Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai
Archived Sport Fishing Report
May 17, 2017
Week of May 16 to May 22
Emergency Orders and Regulation Reminders
- Emergency Orders are in effect for the following areas:
- In Stormy Lake: The retention of arctic char and dolly varden is prohibited all year long, as part of an effort to restore this native fish.
- In Soldotna Creek Drainage Lakes: The retention of species other than northern pike is prohibited all year long in East Mackey Lake, West Mackey Lake, Union Lake, and Derks Lake, as part of an effort to restore native fish.
- Ice has receded on most area lakes and lakes are ice-free. Lakes at higher elevations remain ice-covered.
- The 2017 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet is available online, at Fish and Game offices as well as from many sport fishing license vendors.
- Many flowing waters closed on May 1 to sport fishing by regulation in order to protect spawning fish. Anglers are reminded to check the regulation booklet as the water they may intend to fish may be closed to ALL fishing.
Salmon – Kenai & Kasilof Rivers
- Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kenai is slow and fishing conditions aren’t ideal due to low water levels.
- Fishing for sockeye salmon on the Kenai is slow.
- The Upper Kenai and Russian River do not open to fishing until June 11.
Resident Fish — Kenai & Kasilof Rivers
- Trout spawning closures on the Kenai River above Killey River and in tributaries of the Kenai River are in effect.
- Fishing for resident species in the remainder of the Kenai drainage is picking up with increased air and water temperatures.
- Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof River is improving and will continue to get better as the fish move down to stage before moving up Crooked Creek
Lake Fishing
- Lake fishing for trout has been good with a sudden breakup and warm weather on most area lakes last week.
- Sport Lake has limited access this year due to elodea treatments. The boat ramp is open Wednesday through Sunday 2 P.M. to 9 P.M.
- Lakes out on Swanson River Road have also been reportedly productive.
Northern Pike
- All public accessible lakes on the Peninsula have had invasive pike removed.
Personal Use
- Hooligan (eulachon) fishing in the Kenai River has been slow. Presence of hooligan has been reported in king salmon harvested in marine waters of Cook Inlet. Hooligan fishing should be more productive towards the end of May and early-June with the more typical spring-like weather pattern.