Area Sport Fishing Reports
North Gulf Coast/Resurrection Bay

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 25, 2022

General Area Description: Salt waters within 200 miles of shore from the longitude of Gore Point to the longitude of Cape Fairfield. All fresh waters between Gore Point and Cape Fairfield.

Freshwater Fishing

Hooligan

• There are no current reports of hooligan from the Resurrection River area, although, with the high variability in hooligan run timing, they could be arriving at any time. There has been some bird activity which is usually a good indicator that these fish are starting to show up.
• Dipnetting for hooligan (smelt) opened on April 1 and will remain open until June 15. There is no bag or possession limit.
• This is a personal use fishery, and only Alaska residents can participate. No permit is required, but you do need a valid 2022 Alaska resident sport fishing license or ADF&G Permanent fishing license ID card with you.
• For additional information on dipnetting for hooligan see page 16 of the 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.
• Let us know if you see or catch any hooligan around the Resurrection River.

Rainbow Trout/Dolly Varden

• Try creek mouths for Dolly Varden this time of the year. Casting small spinners and spoons off the beach can provide some good action.
• If you are fly fishing, fry and smolt patterns are good to use in Seward area streams this time of the year.

Salmon

• There are no freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay open to salmon fishing at this time of the year. Opening day in select areas is June 16.

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut/Lingcod/Rockfish

• Halibut fishing has been reported as fair to good for anglers traveling further out.
• Rockfish limits year-round are four fish per day, eight in possession of which only one can be a nonpelagic rockfish. Check the 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for species identification information.
  • The use of a deepwater release mechanism is required on all sport fishing vessels in Alaska, and they must be used to release rockfish back down to a depth of capture or 100 feet, whichever is shallower. Ever heard of deepwater release? Check out our webpage for more info.
• Lingcod fishing will open on July 1.

Salmon

• The king salmon limit in Resurrection Bay is currently two per day, any size. There is no annual or seasonal king salmon limit in effect, and there is no king salmon harvest reporting requirement, but a king stamp is required.
• King fishing has been slow, but king fishing should start picking up any day with these fish returning towards the Seward Lagoon in the coming weeks.
• A few more sockeye salmon have been reported at the head of the bay, and some counted at the Bear Creek weir. Anglers putting in their time have even been able to get limits of sockeye. Fishing should continue to improve at the head of Resurrection Bay over the next couple of weeks.

Local Lakes

• First Lake has been stocked with catchable-sized rainbow trout. This is a fun location to take the kids!
• Fish in Troop Lake should be hungry with it just opening up. This is a great short fishing hike if you are looking for a quick getaway.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• There are currently no emergency orders for the North Gulf Coast management area.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2022 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, advisory announcements, and the 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Anchorage Area Office at (907) 267-2218.