Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 30, 2015

North Kenai Peninsula Management Area

Week of June 28 to July 5

Attention Anglers: Due to the Card Road Fire on the Kenai Peninsula, a portion of Skilak Loop Road has been closed by the Department of Transportation. The lower Skilak Lake boat launch on Skilak Loop Road remains closed by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. This road closure affects access to the Kenai River below Skilak Lake. Jim’s Landing at the East entrance of Skilak Loop Road near approximately Sterling Highway mile post 58 and the Upper Skilak Lake boat launch are open to the public. Maps of this affected area can be viewed on pages 63 and 73 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet.

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Emergency Orders are in effect for the following areas:

  • In the Kenai River: This emergency order prohibits the use of bait in the Kenai River beginning Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 31, 2015. Anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. “Single hook” means a fishhook with only one point (with or without a barb).
  • In the Kenai River: This emergency order closes the Kenai River to king salmon fishing from Friday, May 1 through Friday, July 31, 2015 from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Skilak Lake.
  • In the Kasilof River: This emergency order prohibits the use of bait and multiple hooks beginning Wednesday, July 1 through Friday, July 31, 2015. Anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. “Single hook” means a fishhook with only one point (with or without a barb).
  • In the Kasilof River: This emergency order is effective beginning at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, August 7, 2015, increases the bag limit will increase to six (6) sockeye salmon and the possession limit will increase to twelve (12) sockeye salmon in the Kasilof River.
  • Kasilof River Personal Use Dip Net: This emergency order effective beginning at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, August 7, 2015 increases the area open to dip netting from shore upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge crossing. The area open to dip netting from a boat also increases from an ADF&G marker at river mile 1 to an ADF&G marker located at approximately river mile 3.
  • In the Russian River: Russian River Sanctuary area will be open to sockeye salmon sport fishing beginning at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23rd. There is a map of the area on page 66 of the 2015 Southcentral regulation booklet.
  • In the Russian River: Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, the bag limit will increase to six (6) sockeye salmon and the possession limit will increase to twelve (12) sockeye salmon in the Russian River and a section of the Upper Kenai River mainstem. This area extends from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing and the Russian River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker located approximately 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls.

Salmon – Kenai, Russian & Kasilof rivers

  • Russian River sockeye salmon fishing is remains good to excellent.
  • Few king salmon are entering the rivers at this time however fishing is expected to improve over the next several days in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.

Resident Fish — Kenai River

  • The Kenai River water level and discharge is above average.
  • Anglers fishing for rainbow trout were having success throughout the Kenai River drainage area.

Resident Fish — Kasilof River

  • Anglers are reminded that Crooked Creek is closed to all fishing through July 31.

Lake Fishing

  • Fishing conditions at area lakes will remain good. As water temperature continue to get 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 to fishing. 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 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.