Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 02, 2019

Week of July 2 - July 8

Freshwater Fishing

• The lower sections of the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams including the Anchor River should have good fishing for Dolly Varden over the next week. Try using beads, streamers, small spinners and spoons.

Saltwater Fishing

Salmon

• The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon will open to snagging at noon (12:00 p.m.) July 4 through July 7, 2019, to allow anglers a greater opportunity to harvest king salmon in the lagoon. Weighted treble hooks pulled just under the surface are the most effective at snagging salmon. Snagging in the Homer Boat Harbor is not allowed.
• King salmon trolling improved over the last week but was still slow and fish were scattered throughout Kachemak Bay. Trolling in 30-90ft of water is the most successful way to target king salmon.
• Sockeye salmon are available in both China Poot Bay and Tutka Bay Lagoon Most anglers snag these fish with weighted treble hooks.

Halibut

• Halibut fishing has been consistent in offshore locations in Cook Inlet and outer Kachemak Bay.
• Try drifting to explore new areas particularly during the middle of the tidal exchange when the current is the strongest.
• A chunk of herring on a circle hook is the standard approach but try using lead head jigs with grub tails tipped with bait.

Other Saltwater Fishing 

• China Poot personal use dipnet fishery opened July 1 to Alaska residents only and there were decent numbers of fish in the creek late last week.
• Lingcod season opened July 1. Most successful anglers target them on the outer North Gulf Coast along rock pinnacles. Try lead head jigs with white grub tails tip with a piece of bait.

Shellfish

• The next clamming tides are July 2 - July 8.
• Razor clams can be found on beaches along the Westside of Cook Inlet and can be accessed by boat or plane. Popular razor clam beaches include the Polly Creek beach, Crescent River Bar, and Chinitna Bay. Boaters are advised to use caution before traveling across the Cook Inlet because of strong tidal currents and variable weather conditions.

Emergency Orders

Please review the Emergency Orders and News Releases below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• Emergency Order 2-RCL-7-01-19 and 2-RCL-7-02-19 CLOSED all EASTSIDE Cook Inlet beaches to clamming for all species from the mouth of the Kenai River to the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit for 2019.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-11-19 limited the fishing season on the Anchor River in the beginning of the season and it is currently closed to king salmon fishing. The Anchor River opened to all species, except king salmon on July 1.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-12-19 restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River through July 15, 2019.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-13-19 reduced the king salmon bag and possession limits in the Ninilchik River to one hatchery king salmon 20 inches or greater in length through July 15, 2019
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-14-19 combined the annual limit for king salmon to two king salmon 20 inches or greater in length from the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik, and all marine waters south of the latitude of the mouth of the Ninilchik River to the latitude of Bluff Point through July 15, 2019.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-28-19 opened the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon to snagging from July 4 to July 7, 2019. Snagging is not allowed in the Homer Boat Harbor.

For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Homer office at (907) 235-8191.