Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 02, 2017

Week of June 2 to June 8

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.
• The 2017 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet is available online, at ADF&G offices, and 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 River & Kasilof River

• Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kenai River is very good and fishing conditions are ideal with navigable water levels and clear water conditions.
• Fishing for early-run king salmon on the Kasilof River is good and fishing conditions are ideal with navigable water levels and good visibility water conditions.
• Fishing for sockeye salmon on the lower Kenai River is picking up with an increase of early-run sockeye salmon passing the lower river sonar site.
• The Upper Kenai River and Russian River do not open to fishing until June 11.

Resident Fish - Kenai River & Kasilof River

• Trout spawning closures on the Kenai River above Killey River and in tributaries of the Kenai are in effect.
• Fishing for resident species in the remainder of the Kenai River Drainage is good.
• Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof is all but over as fish have primarily moved up Crooked Creek to spawn.

Lake Fishing

• Lake fishing for trout has been good.
• 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 picked up this last week but has waned due to a decrease in abundance. It appears the run may not be as large as some runs in the past. Hooligan fishing could be more productive this first week of June and then taper off.