Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 21, 2018

Regulation Reminders and Emergency Orders

Regulation Reminders

• Anglers are reminded to review Emergency Orders and News Releases and the 2018 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the Northern Kenai Peninsula Area before heading out on their next fishing trip. The Regulation Summary booklet is available on the ADF&G website, at ADF&G offices, and local vendors.
  • Per Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-25-08, effective July 1, 2018, bait is not allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek.
  • Per Emergency Order No. 2-RS-1-21-18, effective June 19, 2018, the Russian River Sanctuary opened early to sport fishing.
  • Per Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-20-18, effective June 20, 2018, in the Kenai River sport fishing is closed for king salmon of all sizes in the Kenai River from the mouth upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek through June 30. Sport fishing for king salmon of all sizes in the Kenai River is also prohibited from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake through July 31.
  • Per Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-14-18, effective June 13, 2018, in the Kasilof River the retention of naturally-produced king salmon is prohibited, the bag and possession limit of hatchery-produced king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is reduced to one, and sport fishing gear is restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure.
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  • Per Emergency Order No. 2S-02-18, effective June 15, 2018, the hours for the Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use gillnet fishery at the mouth of the Kasilof River were reduced from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Per Emergency Order No. 2-DV-1-04-18, the retention of Arctic char/Dolly Varden will be prohibited in Stormy Lake to continue the restoration of native fish stocks through December 31, 2018.
  • Per Emergency Order No. 2-NP-1-03-18, in the Soldotna Creek Drainage lakes sport fishing will be permitted at East and West Mackey, Sevena, Union, and Derks lakes; however, the retention of all species of fish is prohibited at these lakes through December 31, 2018.

Freshwater Fishing

Salmon

• Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kenai River is CLOSED.
• Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kasilof River has been fair. Anglers are reminded only hatchery-produced Chinook salmon may be retained, the bag and possession limit is one, and sport fishing gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure.
• Fishing for sockeye salmon on the Upper Kenai and Russian rivers has been fair. Anglers are catching daily bag limits. Russian River water levels have been high and sport anglers should be cautious when wading or crossing the river. Water in both the Russian and Upper Kenai rivers has been turbid.
• Fishing for sockeye salmon on the lower Kenai River has been productive in some areas but fisherman should expect putting more effort in to fill bag limits.
• Fishing for rainbow trout and the Kenai River has been good.

Lake Fishing

• Lake fishing for trout is very good. Try fishing with dry or wet flies, small spoons, spinners, or bait.

Northern Pike

• All lakes with developed public access on the Peninsula have had invasive pike removed.