Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai

September 07, 2017

Week of September 6 to September 12

Regulation Reminders and Emergency Orders

Regulation Reminders

• The flowing waters of the Anchor River, Ninilchik River, Deep Creek, and Stariski Creek are restricted to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure 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 Creeks.
• Please familiarize yourself with the differences between a coho salmon and a steelhead trout. Steelhead and rainbow trout have black spots all over both lobes of the tail; while coho have black spots only on the upper lobe of the tail. Steelhead and rainbow trout may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
• The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon Area is closed to snagging from the Homer City Dock near the entrance of the Homer Boat Harbor (including the Homer Boat Harbor) to the ADF&G markers about 200 yards northwest of the lagoon entrance to a distance of 300 feet from shore.

Razor Clam Emergency Order

• All Eastside Cook Inlet beaches from the Kenai River to the tip of the Homer Spit are CLOSED to the taking of all clams through December 31, 2017.

Saltwater Fishing Report

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is still possible throughout the fall and into the winter but few anglers target them as larger halibut have begun their migration offshore and winter storms make for rough seas.
• Anglers targeting halibut are having success using herring on circle hooks. Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.
• Try fishing around and during slack tide. This allows anglers to keep their bait on the bottom using less weight.

Salmon

• Feeder king salmon are available year around in Kachemak Bay.
• Popular locations include: Point Pogibshi, Bluff Point, the islands around Eldridge Passage, Bear Cove, and other various locations on the south side of Kachemak Bay.
• Downriggers are essential for trolling in deeper water. Try various depths between 15-90 feet. Small herring trolled behind a flasher or dodger is the most effective presentation. Small thin blade spoons and large spoons also work well.

Other Saltwater Fishing

• Fall and winter storms tend to limit lingcod fishing though it is possible until the end of the year. Success for lingcod can be found near Chugach or Elizabeth Islands.
• The best locations for targeting black, dark and dusky rockfish in Kachemak Bay are along Bluff Point and near Point Pogibshi, with the best fishing being outside of Cook Inlet around the Chugach Islands.
• Anglers use a variety of gear including spoons, jigs, herring, and flies to catch rockfish. Rockfish are also commonly caught when trolling with downriggers for salmon.
• Rockfish caught in deep water suffer injuries from decompression. Recent research by ADF&G indicates survival of released rockfish can be substantially improved by releasing fish at the depth of capture. For more information on the use of deep water release mechanisms, see the ADF&G Rockfish Conservation and Deepwater Release webpage.
• The Homer Spit offers a variety of year around fishing opportunities for walleye pollock, pacific cod, and a variety of flatfish species; even an occasional king.

Freshwater Fishing Report

Streams

• Fall fishing success in 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

• The Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes fishing conditions are good. Most of these lakes are stocked with rainbow trout which, at this time of year, are taken on dry or wet flies, small spoons, spinners, or bait.

Shellfish

• A Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) advisory was issued in August in Kachemak Bay. As always, consuming sport harvested shellfish is at your own risk. Contact the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at (907) 269-7501, or visit the DEC Shellfish webpage for more information regarding PSP.
• Razor clams can be found on beaches along the WEST SIDE of Cook Inlet and are accessed by boat or plane. Popular razor clam beaches include Crescent River, Chinitna Bay, and Polly Creek. Boaters should use caution before traveling across the inlet because of strong currents and should check weather forecast before traveling.
• Hardshell clams are found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. You will need a lantern or strong flashlight, as minus tides occur after dark.
• There will be a Tanner crab sport and subsistence fishery opening October 1, 2017, and closing February 28, 2018. Permits are available at the ADF&G Online Store.
• All shrimp and other crab fisheries in Kachemak Bay remain closed for 2017.