Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI
Archived Sport Fishing Report
June 02, 2020
* Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by following and reviewing the current State of Alaska Health Mandates in effect. This includes practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing and wearing a face covering when fishing and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store as indicated in Health Alert 010.
* The Alaska Board of Fisheries adopted several proposals establishing new sport fish regulations for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area at its Seward December 2019 and Anchorage February 2020 meetings. Please see the 2020 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation Summary booklet for a complete summary of the Lower Cook Inlet sport fisheries regulations.
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-KS-7-16-20 closed king salmon fishing within one mile of shore north of Bluff Point from Wednesday, June 3 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
- Emergency Order 2-KS-7-15-20 closed the Anchor River and Deep Creek drainages to all sport fishing from Wednesday, June 3 through 11:59 p.m. July 15, 2020.
- Emergency Order 2-KS-7-07-20 reduced the king salmon bag and possession limits in the Ninilchik River to one hatchery king salmon 20 inches or greater in length through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2020.
- Emergency Order 2-RCL-7-03-20 and 2-RCL-7-04-20 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 in 2020.
Freshwater Fishing
King Salmon
- The Ninilchik River fished well for the second weekend in a row. Approximately twice as many hatchery fish have passed the lower Ninilchik weir and anglers have been successful with catching the hatchery component as well. Eggs under a bobber with spinning and fly gear have been working very well but remember to switch it up when the fish quit biting eggs. Herring, spinners, jigs, and plugs are all great options. Don’t hesitate to try some of the smaller runs and holes on the Ninilchik that are only able to hold a few fish.
Saltwater Fishing
Halibut
- The tides are building this week which will reduce the amount of time available for fishing with less weight to stay on the bottom. Try drifting through new areas first to find fish before setting the anchor.
- Herring on a circle hook is the most popular bait; however, octopus, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.
King Salmon
- More king salmon have been entering the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit and fishing has been fair on some tides. The tide floods the lagoon at approximately +12. Fishing tends to be best as the tide floods and ebbs from the lagoon. Some anglers have been finding more success fishing on the outside of the lagoon. Try herring or salmon eggs under a bobber and adjust the depth of the bait as needed.
- With king salmon fishing closed north of Bluff Point and within a mile of shore, anglers will limited to offshore waters or south of Bluff.
- King salmon fishing has been poor to fair south of Bluff Point. Fish can be scattered everywhere throughout Kachemak Bay, but anglers have found king salmon just south of Bluff Point and on the south side of Kachemak Bay near Peterson Bay.
- Most anglers use downriggers and fish with troll sized herring or spoons behind flashers.
Other Saltwater Fishing
- If you are limited by access to a boat or by the weather, fishing off the end of the Homer Spit can be a great way to wet a line. Species available include walleye pollock, Pacific cod, Dolly Varden, a variety of flatfish species, and the occasional king salmon.
Shellfish
- Clamming tides are June 3 through June 9.
- 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.
Don’t forget to bring your 2020 sport fishing license and king salmon stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2020 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 and the 2020 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.
For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Homer office at (907) 235-8191.