Sport Fish Area Fishing Report
Kenai

Current Report

Current Sport Fish Area Fishing Report

May 14, 2013

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• Emergency Orders are in effect for the following areas:

• In the Kenai River: This emergency order prohibits the retention of king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, but less than 55 inches in length, while sport fishing in waters of the Kenai River drainage downstream of Skilak Lake and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge beginning at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, May 16, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013. Harvest is allowed for king salmon less than 20 inches in length and 55 inches or greater in length.
In addition, this emergency order prohibits the use of bait and prohibits the retention of king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, but less than 55 inches in length, while sport fishing in waters of the Kenai River drainage from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway Bridge, beginning 12:01 a.m., Monday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2013. Harvest is allowed for king salmon less than 20 inches in length and 55 inches or greater in length.
In the waters described above, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used. King salmon 20 inches or greater in length but less than 55 inches in length may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately.

• In the Kasilof River: This emergency order prohibits the retention of naturally-produced king salmon and reduces the bag and possession limit of hatchery-produced king salmon 20 inches or greater in length to one fish in the Kasilof River beginning 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2013, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013. Naturally-produced king salmon may not be possessed or retained; naturally-produced king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. A naturally-produced king salmon is a king salmon with an adipose fin intact.

• The 2013 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary is available at Fish and Game offices as well as from many sport fishing license vendors. The regulations can also be viewed or download from the department’s web page.

• Based on preseason outlook, the 2013 Kenai River early-run of king salmon is expected to be very low.

• For those interested in personal use fishing for smelt (Hooligan) along the shore of Cook Inlet or in the Kenai River, the regulations are located on page 13 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary Booklet.

• This Northern Kenai Peninsula Area wide sport fishing report will be updated weekly and can also be heard by calling 907 262-2737.

• Many flowing waters closed on May 2 to sport fishing by regulation. Anglers are reminded to check the regulation booklet as the water they may intend to fish may be closed to all fishing.

• Area lakes are still ice covered. Lakes at higher elevations remain completely ice-covered.

Salmon – Kenai & Kasilof rivers

 

• The Kenai River king salmon early-run preseason outlook is for a very low run.

• The early-run of king salmon to the Kasilof River is not forecasted and part of the run is hatchery king salmon.

• Fishable numbers of king salmon are typically evident during late May to early June in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.

Resident Fish — Kenai River

• Fishing opportunities on the Kenai River are currently limited because of several seasonal closures to all sport fishing and closures to rainbow trout fishing. Please check the regulation booklet online or contact Fish and Game.

Resident Fish — Kasilof River

• Fishing opportunity in the ‘slack water’ area immediately below the Tustumena Lake outlet has been reported to be slow although a few lake trout and Dolly Varden have been caught. Steelhead fishing in the Kasilof River is reported to be poor to fair with some steelhead being caught. Most anglers fishing for steelhead are doing so in the Kasilof River near the Crooked Creek confluence. Anglers are reminded that Crooked Creek is closed to all fishing through July 31. In the Kasilof River below the Sterling Highway Bridge only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure is allowed, no retention of steelhead/rainbow trout is allowed and steelhead/rainbow trout may not be removed from the water.

Lake Fishing

• The ice has just started to pull away from the shoreline at some lakes although not enough to provide open water fishing from the shore or by boat. Hidden Lake is still ice covered. Fishing conditions at area lakes will improve as the ice recedes from lakes over the next several days. Generally lakes at lower elevation are ice-free by mid-May however all remain nearly 100% ice covered. Twenty-eight Kenai Peninsula lakes are stocked by the Department. In addition, numerous lakes support natural populations of rainbow trout, lake trout and Dolly Varden. Numerous Kenai Peninsula Lakes provide great fishing opportunity in the spring while flowing waters are closed to fishing. Bait fished under a bobber, small spinners and spoons or fly fishing from a float tube all produce great rates during the spring while the ice is receding or immediately after ice-out.

Northern Pike

• Few area lakes have northern pike, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access, but get permission first.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (with arrow attached by a line), bait, spin, and fly-fishing gear. Try fish-shaped and fish-colored lures and flies.
• There is no closed season for pike and the bag limit is unlimited. Wanton waste laws apply so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.