditions: Water levels are fairly high from ongoing runoff of snowmelt from area mountains; clarity is good. River opened to fishing on June 11.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Anglers are catching fish throughout length of river from the Russian River area to Skilak Lake; only a few fish are present upstream to Kenai Lake. Run is building rapidly as more fish arrive from lower down in drainage—expect run to start peaking in another week. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Action was very decent on opening day but continues to be productive and should hold for another few days before leveling off somewhat for the month; success is typically mediocre to decent until August when peak fishing occurs.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some char are being caught targeting salmon and trout but not in good numbers yet as most fish are still transitioning out of Kenai Lake.

OTHER: A few round whitefish and the occasional grayling may be present.

 

KENAI RIVER, LOWER

Conditions: Water levels are medium and rising; clarity is fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed. Middle river section (upstream of Bing’s Landing) opened to fishing on June 11.

RED SALMON: Fair. Early-run fish bound for Russian River and other locations are passing through the Soldotna and Sterling areas; Swiftwater Campground and Moose Meadows area in Soldotna, and Bing’s Landing and around the mouth of Moose River in Sterling offer best chances. Some spots may yield limits; average is about 1 hour per fish. Peak of run believed to be occurring but should slow soon. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Stretch of water on the middle river (upstream of Bing’s Landing) best. Can be productive in some spots, very slow in others depending on day and fish movements; rainbows most common catch at this time, Dollies will improve in July.

OTHER: Some early-run kings present in river but closed to fishing this season by emergency order. The hooligan run has finished; dip netting closes on June 15.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are moderate and rising; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait allowed; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair. Casting from the bank is picking up as more fish arrive and gather at or near the Crooked Creek confluence. Chances vastly improve trying an hour before to three hours after peak high tide. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

RED SALMON: Fair to Good. Early-run fish are increasing in numbers; some anglers are catching limits. Try near Crooked Creek confluence 1 hour before high tide to two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Small yarn flies or beads work well. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Annual out-migration of sea-run char is slowing as most fish have left the river; salmon roe/single salmon eggs in deep, slow holes is highly effective.

OTHER: Some rainbows and an occasional steelhead being caught.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are on the smaller side now and into early next week, then larger again; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing.

HALIBUT: Fair. Mainly 10- to 15-pound flatfish being landed; larger specimens weighing more than 40 pounds possible. The productive spring “run” appears to have ended but there will be some nice fish possible still throughout the summer months. Beaches from Anchor Point to Nikiski are producing some catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing some fish. Typical size range is 4 to 10 pounds. No bag limit.

SHARK/SKATE: Fair to Good. Beaches from Ninilchik to Nikiski are producing fish. Most are 15 to 30 pounds. Bag limit 5 spiny dogfish shark; no bag limit for skate.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red salmon may be encountered.

 

NINILCHIK RIVER

Conditions: Reopens for hatchery kings and other species on Sunday, June 16, from markers to river mouth; daily fishing allowed through rest of season ending October 31. Water levels are medium-low and clarity good. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait allowed; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair to Good. Early Sunday morning will yield the best fishing, especially on upper reaches from around highway bridge to Mile 2 marker; salmon roe is tops, followed by spinners, flies, and herring. Tidewater and the boat harbor will produce most consistent catches after Saturday; start fishing one hour after high tide using salmon roe and spinners. A few anglers were limiting out last weekend; most of the wild have left fishing area and catches will favor hatchery fish as season progresses. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. Fish present will be in post-spawning condition (kelts) and headed out to Cook Inlet.

OTHER: A few rainbow trout may be present. Occasional catches of early-run red salmon and Dolly Varden possible in harbor area.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. Some kings available at the Dudiak Lagoon; try outside of lagoon on the outgoing tide and the inside on the incoming tide. Salmon roe and herring best bait but spinners also effective. Run is believed to be peaking and a few anglers are limiting out. Bag limit is 2 fish in the lagoon.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. The incoming and outgoing tides along south side of spit usually most productive but fish can be found anywhere around the bay. Small flies/lures imitating juvenile salmon work best.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few smaller flatfish are being caught intermittently by surf-casters but catch rates and fish size should improve as the season unfolds. Herring or squid works; fish any tide cycle in deeper area off Coal Point at front of hotel/condos. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair. Some very nice fish are being landed at Coal Point on low and incoming tide; stretch of beach out from hotel/condos is usually a decent spot. Bait like herring and squid best. No bag limit.

BOTTOMFISH: Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Skate and shark also possible.

OTHER: Rare catches of red salmon around the spit and in and around the lagoon.

 

SHIP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity varies with daily temperatures but typically semi-clear/slightly silty at this time, perfect for fishing. The Slam’n Salm’n Derby begins June 14 and runs through the 22nd; get tickets at The Bait Shack. Note: New regulations are in effect this season concerning king salmon—check ADF&G news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. The run is steadily picking up on a daily basis and should start peaking any day now. Incoming and outgoing tides are producing the most catches; tidal changes are smaller now and through the weekend into early next week, preferred by many anglers. Most fish caught recently have been in the 8- to 16-pound range with some over 20 pounds—expect bigger kings to show soon.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Try the lower tidewater area for sea-run char up to 20 inches; use small lures or flies imitating juvenile salmon, or bait sitting on the bottom.

 

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location but the snowmelt in the lowlands has run its course and rivers and streams are clearing up. Trout, char, and grayling may be distributed far up some drainages, but better fishing has been lower down. A wide range of offerings work, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and flesh patterns. There are some king salmon present but are closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being landed in the lower and middle sections of Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Talkeetna, and others. Specimens up to 20-25 inches or more are present in decent numbers with most averaging from the upper single digits into the teens. Catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some fish may be encountered at the mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna. Generally not very large size, most 10-12 inches.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Usually consistent catches in middle sections of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Talkeetna.

OTHER: Some kings and a few early-run reds are moving into or through the mouths of area drainages; kings are closed.

 

KLUTINA RIVER

Conditions: Water is fairly high and turbid, typical seasonal conditions. Closed to king salmon fishing until July 1. RED SALMON: Fair. Run is picking up and should hit full stride in another week as a big push of fish is on the way up the Copper. Anglers putting in time in the right place are scoring limits. DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Upper river at the Klutina Lake outlet is where the most action is; however, the road to this area has been in very rough shape recently but is beginning to dry out.

Updated Thursday, June 6

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

TOP WEEKEND PICKS:  SEWARD REDS, COD, HOOLIGAN; COOK INLET HALIBUT, COD; NINILCHIK KINGS; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; SHIP KINGS; HOMER KINGS, BOTTOMFISH

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  Southcentral is looking very good for the weekend if targeting a range of species, from king and red salmon to halibut, rainbows, and grayling. While the Kenai Peninsula is again dominating in the department of salmon, marine fish and dip netting for hooligan, there is also some great action to be had for landlocked salmon, rainbows, pike, and grayling in lakes and/or streams there and around the Matanuska-Susitna Valleys and over in Copper Valley. Even in Anchorage, downtown kings are arriving in promising numbers, while area hooligan runs have ended; local lakes are still productive.

Hot Spots of the Week

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions:  Water is clear on high tides and in outer bay; murky to very silty at head of bay.

RED SALMON: Excellent. The early run at the mouths of Resurrection River and Salmon Creek is peaking with a good number of anglers walking away with limits of salmon in a relatively short amount of time. Snagging best harvest method. Try incoming tide. Reds are also being caught at the mouths of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Mouths of clearwater streams flowing into bay produce results; try Spruce, Tonsina, and Spring creeks. Use small spoons/flies resembling juvenile salmon.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Try deep waters off Lowell Point Road, near the SeaLife Center, and off the mouth of Lowell Creek; beaches of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek sometimes productive. Flatfish being caught are less than 10 pounds; up to 40 pounds or more possible. Herring best bait; use hinged-style set-up. Bag limit is 2 fish.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. Best spots along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point for Pacific cod, pollock, flounder, and a few rockfish. Herring or squid bait best; smaller jigs work well at times.

HOOLIGAN: Good to Excellent. Dip netters at Nash Road bridge crossing Salmon Creek have been doing great this past week; some fish also present in spots along Resurrection River. Season closes on June 15.

OTHER: First few hatchery king salmon reported caught; the mouth of Scheffler Creek has the highest chance of success.

 

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising; clarity fair to good. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed. All of upper river and middle river above Bing’s Landing closed to fishing until June 11.

RED SALMON: Fair. Early-run fish bound for Russian River and other locations are passing through the Soldotna and Sterling areas; Swiftwater Campground and lower Moose Meadows area in Soldotna, and Bing’s Landing and around the mouth of Moose River in Sterling offer best chances. Some spots may yield limits; average is about 2 hours per fish. Peak of run expected starting this weekend. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Can be productive  in some spots, very slow in others depending on day and fish movements; trout most common catch—catch-and-release only.

HOOLIGAN: Poor. Dip netters are finding some smelt in upper tidewater; most fish are spawning, starting to die off. Season ends June 15.

OTHER: Some early-run kings present in river but closed to fishing this season by emergency order.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising; clarity considered optimal/fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait allowed; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair. Boaters are still landing most fish vs. those on the bank but action is picking up steadily from shore. Chances vastly improve trying an hour before to three hours after peak high tide. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

RED SALMON: Fair. Early-run fish are increasing in numbers; some anglers are limiting out. Try near Crooked Creek confluence 1 hour before high tide to two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge throughout day. Small yarn flies or beads work well. Bag limit is 3 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Good. Out-migration of sea-run char is underway; salmon roe/single salmon eggs in deep, slow holes is highly effective.

OTHER: Some rainbows and an occasional steelhead being caught.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are large from now and into early next week, then smaller during week; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing.

HALIBUT: Fair to Good. Mainly 10- to 20-pound flatfish being landed; larger specimens weighing more than 50 pounds possible. Expect peak of spring fishery to last through this weekend before starting to slow down. Beaches from Anchor Point to Nikiski are producing best catches. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai are producing best catches. Typical size range is 4 to 10 pounds.

SHARK/SKATE: Fair. Beaches from Ninilchik to Nikiski are producing best catches. Most fish are 15 to 30 pounds.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red salmon may be encountered.

 

NINILCHIK RIVER

Conditions: Weekend-Only Fishery (including Mondays). Water levels are low and clarity good. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases. Bait allowed; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair to Good. Early Saturday morning yields the best fishing, especially on upper reaches from around highway bridge to Mile 2 marker; salmon roe is tops, followed by spinners, flies, and herring. Tidewater and the boat harbor will produce most consistent catches through the weekend; start fishing one hour after high tide using bait and spinners. A few anglers were limiting out last weekend; wild vs. hatchery catch ratio is approximately 50/50 split but can vary considerably. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. Most fish present will be in post-spawning condition (kelts) and headed out to Cook Inlet.

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and rainbow trout may be present. Occasional catches of early-run red salmon possible in harbor area.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. Some kings are starting to show up on the tides at the Dudiak Lagoon; try outside of lagoon on the outgoing and the inside on the incoming. Salmon roe is best bait but herring and spinners also effective. Run should start to peak soon; small run again this year, yet a few anglers are limiting out. Bag limit is 2 fish in the lagoon.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. The incoming and outgoing tides along south side of spit usually most productive. Small flies/lures imitating juvenile salmon work best.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few smaller flatfish are being caught intermittently but catch rates and fish size should improve as the season unfolds. Herring or squid works; fish any tide cycle in deeper area off Coal Point at front of hotel/condos. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair. Some very nice fish are being landed at Coal Point on low and incoming tide; stretch of beach out from hotel/condos is usually a decent spot. Bait like herring and squid best.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Skate and shark also possible.

OTHER: Rare catches of early-run red salmon around the spit and outside of the lagoon.

 

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location but the snowmelt in the lowlands has run its course and rivers and streams are clearing up. While trout, char, and grayling may be distributed far up some drainages, the better fishing recently has been at the mouths and lower reaches of area waters. A wide range of offerings work, from insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers, flesh patterns. There may also be king salmon present but are closed to fishing. Emergency orders are in effect—check ADF&G news releases.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being landed in Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Talkeetna, and others. Specimens up to 20-25 inches or more are present in decent numbers with most averaging from the upper single digits into the teens. Catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Some fish may be encountered at mouths of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Montana, and Talkeetna. Generally not very large size, most 10-12 inches.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Abundance varies greatly according to day and location but usually consistent catches in middle sections of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Talkeetna.

OTHER: Some kings and a few early-run reds are moving into or through the mouths of area drainages; kings are closed.

 

SHIP CREEK

Conditions: Water clarity varies with daily temperatures but typically semi-clear/slightly silty at this time, perfect for fishing. Note: New regulations are in effect this season concerning king salmon—check ADF&G news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. The run is steadily picking up on a daily basis and should start peaking next week. The incoming and outgoing tides are producing the most catches; tidal changes are very large now and through the weekend into early next week. Most fish caught recently have been in the 10- to 16-pound range with a few over 20 pounds.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Try the lower tidewater area for sea-run char up to 20 inches; use small lures or flies imitating juvenile salmon, or bait sitting on the bottom.

 

Updated Thursday, May 30

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

TOP WEEKEND PICKS:  SEWARD REDS, COD, HOOLIGAN; NINILCHIK KINGS; COOK INLET HALIBUT, COD; SUSITNA RAINBOWS, GRAYLING; HOMER BOTTOMFISH

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  Despite lackluster success for freshwater king salmon so far this season, opportunities are fairly decent in a few locations, especially around the Kenai Peninsula, but the Ship Creek fishery is starting to really turn on and likely to be a Hot Spot in another week or so. There are also a few kings starting to show up in the Knik River at the mouth of Eklutna Tailrace. Yet it is red salmon that have taken the limelight, especially in Seward, where anglers are regularly limiting out now, but fish are also showing in Kenai, Kasilof, and even a few up in the Susitna and Little Susitna drainages as well as on the Copper River at Chitina—it is only a matter of days before the first few reds starts hitting the mouths of Klutina and Gulkana in Copper Valley. However, for many anglers around the region, it is the lake and stream fisheries for landlocked salmon, trout, char, grayling, and pike that will be the main attraction until the main salmon runs arrive.

As for the hooligan dip net fisheries, some action is still occurring on the 20-Mile River and in the Kenai and Resurrection rivers; as a reminder, all saltwater fisheries–like Turnagain Arm–shuts down on June 1.

State stocking trucks are still making the rounds to some lakes throughout the Southcentral region but most locations have received fish by now; expect good to excellent action for mainly smaller fish but there will be some much larger specimens in the mix.

Hot Spots of the Week

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear on high tides and in outer bay; murky to very silty at head of bay.

RED SALMON: Good to Excellent. The early run at the mouths of Resurrection River and Salmon Creek is shaping up to be strong thus far with a fair number of anglers walking away with limits of salmon. Snagging best harvest method. Try incoming tide. There are also reds being caught at the mouths of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Mouths of clearwater streams flowing into bay produce results; try Lowell, Spruce, Tonsina, and Spring creeks. Use small spoons/flies resembling juvenile salmon.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Better chances in deep waters off Lowell Point Road, near the SeaLife Center, and off the mouth of Lowell Creek; beaches of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek sometimes productive. Most flatfish being caught are less than 10 pounds but often up to 40 pounds or more. Herring best bait; use hinged-style set-up. Bag limit is 2 fish.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. Best spots along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point for Pacific cod, pollock, flounder, and a few rockfish. Herring or squid bait best; smaller jigs work well at times.

OTHER: A few king salmon reported in area; the mouth of Scheffler Creek has the highest chance of success. Salmon Creek off Nash Road is seeing good to excellent dip netting for hooligan.

 

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising; clarity fair to good. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed. All of upper river and middle river above Bing’s Landing closed to fishing.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Early-run fish bound for Russian River and other locations are passing through the Soldotna and Sterling areas; Swiftwater and lower Moose Meadows area in Soldotna and Bing’s Landing and the mouth of Moose River in Sterling offer best chances. Some spots may yield limits. Peak of run expected starting second week of June. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Can be halfway productive  in some spots, very slow in others depending on day and fish movements; char are destined for Cook Inlet to feed for early summer. Catch-and-release only for rainbow trout.

HOOLIGAN: Fair. Netters at the river mouth are finding some fish still but most of remaining run is situated in upper tidewater; a few smelt are found as far upstream as Soldotna. Spawning season has started with fish present for another ten days to two weeks or so.

OTHER: Some early-run kings showing in lower end of river but closed to fishing this season by emergency order.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising; clarity fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Bait allowed; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair. Boaters are having the best opportunities for fish but bankers are landing a few and success is becoming increasingly positive; chances vastly improve trying an hour before to three hours after peak high tide. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

RED SALMON: Poor to Fair. Anglers report having landed a few early-run fish for the last couple of weeks and the run is picking up steam; limits are possible with determination. Try around Crooked Creek confluence at peak high tide to two hours after, or in sections above highway bridge using small yarn flies or similar. Bag limit is 3 fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Slow. There is a very small contingent of fish left around the mouth of Crooked Creek but the run is essentially over as most fish are on the spawning beds with few pre-spawners in the main river. Catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Annual out-migration of sea-run char is underway; salmon roe/single salmon eggs in deep, slow holes is highly effective.

OTHER: Some rainbows being caught.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Tides are relatively small leading up to and including the weekend, better at start of next week; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order.

HALIBUT: Fair. Mainly 10- to 20-pound flatfish being landed; several larger specimens between 40 and 70 pounds caught the past week. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai River are producing. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Beaches from Anchor Point to Cohoe are producing. Typical size range is 4 to 10 pounds.

SHARK/SKATE: Fair. Beaches from Whiskey Gulch to Kenai River are producing. Most fish are 15 to 30 pounds.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red salmon may be encountered.

 

NINILCHIK RIVER

Conditions: Weekend-Only Fishery (including Mondays). Water levels are medium-low and clarity good. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Bait allowed; single hook only.

KING SALMON: Fair. Early Saturday morning typically yields the best fishing, especially on upper reaches from around highway bridge to Mile 2 marker; salmon roe is tops, followed by spinners, flies, and herring. Tidewater and the boat harbor will produce most consistent catches through the weekend; start fishing one hour after high tide using bait and spinners. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. Most fish present will be in post-spawning condition (kelts).

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and rainbow trout may be present. Occasional catches of early-run red salmon possible in harbor area.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. Some kings are starting to show up on the tides at the Dudiak Lagoon; try outside of lagoon on the outgoing and the inside on the incoming. Bait like herring and salmon roe are connecting as are spinners. Run is about ten days away from peaking. Bag limit is 2 fish in the lagoon.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. The incoming and outgoing tides along south side of spit are usually most productive. Small flies/lures imitating juvenile salmon work best.

HALIBUT: Poor. A few smaller flatfish are being caught intermittently but catch rates and fish size should improve as the season unfolds. Hearing or squid works; fish any tide cycle in deeper area off Coal Point at front of hotel/condos. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair. Some very nice fish are being landed at Coal Point on low and incoming tide; stretch of beach out from hotel/condos is usually a decent spot. Bait like herring and squid best.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Skate and shark also possible.

OTHER: Rare catches of early-run red salmon around the spit and outside of the lagoon.

 

SUSITNA RIVER

Conditions: Water clarity and levels vary greatly depending on location but the snowmelt in the lowlands has run its course and rivers and streams are clearing up. While trout, char, and grayling may be distributed far up some drainage, the better fishing often occurs at the mouths and lower reaches of area waters; a wide range of offerings work, from emergent insect and juvenile salmon imitations to small streamers and even flesh patterns, in addition to small spoons and spinners. There may also be king salmon present but are closed to fishing by emergency order.

RAINBOW TROUT: Fair to Good. Fish are being landed in the typical haunts, such as Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Talkeetna. Specimens up to 20-25 inches or more are present in decent numbers with most averaging from the upper single digits into the teens. Catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. This time of year, quite a few fish may be encountered at Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana, as well as Talkeetna. Generally not very large in spring, most being 10-12 inches.

ARCTIC GRAYLING: Fair to Good. Abundance varies greatly according to day and location but usually consistent catches at Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, Montana, and Talkeetna. There are some larger spawners to be had right now, measuring 12 to 16 inches.

 

Updated Friday, May 24

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

TOP WEEKEND PICKS:  COOK INLET HALIBUT, COD; NINILCHIK KINGS; SEWARD REDS, BOTTOMFISH; HOMER BOTTOMFISH

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  As the big holiday weekend is coming up that typically signals the summer season opener, anglers are already seeing very promising signs of things to come. Both king and red salmon are documented entering rivers and streams in varying numbers and there have already been catches of both the past week. The Kenai Peninsula leads the way regarding overall angling opportunities but the other main areas are turning on as well with resident game fish like trout, char, grayling, and pike becoming very active with lakes and streams warming up and clearing post-breakup.

State stocking trucks are making the rounds to lakes throughout the Southcentral region; expect good to excellent action for mainly smaller fish but there will be some much larger specimens in the mix.

Hot Spots of the Week

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY

Conditions: Water is clear on high tides and in outer bay; murky to very silty at head of bay.

RED SALMON: Fair. Fish started arriving at the mouths of Resurrection River and Salmon Creek at the head of the bay last week, now building in numbers. Peak of run expected in 10 days. Snagging best harvest method. Try incoming tide. Bag limit is 6 fish.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. Check mouths of clearwater streams draining into bay; Lowell, Spruce, Tonsina, Spring creeks. Use small spoons/flies resembling juvenile salmon.

HALIBUT: Poor to Fair. Better chances in deep waters off Lowell Point Road, near the SeaLife Center, and off the mouth of Lowell Creek; beaches of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek sometimes productive. Herring best bait; use hinged-style set-up.

BOTTOMFISH: Good. Best spots along Lowell Point Road and off Lowell Point for Pacific cod, pollock, flounder, and a few rockfish. Herring or squid bait best; smaller jigs work well at times.

OTHER: Few signs of king salmon at this point but should be a trickle of hatchery kings (and some reds) showing up at the mouth of Scheffler Creek any day now.

 

KENAI RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising; clarity fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Bait, multiple hooks not allowed.

RED SALMON: Slow/Poor. First run is steadily building in numbers and should be fishable in another week; a few are being picked up right now. Look to Swiftwater and Moose Meadows in Soldotna and Moose River mouth and Bing’s Landing in Sterling for best chances. Peak of run expected second week of June. Bag limit is 3 fish.

RAINBOW TROUT/DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. Can be decent in some spots, very slow in others depending on day and fish movements; char are headed to inlet.

HOOLIGAN: Fair. Numbers of fish entering from inlet is subsiding with bulk of run being found upstream of tidewater; look for fish traveling close to shore—use dip net.

OTHER: All of upper river and middle river above Bing’s Landing closed to fishing. Some early-run kings showing in lower end of river but closed to fishing this season by emergency order.

 

KASILOF RIVER

Conditions: Water levels are low but rising; clarity fair. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Bait and single hooks allowed.

KING SALMON: Poor. A few kings reported caught from boats in or near tidewater; very few fish landed off the bank. Increase chances by trying an hour before to two hours after peak high tide. Only hatchery kings may be retained; all wild fish must be released. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. The run of fish up Crooked Creek is nearly completed with only a few pre-spawning trout and more kelts remaining around the Kasilof confluence from now through the next couple of weeks. Catch-and-release only.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair. The annual out-migration of sea-run char is ongoing; salmon roe/single salmon eggs in deep, slow holes most effective.

OTHER: A few reds beginning to show, should be worth targeting in another week to ten days. Some rainbows being caught.

 

COOK INLET

Conditions: Large tides this weekend are conducive to producing better fishing for large marine species; two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is generally best time. Herring best, squid and salmon parts also good bait. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases. Closed to king salmon fishing by emergency order.

HALIBUT: Fair. Mainly 10- to 20-pound flatfish being landed; larger specimens to 50+ pounds possible. Beaches from Anchor Point to Kenai River are producing. Bag limit is 2 fish.

PACIFIC COD: Fair to Good. Beaches from Anchor Point to Cohoe are producing. Typical size range is 4 to 10 pounds.

SHARK/SKATE: Fair. Beaches from Whiskey Gulch to Kenai River are producing. Most fish are 15 to 30 pounds.

OTHER: Schools of Dolly Varden and red salmon may be encountered.

 

NINILCHIK RIVER

Conditions: Weekend-Only Fishery (including Mondays). Water levels are medium and clarity fair to good. Bait and single hooks allowed. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases.

KING SALMON: Fair. Saturday morning will provide best opportunities throughout stretch of water open to salmon fishing. Boat harbor will produce most consistent catches through the weekend; start fishing one hour after high tide using bait and spinners. Bag limit is 2 hatchery fish.

STEELHEAD TROUT: Poor. Most fish present will be in post-spawning condition (kelts).

OTHER: A few Dolly Varden and rainbow trout may be present. Occasional catches of early-run red salmon possible in harbor area.

 

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY

Conditions: Water is clear to slightly silty. Emergency orders are in effect—check news releases.

KING SALMON: Poor. A few kings are starting to show up on the tides at the Dudiak Lagoon; try outside of lagoon on the outgoing and the inside on the incoming. Bait like herring and salmon roe are connecting as are spinners. Run is about ten days to two weeks away from peaking. Bag limit is 2 fish in the lagoon.

DOLLY VARDEN: Fair to Good. The incoming and outgoing tides along south side of spit are usually most productive. Small flies/lures imitating juvenile salmon work best.

BOTTOMFISH: Good to Excellent. A variety of species being caught off Coal Point/End of Spit; Pacific cod, pollock, flounder, and sculpin. Low tide best. Some smaller halibut less than 10 pounds present; larger specimens as well as skate and shark possible.

OTHER: Rare catches of early-run red salmon around the spit and outside of the lagoon.

 

Updated Friday, May 17

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: COOK INLET HALIBUT, COD; TURNAGAIN/20-MILE HOOLIGAN; SEWARD COD; KENAI HOOLIGAN

REGIONAL SUMMARY:  There is definitely a shift happening in the Southcentral from the spring break-up time frame to true spring conditions as most ice and snow has melted in coastal and lowland areas, fish of multiple species are beginning to stir in earnest, temperatures are on the increase, and foliage turning green.

Anchorage-Turnagain Arm: All lakes are open to fishing and trout, char, and grayling are being caught; generally good action. ADF&G will begin to stock area waters shortly. No reports yet of king salmon in Ship Creek but likely any day now. Campbell, Chester, and Bird creeks are closed to fishing at this time. Hooligan are peaking in numbers in the arm and 20-Mile River.

Matanuska/Susitna Valleys: Mainstem Susitna River is open and fish are being caught at the mouth of tributaries that are flowing at least relatively low and clear. Search out Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, Caswell, and Montana for rainbows, Dollies, and grayling. Lowland lakes are producing trout, char, pike, and grayling; generally good fishing. ADF&G will begin to stock area waters shortly. A few kings are now entering area drainages, including the Little Susitna River, but fishing for them is currently closed by emergency order. Only spot open for kings is the Knik River-Eklutna Tailrace corridor; first fish expected any day.

Copper Valley-Port Valdez: While many rivers and streams in this area have been plagued by very high and muddy runoff and flooding conditions the last few weeks, things are settling down now. Expect stream fisheries to pick up with catches of rainbows and grayling. Smaller lakes are becoming ice free; avoid larger lakes as they are now considered unsafe due to deteriorating ice conditions. Too early yet for kings and reds and probably looking at first fish to move into the area sometime after June 1st this year. Dolly Varden are hitting in Lowe River in Port Valdez.

Kenai Peninsula-Passage Canal: Still the best area for fishing this coming weekend as opportunities are abundant in both fresh and salt water. Halibut and other marine species are peaking off peninsula beaches, hooligan are heading up specific rivers, lakes are producing plenty of action from trout, char, and grayling, and both king and red salmon are on the cusp of making official appearances in a number of roadside waters. Reminder; all flowing waters within the Kenai River drainage are closed to fishing until June 11. King salmon restrictions remain in place; consult ADF&G emergency orders.

HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

COOK INLET: Halibut fishing is considered to be peaking in many roadside locations between Anchor Point and Nikiski. While most catches are relatively small (10-15 lbs.), there have been some very noteworthy fish landed the past week weighing between 40 and 90 pounds. Expect success to continue the next three weeks; choose tides and location accordingly as the tides this weekend will be on the smaller side but improve again next week—beaches with steeper gradient support best fishing on smaller tides. Pacific cod continue to be caught in fair numbers. Shark and skate are increasing in numbers.

KENAI RIVER: Hooligan are on the move up the river and both drift and dip netters are being successful; run is starting to peak. Best dip netting is on outgoing or low tide at the mouth, or higher up at top of tidewater. King salmon are entering river but closed by emergency order; a few reds are likely present in lower river downstream of Soldotna but usually not in true fishable numbers until last several days of this month. Dolly Varden fishing is fair along with a few rainbows. The middle and upper river sections are closed to all fishing until June 11.

KASILOF RIVER: A small but worthwhile number of steelhead are being caught in and around the mouth of Crooked Creek; often the late afternoon/evening hours produce best results after sun warms the water throughout the day, promoting the bite. Some kings have arrived from tidewater to the top of The People Hole but no solid reports yet of fish being caught from the bank but a few have been landed from drift boats; only hatchery (fin clipped) kings are allowed to be retained by emergency order. Still too soon for reds but not unheard of; wait until about the first of June. Some Dolly Varden are being caught.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Coal Point at the end of the spit is producing steady catches of an assortment of small bottomfish; low tide is considered best. For larger specimens and better chance for halibut and Pacific cod and the occasional skate, try in deeper water around the corner to the right in front of hotel and condos. Dolly Varden fishing is good along the surf anywhere from the point and along the west shoreline of the spit. A few kings are certainly in the area right now. No word yet on the lagoon yielding any kings but most any given year will see the first fish caught very shortly after the 15th.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: Reds are starting to arrive in small numbers at the mouths and channels of Resurrection River/Salmon Creek and several fish have been caught on the tides by snagging the last few days. Surf-casting for Pacific cod and other bottomfish like flounder, greenling, and sculpin along with a few rockfish offer opportunity throughout the bay area with the better fishing typically around Lowell Point and Lowell Point Road where the water is deeper. With herring and hooligan now present in numbers in the bay, this is a good time to begin scouting for halibut in the relative shallows. No king salmon confirmed caught from shore but there are always a few around right about now in the deeper waters of the bay, such as Lowell Point Road and on high tides nearer the harbor where Scheffler Creek enters the bay. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good; try any clearwater stream mouth for success.

TURNAGAIN ARM/20-MILE RIVER: Dip netters are seeing fair to very good success along the shores of the arm between Peterson Creek and 20-Mile River, with the latter also supporting decent catches of fish around the tides. The arm itself usually sees the best dipping on incoming and start of low tide; 20-Mile is productive on incoming and outgoing tides but can be hot in some spots on high tides as well when run peaks, like it is now. A few sea-run Dolly Varden have entered the arm; search out mouths of clearwater streams.

NOTE: A new format will be introduced to the fishing report this season as the regional fisheries take hold, with species breakdowns for each Hot Spot location replacing a worded summary. This will provide anglers with a very quick and efficient way of gathering information for the species of interest.

 

Updated Friday, May 10

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

Regional Summary:  A lot of angler effort right now is on the marine waters around Kenai Peninsula where halibut and other marine species are showing in force, and in lowland, ice-free lakes throughout Southcentral yielding an assortment of trout, char, grayling, and pike. No confirmed catches of freshwater kings yet this season but a few have been reported being spotted in tidewater in at least one popular river, and the early runs of reds will very shortly begin infiltrating area drainages. The long-awaited first king salmon caught in Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage should materialize soon after the 15th of this month. Hooligan are showing in a couple of locations and will only build in numbers through the next couple of weeks.

HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

COOK INLET: While sometimes a hit-or-miss fishery for halibut depending on location and tide, the action as of late has been relatively consistent with a lot of flatfish being beached and limits of two not unusual. Size of halibut is generally on the smaller side—10 to 15 pounds average—but some larger specimens of 20 to 40 pounds are being reported on an almost daily basis; confirmations of halibut up to just shy of 90 pounds made this week. Anglers at Whiskey Gulch, Deep Creek, Ninilchik, Clam Gulch, Cohoe, and the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers are doing very well and the Nikiski/Salamatof area should pick up shortly. Larger Pacific cod are showing up frequently and more often this year compared to past seasons; shark and skate provide increasing opportunities. The tides this weekend will be moderate compared to the huge series last several days, with smaller tides coming next week.

KENAI RIVER: The hooligan run has hit the mouth and tidewater of the river and fish are building in numbers with each passing day as the peak is expected starting next week. Dip netters are reporting fair to good success from the mouth up to Warren Ames Bridge/Cunningham Park area, but the run has not made significant progress farther upstream as of yet. There is some opportunity for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden between upper tidewater and Sterling, and even a few steelhead have been landed the last couple of weeks; expect fair results. While king salmon are undoubtedly entering the river, the fishery for them is closed this season by emergency order; it is still too early to scout for reds but the first few specimens are typically in the river by the 15th.

KASILOF RIVER: Anglers targeting steelhead trout are finding a few from the edge of tidewater up to the Sterling Highway bridge, with the more reliable spot being right around the Crooked Creek confluence. Smaller, resident rainbows may be caught, too. Dolly Varden are just starting to show up and should be abundant in another week to ten days. Suspected king salmon have been observed rolling in the People Hole just downstream of Crooked Creek as well as in tidewater farther downstream; only fin-clipped, hatchery fish are allowed to be retained, all wild kings must be released by emergency order. It is too early for reds but a few could be present in another week or so.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: General action for bottomfish is good with mainly flounder, codfish, and sculpin being caught by surf-casters at Coal Point; for larger Pacific cod, skate, and the occasional halibut, try the deeper water in front of the condos. Do not be surprised to hook a king salmon as there are now a few in the area. Fishing for Dolly Varden is good, particularly along the west side of the spit. Not much reported from Dudiak Lagoon but usually there are at least a few kings to be found on the tides by now—expect the first fish to be caught this weekend or next week.

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The annual herring run has arrived at the head of the bay and the first few hooligan are likely heading into the mouth of Resurrection River and Salmon Creek at this time; dip netters can expect the hooligan run to begin peaking around the third week of this month. With the presence of these baitfish in area waters, look for larger predatory species like halibut and king salmon to show more frequently now and through May along town beaches. Surf-casters are still connecting with good numbers of Pacific cod. The red salmon run into tidewaters at the head of the bay has not started yet but a few scouts tend to be present by the 15th; no sign yet of hatchery kings returning to Scheffler Creek by the boat harbor. Dolly Varden are just getting started and usually numerous enough to target by next week; try mouths of clearwater streams flowing into the bay.

TURNAGAIN ARM/20-MILE RIVER: Dip netters are finding success along the arm from near Peterson Creek to the tidewaters of 20-Mile River. Some tides have been very productive but the general consensus is catches are fair to good at present. This coming week and until June should see the run peaking and, hopefully, some full buckets and coolers. Anglers wanting to target sea-run Dolly Varden at the mouths of streams in this area usually do well sometime after the first of next month.

 

Updated Thursday, May 2

ROADSIDE FISHING REPORT

Regional Summary:  The last several days has seen an expected and  welcoming shift in action in several prominent fishing locales in the Southcentral region, most notably in the marine waters around the Kenai Peninsula for halibut and a variety of bottomfish, but there are some freshwater opportunities to be had as well for steelhead and char. No reports yet of king salmon being caught. Hooligan are starting to arrive in Turnagain Arm and likely into the mouth of Kenai River, too. On another note, the middle and upper Kenai River as well as all Kenai tributaries are closed to fishing from May 1 through June 10.

The Matanuska-Susitna Valleys and Copper Valley-Port Valdez have yet to turn on as most rivers and streams are still shedding ice and/or snow but it will not be long before trout, char, and grayling fishing sets in; yet for now, expect many flowing waters to be high and muddy—set sights on lake-origin drainages for cleaner water. Ice fishing is a thing of the past in lowland waterways, although larger lakes at higher elevations, such as Louise, are still considered “safe” and yielding a good mix of trout, char, burbot, and whitefish.

HOT SPOTS OF THE WEEK

Almost all of the more promising places to go this weekend are on the Kenai Peninsula, with Turnagain Arm being the exception.

COOK INLET: Anglers surf-casting are experiencing a nice uptick in success for halibut on the various beaches along the inlet, from Anchor Point up the coast to the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers, and there should be some flatfish present at Nikiski very shortly, if not already. The Anchor Point, Whiskey Gulch, and Ninilchik sites are doing reasonably well and areas to the north will progressively turn on as the season unfolds. Most fish caught the last week have been in the 10- to 15-pound range with a few reported up to 40 pounds or more. The peak halibut action generally occurs from around now and through the first week of June, depending on location. Additionally, shark (spiny dogfish) and skate are showing up in numbers. Pacific cod has been a regular catch. 

SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY: The bay area continues to be a relative hot spot for Pacific cod, with some sizable catches to 10-15 pounds or more being achieved. While the Lowell (South) Beach location at Lowell Point has received a lot of attention this spring, it certainly is not the only spot where some decent fishing can be had. Entrepreneuring anglers may want to check out the beaches around Spring Creek, Fourth of July, and—with some more effort to access—Tonsina Creek. The deep water along Lowell Point Road, although very rough on tackle right near shore, can yield some very respectable catches of Pacific cod as well as rockfish and a few halibut a little farther out. Anglers taking initiative to locate halibut will see encounters more often as hooligan and herring arrive in near-shore waters.

HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY: Homer Spit is the all-time favored place for surf-casters in this area and anglers are experiencing good catches of general bottomfish (pollock, flounder, sculpin, etc.), but a number of big Pacific cod are also being landed. While baitfish such as hooligan are not the main attractant here for larger predatory species such as halibut, the nearby fish processing plant chums the water quite nicely; expect an increasing number of flatfish (as well as skates) to become available as summer arrives. In other opportunities, sea-run Dolly Varden have arrived and can be targeted using smolt/fry imitation flies and small lures; expect fair to good catches for the next few weeks. No sign yet of king salmon in the lagoon, although the potential for fish is there between now and mid-month as the run builds.

KASILOF RIVER: There is still a fair amount of shelf ice along the shoreline in many places, yet anglers in the vicinity of Crooked Creek are finding at least a few steelhead trout. The cold water has the fish arriving a little slower than usual but action will pick up as more fish come in and the water warms. While typically this week should see the peak of the run, it is likely to be delayed until this weekend or next week. Expect fair opportunities to be had. Very few signs yet of Dolly Varden showing up but they will be here shortly. As for salmon, hatchery kings are allowed to be retained and it is very likely that at least a few scouts will nose into the river between now and the weekend—fishable numbers tend to be present by May 15.

TURNAGAIN ARM: The hooligan run is just getting started here and fishing effort has been near non-existent so far this season. A few dip netters have reported spotty success (and some none at all), yet this will change very soon as the main run arrives, likely by next week. But for now, fair dipping is projected for the weekend for the stretch of water from Peterson Creek to near the mouth of 20-Mile River. As for 20-Mile River, access issues earlier have been resolved and dip netters have a big parking area open for use.

 

Updated Wednesday, April 17

FIRST OPEN WATER FISHING REPORT OF 2024

Summary: Things are starting to happen on the road system around Southcentral Alaska as winter gives way to typical spring fishing conditions. Although most of the rivers and streams in the region are dealing with ice and/or muddy water due to snowmelt, there are a few that support reliable early-season angling opportunities and fish are starting to be caught. But also the briny is turning on, especially in waters around the Kenai Peninsula. The following presents some popular fisheries that are likely to see the brunt of activity within the next few weeks and what to expect.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  After a long, bitter cold winter that saw an unusual near total freeze-up of the river, the water is flowing steadily now and anglers have been exploring this popular spring fishery for the last several weeks with some fair success reported for primarily rainbow trout. Although the upper river has a reputation of remaining ice free all winter long, cold spells of 20 below and months of persistent below average temperatures led to swaths of the river icing over, effectively preventing boaters from drifting and shore anglers having to deal with the gamble of extensive shelf ice to reach open leads. However, it is now possible to launch from the outlet of Kenai Lake and drift down to Jims’ Landing, and wading is absolutely possible. Ice is still present along much of the river shoreline but the trout are increasing in numbers (and size) as spawning time draws ever closer; the season closes on May 1 by regulation. Also worth mentioning is that there are still a few silver salmon spawning and dying off, mostly in the stretch from the lake outlet to Princess Rapids; targeting silvers is prohibited during the winter and spring months. KASILOF RIVER:  The river is open and flowing, yet there is plenty of shelf-ice along its course, meaning that the water is very cold and thus slowing the bite for steelhead trout. These fish are present in small numbers throughout the middle and upper river with quite a few of the lot heading to Crooked Creek, an important spawning stream for the species. The confluence area of the stream and the mainstem Kasilof is a virtual hot spot from the last week of April into mid-May as fish gather in preparation to move upstream into Crooked. Expect a mix of trout ranging from bright to blush or dark fish in pre-spawning mode. The action is typically described as fair but can be better at times some days; this is a catch-and-release fishery. King salmon generally start entering the river right around the first of May; only hatchery fish are allowed for harvest this season by emergency order. No signs of Dolly Varden being present yet—at least not on the lower river—but they will arrive once the ice goes out on Tustumena Lake. COOK INLET:  While there has been a rare catch of halibut being landed off area beaches since February, a sizable push of flatfish will very shortly invade the shallows as they target the spawning runs of hooligan headed to the Kenai River and Turnagain Arm. The runs of these baitfish (as well as herring) has begun but are still some 10 days away from peaking along the coast, meaning that more reliable catches of halibut should occur any day now from Anchor Point up to Nikiski Beach; exercise caution driving in some spots, such as Whiskey Gulch, where access roads may be very muddy due to ongoing snowmelt. And, of course, sharks and skates will be present in numbers as well, in addition to a few Pacific cod. Note: Of particular interest this year is the regulatory change to the King Salmon Conservation Zones around Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River; it is now allowed to surf-cast for halibut and other bottomfish within these zones as long as king salmon are not being targeted—check the new 2024 regulation booklet for details. HOMER/KACHEMAK BAY:  The fishing is and has been spotty to sometimes fair off the spit, with the typical suspects being landed (pollock, sculpin, flounder, etc.), yet a few anglers have walked away with some very respectable catches of Pacific cod. While the intense beach action here really does not take off until about mid-May, it remains a great place to surf-cast for a variety of species. And like elsewhere around the marine waters of the peninsula, feeder kings is a possibility, but a remote one. Expect a few kings bound for the Dudiak Lagoon to show up along the spit in another couple of weeks, yet do not look for much in the lagoon itself until about the 15th of May. SEWARD/RESURRECTION BAY:  Anglers here have been catching a number of Pacific cod and other bottomfish, including an occasional halibut (and one that reportedly weighed in excess of 60 pounds), from area beaches all winter long and are continuing to latch into some decent fish. Albeit the bite is not always consistent and often more sporadic, depending on location, the most success recently has come from the vicinity of Lowell Point, in particular the beach on the south side at the end of the road. However, the deeper water off Lowell Point Road and near the fish processing plant is also worth an attempt. Also, hooligan along with herring will be arriving very soon, which means a greater influx of large, predatory species entering the shallows along the bay as they chase these smaller baitfish. Catches of larger cod, halibut, and even feeder king salmon becomes a possibility as all three of these are typically present later this month and throughout the month of May. Sea-run Dolly Varden is another favorite in Seward but no reports yet of any of these showing up, probably due to the fact that a cold, late spring has seen most overwintering lakes and ponds still firmly locked up in ice; the out-migration from fresh water to the salt generally starts in late April and continues until June. TURNAGAIN ARM:  The ice has completely cleared out of the arm and the lower tidal area of 20-Mile River thanks to strong and persistent southeasterly winds, boding well for a start of the hooligan run soon. With the lack of ice and warming water temperatures, there should be scouts nosing into this area within the next week, perhaps even right now. This will be a hot spot for dip netters in early to mid-May. While the arm and halibut are generally not thought of as being synonymous, there have been anecdotal reports of flatfish being caught in years past around Beluga Point, which harbors some relatively deep water in contrast to the rest of Turnagain that tends to be very shallow on all stages of the tide.