Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 19, 2018
Regulation Reminders and Emergency Orders
Regulation Reminders
- Anglers are reminded to review Emergency Orders and News Releases and the 2018 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the Northern Kenai Peninsula Area before heading out on their next fishing trip. The Regulation Summary booklet is available on the ADF&G website, at ADF&G offices, and local vendors.
Emergency Orders
- Kasilof River
- Per Emergency Order 2-KS-1-41-18, the retention of king salmon is prohibited while sport fishing in the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used when sport fishing in these waters. King salmon may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately
- Kenai River
- Per Emergency Order 2-KS-1-40-18, the retention of king salmon is prohibited while sport fishing in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used when sport fishing in these waters. King salmon may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately. Sport fishing for king salmon remains closed in waters of the Kenai River from and ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to and ADF&G marker located at the outlet of Skilak Lake.
- Per Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-29-18, effective July 10, 2018, the retention of king salmon in the Kenai River personal use fishery is prohibited.
- Stormy Lake
- Per Emergency Order No. 2-DV-1-04-18, the retention of Arctic char/Dolly Varden will be prohibited in Stormy Lake to continue the restoration of native fish stocks through December 31, 2018.
- Soldotna Creek drainage lakes
- Per Emergency Order No. 2-NP-1-03-18, in the Soldotna Creek Drainage lakes sport fishing will be permitted at East and West Mackey, Sevena, Union, and Derks lakes; however, the retention of all species of fish is prohibited at these lakes through December 31, 2018.
Freshwater Fishing
Salmon, Trout
- Fishing for late-run king salmon on the Kenai River has been slow; however, Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-40-18, prohibits the retention of king salmon and only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used.
- Fishing for king salmon on the Kasilof River has been slow; however, Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-41-18 prohibits the retention of king salmon while sport fishing in the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used.
- Fishing for sockeye salmon on the Upper Kenai and Russian rivers is slow as the Russian River sockeye salmon are between runs. Bag and possession limits are 3 per day, 6 in possession.
- Fishing for sockeye salmon on the lower Kenai River has been productive in some areas but fisherman should expect putting more effort in to fill bag limits.
- Fishing for sockeye salmon on the Kasilof River is good.
- Fishing for rainbow trout on the Kenai River has been good to excellent.
Lake Fishing
- Lake fishing for trout is very good. Try fishing with dry or wet flies, small spoons, spinners, or bait.
Northern Pike
- All lakes with developed public access on the Peninsula have had invasive pike removed.
Personal Use
- Kasilof River dipnet fishery opened on June 25, 2018. Dipnetting on the Kasilof River should be good. A 2018 Upper Cook Inlet dipnet permit and a resident sport fishing license is required. Only Alaska residents may participate in this fishery. NO RETENTION of king salmon is allowed. Please review the regulations on page 14 of the 2018 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.
- Kenai River dipnet fishery opened on July 10, 2018. Dipnetting on the Kenai River has been fair and is improving. A 2018 Upper Cook Inlet dipnet permit and a resident sport fishing license is required. Only Alaska residents may participate in this fishery. NO RETENTION of king salmon is allowed per Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-29-18.
- Anglers using the City of Kenai City Facility (boat launch/dock) should anticipate approximately 2-hour closures before and after low tide.
- Four-wheel drive is required for anglers accessing the fishery from the south shore and anglers should be aware of soft sand conditions.