Area Sport Fishing Reports
North Gulf Coast/Resurrection Bay

Archived Sport Fishing Report

September 01, 2021

* Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing, and wearing a face covering when social distancing is not possible and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store.

General Area Description: Salt waters within 200 miles of shore from the longitude of Gore Point to the longitude of Cape Fairfield. All fresh waters between Gore Point and Cape Fairfield.

Freshwater Fishing

Salmon

• The Resurrection River, downstream of the Seward Highway and Nash Road to the ADF&G markers is open to salmon fishing, except king salmon. Only unbaited, single hook, artificial lures or flies are allowed. Snagging is NOT permitted in freshwater.
• Pink salmon continue to get caught at the head of Resurrection Bay. Very few coho salmon have moved up into the freshwater. It is common for coho to move up into creeks and rivers when water levels increase with rain. When we start getting some good rain look for more coho to move up into the freshwater.
• The Seward Lagoon and Outfall Stream Youth-Only Fishery opened for coho salmon August 25. Coho salmon fishing has picked up in the adjacent saltwater so the Youth-Only Fishery should also be picking up. This provides a good opportunity for the youth away from the frequently crowded saltwater beach fishery. This Youth-Only Fishery is open through September 7. Fishing for coho salmon in the lagoon should pick up later in the fishery. This area is closed to adults fishing for salmon. See page 79 of the 2021 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for more info.

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut/Lingcod/Rockfish

• Halibut fishing has been reported good. Anglers have been catching medium sized halibut when weather has allowed them to get out.
• Rockfish limits year-round are four fish per day, eight in possession of which only one per day and two in possession can be a nonpelagic rockfish. Check the 2021 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for species identification information.
  • A deep water release mechanism is required on all sport fishing vessels in Alaska, and they must be used to release rockfish back down to depth of capture or 100 feet, whichever is shallower. Never heard of deepwater release? Check out our rockfish webpage for more info!
• Lingcod season is currently open except for inside Resurrection Bay and has been reported as fair. The bag and possession limit is one fish that is 35 inches long or longer with head attached, or 28 inches or greater with head removed. A person may not gaff a fish which is not of legal size or that is to be released.

Salmon

• The king salmon limit in Resurrection Bay is currently one per day, any size and one in possession. There is no annual or seasonal king salmon limit in effect, and there is no king salmon harvest reporting requirement, but a king stamp is required. King salmon fishing has been fair for boaters. Boat anglers trolling for kings are having still having the best luck though mooching has been productive for some as well.
• Coho salmon are coming into the bay. Fishing has been good for coho salmon near the head of the bay. Many shore anglers are having success where Scheffler Creek meets the saltwater of Resurrection Bay. Anglers are having the best success during the transitional tides. Shore fishing for coho salmon on the other side of Resurrection Bay (i.e. Spring Creek) has been slow.

Local Lakes

• If you are looking to get away from crowds, try fishing Troop Lake. Fishing in Troop Lake continues to be good. Try casting small spinners or flies as long as is it not windy. There is limited shore access so hiking in an inflatable can get you more access around the lake.

Emergency Orders

Please review the Emergency Orders and Advisory Announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• There are currently no emergency orders in effect for the North Gulf Coast management area.

Don't forget to purchase your 2021 sport fishing license and king stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2021 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review Emergency Orders and the 2021 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Anchorage Area Office at (907) 267-2218.