Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

Archived Sport Fishing Report

September 03, 2014

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Southcentral Region

Fall Summary

Issued September 3, 2014

Regulation Reminders and Emergency Orders

• The flowing waters of the Anchor River, Ninilchik River, Deep Creek and Stariski Creek are restricted to one unbaited, single-hook through October 31.
• Salmon may not be targeted or harvested upstream of the two-mile regulatory markers on the Anchor River, Ninilchik River, Deep Creek and Stariski Creek.
• Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be removed from the water or kept, and must be released immediately.
• The noncommercial (sport, personal use & subsistence) Tanner crab fishery will not open for the 2014-2015 season.
• The Ninilchik beach from the north bank of Deep Creek to a marker located approximately 3.2 miles north of the Ninilchik River at 60º 05.66’N. latitude is closed to the taking of all clam species effective through December 31.
• The bag and possession limit for razor clams harvested from the remaining eastside Cook Inlet beaches, extending from the mouth of the Kenai River to the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit, is reduced to the first 25 razor clams dug per day effective through December 31.
• Lingcod season is open through December 31. Anglers are reminded that the bag and possession limit is 2 fish and the minimum legal size is 35 inches.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is still possible throughout the fall and into the winter, but few anglers continue to target them as larger halibut have begun their migration offshore and winter storms make for rougher seas.
• The best fishing occurs around the slack tide. Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.

Salmon

• Feeder king salmon are available year round in Kachemak Bay.
• Popular locations include: Point Pogibshi, Bluff Point, the islands around Eldred Passage and various other locations on the south side of Kachemak Bay.
• Downriggers are essential for trolling in deeper water. Small herring trolled behind a flasher or dodger is the most effective presentation.
• Other effective gear includes spoons, hootchies and tube flies.
• With colder water temperatures, try tolling at slower speeds to entice king salmon to strike.

Other Saltwater Fishing

• Rockfish are available throughout the fall in Lower Cook Inlet and success rates for anglers choosing to retain them should remain steady.
• Fall and winter storms tend to limit lingcod fishing substantially, though it is possible through the end of the year near the Barren and Chugach Islands. Anglers who choose to fillet lingcod at sea are reminded that to comply with minimum size regulations, the fillet must be at least 28 inches long or anglers must retain the carcass.
• The Department would like to remind anglers that the survival of released rockfish caught in greater than 60 feet of water is substantially improved by releasing these fish at the depth of capture. More information can be found at: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingsportfishinginfo.rockfishconservation .

Fresh waters

Streams

• Fall fishing success on the Homer area streams will fluctuate with changing water conditions associated with periods of rain.
• Steelhead fishing on these streams typically peaks in mid to late September. Fly anglers find success by dead-drifting a variety of streamers, leeches, and salmon-egg patterns. Other effective tackle includes spinners, jigs suspended under bobbers, and corkies with yarn.
• Dolly Varden will continue to be available through ice-up. They can be caught on the same fly-fishing tackle used for steelhead and can provide excellent action on light tackle.

Lake Fishing

• There are numerous Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes providing good fishing opportunities throughout the fall and after ice up. A brochure listing the locations of the stocked lakes is available on the Sport Fish web site and at ADF&G offices.

Shellfish

• Both razor and hardshell clams sport fisheries are open the entire year. You will need a lantern or strong flashlight is minus tides occur after dark. Few people brave the winter conditions to participate in these fisheries but those looking for an uncrowded experience will find it this time of year.
• Hardshell clams are found on gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay and are most commonly accessed by boat from the Homer harbor.
• Razor clams are found on sandy beaches.
• All shrimp and crab fisheries in Kachemak Bay are currently closed.