Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 02, 2015

North Kenai Peninsula Management Area

Week of June 1 tJune 7
Issued June 1, 2015

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Orders are in effect for the following areas:

  • In the Kenai River: This emergency order closes Kenai River tking salmon fishing from Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, June 30, 2015. In addition, from Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 31, 2015 king salmon fishing will be closed from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream tthe outlet of Skilak Lake.
  • In the Kasilof River: Beginning Friday, May 1 through Tuesday, June 30, 2015, anglers will be allowed tharvest only hatchery-produced king salmon during Sundays through Friday each week. Naturally-produced king salmon may be retained only Saturdays each week. Hatchery-produced king salmon are distinguished from naturally-produced king salmon in the Kasilof River by a healed adipose fin-clip scar. The adipose fin is the small fleshy fin on the back just ahead of the tail. The bag and possession limit for hatchery-produced king salmon will be reduced tone fish in the Kasilof River. On Saturdays the bag and possession limit will be one king salmon in the Kasilof River of which the one fish may be a naturally- or hatchery-produced king salmon. In addition, the use of bait and multiple hooks will be prohibited in the Kasilof River from its mouth upstream tthe Sterling Highway bridge. Anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. “Single hook” means a fishhook with only one point (with or without a barb).
  • Many flowing waters are closed tall sport fishing by regulation. The seasonal closures are in effect through June 10. Anglers are reminded tcheck the regulation booklet as the water they may intend tfish may be closed tall fishing.
  • Hooligan migration intthe Kenai and Kasilof rivers has slowed.

Salmon – Kenai & Kasilof rivers

  • Early-run sockeye salmon are starting tmove intthe rivers.
  • Thursday, June 11 is the day the Russian River opens tsockeye salmon fishing. The 2015 Russian River early-run sockeye salmon forecast is above average and good fishing is expected during the season.
  • At Kasilof River, king salmon fishing has been slow. However, king salmon are being caught. Fishing success very early in the morning has been most successful.

Resident Fish — Kenai River

  • The Upper Kenai River from waters of Skilak Lake within a ½-mile radius of the river inlet upstream tregulatory markers at the outlet of Kenai Lake, located a ¼ mile upstream from the Sterling Highway Bridge is closed tall fishing through June 10. Please review the regulation booklet.
  • The Kenai River upstream of an ADF&G marker at approximately river mile 45 or about 1 mile upstream from the mouth of the Lower Killey River is closed tall fishing through June 10. Please review the regulation booklet.

Resident Fish — Kasilof River

  • Fishing opportunity in the ‘slack water’ area immediately below the Tustumena Lake outlet has been reported tbe slow Anglers are reminded that Tustumena Lake tributaries closed tall fishing Through June 10 and Crooked Creek is closed tall fishing through July 31.

Lake Fishing

  • Fishing conditions at area lakes will remain good. As water temperature continue tget warmer, anglers fishing early morning hours and late evening hours have the best success. Stocked Kenai Peninsula lakes as well as numerous lakes support natural populations of rainbow trout, lake trout and Dolly Varden. Numerous Kenai Peninsula Lakes provide great fishing opportunity in the spring while flowing waters are closed tfishing. Bait fished under a bobber, small spinners and spoons or fly fishing from a float tube or watercraft all produce great catch rates during the spring.

Northern Pike

  • Few area lakes have northern pike, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access, but get permission first.
  • 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 nclosed season for pike and the bag limit is unlimited. Wanton waste laws apply sbe sure tuse, or donate tcharity, all the pike you harvest.