Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

September 28, 2015

North Kenai Peninsula Management Area

Week of September 28 to October 4

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Anglers are reminded to review sport fishing regulations for all North Kenai Peninsula Management area waters as the fall fishing season progresses. Regulations about the use of bait, other terminal tackle restrictions have changed or closures for Dolly Varden spawning in various waters are forthcoming. There are also various waters closed to salmon fishing under existing regulations.

Salmon – Kenai, & Kasilof rivers

Coho salmon fishing remains fair to good in the Kenai River. Coho salmon fishing is expected to remain good in the Kenai River into October.

The Kasilof River coho salmon run is smaller than the Kenai River. In addition, less coho salmon enter the Kasilof River during the month of October.

Water clarity in the Kenai River is ideal. Water levels and water discharge is well below average for this date in the Kenai River. Discharge at Soldotna is above half (5,680 cfs) the long term average (11,400 cfs).

Resident Fish — Kenai River

The Kenai River water level and discharge is low creating excellent conditions for good fall rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing.

Anglers fishing for rainbow trout are having success throughout the Kenai River drainage area.

 Lake Fishing

Fishing conditions at area lakes remain good. Surface water temperatures are warmer than typical for this date in September and were about 50o degrees last week because of the warm overnight temperatures. 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 when salmon are not available. Bait fished under a bobber, small spinners and spoons or fly fishing from a float tube or watercraft all produce great catch rates.

Anglers fishing at Scout Lake may observe dead fish along the shoreline. The fish die-off is a result of white-spot disease. White spot disease is rare to occur in cold climates, common to aquarium fish and warm climates.

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.