Anchorage Area Fishing Report

August 31, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• Emergency Order No. 2-R-2-04-10 restricts sport fishing for rainbow trout on Campbell and Chester creeks, including University Lake, to catch-and-release for the remainder of the year.
• Emergency Order No. 2-R-2-05-10 restricts sport fishing for rainbow trout in the Sixmile Creek drainage, including Upper and Lower Six Mile lakes, to catch-and-release for the remainder of the year.
• Emergency Order No. 2-R-2-06-10 closes sport fishing on Ship Creek from the Chugach Power Plant Dam upstream to Reeve Boulevard through September 30 to protect spawning rainbow trout and salmon brood stock.
• Emergency Order No. 2-R-2-08-10 reduces the bag limit for Arctic grayling in Symphony Lake to two fish, of which only one may be 12 inches or longer.
• Emergency Order No. 2-R-2-11-10 reduces the bag and possession limit in Anchorage area lakes for rainbow trout, Arctic char and Arctic grayling to two fish of each species, of which only one of each species may be greater than 12 inches in length.
Fresh waters
Salmon

• Coho salmon fishing in Anchorage area stocked streams continues to be very slow.
• This is the time of year when coho start to come out of Campbell Lake and into Campbell Creek. It might be worth your while to prospect for coho along the bike path from Piper Street to Dimond Blvd.
• Try fishing the fresh water sloughs off Placer River for coho.
Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling

• Rainbow trout fishing in Campbell and Chester creeks is restricted to catch-and-release only, and in Chester Creek anglers are not allowed to use bait. These streams were not stocked this year, but catch-and-release fishing remains good.
• Dolly Varden are starting to think about spawning. Look for these char to start moving to their fall spawning locations.
Lake Fishing

• Symphony Lake has some great grayling fishing, and these beautiful fish are now feeding heavily on insects to fatten up for the long winter under ice. Try both dry flies and nymph patterns.
• Jewel, Delong, Sand, and Campbell Point lakes have all been stocked with rainbow trout.
• Campbell Point Lake in Kincaid Park and Sand Lake have been stocked with Arctic char.
• Remember: The bag limit reduction in local lakes allows only two rainbow trout, two Arctic char, and two grayling to be harvested each day, only one of each of these can be larger than 12 inches.
Northern Pike

• Lower Fire Lake remains to be your best local opportunity to bag a pike. Pike can be taken by spear, bow, and rod and reel.
Salt waters

• Saltwater opportunities are limited in the Anchorage Area.
• Try casting a spinner off the mouth of some of the clear-water tributaries to Turnagain Arm or that are tributary to muddy glacial streams. Coho will frequent these areas to rest and clear their gills before swimming on to their natal streams.

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Resurrection Bay Area Fishing Report

August 31, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• There are no emergency orders currently affecting North Gulf Coast sport fisheries.
Salt waters
Halibut

• Halibut fishing has been good all summer in North Gulf Coast waters.
• Try looking for halibut off the mouths of streams that are spitting out a bunch of pink and chum salmon carcasses.
Lingcod

• Resurrection Bay is closed to lingcod fishing.
• Once you harvest a lingcod, you cannot fish inside Resurrection Bay on your way back to the harbor (page 57 of the Southcentral Alaska Fishing Regulations Summary booklet).
• Try a large lead-head jig with white rubber tail. This works great for both lingcod and halibut.
Salmon

• Silver salmon have yet to hit the beaches in Seward, but boats trolling at the head of the bay are picking up some nice fish.
• Labor Day weekend may be a good time to explore Seward, maybe some silvers will be at beach sites.
• If you fish off the beaches wear your polarized sunglasses so you can spot fish easier.
Other salt water fishing
• Rockfish do not survive release well, so if you do not want them avoid fishing rock piles and other high-relief rockfish habitat areas.
• Learn how to ID rockfish. A good start is on page 10 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary.
Shellfish

• Tanner crab season is now open. See pages 12, 56 and 63 of the regulation booklet for seasons, bag limits, and more information.
• A personal-use shrimp pot fishery is currently open between Aialik Cape and Gore Point. To participate in the fishery you must be an Alaska resident with a current sport fishing license or ADF&G Permanent ID card, and a North Gulf Coast shrimp pot fishery permit. Permits can be obtained at the Anchorage, Homer, or Soldotna ADF&G offices. They can also be obtained at The Fish House in Seward.
• Check out pages 56 and 57 of the 2010 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for regulations on this fishery, and page 62 shrimp pot requirements.
Fresh waters
Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling

• The only fresh water fishing for salmon in Resurrection Bay drainages is in the Resurrection River downstream of the Seward Highway and downstream of Nash Road. Only single-hook artificial lures are allowed. See page 58 in the 2010 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation Summary for details.
• Hike or bike into Lost Lake for some beautiful scenery and the chance to catch a couple of rainbows. Take your berry basket.
Northern Pike

• Northern pike are not native to Southcentral Alaska. Please report the capture of any pike in unconfirmed waters to ADF&G. Do not release any pike you have caught.

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Haines Area Fishing Report

August 30, 2010
Chilkoot River pink and sockeye salmon

A surge of over 6,000 pink salmon were counted through the Chilkoot River weir last week. The run started late, but the season total (25,663 fish through August 29) is 92% of the long-term average for that date.

A total of 70,853 sockeye salmon have been counted through the Chilkoot River weir through August 29, which is 17% above the long-term average for this date. The Chilkoot sockeye salmon run is on track for an above-average escapment, within the goal range of 38,000 to 76,000 fish. The sockeye salmon sport bag and possession limit for Chilkoot River and Chilkoot Lake will be 6 fish for the remainder of the year.
Coho (silver) salmon

Coho salmon are off to a slow start in the Haines area. A total of 105 coho salmon have been counted by the Chilkat River fish wheels through August 29, which is 62% of the average count for this date. A good Chilkat River run is forecast for 2010.

The first coho salmon are usually seen at the Chilkoot River weir around September 1. The weir will be removed before significant numbers of coho salmon return.
Chilkat River pink and sockeye salmon

The total number of pink salmon caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels (1,948 fish through August 29) is only 53% of the long-term average, and only 27% of the very high counts in 2009. Pinks can be caught in clear water tributaries of the Chilkat River.

The number of sockeye salmon caught (3,080 fish through August 29) in the Chilkat River fish wheels is average for this time of year, but this number is less than half as many as were caught through this date during the record run of 2009. Sockeye can sometimes be caught in clear water tributaries of the Chilkat River.
King salmon

It took Skagway salt water anglers an average of 23 rod-hours to harvest a king salmon in Taiya Inlet last week. Skagway anglers are also catching and releasing feeder kings, smaller than the 28-inch minimum legal length for retention.

2010 king salmon regulations for Southeast Alaska salt water, including the Haines and Skagway area are:

* Resident anglers may keep two king salmon 28 inches or more in length per day and in possession with no annual limit;
* Non-Alaska resident anglers may keep one king salmon 28 inches or more in length per day and in possession, with an annual limit of three king salmon.

Broodstock collection from adult king salmon in Pullen Creek is complete. Because of a smaller than expected run in Pullen Creek, about half of the broodstock goal was collected. DIPAC released 250,000 king salmon smolt in Pullen Pond in Skagway in June. NSRAA released 80,000 king salmon smolt in Lutak Inlet, near Haines, in July.

The 2010 Chilkat River king salmon run was below average, near the lower end of the escapement goal for the river. Haines area salt water trolling catch rates are poor, as is typical for this time of year. Sport fishing for king salmon is not allowed in fresh water in most of Southeast Alaska, including the Chilkat River.
Char and Trout

Dolly Varden char and cutthroat trout can be found in deep Haines area lakes (Chilkat Lake, Mosquito Lake, and Chilkoot Lake), in clear water tributaries to the Chilkat River, and in the Chilkoot River. Anglers should be aware of that the use of bait is prohibited when fishing in Chilkat Lake and Mosquito Lake or in their tributary and outlet streams. Use the fish regulation link below for details.

Sea-run Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout leave the rivers in the summer to feed in near-shore salt waters, where they can be caught by shore anglers.

Upper and Lower Dewey Lakes, accessible by hiking above Skagway, hold isolated populations of eastern brook trout.

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Juneau Area Fishing Report

August 30, 2010
Juneau
Last week, on average it took Juneau area marine boat anglers 117-rod to harvest a king, better than the prior week, but still indicative of the seasonal decline. Last year it took 129-rod hours and the five-year average was at 168-rod hours per fish. Due to a low number of catches, no hot spots are available this week.

Coho harvest rates remain good, but a little worse than average, taking 7-rod hours to harvest a coho. The prior year it took 6-rod hours and the five-year average was at 5-rod hours per fish. Hot spots last week were North Shelter, the Backside of Douglas, and Pt. Retreat.

Halibut fishing remained great, taking 4-rod hours to harvest a fish. Last year and the five-year average were at 7-rod hours per halibut. Anglers had luck at a variety of locations, with the hotspots being Homeshore, North Shelter, the Backside of Douglas, and Benjamin Island.

The 2010 sport fishing regulations for king salmon in Southeast Alaska and Yakutat will be effective April 1, 2010 and are as follows:
· Alaska residents: bag and possession limit of 2 king salmon 28” or greater in length; no annual limit.
· Nonresident: bag and possession limit of 1 king salmon 28” or greater in length with an annual limit of 3 king salmon 28” or greater in length.

The hatchery terminal harvest area (THA) near Juneau has been liberalized, to provide additional opportunity to harvest hatchery king salmon. The new regulation will be in effect in the Juneau THA from Tuesday, June 1 through Tuesday, August 31, 2010 (please check the web page or news release for a map). Within the boundaries of the THA:
· The daily bag and possession limit is four king salmon of any size;
· King salmon harvested by nonresidents in the designated saltwater area and time period do not count towards their annual limit.

Anglers who catch king salmon within the THA may not continue to fish outside of the THA if they possess king salmon that do not comply with the regulations for that outside area.

Please check online or call the sport fish office for the full king salmon regulation, in addition to the most current lingcod and rockfish News Releases.

The Department of Fish and Game reminds anglers that beginning April 26, 2010 marine boat anglers possessing sport caught king and coho salmon, lingcod or non-pelagic rockfish may not fillet, mutilate or de-head these fish until the fish have been offloaded, unless they have been consumed or preserved onboard. Gutting and gilling is allowed. Once you offload at port, you may head and/or fillet your catch. This restriction allows our creel survey crew at the docks to check for coded-wire-tags and collect biological information. Please check the new release for communities and designated time frames in which the restriction applies.

Please consult your sport fishing regulation booklet for further specifics on regulations and fisheries in the Juneau area. A complete list of news releases can be found on the State of Alaska Sport Fish web site: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/index.cfm

For further information concerning sport fishing opportunities, current regulations and news releases in the Juneau area, please call the Division of Sport Fish at (907) 465-4270 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (907) 465-4270 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Southeast Alaska Area
The sampled fishing efffort last week ranged from below 140 hours in Wrangell to over 2,500 rod hours in Juneau. The coho salmon and halibut sport fisheries remain good to excellent at most ports, while the Chinook salmon fishery is slowing down.

Harvest rates for Chinook salmon last week ranged from 8 rod hours per fish in Sitka to 368 rod hours in Yakutat, and were better than or equal to the five-year average at the ports of Ketchikan, Craig, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Yakutat. No harvested Chinook salmon were encountered by our creel survey personnel in Wrangell, Petersburg, or Elfin Cove. The Chinook salmon fishery on the outer coast will continue to have the benefit of access to a mixed-stock Chinook salmon fishery.

All sampled ports encountered harvested halibut, with harvest rates ranging from 1 rod hour per harvested halibut in Craig/Klawock to 15 rod hours per halibut in Wrangell.

Coho salmon were encountered by our creel surveys at all ports last week, with harvest rates ranging from 1 rod hour per harvested coho salmon in Sitka and Yakutat to 9 rod hours in Wrangell. The rates were better than or equal to the five-year average at the ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, Elfin Cove and Yakutat.

Harvested pink salmon were encountered by our creel survey personnel last week at all sampled ports except Wrangell, Petersburg and Yakutat, with harvest rates ranging from 4 rod hours per harvested pink salmon in Elfin Cove to 545 rod hours in Juneau.

Harvested chum salmon were encountered at four ports, with harvest rates ranging from 182 rod hours per harvested chum salmon in Sitka to 817 rod hours in Juneau.

Sunday, August 29th was the last day of the 2010 creel survey season in the ports of Craig, Wrangell, Petersburg, Gustavus, Elfin Cove and Yakutat. Skagway’s sampling will end on September 6th, and the creel surveys in Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau will end on September 12.

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Sitka Area Fishing Report

August 31, 2010
Chinook Salmon

Anglers last week averaged 8 rod hours per king salmon harvested; this is 17 hours less than the 5-year average of 25 rod hours per Chinook salmon harvested during the last week of August. Chinooks are typically being harvested on the outer coast of Kruzof Island in areas such as The Cape, Point Mary, Cape Georgiana, and Point Ameila. Other areas such as Salisbury Sound, Vitskari, and Biorka Islands have also been very productive.

Charter operators and crew members may not retain king salmon while clients are on board the vessel.
Coho Salmon

Anglers last week averaged 1 rod hour per coho salmon harvested; this is equal to than the 5 year average of 1 rod hour per coho salmon harvested during the last week of August.
Pink and Chum Salmon

Anglers last week averaged 58 rod hours per pink salmon harvested; this is 18 hours more than the 5 year average of 40 rod hours per pink salmon harvested during the last week of August. Anglers averaged 182 hours per chum salmon harvested; this is 135 hours more than the 5 year average of 317 rod hours per chum salmon harvested during the last week of August.
Halibut

Anglers last week averaged 6 rod hours per halibut harvested; this is 2 hours more than the 5-year average of 4 rod hours per halibut harvested during the last week of August.

Charter operators and crew members may not retain halibut while clients are on board the vessel.
Lingcod - OPEN


Northern Southeast and Yakutat Areas
Season: May 16 – June 15 and August 16 – November 30.
Limits:
Residents – 1 daily 2 in possession, no size limit.
Nonresidents – 1 daily, 1 in possession, size limit: 30 inches or greater in length and less than 35 inches in length, or 55 inches or greater in length. Annual limit of 2 fish, one of which is 30 to 35 inches in length, one of which is 55 inches or greater in length, nonresident anglers shall immediately record, in ink, all lingcod harvested either on the back of their sport fishing license or on a nontransferable harvest record.

Charter operators and crew members may not retain lingcod while clients are on board the vessel.

Rockfish

All non-pelagic rockfish caught must be retained until the daily bag limit is reached. The resident daily bag limit is three non-pelagic rockfish only one of which may be a yelloweye; possession limit of six fish, two of which may be yelloweye.

The nonresident daily bag limit is two non-pelagic rockfish only one of which may be a yelloweye; possession limit of four fish, two of which may be yelloweye; with an annual limit of two yelloweye rockfish. Nonresident anglers must immediately record all yelloweye rockfish harvested, in ink, either on the back of their sport fishing license, or on a nontransferable harvest record.

Charter operators and crew members may not retain non-pelagic rockfish while clients are on board the vessel.
Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden fishing along the roadside/shoreline is fair.
Trout

Local streams are producing fair catches of trout.



All anglers are responsible for knowing the current regulations for the area that they will be fishing. Regulation summaries and copies of the most recent regulatory changes are available at the Sitka ADF&G office and online.

For further information, please feel free to contact the Sitka Sport Fish office, at (907) 747-5355.

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Petersburg Area Fishing Report

August 30, 2010
August 30th : local creel survey programs are reported here for king salmon, halibut, and coho salmon this past week. As local creel surveys ended this past weekend, this is the last week when we will have weekly updates to the fishing report. Anglers can still find information on updated regulation changes at the local Fish and Game offices in Petersburg and Wrangell, and on the Fish and Game website.

Halibut fishing in the area is strong, and should remain so until September. King salmon sport fishing in local marine waters has past in the area with exception of a few feeder kings that may be taken in the marine areas when fishing for coho. Anglers are catching fall-run coho in marine waters and fresh water areas and pink salmon now in fresh waters. Sea-run Dolly Varden may provide some action in and around estuaries and harbors, but also in and around spawning salmon in freshwaters. Anglers can find cutthroat trout fishing to remain fairly good- in both fresh and estuarine waters.

King and coho salmon catch rates:

Last week there were no surveyed anglers in Petersburg or Wrangell marine waters that harvested king salmon so there are no catch rate estimates with king salmon. Coho salmon fishing has not been as strong as expected in the local waters considering this is often the peak time to catch coho in area marine waters. Anglers in Petersburg fished 4 hours per coho, which was slower than the 5-year average for this time (3hrs). In Wrangell surveyed anglers fished 9 hours per coho as compared to the 5-year average for this time which is 4 hrs for this week. However, anglers fishing and taking coho in some of the local fresh waters are not surveyed.

Currently: Marine coho salmon anglers can target coho in local marine waters and freshwater anglers may find coho entering area streams. In marine waters coho are often seen as jumpers, but trolling herring or flashers with hoochies in and around tide rips is a good way to start. Specific marine locations fished at this time include Frederick Sound north of Petersburg and the tide rips in Sumner Strait south and west of Mitkof Island.

Blind Slough: Anglers should be aware that local salmon regulations changed beginning August 1st, and sportfishing has reopened in Blind Slough.
Anglers wishing to fish in Blind Slough waters are reminded that:
# Please be very careful with the dark and maturing king salmon that may be in the area since we will need them for broodstock to continue the stocking program after this year's very poor run.
# Snagging is not allowed in any part of Blind Slough
# bait is allowed in Blind Slough only (bait fishing not allowed in other fresh waters until Sept 16th.
# Regional regulations apply for cutthroat trout, coho, chum, and pink salmon (see page 10 in the 2010 regulation summary for Southeast Alaska)
# Regulations for king salmon are on page 16 (of the same) but please be careful with any king salmon you catch because the run has been very weak this year and they are needed as broodstock to sustain this run-

Other marine fishing:

Halibut: Petersburg creel sampling indicated anglers fished 4hours per halibut as compared to the five-year average estimated at 4 hours per halibut during this week of the season. In Wrangell creel sampling indicated anglers fished 15 hours per halibut as compared to the five-year average estimated at 9 hours per halibut during this week of the season. Anglers wishing to target Halibut may need to hunt around a bit more as halibut may be shifting locations at this time of year. Often halibut show up in shallower areas to feed on returning or dying pink salmon, but anglers can and should consider waters down to 300' plus. Fresh herring is always a good bet, however anglers may also use pink salmon for bait from fish they either purchase or harvest.Fishing will begin to slow down more as halibut begin to head into deeper waters as part of their seaward migration.

Anglers interested in bottom fishing might also have some luck with rockfish, which are found along steep rock ledges located along our shorelines. Although anglers in the Petersburg and Wrangell areas rarely target rockfish and lingcod, there are new regulations to be aware of in SE Alaska. Anglers are currently encouraged to review the 2010 Southeast Alaska regulation summary as well as check for news releases for inseason changes to rockfish and other sport fishing regulations. Please see the emergency orders news release link above, and or refer to posted news releases located at harbors on covered walkways to docks in Petersburg and Wrangell.


Local King salmon reminders: Here are some additional reminders for those who might catch and keep king salmon:

* if you do catch a small (sublegal) feeder king salmon, please be careful to release the fish unharmed. It is best if the fish remains in the water, and is not netted, and the hook is eased out or line cut.
* Please don’t forget to purchase your 2010 king salmon stamp even if you are fishing late in the season- there are horror stories around of anglers coho fishing who then have to release beautiful feeder kings because they did not have their king salmon stamp!
* Nonresidents remember to record harvests of all species with annual or harvest limits on the back of your fishing license or harvest card, including species, date and the area.

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Ketchikan Area Fishing Report

August 30, 2010

Saltwater Fishing
Anglers last week averaged 109 hours per king salmon. Last year it took 328 rod hours per king with a five-year average of 137 hours per fish.

Anglers last week averaged 4 hours per coho salmon. Last year it took 2 rod hours per coho with a five-year average of 4 hours per coho salmon.



Anglers last week averaged 13 hours per pink salmon. Last year it took 11 hours per pink salmon with a five-year average of 12 hours per pink salmon.



Anglers averaged one halibut for every 5 hours fished. Last year it took 5 rod hours per halibut with a five-year average of 5 hours per fish.



Freshwater Fishing

Dolly Varden fishing along the roadside/shoreline should continue to improve as water temperatures warm and Dolly Varden migrate from overwintering lakes. Lake outlets and streams that connect to the salt water are prime places to harvest these fish in the spring.

Steelhead runs are at their end with most fish returning to saltwater. However, anglers can still experience good cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing in freshwater.



***Reminder
All anglers are responsible for knowing the current regulations for the area that they will be fishing. Regulation handbooks and copies of the most current regulatory changes are available on this website and at the Ketchikan ADF&G office, (907) 225-2859.

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Prince of Wales Island Area Fishing Report

August 31, 2010

This will be the last marine fishing report for the season as our dock side creel survey program ended for the season Sunday, August 29. King salmon fishing stayed well above average last week for anglers fishing off the west coast of Prince of Wales Island. Last week anglers fishing out of Craig and Klawock averaged 15 hours of fishing effort per harvested king salmon, much better than the 5-year average of 482 hours/fish for this same time period. Anglers averaged 3 hours of effort per harvested coho, slower than the 5-year average for this same time period of 2 hours/fish. Pink salmon fishing slowed last week as more and more fish enter streams to spawn; anglers averaging 177 hours/fish for pink salmon.

Anglers targeting halibut averaged 1 hour of effort per fish. Anglers are reminded to check ADF&G's main web page for in-season regulation changes for king salmon, lingcod and rockfish. Inquires about in-season changes can also be addressed by calling the POW office at (907) 826-2498 or dropping by the office in Craig.

The freshwater sport fishery on Prince of Wales Island currently is targeting pink, chum, and coho salmon, along with Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout. Pink numbers are building in local streams and the current rain should bring more fish in (currently flows are moderate to high as of August 31). Chums are also showing up in local streams in good numbers this year. Both the Harris River and Maybeso Creek have had very good Chum returns so far this year and many other streams have also had good returns. About 1,200 coho have returned to the weir on the Klawock River; numbers are still low but should start building in the coming days. Anglers looking for trout fishing on Prince of Wales Island should consider Control, Klawock, Eagle, Red Bay, and No Name Lake as well as the Thorne River drainage just to name a few. Please check the regulation booklet for limits and other regulations that apply to these areas.

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Lower Cook Inlet Area Fishing Report

August 31, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• The flowing waters of the Anchor River, Ninilchik River, Deep Creek and Stariski Creek are restricted to single hook and no bait as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, September 1, through December 31.
• By emergency order the Tanner crab bag and possession limit has lowered from 5 to 4 crabs in the Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet sport, personal use and subsistence fisheries. Permits are required and are available at the Homer, Soldotna and Anchorage ADF&G offices.
• The marine waters of Kachemak Bay are now open to snagging, except in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon area.
Fresh waters
Streams

• Anglers fishing the lower sections of the Anchor River and Deep Creek report fair to good catches of coho (“silver”) salmon, especially during high tide. Silvers will be available through Labor Day. The limits for salmon are three per day and three in possession, only two of which can be silver salmon.
• Stream flows are relatively stable.
• For silvers try using spinners in sizes 3-6 and weighted flies.
• Steelhead trout are starting to enter the rivers. Because steelhead runs are not large, the rainbow/steelhead fishery is catch-and-release only. Please familiarize yourself with the differences between silver salmon and steelhead trout.
• Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing for Dolly Varden. Fly-fishers are having good success with egg patterns, beads and Muddler Minnow patterns.
• The daily bag and possession limit for Dolly Varden is two fish.
Lake Fishing

• Numerous Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes provide great fishing opportunities. Encelewski Lake is the only stocked lake south of the Kasilof River. It’s located on the Sterling Highway at mile 115 and is a favorite destination for stocked rainbow trout. Directions can be found in a brochure listing the locations of area stocked lakes available on the Sport Fish website and at ADF&G offices.
Salt waters
Halibut

• Halibut fishing is poor in Kachemak Bay but fair to good if you travel to central or southern Cook Inlet from Homer, or fish out of Anchor Point and Deep Creek. Most anglers have been catching their bag limits in Cook Inlet.
• From Homer, try the Compass Rose area for smaller fish but closer to port. For larger fish, try the Flat Island area and beyond.
• Try fishing around and during the slack tide. This allows anglers to keep bait on the bottom with less weight.
• Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and jigs work well.
• Most charters are operating through Labor Day.
Salmon

• Fishing for silver salmon in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit has been poor.
• Anglers are reporting catching a few silvers while trolling in the Point Pogibshi area and along the beaches north of the Anchor River but success has still been spotty. Trolling has been the most effective approach.
• Anglers are reporting some feeder king salmon being caught while trolling for silver salmon. Try fishing a little deeper to target king salmon.
• The most popular trolling set-up for king and silver salmon is herring behind a flasher or dodger. Trolling hootchies, tube flies, and spoons behind flashers also works. Try fishing in the shallow kelp beds near Bluff Point or trolling along the west shore of the Homer Spit to Bishop’s Beach.
Other salt water fishing

• Lingcod fishing has been good. Many anglers target lingcod near the rock piles and pinnacles by Elizabeth Island and Kennedy Entrance. There is a minimum size limit of 35 inches and a bag limit of 2 per day/2 in possession. A gaff may not be used for any fish intended for release.
• Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
• A variety of cod and flounders are plentiful off the end of the Homer Spit by Land’s End. Use herring or jigs for the best success. Familiarize yourself with the identification of the different species so you can tell which ones are good to eat.
Shellfish

• There are no minus tides for clamming this week. The next minus tide series will be 9/6 through 9/11.
• The Cook Inlet sport, personal use and subsistence Tanner crab fisheries are now open. The bag limit in Cook Inlet has been reduced to 4. A free permit is required and available at Fish and Game offices in Homer, Soldotna and Anchorage.
• For Tanner crabs in Kachemak Bay, try east of Gull Island, west of the Homer spit, and in Tutka Bay in depths of 250-400 feet of water.
• Shrimp and king crab and Dungeness crab fisheries in Cook Inlet are closed because there are not enough to sustain a fishery. Personal use (Alaska residents only) shrimping is open in the North Gulf coast and a free permit is required. Both permits are available at the Homer and Anchorage ADF&G offices

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Kenai Area Fishing Report

August 30, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

There is one emergency order in effect for the Northern Kenai Peninsula Area.

The sockeye salmon bag and possession limit of 6 fish in the Kenai River. Except in the Kenai River “fly-fishing-only waters” near the Russian River, which are closed to fishing for sockeye salmon. Please review page 51 of the 2010 Southcentral Alaska sport fishing regulations summary booklet for the area closed to sockeye salmon fishing.

On Wednesday, September 1, regulations governing the use of bait change in both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. Anglers are reminded to check the regulation booklet before heading-out to fish.

In the Kenai River only the bag and possession limit for coho salmon increases to three fish on September 1. Anglers should review the regulation booklet for seasonal regulation changes.
Salmon – Kenai, Kasilof, Russian & Swanson Rivers

• Water level throughout the Kenai River has decreased to the historical average over the past week. Water conditions on the Kenai River are rated as good for fishing. Water levels in the Russian are average with excellent fishing conditions. The Kasilof River is still above average with fair water conditions for fishing.
Kenai River

• Coho salmon are present in throughout Kenai River overall fishing success is fair to good at this time. Anglers can expect stable success rates in this fishery for the remainder of the month.
• The pink salmon are available in the Kenai River.
• Sockeye salmon will be spawning in some areas of the river for the next several weeks. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden using terminal tackle that imitates drifting salmon eggs as well as salmon flesh will provide good to excellent fishing from now until freeze-up.
• A few sockeye salmon are being caught, however most are nearing spawning condition.
Kasilof River

• Fishing for coho salmon has improved and will provide good fishing opportunity for the remainder of the month. Pink salmon are present as well.
• Dolly Varden are being caught in the area upstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge crossing to Tustumena Lake.
Russian River

• Coho salmon are present and fishing is rated as fair to good at times. Coho salmon fishing will improve for the remainder of the month.
• Sockeye salmon fishing is closed at the Russian River, Kenai River/Russian River “fly-fishing-only waters or in the Kenai River below the Russian River Ferry.
• Rainbow trout fishing in the Russian River is now rated as excellent with anglers also catching some Dolly Varden. Sockeye salmon are spawning throughout the Russian River downstream of the falls.
• Anglers fishing in the Russian River are asked to clean fish at the cleaning tables located at the Russian – Kenai rivers confluence as well as at the Ferry Crossing. Anglers are encouraged to chop fish waste into numerous small pieces and throw them in to deep water with fast moving current.
Swanson River

• Coho salmon are now present in the middle and upper portions. Anglers floating the river are reporting fair to good fishing for coho salmon over the approximate 21 mile float trip down the river from the Swanson River Road canoe landing downstream to Captain Cook State Park. Coho salmon fishing will slow down by early September as coho salmon continue to move upstream into spawning areas.
Resident Fish — Kenai, Russian, Kasilof & Swanson Rivers

• Fishing for rainbow trout is expected to improve in the Kenai River. Water level in the Upper Kenai River has now returned to average. Water conditions in the Russian River are excellent for fishing. In the Upper Kenai River anglers are having success fishing in both the main river and the side channels for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
• Dolly Varden are being caught in the Kasilof River and those fishing the Upper Swanson River near the Swanson River canoe landing or floating the river are finding plenty of rainbow trout.
Lake Fishing

• Numerous Kenai Peninsula lakes provide great fishing. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout and landlocked salmon has been good to excellent, with most anglers fishing small spinners or baits such as salmon eggs, “power” baits, or shrimp beneath a bobber.
• Lake trout are available at Hidden, Skilak, Kenai and Tustumena lakes. Anglers will need a powerboat to fish lake trout effectively in these waters. Lake trout have moved into deep waters as water temperatures warm. Anglers are reminded that the bag and possession limit for lake trout at Hidden Lake is one lake trout of any size.
Northern Pike

• Stormy Lake has northern pike and the lake has good public access. Anglers who are interested in fishing for northern pike on the Kenai Peninsula need to put Stormy Lake on your early season list to fish now. In springtime, pike move into shallow water to spawn in the vegetated areas of the shoreline. Anglers often observe pike in these areas and have success catching them.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (with arrow attached by a line), bait, spin, and fly-fishing gear. Try fish-shaped and fish-colored lures and flies.
• There is no closed season for pike and the bag limit is unlimited. Wanton waste laws apply so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.

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Kodiak Area Fishing Report

August 30, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the “Kodiak EO’s” box.

• Effective July 13, in the Buskin River drainage, sport fishing for sockeye salmon is re-opened. Anglers may retain up to 2 fish per day 20” or longer, and up to 10 per day less than 20”.
Fresh waters
Salmon

• Chinook salmon sport fisheries in all Kodiak Management Area streams are now closed for the season in order to conserve spawning fish.
• Normal water levels currently prevail in Kodiak streams, but clear skies and sunshine over the last several days may temporarily slow sport fishing success. Any additional precipitation should allow for excellent sport fishing to resume by mid-week.
• Pink salmon fishing in road system streams has recently been fair, although the 2010 run is much smaller than others in recent years. Along the Kodiak road system good pink salmon fishing has recently been reported at Buskin and Olds rivers. Within the Kodiak Remote Zone, Karluk, Ayakulik and Dog Salmon rivers have relatively large pink salmon returns for sport fishing.
• Silver salmon fishing along the Kodiak road system is reportedly excellent at Pasagshak River drainage, and fair at Buskin and Saltery rivers. Angler reports have not been received for other road zone streams. The Buskin river silver salmon weir count of 500-600 is approximately 30% below the recent 10 year average for this date. In the Remote Zone silver fishing has been outstanding at Afognak River drainage.
• Salmon counting weirs are currently also operating at Afognak, Olga and Karluk rivers. Anglers can find updated counts for most Kodiak weirs at the Fish Counts link below.
Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• Dolly Varden are still abundant in fresh waters. The relatively low pink salmon returns in road zone streams makes this is an excellent time to target Dollies. The Buskin, Russian, American and Olds rivers are excellent bets for inriver Dolly fishing.
Lake Fishing

• August-September is still an excellent time to fish rainbow trout in the stocked lakes along the Kodiak road zone. As autumn nears, start looking for rainbows in deeper waters. Be sure to check water temperatures, as most fish will be found near shore in warmer lakes, while deep water is a better bet in lakes with temperatures below 40°F.
• Landlocked silver salmon are currently available in Chiniak Lake near Chiniak village and at Southern Lake on Long Island. Check the land use policy before accessing these lakes, both of which are surrounded by private property owned by Leisnoi Inc.
Salt waters
Halibut

• Local halibut fishing continues to be productive, with recent reports of anglers catching fish near Buoy #4, Kodiak Rocks (also known as the “Humps”), and numerous other locations within Chiniak Bay.
Salmon
• Trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiak’s marine waters has become very popular in recent years. Kings can be fished successfully year-round, though fishing tends to be spotty and difficult to predict. Recent reports indicate results have improved, with anglers reporting kings near Ouzinkie Pass, Cape Chiniak, and Kodiak Rocks outside Long Island.
• Reports on silver salmon trolling continue to be mixed. Good places to troll for silvers along the road system are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4, and the 40-60 feet waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak silver salmon average about 10 pounds.
Other salt water fishing

• Black rockfish can be caught at depths of 10 fathoms or less near kelp beds along rock pinnacles and other natural or man made structures. Rockfish are also frequently caught from shore at locations such as the breakwater barrier shielding St. Paul Harbor.
• The Kodiak lingcod season opened on July 1.

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Prince William Sound Area Fishing Report

August 31, 2010
Emergency Order and regulation reminders

• By emergency order, the pot limit for the 2010 noncommercial shrimp pot fishery is a maximum of 8 per person and 8 per vessel.
• Permits are mandatory for all noncommercial shrimp fisherman. Permits are available at local Fish and Game offices and at select vendors.
Fresh waters
Salmon

• A few sockeye keep passing the Eshamy weir each day, but this run is trailing off.
• Water levels have dropped on Ibeck Creek and Eyak River, and both streams continue to produce some nice chrome-bright silvers.
• Alaganik Slough is producing some nice silvers.
• Vibrax spinners, Pixies (with pink inserts) and flashy pink flies are all proven coho killers!
Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• Cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout has been good with egg patterns and flesh flies working well.
• Dolly Varden are starting to move towards spawning areas and can be caught on egg patterns, spinners, and spoons.
• Big dollies are being caught while anglers are targeting coho salmon. Flashy spinners always work great!
Salt waters
Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish

• The Valdez derby leader is still a 363.9 lb halibut followed by a 277.2 lb halibut that jumped into 2nd place on August 20th. This Derby ends on September 5, 2010.
• Halibut angling continues to be productive near the ocean entrances, and anglers continue to find success at Hinchinbrook Entrance.
• Lingcod reports from this area also continue to be good.
• Rockfish angling continues to be productive. Remember to move once you catch your limit, or if you do not want to keep these fish do not fish the rock piles and high relief areas.
Salmon

• The leader of the Valdez Silver Salmon derby continues to be a 19.10 lb coho salmon caught on August 10th. This Derby ends on September 5, 2010.
• Anglers are having good luck at Allison Point and at the city dock in Valdez.
• The Port Valdez and Valdez Arm continue to produce good catches of coho salmon.
• Whittier reports continue to be mixed with some anglers catching coho near the harbor.
• Coho can be caught throughout the Sound and now is a good time to prospect for silvers.
• Coho are being caught in small numbers around Flemming Spit.
Shellfish

• Shrimping continues to be great throughout the Sound with the best catches found at the 300 – 500 ft. depth range.
• Don’t forget your shrimp permit – everyone needs one.

http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FishingReports/