Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 25, 2023

Freshwater Fishing

• Kasilof king salmon fishing is starting out slowly. Fishing is allowed with one single hook either baited, unbaited, or on an artificial lure, and only hatchery king salmon can be kept. Naturally-produced king salmon have an adipose fin and may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately
• The flowing waters of the Kenai River mainstem upstream of the Lower Killey River marker and all Kenai River tributary streams are closed to fishing from May 1 through June 10 to protect spawning rainbow trout.
• Kasilof River steelhead fishing is starting out slow but should continue to improve. All rainbow/steelhead trout caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. See page 70 of the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for more information.

Saltwater Fishing

• Surf fishing for halibut along the beaches of Cook Inlet near the Kasilof and Kenai River is just beginning. Pacific halibut fisheries are managed by the federal government under international treaty. Please consult federal regulations and see page 73 of the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.
  • Check out the Beach Fishing for Halibut on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula video on our ADF&G YouTube channel to learn about beach fishing for halibut.
• Anglers are reminded sport fishing for king salmon (including catch-and-release) is closed in the salt waters of Cook Inlet north of the latitude of Bluff Point (59° 40.00' N. lat.) King salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other fish may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

Local Lakes

• Local lakes are free of ice and lake fishing should be good to excellent. Lake fishing for rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling, and land locked salmon will improve with warming water temperatures. Try fishing with dry or wet flies such as an egg sucking leech, bead head nymph, or mosquito pattern; small spoons and spinners size #0 or #2; or small bait under a bobber.
• Spirit (Elephant) Lake access gate is currently closed for spring breakup. For access gate closures and road conditions call the Salamatof Native Association at 907-283-7864.
• Not familiar with all the stocked lakes in the area? Check out the ADF&G publication with locations, access, and other valuable information on Kenai Peninsula area lakes. More lake information can be found on the ADF&G Alaska Lakes Database.
• Interested in stocking activities at lakes? Check out the ADF&G stocking database online.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

Kenai Peninsula Access Sites

• For information regarding Alaska State Park campgrounds, recreational areas, and boat launches, please contact Alaska State Parks at (907) 262-5581.
• For information regarding Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) campgrounds, recreational areas, and boat launches, please contact the KNWR Visitors Center at (907) 260-2820.
• For information regarding City of Soldotna campgrounds, recreational areas, and boat launches, please contact the City at (907) 262-3151.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2023 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase your 2023 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Soldotna Area Office at (907) 262-9368.