Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

September 2, 2025

Freshwater Fishing

• Expect fair coho salmon fishing in the lower sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams. New fish are arriving each day. Try fishing near the mouth during the incoming tide or near daybreak for the most action. Bait and treble hooks are now prohibited for the rest of the season so try spinners, spoons, plugs, jigs, beads, and flies.
• Steelhead are slowly arriving so far this season. Counts should improve over the next week and be in fishable numbers. Beads are by far the most effective way to target these fish.
• The upper sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams are open to sport fishing but expect slow Dolly Varden and steelhead fishing. Dead drifting beads are the best bet.

Saltwater Fishing
Kachemak Bay/Cook Inlet

Groundfish

Halibut fishing was challenging last week with several days of severe marine weather but the weekend weather was more favorable and anglers had improved fishing. There should be some opportunities to get some halibut this week. Try moving locations and drifting to find fish. Try using chum bags when anchored to draw in more fish.

King Salmon

Fair numbers of king salmon remained scattered throughout Kachemak Bay and the fishing has been fair. The Bluff Point, Silver Ridge, and Point Pogibshi areas are likely the most consistent locations. Trolling with herring and thin blade spoons behind flashers are going to be the best producers.

Coho Salmon

There are scattered reports of coho salmon from anglers within Cook Inlet, but the fishing has been inconsistent everywhere. Trolling is still the best option in many of the same locations as trolling for king salmon. Small spoons have been the most effective.

Emergency Orders

“Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

Ninilchik River Closed to King Salmon Fishing
King Salmon Bag Limit Reduced from 2 to 1 in Lower Cook Inlet Salt Waters
Rockfish bag limit reduction: 2 pelagic, 1 non-pelagic. No retention of yelloweye May 27 – June 30th.

For additional information, please contact the Homer ADF&G Office at 907-235-8191.