Area Sport Fishing Reports
Southern Kenai/LCI

Archived Sport Fishing Report

May 25, 2021

* Just a reminder to all our anglers, please do your part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by practicing social distancing while sport and personal use fishing, and wearing a face-covering when social distancing is not possible, and if you are needing fishing supplies from your local store.

Freshwater Fishing

• The Anchor River, Deep Creek, and the Ninilchik River will open to sport fishing on Saturday, May 29 through May 31, 2021. The Anchor River will also be open on Wednesday, May 26. King salmon have started to return to these streams in low numbers but should continue to improve over the next week.
• In the Anchor River and Deep Creek, the water conditions are high and muddy which will limit the effectiveness of gear so expect slow fishing. Try size 5 spinners or small plugs to get a king salmon’s attention. See emergency order 2-KS-7-09-21 regarding fishing gear restrictions below.
• In the Ninilchik River, water conditions are high but fishable. Try fishing with salmon roe clusters suspended close to the bottom for hatchery king salmon. See emergency order 2-KS-7-10-21 regarding king salmon bag and possession limits below.

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut

• Halibut fishing continues to improve as more fish move into Cook Inlet from overwintering waters.
• The tidal exchanges are large this week which will limit the amount of time for effective anchoring. Trying drifting when the tide is moving too much to keep your bait on the bottom.
• Consider anchoring in shallow water around Anchor Point too. Catch rates tend to be slower for this approach but produce above-average size fish.
• Herring on a circle hook is the most popular bait; however, octopus, salmon heads, and jigs also work well.

King Salmon

• Trolling for king salmon fishing improved in Kachemak Bay last week with the arrival of spawner herring. Expect fair fishing over the next week.
• In the nearshore waters of Upper Cook Inlet, expect poor to fair fishing.
• Most anglers use downriggers and fish with troll-sized herring or spoons behind flashers.
• King salmon are starting to arrive in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit. Best fishing has been in the early morning hours. Eggs or herring under a bobber are the most effective presentation.

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.

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-7-10-21 reduced the king salmon bag and possession limits in the Ninilchik River to one hatchery king salmon 20 inches or greater in length through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 14, 2021.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-09-21 restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the Anchor River and Deep Creek drainages through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-7-08-21 reduced the king salmon annual limit north of Bluff Point from five to two fish through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 2021.
• Emergency Order 2-RCL-7-04-21 and 2-RCL-7-05-21 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 2021.

Don't forget to purchase your 2021 sport fishing license and king stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2021 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 2021 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing for before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Homer office at (907) 235-8191.