Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 15, 2020

* Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by following and reviewing the current State of Alaska Health Mandates in effect. This includes practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing and wearing a face covering when fishing and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store as indicated in Health Alert 010.

* The Alaska Board of Fisheries adopted several proposals establishing new sport fish regulations for the Lower Cook Inlet Management Area at its Seward December 2019 and Anchorage February 2020 meetings. Please see the 2020 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation Summary booklet for a complete summary of the Lower Cook Inlet sport fisheries regulations.

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-KS-7-21-20 restricted gear in the Ninilchik River to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure from Tuesday, June 16 through Wednesday, July 15, 2020, and removed the annual limit for hatchery king salmon 20 inches or greater from Tuesday, June 16 through Saturday, October 31, 2020.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-16-20 closed king salmon fishing within 1 mile of shore north of Bluff Point from Wednesday, June 3 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-15-20 closed the Anchor River and Deep Creek drainages to all sport fishing from Wednesday, June 3 through 11:59 p.m. July 15, 2020.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-05-20 reduced the king salmon annual limit north of Bluff Point from five to two fish through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2020.
• Emergency Order 2-RCL-7-03-20 and 2-RCL-7-04-20 closed all EASTSIDE Cook Inlet beaches to clamming for all species from the mouth of the Kenai River to the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit in 2020.

Freshwater Fishing

King Salmon

• The Ninilchik River has been closed for more than a week and should fish well when it reopens on June 16. Try fishing the incoming or outgoing tide at the harbor, the break of day, or just as the river begins to rise from rain. Have a few options in your fishing bag - size 4 spinners, jigs, and plugs all work well.
• Takes a break from the streams and try fishing the Homer Reservoir for Dolly Varden. Small spinners from shore work well there.

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut

• The day breeze has been consistent in the afternoons, but halibut fishing has been good and steady for those willing to make it out of the harbor before it kicks up. The larger tides this weekend will make it difficult to anchor and get your line to the bottom. Try drifting instead and be sure to use enough weight.
• The most consistent action has been out in the middle of Cook Inlet 20 - 40 miles from the harbor. If the day breeze is already kicking up the waves, spots near the islands (i.e. Hesketh and Yukon) or Tutka Bay can be productive as well.

King Salmon

• Anglers are still having fair fishing success at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit. Both bait and lures have been doing well. Try outside of the lagoon on the outgoing tide or fishing at daybreak to beat the crowd.
• There has been a good king salmon bite just south of Bluff Point in the last week.
• Most anglers use downriggers and fish with troll sized herring or spoons behind flashers.

Other Saltwater Fishing

• If you are limited by access to a boat or by the weather, fishing off the end of the Homer Spit can be a great way to wet a line. Species available include walleye pollock, Pacific cod, Dolly Varden, a variety of flatfish species, and the occasional king salmon.

Shellfish

• Clamming tides are June 20 through June 26. Remember all Eastside Cook Inlet beaches are closed to all clamming per Emergency Orders 2-RCL-7-03-20 and 2-RCL-7-04-20.
• Razor clams can be found on beaches along the Westside of Cook Inlet and can be accessed by boat or plane. Popular razor clam beaches include Polly Creek Beach, Crescent River Bar, and Chinitna Bay. Boaters are advised to use caution before traveling across the Cook Inlet because of strong tidal currents and variable weather conditions.
• Littleneck clams can be found in a variety of habitats in Kachemak Bay 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.

Don’t forget to bring your 2020 sport fishing license and king salmon stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2020 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 and the 2020 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.