Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Recent Emergency Orders & Press Releases for Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

In the Kenai River: This emergency order increases the daily bag limit of sockeye salmon over 16” to six per day and twelve in possession in the Kenai River downstream of ADF&G markers located at the outlet of Skilak Lake beginning 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2015.
In the Russian River: Under existing regulations the Russian River area closes to sockeye salmon at 11:59 p.m., Thursday, August 20. Please review pages 65 through 67 of the regulation booklet for season closures to sockeye salmon fishing in the Russian-Kenai rivers confluence area.

Coho salmon fishing is fair in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers however has improved recently. Coho salmon fishing should continue to improve in the days ahead as the run continues.
Coho salmon are present in the upper Kenai River and Russian River area.
Water clarity in the Kenai River is excellent however the water temperature remains unusually warm for this date in August.
Sockeye salmon are still moving through the Kenai River and fishing can be fair in some areas of the river. Some fish are maturing to spawning colors even in the lower river near tidewater.
Russian River sockeye salmon fishing is fair with limits being caught. The season will end August 20 under existing regulations.

The Kenai River water level and discharge is below average for this date. Water conditions are excellent.
Anglers fishing for rainbow trout were having success throughout the Kenai River drainage area.

Fishing conditions at area lakes will remain good. Water temperatures are warmer than typical because of the warm summer. 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. 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.

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.