Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai
Archived Sport Fishing Report
May 25, 2017
Week of May 23 to May 29
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 ADF&G offices, and a local 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 2017 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet, as the water they intend to fish may be closed to ALL fishing.
Salmon – Kenai & Kasilof Rivers
- Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kenai River is slow and fishing conditions aren’t ideal due to low water levels and cold temperatures.
- Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kasilof River is slow and fishing conditions aren’t ideal due to low water levels and cold temperatures.
- Fishing for sockeye salmon on the lower Kenai River is slow.
- The Upper Kenai River 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 River Drainage is good.
- Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof River is slowing down as fish have primarily moved up Crooked Creek to spawn.
Lake Fishing
- Lake fishing for trout has been good with a sudden breakup.
- 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. Presences of hooligan have been reported in king salmon harvested in the marine waters of Cook Inlet. Hooligans have also been recently caught in lower Kenai River test nets. Hooligan fishing should begin to become more productive towards the end of May and early-June with the typical spring-like weather pattern.