Continued 
Tom
Lower Cook Inlet Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Seasonal Summaries
* December - February
* March - April
* May
* June
* July
* August
* September
* October - November
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 21, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders
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 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.
The 2010 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summaries are available at Department of Fish and Game offices in Anchorage, Soldotna, and Homer, as well as a variety of area vendors.
Non-subsistence areas in Cook Inlet are closed to taking of live kelp and other live aquatic plants no matter if the live kelp or seaweed is attached, free-floating, or washed up on the beach. Dead seaweed and marine algae that are no longer capable of reproducing may be collected. When collecting dead material, a guideline to follow to assure you are in compliance with this regulation is to look at the highest extent of the tide and collect only dried up vegetation and/or vegetation that is bleached of color.
Fresh waters
Streams
The lower portions of the Anchor River and Deep Creek are open to sport fishing except for king salmon including jacks.
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. 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 just under 15 pounds.
Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.
Salmon
Silver salmon are starting to arrive in small numbers to the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit. Expect poor fishing over the next week.
Silver salmon are being caught from Elizabeth Island area to Seldovia.
Trolling success for spawning king salmon has been poor to fair at Bluff Point and fair at Ninilchik.
Trolling success for feeder 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 opened July 1. Complete regulations are found on pages 17 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing regulation summary booklet.
Dipnetting success was poor to good last week. Try early in the morning.
Shellfish
There are no clamming tides this week. The next clamming tide series will be July 24 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 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.
Mat-Su Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Seasonal Summaries
* November - February
* March - April
* May
* June
* July
* August
* September - October
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 21, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders
King salmon fishing closed on July 13 for all northern and western Cook Inlet area waters, except for the Eklutna Tailrace.
Fish Creek is open to dipnetting for salmon (except kings) beginning Saturday, July 24, at 6 a.m., until 11 p.m., Saturday, July 31. Dipnetting is only allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Remember to carry your dip net permit, clip your fishs tail fins, and mark fish harvested on your permit before concealing them from view or transporting them from your fishing site. Plan on packing your fish out, respect private property, and please dont use 4-wheelers on the stream bank, or to cross Fish Creek.
Many waters are catch-and-release only for rainbow trout and Arctic grayling, and some waters are closed to fishing for salmon. Please carefully read the 2010 Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations.
Bait is now allowed in many but not all Susitna River tributaries. Check for exceptions to the general regulations before heading out.
Anglers are reminded that bait is not allowed on the Little Susitna River until August 6, and the daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is two fish.
Wasilla Creek and Cottonwood Creek are weekend-only fisheries, from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Wasilla Creek is open to fishing for salmon, other than king salmon, from its mouth upstream to the Alaska Railroad bridge; and Cottonwood Creek from its mouth upstream one mile. Motorized watercraft may not be used on Wasilla Creek on Saturday and Sundays, July 15 - August 15.
Fresh waters
Salmon
Silver salmon are now arriving in Northern Cook Inlet streams.
Fishing at the Eklutna Tailrace remains slow to fair for silvers.
Fishing on the Little Susitna River near the Little Susitna Public Use Facility is average for this time of year with about 150 caught so far. Some chum salmon are also being taken.
Reds are being caught at the mouth of Jim Creek with a few silvers beginning to show. Silver numbers should improve daily throughout this week.
Expect some silvers at the mouths of Deshka River and Alexander Creek. To date, 158 silvers have crossed the Deshka weir.
A few silver and chum salmon are being caught along the Parks Highway streams, mainly Willow, Little Willow, and Caswell creeks. Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks have been muddied by recent rains, but will start clearing later this week if the weather cooperates.
Some reds and chums have shown up on the Talkeetna River at the mouths of Clear and Larson creeks.
Fishing is expected to be good this next weekend for reds on Cottonwood Creek.
Silvers should start showing soon in Wasilla Creek / Rabbit Slough.
On the west side of Cook Inlet, silvers are entering the Chuit and Theodore rivers. Once you take your limit of silver salmon in this area you must stop fishing for the day.
Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling
Fishing for rainbow trout on Parks Highway streams from Willow Creek north is good. Fishing for Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling should be fair.
Northern Pike
Pike can be taken using spears, bow-and-arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line) bait, spin, and fly-fishing. Try top-water weedless lures and flies in the heavily vegetated bays and sloughs. Herring suspended under a bobber is a sure-fire bet.
Anglers may retain as many pike as they catch; there is no bag or possession limit and no closed season in this area (except in Alexander Lake). Wanton waste laws do apply, so be sure to use or donate to charity all the pike you harvest.
For road-accessible pike fishing try Horseshoe, Rainbow and Anderson lakes or the Nancy Lake Canoe System Lakes; specifically Frazier, Little Frazier, Tainiana, Ardaw, Milo, Lynx, and Nancy lakes.
Pike are also present in the lakes, ponds and sloughs of the Susitna River drainage. Boat-accessible locations for pike fishing include the Deshka River, Fish Creek, Flathorn Lake, Hewitt Lake, Fish Creek (Kroto Slough), Moose Creek (Yentna River), and Alexander Creek.
For fly-in fishing try Alexander, Trapper, Shell, Eight-mile and Sucker lakes.
Lake Fishing
A few great places to take kids fishing are Kepler/Bradley, Matanuska, Knik, and Finger Lakes. Each of these lakes have great shoreline access, plenty of fish, and room to safely play!
Float tube fishing has been reported as excellent for those wanting to target larger rainbows at Long Lake (Kepler Bradley Complex), Walby, Beverly, Cornelius, Honeybee, and Rhein Lakes.
If you are looking for a 4-wheeler trip or hike in, head to Ruby or Wishbone Lake (Wishbone open season is single hook, no bait and no retention).
If you would like a camping adventure, or a nice long day trip, and a lake with a view, try Knob, Long Lake (mile 86), Ravine Lakes, or Nancy Lake.
Kenai Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Seasonal Summaries
* December - March
* April - May
* June
* July
* August
* September
* October - November
* September - March
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 20, 2010
Emergency Orders and regulation reminders
There are currently no emergency orders in effect for the Northern Kenai Peninsula Management Area.
Salmon Kenai, Kasilof & Russian Rivers
Water level in the Kenai River is above historical averages. Water conditions on the Kenai River are rated as fair for fishing because of higher water levels and day to day change in the water clarity.
Kenai River
Late run king salmon are entering the Kenai River. The size of fish as represented in department sampling programs including the harvest by anglers, indicates king salmon are smaller and younger than average. Overall fishing success for late run king salmon has been below average however catches have improved recently. Anglers fishing with egg clusters are having better success than those fishing with plugs wrapped with sardines. 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 listed below.
Fishing is expected to remain fair for the remainder of the week.
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 for the remainder of the month and provide some 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 providing some opportunity. 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
The high water in the Upper Kenai River has receded some over higher water levels last week. Late run sockeye salmon that have entered the Kenai River this past week 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 start to improve in this area later this month 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 & Russian Rivers
Fishing for rainbow trout has been good to excellent in the Russian River and slower in the Upper Kenai River because of high water levels but should improve this week with more normal seasonal water levels. Anglers should try fishing the side channels of the Upper Kenai River rather than the main sections of the river.
Personal Use Fishing Kenai & Kasilof Rivers
At the Kasilof River dip netters are asked to not camp, drive cars or ATVs, 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 was good late last week and this past weekend. 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 horse power size restrictions on these motors below river mile 4, which is approximately 1 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 at 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. 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.
Kodiak Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Seasonal Summaries
* December - April
* May
* June
* July
* August
* September
* October - November
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 21, 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 EOs box, above.
Effective March 15, in the Karluk River drainage, including Karluk Lagoon, sport fishing for king salmon is closed. Anglers may not target, retain or possess king salmon. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited for all sport fishing downstream of Karluk Lake.
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.
Effective June 30, in the Karluk River drainage, including Karluk Lagoon, sport fishing for sockeye salmon is closed. Anglers may not target, retain or possess sockeye salmon.
Effective July 6, in the Ayakulik River drainage, king salmon sport fishing is restricted to 2 fish over 20 inches per angler (up to 2 per day, but also only 2 per year). Additionally, the use of bait for all sport fishing is prohibited within the Ayakulik drainage.
Effective July 12 the Sapsuk (Nelson) River drainage is closed to fishing for king salmon. Anglers may not target, retain or possess king salmon. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited for all sport fishing within the drainage.
Fresh waters
Salmon
King salmon weir counts for the Karluk River remain low and the total estimated escapement is well below the goal of 3,600 - 7,300. Consequently, sport fishing for king salmon Karluk River drainage (including Karluk Lagoon) is closed. In addition, the use of bait for all sport fishing is prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake.
The Ayakulik River has also recently experienced a late surge in king salmon abundance. Consequently, king salmon sport fishing is currently open but restricted to a total of 2 fish larger than 20 inches per angler. The use of bait is also prohibited within the Ayakulik drainage.
King salmon fishing in the American and Olds rivers is in full swing with numerous reports of good success both below and upstream of the highway bridges. Be sure to check land status before planning a fishing trip at either of these locations.
The Buskin River sockeye salmon run has improved so that the lower end escapement goal of 8,000 has been achieved. Therefore the sockeye salmon sport fishery has been re-opened for the remainder of the season.
Salmon counting weirs are also currently operating at the Afognak, Olga, Dog Salmon and Saltery rivers. Anglers can find updated counts for most Kodiak weirs at
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/FishCounts/.
Trout, Dolly Varden, Grayling
Dolly Varden are returning to fresh waters, the Buskin, Russian and American rivers being two good bets for inriver Dolly fishing.
Lake Fishing
July is an excellent time to fish rainbow trout in the stocked lakes along the Kodiak road zone. 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.
Salt waters
Halibut
Local halibut fishing continues to be productive, with recent reports of anglers catching fish near Buoy #4 and elsewhere in Chiniak Bay.
Salmon
Trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiaks 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 been mixed, although some anglers have reported taking kings near Old Harbor and during the last week trollers have been observed outside of Long Island.
Some of the best-known trolling spots along the road system are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4 and the deeper waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak king salmon average 20 pounds, but fish up to 70 pounds are occasionally caught.
Other salt water fishing
Black rockfish can currently 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.
Prince William Sound Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Seasonal Summaries
* December - February
* March - April
* May
* June
* July
* August
* September
* October - November
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 21, 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.
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, Eshamy, and Main Bay although reports from anglers have been mixed.
Chum and pink salmon are in many of the systems of PWS and make for some great action. A mixed assortment of flies and lures will do the trick.
The first few coho typically enter the Eyak River and Ibeck Creek in late July. Anglers venturing downstream on these systems next week could find a nice surprise.
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 and can be caught on egg patterns, spinners and spoons throughout the pink and chum salmon spawning season.
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 a 254-pound halibut caught last week.
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.
Coho should be making the bend from the North Gulf Coast region into southwest PWS. Coho fishing should pick up over the next couple of weeks.
Shellfish
Shrimping continues to be great throughout the Sound with the best catches found at 300 500 feet.
Dont forget your shrimp permit everyone needs one.
Tanana Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 22, 2010
Fishing Lakes
· If you are looking to fish someplace a bit secluded, try the Coalmine Road Lakes.
· If you are headed towards Quartz Lake for Rainbow Trout try fishing with shrimp
· Northern Pike season is open on area lakes however, remember that fishing for Northern pike, including catch & release fishing, on Harding Lake is not permitted.
Rivers & Other Flowing Water
The sonar counts cumulative number on July 20th was 1,191 king salmon in the Chena River. The Salcha River had 2,376 king salmon pass the sonar, but numbers of fish are low for this time of the year. At this time of the run, fishing is usually best in the lower river, at the confluence of the Chena and Salcha Rivers with the Tanana River. On the Salcha River, fishing the gravel bar below the Richardson Highway can also be productive. In the Chena River, fish are distributed all the way to the Moose Creek Dam (Chena Recreation Site) and the river can be accessed from Pikes Landing, Chena Small Tracts, Chena River Recreation Site (University Avenue), Graehl Street landing, Nordale Road or the Chena Lakes Recreation Site. King salmon fishing should improve in the next couple weeks as more fish enter these systems. Remember, upstream of the Moose Creek Dam on the Chena River is closed to salmon fishing as is the Salcha River 2 ½ miles upstream of the Richardson Highway Bridge.
Chena River Regulations: Only unbaited, artificial lures may be used, except that bait may be used only a hook with a gap between point and shank larger than Ύ inch. Also unbaited, artificial lures with treble hooks may be used as long as the gap between point and shank is ½ inch or larger.
Area rains have caused Tanana river tributaries to run high, so fishing has dropped off there. George Lake Pike fishing was reported slow with small fish being caught. Fishing on the Clearwater (Delta and Richardson) for Grayling remains active.
Northwest Alaska:
Unalakleet River has record numbers of chum salmon and very few kings. The king salmon fishery is closed in the Unalakleet River but fishing for chums, pinks, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling should all be excellent throughout the drainage.
Nome roadside streams have good Dolly Varden and good grayling fishing, as well as good pink and chum salmon. The daily bag and possession limit for pink salmon in the Nome Subdistrict (which includes the Nome, Snake, Solomon, Penny, Cripple, and Eldorado rivers) has been raised from 10 to 20 fish/day in anticipation of large returns. Reminder the Nome and Solomon Rivers are closed to Arctic grayling fishing. Northern pike fishing in the Pilgrim and Kuzitrin River is picking up as the water comes down a little, and the best fishing is near the confluence of these rivers. Coho should be showing up in the next week or two and in recent years, escapements of coho salmon have been high throughout Norton Sound.
Sheefish have moved out of Hotham inlet and can be caught in the Kobuk River as high up as Kiana and Ambler, with the first fishing going by Shungnak. Catches are slow but should pick up as upstream movement continues. No report of Dolly Varden fishing on the Noatak River, but fishing at the outlet of the Wulik River right in Kivalina was hot for Dollies in mid-June. Everyone was using red Pixies. Nothing to report from the North Slope right now, but the water is very low in many of the streams which could make fishing for grayling and Dolly Varden difficult. As the lakes become ice-free, lake trout can be caught close to shore. Reminder that lakes along the Haul Road corridor (for 5 miles on either side of the Dalton Highway) are catch-and-release only for lake trout.
ADF&G Sponsored Events
The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend will be held at Lost Lake Scout Camp on August 6, 7, 8, this year, and is now open for registration! If you or someone you know is interested in attending, please call 459-7346
Tip of the week
King salmon have traveled 920 miles to the Chena River or 965 miles to the Salcha River from the mouth of the Yukon without eating. Try using a visually stimulating or noise making lure to attract king salmon.
Fishing quote
There are more fish taken out of a stream than ever were in it. -Oliver Herford
In Closing
If you have any questions about fishing in Alaska, please call our sport fish information line at 459-7228 and we will be happy to help you.
Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Current Sport Fishing Report
July 21, 2010
PERSONAL USE
The Copper River Chitina Subdistrict opened on July 19 at 12:01 am through July 25 at 11:59 pm. The Copper River Chitina Subdistrict will reopen on July 26, at 12:01 AM until August 1, at 11:59 PM. July 26 through August 1 will be a supplemental period in which Chitina Subdistrict permit holders are permited to take an additional 10 red salmon on their permits. The preliminary season schedule is based on the projected daily sonar counts at the Miles Lake sonar and is subject to change based on actual salmon escapement. If actual counts are below the projected counts, fishing time will be reduced. If actual counts are above the projected counts, fishing time will be increased accordingly. Dip netting was slow but dippers that fished longer got their limit on July 17-18 and the water has dropped, but is expected to rise in the next few days.
KING SALMON FISHING
The counting tower is operational above the West Fork of the Gulkana River. Counts are steady and tracking above 2009, and the king salmon season has closed on the Gulkana River the last day was July 19th. The Gulkana came up this last week and has started to drop.
The Klutina River is still open for kings and fishing was good in the upper river. The king salmon season from mile 19.2 on the Klutina Lake road to the lake is now closed. The king salmon fishing on the Tonsina River has been slow this last week with no reports of anglers catching fish. The Tonsina River from the lake to the Alyeska pipeline bridge at 74 mile on the Richardson highway has closed for king salmon fishing, July 19th was the last day; downstream to the Copper River remains open until August 10th.
SOCKEYE SALMON FISHING
Sockeye are present in the Gulkana River and several thousand have passed the counting tower. The Klutina River is running at normal levels and is relatively clear. Fishing has been slow this past week and is expected to improve in the next week. Please remember to respect private property owners' land as legal access is very limited along the Klutina, Tonsina, and Gulkana Rivers.
LAKE TROUT
Lake trout during this time of year tend to be in deeper water. Trolling with downriggers is the best option for catching these large char. We have reports from Lake Louise that fishing was slow over the weekend. No other reports of lake trout fishing at this time.
STOCKED LAKES
Lakes stocked in 2007 with fingerling rainbow trout should contain catchable fish by the 2010 season. These lakes are Ryan, Buffalo and Tex Smith Lakes on the Glenn Highway and Pippin on the Richardson Highway. Try Old Road and Round lakes, off the Lake Louise Road, and Two Mile and Three Mile lakes, along the Edgerton Highway. For the best rainbow trout fishing head out the McCarthy Road to Strelna, Silver, and Sculpin lakes which offer the best opportunity to catch more and a possibility to catch larger fish. Silver Lake was stocked with 5000 catchable rainbow trout last summer and will again be stocked with large rainbow in 2010. These rainbows are transferred from Summit Lake in the Wrangell Mountains. Silver Lake has walk in access only, and fishing has been great. Canoes and small boats can be carried or carted in from the McCarthy Road. Peanut and Tolsona Mountain Lakes are also excellent lakes for rainbow trout, but an ATV is helpful to access them. These two lakes are not readily accessible to the road system and have been stocked in past years and receive little pressure.
ARCTIC GRAYLING
Arctic grayling can be found in most area streams. Small flies, either wet or dry, are worth a try. Many of the small lakes on the Lake Louise and Nabesna roads contain grayling populations. Long Lake and Jack Lake are good bets for grayling. Tolsona Lake would be a good bet for some family fishing for grayling. Also, Mendeltna Creek, and the little Tonsina are currently doing good for grayling.
Kuskokwim Area Fishing ReportCurrent Report
Current Sport Fishing Report
June 01, 2005
Early Summer Sport Fishing Opportunities
Lower Kuskokwim River Tributaries
Salmon Fishing: Sport fishing for chinook and other salmon is open in the entire Kuskokwim River drainage (with the exception the Aniak River drainage) with a bag and possession limit of three (3) chinook (only 2 over 28) and five (5) other salmon (no size limit). In the Aniak River drainage, special regulations apply. In Aniak River regulations state that upstream of Doestock Creek, only unbaited single-hook artificial lures may be used year-round. In the Aniak River drainage, the daily aggregate bag limit for salmon is three (3) fish, of which no more than two (2) can be king salmon. King salmon in the Aniak River drainage have a daily limit of two fish more than 20 long, and an annual limit of 2, more than 20 long.
Chinook salmon began entering the lower Kuskokwim during mid May. The chinook run is approaching its peak in the lower Kuskokwim River. Anglers should focus their efforts at the confluences of lower and middle river tributaries as the chinook, sockeye and chum salmon runs continue to build over the next couple of weeks.
Resident Species Fishing: Good fishing opportunities can be expected as water levels continue to decrease. Anglers have reported good catches in the headwaters of local streams. Pike will continue to improve as they recover from the rigors of spawning. Anglers will find pike in shallow waters that are adjacent to cooler deeper waters. Many of the local rivers support sheefish, Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and grayling. These fish will be targeting salmon smolts during their migration to the ocean. Don't over look local high elevation lakes, they can provide excellent fishing opportunities for char/lake trout and Dolly Varden during the early morning or late evening hours. Try fishing near outlet and inlets or points that are adjacent to deep waters.
Kuskokwim Bay Tributaries
Salmon Fishing: Sport fishing for chinook salmon in Kuskokwim Bay streams should continue to improve during the remainder of June. The Kanektok, Arolik and Goodnews chinook runs should peak in the lower rivers during the last week of June. Anglers can expect to find fair numbers of chinook salmon in the mid reaches of the Kuskokwim Bay streams by the end of June. Currently, sockeye and chum salmon are just beginning to enter local Kuskokwim Bay streams in the lower sections. Recent indicators are suggesting a strong return of sockeye salmon to Kuskokwim Bay streams, generally sockeye run peaks before mid July in the lower reaches of Kuskokwim Bay streams.
Resident Species Fishing:Resident Species Fishing: Currently, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout fishing is good but is highly dependent on fishing conditions, particularly water clarity. Anglers are reminded that flowing waters of the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are designated as single-hook artificial lure waters and catch and release regulations for rainbow trout in the Kanektok River began on June 8 and continue through October 31. With recent warm temperatures, many of the high elevation lakes have become ice-free earlier than normal offering excellent fishing for char/lake trout and Dolly Varden.
If you have questions regarding area regulations or are seeking clarification call (907) 543-1677.
Local Perspectives
Anglers visiting western Alaska are encourage to respect the rights of private property owners and to respect traditional perspectives. Many local residents are concerned about catch and release fishing practices. Yupik people feel these practices are disrespectful to fish and are in conflict with their traditional ethics. These ethics teach that when animals are mistreated, the natural order becomes disrupted and people risk future food shortages. If disrupted, the fish will move away and may never return to the river. It is important that visitors acknowledge and respect these traditions by respecting their catch and observing careful catch and release practices.
* Keep the fish in the water,
* Use single hook lures or flies,
* When taking pictures, cradle the fish with both hands,
* Pinch your barbs down and
* If you can not remove the fly easily, consider cutting the line or the hook.
Enjoy these western Alaska fishing opportunities, operate boats in courteous manner, pack out your waste and only leave your footprints.
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ADF&G Fishing Report 7/23/2010 (Read 126 times)
