Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 05, 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.
Emergency Orders
- Per Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-29-18, effective July 10, 2018, the retention of king salmon in the Kenai River personal use fishery is prohibited.
- Per Emergency Order 2-RS-1-27-18, effective July 3, 2018, the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon is six fish per day and twelve in possession in that area of the Kenai River upstream of Skilak Lake 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 of the Russian River Falls.
- 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-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, Trout
- Fishing for late-run king salmon on the Kenai River opened July 1; however, Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-25-18 prohibits the use of bait while fishing.
- Fishing for king salmon on the Kasilof River has been fair. General regulations apply, please see page 69 of the 2018 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.
- Fishing for sockeye salmon on the Upper Kenai and Russian rivers has been good to excellent.
- 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 on the Kenai River has been good.
- Water conditions on the Kenai River remain 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.
Personal Use
- Kasilof River dipnet fishery opened on June 25, 2018. Fishing has been reported as spotty with fluctuating levels of fish abundance. A 2018 Upper Cook Inlet dipnet permit and a resident sport fishing license is required. Only Alaska residents may participate in this fishery. NO RETENTION of king salmon is allowed. Please review the regulations on page 14 of the 2018 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.