Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kodiak

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 30, 2023

Freshwater Fishing

• Sockeye are showing up at the Buskin now with a handful counted through the weir and some caught in the river as well. Seems to be off to a slow start again this season.
• Dollies are on the move and are being found throughout the Buskin Drainage as they head toward the ocean. No reports of dollies being caught from local beaches and most are likely in freshwater still.
• Steelhead and rainbows are still around as well and fishing has been good in the Buskin. Many steelhead are likely spawning or leaving the river just after spawning.

Saltwater Fishing

• King salmon fishing was excellent in the last week with the exception of Monday from most reports. Most effort has been at Buoy 4 and the Fingers, with some effort in Kalsin Bay as well.
• Halibut fishing has been really good from most accounts with fish anywhere from 15-90 lbs being caught. There hasn’t seemed to be a particular hot spot yet but most effort is within the Chiniak Bay area.
• Cod are also being found in high abundance nearly everywhere with decent sized cod being found easily in nearly all locations anglers are targeting other species.
• Rockfish are being reported in high abundance at the Fingers. They are relatively easy to find and catch right now in most areas of Chiniak Bay.
• Don’t forget that lingcod season doesn’t open until July 1! There are already lots of reports of anglers catching lingcod, so plan ahead to release them unharmed.

Local Lakes

Few reports of fishing in our stocked lakes have come in yet, but Lilly Lake has been the go-to spot for most of the spring. It remains one of the more popular and productive lakes on the road system.

Emergency Orders

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

• Emergency Order 2-RF-4-17-23 reduced the nonresident rockfish bag and possession limits on the eastside of Afognak and Kodiak islands from Big Fort Island near Shuyak Island to Dangerous Cape on Kodiak Island. This emergency order is in effect through 11:59 pm. Sunday, December 31, 2023.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-4-19-23 closed the Karluk River drainage (including the lagoon and its outlet stream) and the Ayakulik River drainage to king salmon fishing and restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2023 sport fishing license and king stamp! Help maximize social distancing and 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 Southwest 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 Kodiak Area Office at (907) 486-1880.