Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

Archived Sport Fishing Report

July 05, 2017

Week of July 5 to July 12

Regulation Reminders and Emergency Orders

Regulation Reminders

• Snagging is open in Kachemak Bay east of a line from Anchor Point to Point Pogibshi except for the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon (Fishing Hole), which only opens by emergency order.
• China Poot personal use dip net fishery opened July 1 to Alaska residents only, upstream of the ADF&G markers. Personal use caught sockeye salmon must have both tips of the tail fin removed. Complete regulations are found on page 12-13 of the 2017 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary booklet.
• The Ninilchik River is open for hatchery king salmon from the mouth to the ADF&G markers located approximately two miles upstream and anglers are allowed to fish with bait.
• The lower portions of the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Stariski Creek are open to sport fishing except for king salmon. Anglers are reminded that king salmon may not be targeted and if hooked, must be released immediately. Gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure.
• In saltwater, closed areas surrounding the Anchor River, Stariski Creek, Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River remain in effect through July 15. Closed area boundaries are detailed on page 71 of the 2017 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation Summary booklet.
• Lingcod season opened July 1. Anglers are reminded that the bag and possession limit is two fish and the minimum legal size is 35 inches with head attached or 28 inches from tip of tail to front of dorsal fin with head removed.
• The marine waters of Tutka Bay Lagoon within 100 yards of the hatchery net pens are closed to sport fishing for any species.
• Sport caught pink salmon may be used as bait in the salt water fisheries but ARE counted as part of your daily bag limit.

Razor Clam Emergency Order

• All Eastside Cook Inlet beaches from the Kenai River to the tip of the Homer Spit are CLOSED to the taking of all clams through December 31, 2017.

Saltwaters Fishing Report

Groundfish

• Halibut fishing in Cook Inlet is good. Anglers are having success using herring on circle hooks. Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.
• Unguided anglers can retain two halibut a day, four in possession. Unguided and guided anglers have different rules to follow.
• Anglers who venture to the outer coast are reporting catches of lingcod and a variety of rockfish including yelloweye, black, dark, and duskies.
• Fishing off the end of the Homer Spit can be a fun way to pass the time. Species available include Walleye Pollock, Pacific cod, a variety of flatfish species, and an occasional salmon.
• Rockfish caught in deep water suffer injuries from decompression. Recent research by Department staff indicates the survival of released rockfish can be substantially improved by releasing fish at the depth of capture. For details, visit the ADF&G Rockfish Conservation and Deepwater Release webpage.

Salmon

• Trolling success for king salmon is reported as fair to good around Bluff Point and Point Pogibshi.
• Downriggers are essential for trolling in deeper water. Small herring trolled behind a flasher or dodger is the most effective presentation. Try setting a downrigger at various depths between 15-90 feet.
• Small thin blade spoons and large spoons have been working as well.
• Anglers are reporting increased catches of pink salmon mixed with chum, sockeye, and an occasional coho salmon.
• Fishing has slowed for king salmon at the Nick Dudiak Fishing lagoon. Try salmon eggs or herring suspended under a bobber. The best time to try fishing for newly arriving fish would be as the water starts flooding into the lagoon on the incoming tide.
• Sockeye salmon are beginning to arrive into Tutka Bay Lagoon. This is a stocked fishery paid for by enhancement taxes on commercial fisheries. Anglers are reminded to avoid commercial boats operating in the area.

Freshwaters Fishing Report

• There are still some newly arriving hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River, but the run should be wrapping up soon. Try using small spinners or jigs and fishing in the early mornings and near the mouth of the incoming tide.
• Expect fair fishing for Dolly Varden in the roadside streams as most runs are just starting to arrive. Fish near the stream mouths for better success. Try fishing for Dolly Varden with a small, bright single-hook spinner or with a fly pattern that resembles fish, such as muddler minnows or egg patterns.
• Pink salmon should be starting to arrive in the roadside streams as well.
• Sockeye salmon are starting to arrive at China Poot. Arrive early for better success.
• Lake Fishing
• The Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes fishing conditions are good. Most of these lakes are stocked with rainbow trout which, at this time of year, are taken on dry or wet flies, small spoons, spinners, or bait. A brochure listing the locations of the stocked lakes is available on the ADF&G Sport Fish webpage and at ADF&G offices.

Shellfish

• The next clamming tides run from July 7 through July 13.
• Occasionally there are PSP advisories issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Contact the DEC at (907) 269-7501, or visit the DEC PSP webpage for more information.
• Razor clams can be found on beaches along the WEST SIDE of Cook Inlet and are accessed by boat or plane. Popular razor clam beaches include Crescent River, Chinitna Bay, and Polly Creek. Boaters should use caution before traveling across the inlet because of strong currents and should check weather forecast before traveling.
• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.
• Good numbers of butter clams are found on the islands in China Poot Bay. Butter clams can be found up to two feet deep. Littleneck clams can be found in a variety of habitats from Jakolof Bay to Bear Cove. Try exploring new beaches for success. Typically, littleneck clams are found shallower in the substrate, up to eight inches deep.
• There will be a Tanner crab fishery opening October 1, 2017 and closing February 28, 2018.
• All shrimp and crab fisheries in Kachemak Bay remain closed for 2017.