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.
Anglers are reminded to review sport fishing regulations for all North Kenai Peninsula Management area waters as the fall fishing season progresses. Beginning on September 1 as well as on September 15 regulations about the use of bait and other terminal tackle restrictions change in various waters.
In the Russian River: Under existing regulations the Russian River area is closed to sockeye salmon fishing. 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 generally rated as good with excellent fishing being reported at times in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Coho salmon fishing should continue to remain generally good through the remainder of August as the run continues.
Coho salmon are present in the upper Kenai River and Russian River area in fishable numbers.
Water clarity in the Kenai River is excellent; however the water level remains below average 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 coho salmon fishing is fair. Anglers are reminded the bag and possession limit is one coho salmon.

The Kenai River water level and discharge is below average for this date. Water conditions are excellent for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing.
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 for this date in August 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.

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.