Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 13, 2015

North Kenai Peninsula Management Area

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 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 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 and Upper Kenai River downstream to Skilak Lake: Beginning at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 15, the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon will return to standard regulations which are to three (3) sockeye salmon per day and a possession limit of six (6) 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

  • King salmon fishing is fair in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers and may improve in the days ahead as the run continues.
  • Relatively few sockeye salmon are moving into the Kenai River at this time and fishing is slow.
  • Russian River sockeye salmon fishing is slow at the end of the early-run. Fishing will remain slow until late-run sockeye salmon migrate to this area near the end of the month.

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.

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.

Personal Use Kenai and Kasilof Rivers

  • The Kenai River dip netting success has been very slow since it began on July 10. Those fishing at Kasilof River are having better success.
  • The Kenai River City Dock will be closed during the low tide each day.