Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kodiak

Recent Emergency Orders & Press Releases for Kodiak

Archived Sport Fishing Report

The Buskin River sockeye salmon run is still going strong and fishing has been good at times though the hot, dry weather and low water has made it more difficult at times. The run will be winding down for the month of July. Remember that the total salmon bag limit (other than king salmon) is five per day for all drainages of the Kodiak Road Zone not for each river drainage.
Both Saltery and Pasagshak sockeye runs are still slow, but both rivers are extremely low and warm. Anglers are catching fish at both locations, but weir counts are very low for this time of year. Both of these runs usually peak about the third week of July.
Road system king salmon are a mystery right now but are likely another victim of the hot, dry weather. There have been a few seen here and there but expect more to show up when we get some rain.
Dolly fishing is fantastic right now, particularly near river mouths but also can be found along most local beaches. The Buskin appears to be having an incredible dolly run this season.
Pinks should also be showing up in most local rivers any day. There are already some schooling near river mouths and likely some are in freshwaters by now.

King salmon fishing has been really good at Ugak Island, but slower near town. This is about the time of year kings started showing up near Woody Island last year, and its possible to see them here again.
Silvers are just starting to show up near Buoy 4 and in Ugak Bay. Most reports indicate fishing is slower but mostly due to large amounts of pink salmon and rockfish caught as by catch.
Halibut fishing has been steady by most reports, with fish caught in the usual spots of Buoy 4, Outer Humpback, Triple Lumps, and Williams Reef.

Now is a great time to hike up to Heitman Lake. It’s a moderately difficult hike of about 1.5 miles and 800 feet in elevation gain but provides incredible scenery and good rainbow fishing on most days!

Please review the Emergency Orders and News Releases below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

Emergency Order 2-KS-4-08-19 closed the Karluk River drainage to king salmon fishing and only one, unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed.
Emergency Order 2-KS-4-24-19 closed the Ayakulik River drainage to king salmon fishing and only one, unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed.
Emergency Order 2-RS-4-26-19 increases the bag limit for sockeye salmon in the Buskin River to five per day.

For additional information, please contact the Kodiak Area Office at (907) 486-1880.