Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kodiak
Archived Sport Fishing Report
July 18, 2022
ADF&G News
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Freshwater Fishing
Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon runs at Buskin and Litnik have slowed quite a bit now and are winding down for the season.
- Fishing at Pasagshak has picked up some and there were reports of decent fishing over the weekend. The run seems average so far or maybe a bit slower than average.
- Fishing at Saltery has been good, though fish appear to be moving quickly up the river and not building in the river as much as some years. Water levels are ideal for fishing Saltery right now.
King Salmon
King salmon fishing on the road system has been slow again, but a few fish are showing up in the Olds in particular. ADF&G will be out every day collecting broodstock from road system rivers for the king salmon egg take.
Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden are thick this year and are being found nearly everywhere. There is an exceptional Dolly run in the Buskin but most beaches on the road system have excellent Dolly fishing right now.
Saltwater Fishing
King Salmon
King salmon fishing has been really good in the last week though hot spots have been moving around. Most recently the Fingers has been the place to be, but between Woody and Long islands and ‘the Cliffs’ near Kodiak rocks have been hot spots as of late too.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are in thick now near Buoy 4 and the Fingers. There are lots of pinks too so it may require sifting pinks to find cohos.
Halibut
Halibut fishing was also good in the last week when the weather cooperated. No particular hot spots have been indicated but the usual spots are Buoy 4, Kodiak Rocks, Triple Lumps, Chiniak, behind Long Island.
Lingcod
Lingcod fishing has been great by most accounts with many anglers mentioning lots of lingcod in the 5 to 10 lbs. range but also some in the 20 to 30 lbs. The usual spots are Kodiak Rocks, Chiniak and behind Long Island.
Rockfish
Rockfish are being caught in most areas of Chiniak Bay and beyond. See the emergency order below for more info for nonresident limits.
- Check your 2022 Southwest Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for species identification information.
- The use of a deepwater release mechanism is required on all sportfishing vessels in Alaska and they must be used to release rockfish back down to a depth of capture or 100 feet, whichever is shallower. Ever heard of the deepwater release? Check out our webpage for more info.
Local Lakes
- Buskin Lake continues to be a hot spot for Dollies. There seems to be an exceptional Dolly run in most places right now, but Buskin Lake is one of the better spots. Remember that the Kodiak Road Zone is catch-and-release only for rainbows and steelhead though.
Emergency Orders
Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.
- Emergency Order 2-RS-4-42-22 reopens the Buskin River drainage for sockeye salmon fishing effective through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, December 31, 2022.
- Emergency Order 2-RF-4-16-22 reduced the nonresident rockfish bag and possession limits on the eastside of Afognak and Kodiak islands from Big Fort Island near Shuyak Island to Dangerous Cape on Kodiak Island. This emergency order is in effect through 11:59 pm. Saturday, December 31, 2022.
- Emergency Order 2-KS-4-15-22 closed the Ayakulik River drainage to king salmon fishing and restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022.
- Emergency Order 2-KS-4-14-22 closed the Karluk River drainage including the lagoon and its outlet stream to king salmon fishing and restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022.
Don’t forget to purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2022 Southwest Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.
For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Kodiak Area Office at (907) 486-1880.