Anchorage Area Fishing Report

July 27, 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 to Reeve Boulevard through September 30 to protect spawning rainbow trout and salmon brood stock.
• Emergency Order No. 2-R-2-08-10 closes Symphony Lake to all fishing until July 1 and reduces the bag limit of Arctic grayling 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.
• Campbell Creek, between Dimond Boulevard and C Street, is now open to silver salmon fishing, but the remainder of the stream is closed to all salmon fishing.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Recent rains have not affected some local streams as much as expected, especially in the upper reaches of these streams
• The pink and chum salmon runs appear to be late this summer. Pink salmon are showing in greater numbers and are starting to congregate in pools. Try Ingram Creek, Glacier Creek and Bird Creek.
• Fishing for silver salmon remains slow, but it still early and this run can peak any time during the first week or two of August
• Campbell Creek is open to silver salmon fishing only between Dimond Boulevard and C Street. This section of stream is affected by high water, so expect slow fishing. Try early in the morning to improve your chances.
• Silver fishing remains slow in Ship Creek, though a couple of bright silvers were spotted just below the dam during Tuesday morning’s high tide.
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.
• Dolly Varden fishing in these streams is good, and these fish can be harvested.

Lake Fishing

• Try fishing Jewel, DeLong, Sand and Campbell Point lakes for rainbow trout. Campbell Point Lake in Kincaid Park and Sand Lake have also 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.
• Symphony Lake has some good grayling fishing, but remember that the bag and possession limit has been reduced to two grayling per day, of which only one can longer than 12 inches.

Northern Pike

• Try Lower Fire Lake with a spear or bow and arrow (the arrow has to be attached to a string and the string to your bow). Now is the time to sharpen you skill with the bow for the August hunting season.

Salt waters


• Coho are starting to show up in local streams, try casting a spoon or spinner off the of the clear water tributaries the flow into Turnagain Arm. You may luck into a passing by coho.

Resurrection Bay Area Fishing Report

July 27, 2010

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• There are no current emergency orders pertaining to North Gulf Coast sport fisheries.
• Tanner crab fishing opened July 15.
• Lingcod season opened Thursday, July 1.
• Do not forget your shellfish permits for either shrimp or tanner crab

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing has been very good all summer in the North Gulf Coast.
• Montague and Nuka Bay waters are good halibut fishing destinations.
• Improve your odds of catch these fish by keeping bait or lure on the bottom.

Lingcod

• Fishing continues to be good.
• 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).

Salmon

• Silver salmon fishing remains very good in Resurrection Bay. Fish can be found throughout Resurrection Bay. This usually means you have work a bit harder to catch your limit.
• Remember to ID your catch while trolling for silvers. Anglers occasionally mistake pink salmon and small king salmon for silvers.

Other salt water fishing

• Rockfish are easy to catch and have a fairly conservative bag limit. They do not survive release well, so once you have your limit, fish for something else.
• The rockfish daily bag limit is four per day, of which only one may be a non-pelagic (demersal) rockfish. See page 10 the Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for examples of pelagic and non-pelagic rockfish
• Try casting a small shiny spinner or a bobber and bait near the mouth of streams to target Dolly Varden.

Shellfish

• Tanner crab season opened July 15. See pages 12, 56 and 63 of the regulation booklet for seasons, bag limits, and more information.
• There have been no reports from the personal-use shrimp pot fishery 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

Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling

• Both Troop and Vagt lakes are stocked with rainbow trout and worth the hike for fishing adventure. These lakes are stocked with fingerlings and grow some very nice fish.
• Look for Dolly Varden to follow the salmon into local streams to feed on fresh eggs.

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.

Lake Fishing

• Hike or bike into Lost Lake for some rainbow trout fishing.

Lower Cook Inlet Area Fishing Report
July 27, 2010

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• The areas upstream of the two-mile regulatory markers on the Anchor and Ninilchik rivers and Deep and Stariski creeks open on August 1 to fishing for Dolly Varden and steelhead/rainbow trout through December 31. Salmon may not be targeted or harvested upstream of the 2-mile regulatory markers.
• An emergency order was issued to reduce the Tanner crab bag and possession limit from 5 to 4 crabs in Kachemak Bay and Cook Inlet when the season opened July 15. The free, required permit is available at the Homer, Soldotna and Anchorage ADF&G offices.
• New, more liberal regulations for spiny dogfish are in effect and listed below. Regulations for other shark species remains one fish per day and two per year, and all other sharks kept must be recorded immediately on a fishing license or harvest card.
• The marine waters of Kachemak Bay are now open to snagging, except in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon area.

Fresh waters

Streams

• The lower portions of the Anchor River and Deep Creek are open to sport fishing, except for king salmon, including jacks.
• Silver salmon are starting to arrive. Try fishing near the river mouth during high tide for better success. Fishing should improve in mid-August.
• Expect fair fishing for Dolly Varden and poor to fair fishing for pink salmon in all streams.
• The Ninilchik River is open to sport fishing, including the harvest of hatchery king salmon downstream of the two-mile marker. Hatchery fish are defined as fish missing their adipose fin, the fleshy fin on the back just in front of the tail.
• Wild king salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Wild king salmon have their adipose fin.
• Expect poor fishing for hatchery king salmon, but try fishing the Ninilchik harbor for late arriving king salmon.
• Remember that steelhead trout hooked in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Stariski Creek and the Ninilchik River must not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
• Pink and chum salmon are starting to arrive in Kachemak Bay streams. Try Humpy Creek for chum salmon and Tutka Creek for pink salmon.

Lake Fishing

Numerous Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes provide great fishing opportunities. A brochure listing the locations of area stocked lakes is available on the Sport Fish website and at ADF&G offices.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is fair to good out of Homer, Anchor Point and Deep Creek. Most anglers have been catching their bag limits. Halibut landed over the past week averaged slightly less than 15 pounds.
• Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.

Salmon

• Silver salmon are reported being caught at the entrance of the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit, out of Seldovia and near Deep Creek.
• Trolling success for king salmon has been poor to fair at Bluff Point and fair at Ninilchik.
• Trolling success for king salmon has been fair around Point Pogibshi and poor to fair in other Kachemak Bay locations.
• Popular trolling set-ups for king salmon include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
• Pink and chum salmon are starting to arrive in Kachemak Bay. Good numbers of pink salmon have been reported in Tutka Bay.

Spiny Dogfish

• The daily bag and possession limit for spiny dogfish was increased to 5 per day.
• There is no longer an annual limit and recording requirement for spiny dogfish.
• Dogfish travel in large schools, so be prepared to release a few or pick up and move to avoid them.
• Remember it is illegal to intentionally waste or destroy and species of sport-caught fish, including dogfish.
• You may use the head, tail, fins and viscera of sport-caught spiny dogfish for bait.

Other salt water fishing

• Lingcod is now open to harvest. 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.

Personal Use

• The China Poot personal use dipnet fishery continues through August 7. Complete regulations are found on pages 17 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing regulation summary booklet.
• Fish are still available. Try early in the morning for best results.

Shellfish

• There are clamming tides through July 28.
• Razor clams can be found on the sandy beaches from Kasilof to Homer and are exposed on any minus tides. Tides of minus -1.0 feet or lower are suggested.
• Expect to find many small clams on the Ninilchik beach. There was a large spawning event that recently occurred and this recruitment is now in the 2”-4” size range.
• There are still large clams in the Ninilchik area but they may be difficult to locate. Look for larger shows to potentially target larger clams.
• Remember that all razor clams that are dug must be kept regardless of size. Check through the sand removed from your hole for any additional clams prior to digging a new hole.
• There are fair to good numbers of medium sized clams on the Clam Gulch beaches.
• For larger razor clams, try the Deep Creek to Whiskey Gulch beaches. These clams are more patchily distributed so explore around to find shows.
• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.
• Littleneck and butter clams can be found on in a variety of habitats from Jakolof Bay to Bear Cove. Try exploring new beaches for success. Typically, littleneck clams are found shallower in the substrate within 5 to 6 inches of the surface, while butter clams can be found up to 1 foot deep.
• The Cook Inlet and North Gulf Coast sport and personal use 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 and at the Fish House in Seward.
• For Tanner crabs in Kachemak Bay, try west of the Homer spit 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.

Kenai Area Fishing Report
July 27, 2010

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Two emergency orders are in effect for the Northern Kenai Peninsula:

• The first emergency order, effective Saturday, July 24, increased the sockeye salmon bag and possession limit to six fish in much of the Kenai River; the bag and possession limit for the Russian River and the Kenai River “fly-fishing-only waters” near the Russian River remains 3 per day and in possession. A complete description of the Kenai River/Russian River “fly-fishing-only waters” is found on page 51 of the 2010 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.
• The second emergency order opened the Kenai River personal use dip net fishery to 24 hours per day, beginning at 6:00 a.m., Saturday, July 24 through Saturday, July 31.

Salmon – Kenai, Kasilof and Russian Rivers

• Water levels in the Kenai River are slightly above historical averages. Water conditions on the Kenai River are rated as fair to good for fishing because of the day to day change in the water clarity.

Kenai River

• Fishing success for late-run king salmon is well below average. The size of fish as represented in department sampling programs including the harvest by anglers, indicates king salmon are smaller and younger than average. Fishing is expected to remain slow through the end of king salmon season which ends by regulation at 11:59 p.m., Saturday, July 31. Information about Kenai River early-run king salmon sonar passage estimates are available via phone at (907) 262-9097 and online at the weir count and sonar estimates Web site.

• Sockeye salmon are moving into the Kenai River at this time and are distributed throughout the river downstream of Skilak Lake. Sockeye salmon will continue entering the Kenai River into early August and will provide good fishing opportunity.

Kasilof River

• Fishing for late-run king salmon is fair. Anglers fishing plugs wrapped with sardine or those fishing with egg clusters were having success.

• Sockeye salmon are entering the Kasilof River in average numbers. Anglers fishing between slack water near the Tustumena Lake outlet and the Sterling Highway bridge are having success. Sockeye salmon will continue entering the Kasilof River for the remainder of the month.

Russian River

• Late-run sockeye salmon that have entered the Kenai River this month have not reached the Upper Kenai River in large numbers. Sockeye salmon fishing at the Russian River or below the Russian River Ferry is slow at this time. Sockeye salmon fishing should improve in this area by early August as it will take several days for late-run sockeye salmon moving through the lower Kenai River to reach the Russian River area.

• Information about Russian River early-run sockeye salmon passage at the Russian River weir is available online at the weir count and sonar estimates Web site listed below and via phone at 262-9097.

• Anglers are reminded that the weir at Russian River is located upstream of the fishery and weir counts may not be a good indicator of the numbers of fish present in the area of the Russian River open to fishing.

• 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.

Resident Fish — Kenai and Russian Rivers

• Fishing for rainbow trout has been good to excellent in the Russian River. Water level in the Upper Kenai River has been increasing recently. Anglers should try fishing the side channels of the Upper Kenai River rather than the main sections of the river.

Personal Use Fishing — Kenai and Kasilof Rivers

• At the Kasilof River, dip netters are asked to not camp, drive cars or ATV’s, or otherwise disturb the Kasilof River dunes and pack out all trash.

• The Kasilof River personal use dip net fishery is to fishing 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Please refer to pages 16-18 of the 2010 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fish Regulation Summary Booklet for more regulations.

• Retention of king salmon is prohibited in the Kasilof River dip net fishery.

• Dip netting at the Kasilof River was good late last week and this past weekend. Fishing success will vary each day as the sockeye salmon continue to enter the lower Kenai River. Moderate tides occurring this week should improve the success or those dip netting from shore.

• The Kenai River personal use dip net fishery is now open 24 hours per day. Two-stroke motors are prohibited in the Kenai River personal-use dip net fishery. During the Kenai River personal-use dip net fishery, fish may not be taken from a boat powered by a two stroke motor, other than one which is direct fuel injection (DFI). Only boats powered by four-stroke motors, two-stroke DFI, or electric motors are allowed in the personal-use dip net fishery. However, there are no horsepower size restrictions on these motors below River Mile 4, which is approximately one mile below the Warren Ames Bridge. For information regarding boat and motor restrictions above river mile 4, contact the Department of Natural Resources at (907) 262-5581 or the Kenai River Center at (907) 260-4882. Please review the personal use regulations found on pages 16-18 of the 2010 Alaska sport fishing regulations summary for Southcentral Alaska.

• No matter what river you fish, record your harvest on your household personal use permit and mark your fish by removing both the upper and lower lobes of the tail fin before you leave the water. Please review the regulations on pages 16 through 18 of the 2010 Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for Southcentral Alaska.

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.

Prince William Sound Area Fishing Report


July 27, 2010

Emergency Order and regulation reminders

• By emergency order, the pot limit for the 2010 noncommercial shrimp pot fishery is a maximum of eight per person and eight per vessel.
• Permits are mandatory for all noncommercial shrimp fishers. Permits are available at local Fish and Game offices and at select vendors.
• Lingcod season opened on July 1. See page 60 in the Sport Fish regulations booklet as several restrictions apply to this fishery.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Sockeye are in at Coghill and Eshamy, although reports from anglers have been mixed.
• A boat grounded in Main Bay yesterday, and areas of this bay have been sectioned off with oil boom. Please do not interfere with clean-up operations, and pay attention to Coast Guard warnings for Main Bay.
• Chum and pink salmon are in many of the systems of PWS and make for some great action.
• Keep an eye out for coho salmon in Eyak River and Ibeck Creek. The water levels are currently very high which will make fishing for coho quite challenging but rewarding.

Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling

• Cutthroat and rainbow/steelhead trout will be gearing up for the spawning pink and chum that are now entering many steams in PWS. Egg patterns and flesh flies will be the name of the game for the remainder of the summer.
• Dolly Varden fishing has been great. Catch them on egg patterns, spinners and spoons throughout the pink and chum salmon spawning season. Ibeck Creek has been very productive for Dollys.

Salt waters

Halibut, Lingcod, and Rockfish

• Halibut angling has been productive in bays that support pink and chum salmon runs. Anglers have reported catching larger fish at depths as shallow as 100 feet.
• The Valdez derby leader is still a 254-pound halibut caught on July 16.
• Catches around Montague Island continue to produce fish in the triple digits.
• Lingcod can be caught on a variety of large jigs fished on top of rocky pinnacles and outcroppings. Areas around Montague and Hinchinbrook Entrance are the go-to locations for lingcod.
• Rockfish angling continues to be productive. Remember to move once you catch your limit.

Salmon

• Pinks are in at Valdez and reports from last week indicated good fishing at Allison Point.
• The Valdez Silver Salmon derby started up on July 24. The current leader is a 16.8-pound coho.
• Coho have been showing up around Goose and Bligh Island in small numbers. Anglers should see increases in the next week as coho are headed in.

Shellfish

• Shrimping continues to be great throughout the Sound with the best catches found at the 300 – 500 foot depth range. Shrimping waters as shallow as 70 feet have also been productive.
• Don’t forget your shrimp permit – everyone needs one.


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