2016 Fishing Reports

These are the “Hot Spots of the Week” fishing reports for 2016:

 

November 4, 2016:

KENAI RIVER:  Fishing for trout and char remains fair to good throughout the mainstem river upstream of Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake and on to Kenai Lake. Anglers are hitting fish in choice spots using washed-out/mottled beads and flesh and forage flies. Not much salmon spawning going on right now so fish are keyed in on other sources of food until the late run silvers begin breeding starting in December. Anglers still targeting salmon are doing decent with some days bringing very good catches of bright silvers; expect weights between 8 and 13 pounds. Try colorful streamers and spinners, focusing on slackwater areas at the edge of main current in the middle section of river. Note: The upper Kenai is closed to silver salmon fishing until next summer.

SUSITNA RIVER:  As long as the weather stays reasonably warm barring heavy ice conditions, the main channel of this large river will yield some fair to good catches of rainbows, grayling, and Dollies. As is the key in most flowing waters this time of year, move around until fish can be found, usually in deeper holes and runs where they will overwinter. Forage flies are working, such as sculpins and leeches, but spinners will hook fish too. Hike in from any one access point between Willow and Talkeetna. Additionally, as long as open water persists, the Talkeetna River will continue to support mediocre opportunities for trout and grayling along with a few char.

 

October 27, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Anglers have one last weekend of silver salmon fishing left on the upper as the season is scheduled to close on November 1. The late run here reflects conditions found elsewhere in the region; small number of fish present this year. However, with lack of angling pressure, those willing to brave the elements and scout around a bit will very likely find success. Spinners and colorful streamers have been getting attention from fish weighing up to 15 pounds. Most silvers are still dime bright or with a very light blush. The whole section of river is worthwhile but many prefer the stretch between Kenai Lake outlet to Russian River confluence this late in the season. Trout and char action is fair to good; use a variety of offerings from mottled beads to large black streamers.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Only a trickle of fresh silvers are coming into the river now and most anglers targeting salmon are having to work for a bite. If anything, the prime stretch of water is anywhere upstream of Bing’s Landing, focusing on slow and deep water on the edge of faster current. Limits (3) may be possible if fortunate enough to hit a school of fish. Like the upper river, late run silvers here prefer large, flashy streamers as well as spinners. The silver season here stays open through November 30. For those seeking sport through trout and char are finding some mediocre to very good opportunities still. As with salmon, the best area of water to connect is from Sterling up to Skilak Lake. A selection of beads and flesh and forage flies, including large black leeches, are responsible for most catches.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  With the cold weather recently, ice conditions are now an issue on these waters. However, with a warming trend coming this weekend, anglers may yet find some quite decent fishing for steelhead and Dolly Varden. Presentations should be worked slow and deep this time of year. Beads and streamers are getting some fish, as are small plugs and spoons. Mid-day and afternoons are generally better as water temperatures increase slightly. Note: The season closes on November 1 this year.

SUSITNA, TALKEETNA RIVERS:  With the last of this year’s late runs of salmon dying off, anglers may find some fair to good success targeting rainbow trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden in deeper sections of these waters using mottled beads, and flesh and forage flies. Spinners and plugs can be effective too. Hike in to the mainstem rivers from road access points between Willow and Talkeetna. Anglers doing best tend to scout around quite a bit in search of concentrations of fish. The Kashwitna River still harbors some spotty to decent opportunities for trout and grayling from the highway crossing down to its mouth.

 

October 20, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Probably the last solid freshwater opportunity for salmon in the region, the few anglers targeting silvers here have done very well recently. Fish range from ocean chrome to lightly blushed with most specimens being very bright still. Limits are possible skipping from one hole to the next, the best action being between Sportman’s Landing and Skilak Lake. Trout and char action is fair to good using washed-out beads and forage flies.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Also here there are silvers to be caught, primarily in slow moving sections of water upstream of Bing’s Landing. Success is varied, ranging from poor to very good. Key is to move around until concentrations of fish can be located. There is still a small but steady flow of bright salmon entering the river on the tides. Anglers seeking trout and char are reporting good and even excellent fishing on the middle portion of river.

KASILOF RIVER:  Drifting the river this time of year can be rewarding at times. Anglers focusing on deep holes and slow runs are finding a mix of silvers and steelhead. Use plugs and fish them slow and deep. Good opportunities may be had still but the salmon are beginning to wane in quality quickly now. Steelhead may be taken until freeze-up on large orange beads and plugs. Try from Tustumena Lake outlet downstream, to highway bridge.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  The season on these waters will close on November 1 and steelhead are providing some decent opportunities still. With cold temperatures that are affecting water temperature, some of the better times to try are in late morning and afternoon as water warms slightly. Dolly Varden are also being taken.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Fishers are hooking a fair to good number of trout, char, and grayling at the mouths of clearwater tributaries and in portions of the main river that is running clear enough to present flies and lures. There are a few ripe and dying chums and silvers around so casting beads can be worthwhile. Also try streamers and spinners.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  Barring any serious cold in this area, anglers will continue to find good rainbow trout and grayling action here. Portions of river upstream of the community of Talkeetna is best with the majority of anglers using river boats to access the best fishing; a few hike-in anglers have done quite well too. Beads and streamers are prime.

 

October 14, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Mottled beads and flesh and forage flies are producing some good to excellent opportunities for trout and char from the outlet of Kenai Lake downstream to the Skilak Lake inlet. There are still a few reds spawning in sloughs and other parts of the drainage. As for silvers, some fair to good action may be had at dawn in slow water sections from the Russian River confluence downstream to the lake; use colorful streamers or spinners.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Salmon anglers are doing decent these days with most activity upstream of Bing’s Landing, but a few fish are also found down to tidewater. Key to success is be on the water early, fish slow or quiet water sections next to main current, use large streamer flies, plugs, or spinners, and move around until fish are found. Trout and char fishing is also productive still, particularly in areas of the river below Skilak Lake to just above Bing’s Landing.

KASILOF RIVER:  Sometimes a hit-and-miss fishery this time of year, anglers floating the river from the upper launch near Tustumena Lake down to the Sterling Highway bridge may get into some very good salmon and trout fishing. Fresh silvers are still around in fair numbers and steelhead are there continuously until freeze-up. Using plugs or large orange beads may yield some good days here.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Steelheaders are doing quite well, 8mm beads and forage flies responsible for most catches. Small purple spoons and large, black leech patterns can be hot at times. Fish may be located from tidewater to many miles into headwater areas with most action recently having been a few miles up the drainages. Dolly Varden are being caught in fair to good numbers depending on specific hole or run.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The mouths or confluences of clearwater tributaries are yielding some quite good catches for anglers targeting rainbows, grayling, and Dolly Varden. Anywhere from Willow Creek up to the Talkeetna area has been worthwhile and sometimes exceptional. As meltwater cedes and water begins to clear, the mainstem Susitna should be productive.

KASHWITNA RIVER:  Scouting deeper parts of this normally glacial river now flowing clear could offer anglers a good shot at late-season trout and grayling. Anglers have been catching a decent number of fish from the highway bridge down to the Susitna confluence using 8mm beads, forage/flesh flies, and small spinners.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  Some very good fishing can be had here for rainbows, grayling, and Dollies. Scout sections of water upstream of the town, casting beads and forage/flesh flies or small spinners. If no hits in one location, quickly move on until a concentration of fish can be found. A few chums and silvers are still spawning but most of these runs are dying off.

BYERS CREEK:  Fair to good opportunities present here for rainbows and a few whitefish, with most fish now holding in deep holes or pools near the stream mouth and immediately below in the Chulitna River. Most salmon have completed spawning here so focus on trying flesh or forage flies and spinners.

GULKANA RIVER:  This river is in its last stage for this season concerning fishing as ice is beginning to form after a series of cold nights. However, some decent catches for grayling are being had using spinners and forage flies, even beads. There may also be rainbows and a few steelhead available. Try the section of river from Paxson Lake outlet downstream to the first rapids.

 

October 5, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Good to excellent opportunities still abound for rainbows and Dollies here with a few whitefish also being caught. As usual, washed out beads and flesh/forage flies are top producers this time of year. Scant success for late-run silvers yet but some are being caught on flies and spinners; find them anywhere there is slow-moving water.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Very good fishing available still with anglers scoring some nice trout and char in the “middle” river section between the lake and Bing’s Landing. Anglers targeting late-run silvers have been getting some fish here and there from Soldotna on upstream; success is determined largely by being able to find a pocket of fish–move around. Good catches are possible with lack of angling pressure.

SWANSON RIVER, LAKES:  The lakes along Swanson River Road are producing some good and steady trout and char fishing. A canoe or kayak is the way to go in most locations but fish may also be caught from shore. The river is good for rainbows and smaller number of Dollies; try the middle and upper sections using flies and spinners. A few nice silvers are present still.

KASILOF RIVER:  Steelhead and some silvers are staging in select holes in the upper river. Best way to get to these fish is by watercraft. When concentrations of fish are located, use plugs for the salmon as well as the trout. Large beads (12+mm) will also take steelhead.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  These waters are producing a steady, albeit sometimes slow, bite for steelhead trout. The morning hours are prime with some good catches possible but generally it is only fair. Dolly Varden account for some decent fishing too. Beads and streamers are best but certain spoons and spinners can be deadly as well.

KACHEMAK BAY/HOMER SPIT:  Anglers in various watercraft–including kayaks–are getting a fair number of feeder king salmon off the end of the spit. Some of these fish are also within casting distance of shore. Now through the month and November is the prime time to target them.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, GOOSE, MONTANA CREEKS:  Although anglers have done well in the middle sections of these Parks Highway streams, catches are more sporadic and generally better lower down in the drainages. The Susitna confluence areas have produced some good fish recently. Use an assortment of flesh and forage flies for trout, grayling, and char.

KASHWITNA RIVER:  Flowing semi-glacial to somewhat clear these days, the rainbows and grayling here have been quite active. There are still fish present in the middle reaches but may be caught all the way down to the river mouth. Beads, flies, and spinners all work.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  Cool autumn weather has this river flowing low and semi-clear, revealing some fair to good fishing for rainbows, Dollies, and grayling. Late-run chums are still actively spawning so larger beads and attractors will work for all species. Hike-in fishing is very possible but most anglers access prime areas using watercraft.

BYERS CREEK:  With winter just around the corner for this Chulitna stream, anglers are still able to find good rainbow action here. Lack of angling pressure and fish concentrated in the deeper sections, success can be very good at times. Silvers are spawning; beads and flesh produce results.

GULKANA RIVER:  Good to excellent fishing for grayling presently, with the middle river up to Paxson Lake best. Fair success also for trout with an occasional steelhead always possible. Fish are beginning to move to overwintering areas. Lake trout are quite active this time of year in lakes associated with this river. Gunn Creek can be hot for grayling right before freeze-up.

 

September 30, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  As water levels are dropping with the onset of dry and cool weather, anglers have been doing very well on trout and char using a variety of enticements ranging from beads to flesh and forage flies. There are still a fair number of salmon spawning but will taper off significantly over the next couple of weeks. A few late-run silvers are beginning to show.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Rainbows and Dollies are still yielding great results to anglers on the section of water between Skilak Lake and Bing’s Landing. As usual, try beads or large flesh/forage flies. Salmon are still spawning in this area. Those targeting silvers are reporting slow to mediocre success from tidewater up to Sterling and beyond. Certain spots can be quite good at dawn; limit is 3 per day.

SWANSON RIVER:  Smaller numbers of silver salmon are present in the middle stretch of water and the best way to get to them is by floating by canoe from the Swanson River Road access point downstream to the take-out near the river mouth at Kenai Spur Highway. Expect decent action. Rainbow trout fishing has been very good using flies and small spinners.

KASILOF RIVER:  The few anglers tempting the upper section of this river have had decent fishing for silver salmon and steelhead trout. Large beads and plugs are the things to use here this time of year. Drift from the put-in near Tustumena Lake down to Sterling Highway, scouting holes and pools for concentration of fish. No reports of much action on the lower river around Crooked Creek.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  The recent spell of dry and cool weather resulted in low and clear water conditions on these peninsula streams. Anglers hitting the water at break of dawn have done well, scoring some nice steelhead and char. Success ranges from fair to very good, depending on location. Very few silvers are left.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, GOOSE, MONTANA CREEKS:  Resident species such as trout, char, and grayling are in the process of moving to their overwintering areas. The lower end and the Susitna confluence seem to be spots of choice for anglers and fish. Use flesh and forage flies as well as spinners. Catch rates range from spotty to good; move around until fish are found.

KASHWITNA RIVER:  Water conditions here have improved greatly, revealing a mixed opportunity consisting of mainly trout and grayling. Beads, forage/streamer flies, and spinners have resulted in some good catches this week. The stretch of water from the Parks Highway crossing downstream to the river mouth is best.

BYERS CREEK:  Good rainbow trout fishing is possible on this stream from the highway crossing to the Chulitna confluence. Scout deeper water for concentrations of fish. A variety of offerings will work, focusing on beads, flesh/forage flies, and spinners.

GULKANA RIVER:  Dry and cool weather has this river flowing low and clear. The middle river section below Paxson Lake is producing good to excellent fishing for grayling but there are fair numbers of nice rainbow trout available also. An odd steelhead may show up. Salmon runs have finished.

 

September 23, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  With the salmon spawn quickly wrapping up for the year, anglers are starting to do very well using other offerings besides beads, such as flesh and forage flies. Rainbows and Dollies are plentiful all the way from the Kenai Lake outlet downstream to the inlet at Skilak Lake. Very few silvers are being caught but there should be late-run fish showing by next week.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Like elsewhere on the peninsula, the sockeye spawn is largely finished and the trout and char are beginning to move back into the Kenai for the season. But there will be pockets of fish still, providing good opportunity through the month and into October. Use washed-out beads or flesh/forage flies. A few silvers remain.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Target the “middle” section of water above Bing’s Landing for rainbows and Dollies using the typical autumn menu of beads and flesh flies. Still a fair number of reds and pinks spawning but most of the runs are dying off. Anglers soaking eggs and tossing spinners at dawn are finding some fair to good opportunities for silvers in and around Sterling, Soldotna, and the tidewater holes near the river mouth.

SWANSON RIVER:  Floating the middle section of river from the Swanson River Road access point downstream to tidewater should prove a great choice for a combination of silver salmon and rainbow trout with a few char in the mix as well. Although the silver run is less than stellar this year, lack of angling pressure and fish concentrated in deep sections, action can range from fair to very good.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  As long as the water is not too high and muddy from seasonal rains, anglers will find fair to good steelhead trout fishing here using beads and streamers. The fish are spread out from tidal areas upstream for many miles so plenty of water to scout. Dolly Varden can be abundant in some locations providing good sport. Very few silvers left down low.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  While productive fishing can be had anywhere along these streams, many trout and other resident species have begun their migration downstream. The lower portion of these waters have yielded good success some days using an assortment of lures and flies, provided the water stays low and clear. Scout for concentrations of fish. Salmon runs have ended.

KASHWITNA RIVER:  As the water clears and drops with the onset of cooler temperatures this weekend, this river could offer some very good opportunities for trout and grayling starting early next week. Beads and egg/flesh/forage flies in addition to spinners will work. Very few silvers present.

BYERS CREEK:  A long haul for most anglers, this stream is largely immune from the muddy water conditions plaguing other locations, with rainbows supporting very decent catches this time of year. Scout holes and pools from the highway crossing downstream to the mouth using beads, flies, and spinners. Spawning salmon are present still.

GULKANA RIVER:  Good to excellent opportunities on the middle river for grayling using flies and spinners. Some catches of rainbow trout also with a few steelhead always a possibility from now on until freeze-up. The late-run of reds is practically over with most salmon now spawning in the upper river near Summit Lake. Gunn Creek is a hot spot for autumn grayling.

ROBE RIVER:  This Valdez area stream typically has a good run of silvers lasting through the month and into October. Bright fish are being caught with local anglers using a variety of fly patterns. Scout section of water from the highway crossing downstream to Lowe river confluence. A few silvers remain in the port/harbor area but success is slow to spotty.

 

September 15, 2016:

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  The annual salmon spawn is ongoing, resulting in excellent bead and egg imitation fly fishing for rainbows and Dolly Varden. Anglers should do very well from now on into October throughout the length of the river. Very few silvers are being caught as the early run has entered spawning tributaries and the late run has yet to arrive.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Good fishing here for rainbows and Dollies both, beads and egg imitation flies doing best, but flesh flies are increasingly effective as the reds have peaked spawning and now dying off. The lower river and confluence area has the best bite. Hit the river at dawn for decent opportunity for silver salmon.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Great trout and char action may be experienced right now from outlet of Skilak Lake downstream to Bing’s Landing. Reds and pinks are spawning and dying so hot items include any type of egg imitations and beads. With most early run silvers having entered spawning tributaries, salmon anglers should focus on the tides and lower end of river for incoming late-run fish; use spinners and eggs. Fair success is reported.

SWANSON RIVER:  Although the silver run here has peaked, there are still a decent number of fish entering the river and available upstream to Swanson River Road and beyond. Fishing for rainbow trout is good to excellent on the middle and upper river sections using flies and spinners.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  When water conditions are right, anglers have been doing quite well on steelhead trout on the lower streams near tidewater. An assortment of lures and flies work with beads and black streamers best when water is low and clear, corkies and larger streamer patterns when water is more high and colored. Some silvers continue to show but success is poor.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  When water clears up and drops here, expect trout and grayling action to be fair to very good. Some fish are starting to move downstream to lower reaches and the Susitna confluence but the mid-sections should be the best bet for a while yet. Very few decent silvers left; most are upstream at spawning areas.

KASHWITNA RIVER:  As weather cools and rain holds up, this river could be excellent for rainbows and grayling starting this weekend. Egg imitations and spinners usually do very well here in fall. Salmon runs are largely done for the year but a few silvers are still arriving.

BYERS CREEK:  This Chulitna tributary offers good fall rainbow fishing in relative solitude and may be a great option if other area waters are running high and muddy. Scout deep holes and pools of the lower stream. Some salmon, primarily silvers, are present but getting dark in color.

GULKANA RIVER:  Excellent grayling fishing available on the middle river section between Paxson Lake and the forks as long as the water is low and clear. A fair number of rainbows and occasional steelhead are being caught. A few late-run red salmon persist.

PORT VALDEZ:  Anglers are catching a few silvers in the boat harbor and there are small pockets of salmon cruising the beaches around Allison Point and the Solomon Gulch Creek area. Spinners generally works best this time of year but snagging is an option too. Nearby Robe River has fair to good fishing for silvers and Dollies; try the mouth or search holes upstream at dawn.

 

September 8, 2016:

PORTAGE CREEK:  As rains have ceased yet again and water levels are dropping, anglers can expect to find some decent silver fishing throughout the stream. Focus effort anywhere there is some slack water next to the main current using salmon roe. Given the low angling pressure this time of year, expect to see some action.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Excellent trout and char fishing here, anglers doing best using 8mm beads in various colors, but do not forget flesh and forage pattern flies as these can be dynamite at times too as salmon begin to die off. Most effort is taking place between Sportsman’s Landing and Jim’s Landing.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  If skilled at sight-fishing, this clearwater river should present good opportunities this weekend for silver salmon. The run is peaking and best action occurs in holes of the lower river at dawn. Rainbows and dollies are still providing entertainment throughout the drainage but typically best near the campgrounds and at the confluence.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  With reds and pinks actively spawning in the mid-section of the river upstream of Bing’s Landing, the trout and char bite is intense right now. Like the upper Kenai, beads are working best. A lot of the attention is from smaller fish but a few specimens weighing in the teens have been caught and released recently. There are a few early-run silvers left, particularly at the mouth of spawning tributaries, but the late run is starting into the lower end of the river.

SWANSON RIVER:  Recent reports from here has ranged from slow to very good, depending on the day, tide, and location on river. Small schools of silvers are continuing to enter the river on each tide and salmon roe and spinners has been working. Anglers floating from the Swanson River Road access point downstream to tidewater should see some great opportunities for salmon as well as trout.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS, KASHWITNA RIVER:  With most pinks and chums having completed spawning and become a thing of the past, the few silvers present have not drawn any significant autumn trout opportunities. Rainbows as well as grayling and some dollies are present in varying numbers in the middle stream sections, yielding fair to excellent fishing. Beads are working to some extent but flesh and forage patterns are proving equally–if not more–effective at times.

BYERS CREEK, EAST FORK CHULITNA RIVER:  These two locations are some of the last productive silver salmon locations in the Susitna Valley, with Byers generally being the better bet for numbers of fish. Although runs are down here like elsewhere in the region, lack of angling pressure and low, clear water means a decent shot at getting some fish. Spawning reds and chums are still on the scene, drawing some good trout opportunities. East Fork can be good for rainbows this time of year also.

GULKANA RIVER:  When water is low and clear, anglers are finding some late-season red salmon in the middle river and limits are possible still with some effort. Excellent grayling action is to be expected in areas downstream of Paxson Lake and rainbows are striking in addition to an occasional steelhead trout.

PORT VALDEZ:  With the busy holiday weekend over, effort targeting silver salmon is minimal but there are some fish to be had. The small boat harbor has a fair gathering of silvers with a few late chums mixed in; anglers casting spinners or snagging can do quite well. Across the port, at and around Allison Point, there are small schools cruising the beaches and available to anglers. Do not forget to try the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek on the tides. Nearby Robe River has a fair number of silvers passing through.

 

September 1, 2016:

PORTAGE CREEK:  With the recent good weather, this glacial stream has dropped, providing anglers with some decent opportunities for late-run silver salmon. Any spot from the mouth of Williwaw Creek downstream to tidewater will hold a few fish; the key to success is to use salmon roe and move around from hole to hole until fish are found. A few chums are still present.

PTARMIGAN CREEK:  This rather small, semi-glacial tributary of the southeastern end of Kenai Lake has productive sport for trout and char. Beads and egg imitation flies are catching fish between the spawning reds.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Kings and reds are spawning, providing an excellent bead bite for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Fish are being caught throughout the drainage but the better action often occurs in that section between the Russian River confluence and Skilak Lake inlet. A few silver salmon are moving through the river as well and provide some fair catches in places.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Good bead fishing for rainbows and dollies also available here as salmon are spawning. Hit the river early and move around as this tends to be a popular place with the trout crowd. The stretch of water in front of the campgrounds downstream to the river mouth and ferry crossing is most active with fish and anglers alike. For more solitude, hit the upper river between the lakes. Spotting silvers in the lower river can be very good at first light.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Excellent angling for rainbows and dollies upstream of Bing’s Landing as salmon are starting to spawn. Silver fishing is mediocre with some catches made at mouth of clearwater tributaries, sloughs, and and other calm spots along the main current. Good numbers of pinks present in the middle river section but many are in or near spawning condition; relatively few bright or semi-bright specimens left. A trickle of reds keeps moving through.

SWANSON RIVER:  Fair to good action here for silvers in the lower and middle river sections. Focus on the tides using eggs and spinners for fresh salmon or scout parts of the middle river for schools of fish using a canoe. The middle and upper reaches has good to excellent rainbow trout fishing available.

FISH, COTTONWOOD CREEKS:  While the summer salmon runs have largely passed through the areas open to salmon fishing on these waters, those venturing to go trout fishing will find some worthwhile opportunities in the middle and upper sections. Use a variety of flies as well as beads. If still wanting salmon, there are still small numbers of silvers coming in on the tides.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  A few silvers are arriving here but fishing for them has been spotty and inconsistent; however, there could still be small pockets of fish that could provide good but short-lived action. The best fishing these days is for rainbow trout and grayling upstream of the road crossings; key spots include where salmon are dropping eggs. Nearby Kashwitna River can also be good for trout and grayling as water starts to clear.

SUNSHINE, RABIDEUX, BYERS CREEKS:  These small, clearwater drainages of the Susitna have a tendency to produce some decent late-season catches of silvers. With angling pressure being very light to non-existent, expect the few fish present to be aggressive. Look for fair to good fishing for trout and grayling in upper reaches.

GULKANA RIVER:  The late run of reds is at a peak here but numbers are still lagging a bit. If waters stay low and clear, sight-fishing should be productive using a variety of streamer and nymph flies; the middle river section is doing best right now. Grayling, as always, are doing superbly between Sourdough and Paxson Lake. Rainbows are present in decent numbers and do not be surprised to hook a steelhead this time of year.

PORT VALDEZ:  For Southcentral salmon anglers, Valdez is the usual haunt for Labor Day weekend. Fish are being caught in fair numbers with a few limits being achieved with plenty of persistence. Allison Point anglers are doing well casting large spinners and those by the city dock do best using herring. As more silvers arrive, some good catches could be made this weekend. If all else fails, snagging silvers in the harbor is another option. Late-run chums are present and some fish are still chrome or semi-bright. Nearby Robe River has a small but productive run of silvers right now.

 

August 26, 2016:

GLACIER & PORTAGE CREEKS:  Steady and consistent catches of silver salmon are being made in these two Turnagain waters, with best opportunities awarded to those venturing out in early morning or right around high tides. There is no great abundance of fish but anglers may score a quick limit if using the right thing at the right place. Salmon roe and colorful spinners usually work best. Some bright and semi-bright pinks and chums are also present.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  With the salmon spawn having started, bead fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is ranging from good to very good. The favored stretch of water seems to be from the Russian confluence downstream to Skilak Lake. A few fresh reds are still coming through, and the silver run should be peaking but catches have been fair at best.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Good trout and char action is also reported here with beads and flies the best choice. The red salmon season has closed but silvers are showing up in increasing numbers. Since the silver salmon limit here is only one fish, anglers generally do very well. Scan the deeper holes and runs of the lower river at dawn; sight-fishing can be exceptional.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Good to excellent catches of trout and char are being made on the “middle” stretch of water upstream of Bing’s Landing. As salmon have started spawning, beads or any egg-imitation fly works best. There are a lot of pinks around still, a decent number of them being chrome to semi-bright, with the best fishing occurring upstream of Soldotna and the Sterling area. A state record pink was landed earlier this week, just shy of the 14-pound mark, and many trophies are being reported this year. Anglers targeting reds are still finding a few chrome specimens but this run is rapidly coming to an end. As for silvers, fair success is the norm these days; try in early morning using eggs and spinners.

SWANSON RIVER:  This lake-fed drainage is a great spot this time of year targeting silver salmon. Catches have ranged from fair to excellent depending on the day with successful anglers focusing on the tides using eggs or spinners. Good salmon opportunities can also be enjoyed higher up in the drainage if floating down with a canoe from Swanson River Road. Rainbow trout fishing can be exceptional sometimes as well in the upper river.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Dolly Varden fishing is typically good in late summer and fall on these streams, particularly in the middle and upper reaches where king salmon are currently spawning. Beads or egg-imitation flies work great but small spinners are also good. As for salmon fishing, a small number of silvers and pinks are available on the lower streams near tidewater; try around the tides or early morning using eggs and spinners. Steelhead trout are starting to appear–make sure to know the difference between these sea-run rainbows and salmon as catch-and-release only regulations are in effect on steelhead.

WASILLA & COTTONWOOD CREEKS:  While some tides can be decent for silvers with limits possible, the runs are struggling a bit here as elsewhere in the region. In Wasilla, scout deep holes upstream of tidewater at first light on Saturday. Trout fishing can be good on Cottonwood in the middle and upper areas of the stream.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  There may be some productive silver fishing in here still, particularly for those anglers scouting water away from the road access points at dawn. Use salmon roe as permitted. A few semi-bright chums are available; look for these fish low in the drainages, around the mouths. Rainbow trout and grayling action is generally good to excellent but depends on water conditions; low and clear water where salmon are spawning are hot spots. Dolly Varden–some of them quite large–may be hooked too.

RABIDEUX, SUNSHINE, BYERS CREEKS:  As these waters are lake fed they are the go-to spots for anglers when surrounding runoff streams are flooding. Silver salmon are present in decent numbers and good opportunities are possible in early morning using eggs or spinners. A few chums may be present. Rainbow trout fishing can be quite good on Byers.

GULKANA RIVER:  Grayling fishing here is typically excellent barring muddy water, the middle stretch near Paxson Lake being a favorite with anglers as the water runs clear in that area despite heavy rains. Late-run red salmon are arriving in fishable numbers and limits are possible given low and clear conditions; anywhere between the Richardson Highway bridge and Sourdough could be good. Nearby Tonsina River is seeing a modest run of silvers–try mouth of clearwater streams or sloughs anywhere downstream of Little Tonsina River confluence.

 

August 18, 2016:

GLACIER & PORTAGE CREEKS:  These glacial Turnagain Arm streams have been running high and turbid on and off for weeks due to heavy rainfall, but when water settles down should have some decent late-season silver salmon opportunities. Use eggs in slack water areas or at the confluence of clearwater tributaries. Additionally, fresh pinks and chums are still available in small to moderate numbers and striking lures and flies.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  The trout and char fishing here is heating up as salmon begin to spawn. Most anglers are drifting 8mm beads in varying color schemes to represent the abundant numbers of sockeye eggs dropping, even 10mm sizes can be hot as late-run kings are present as well. Action will only get better from now on into September. Salmon fishing is slow to fair with relatively few bright reds remaining and silvers not showing in strength yet.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Hit this popular river in early morning, targeting the small number of fresh reds and silvers holding in deeper holes and runs using streamer flies. The lower river below the campground and the Kenai confluence is the best bet. Remember, the red season ends August 20 and the bag limit for silvers is one fish per day. For rainbow and dollies, search for them throughout the river, including around the fish cleaning stations at the river mouth; good opportunities abound.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Good numbers of bright and semi-bright pink salmon are available on the lower end of the drainage in areas right above tidewater. Large, fluorescent lures, plugs, and flies are very effective on these salmon that may top 9 pounds. Several trophy-sized pinks have been landed this season. The red salmon run has dwindled this week but should provide some entertainment in the right spot at the right time. Many fish are turning but a few chrome specimens remain and will be available well into autumn. As for silvers, anglers soaking eggs and tossing spinners in slack water locations at first light are doing quite well with fishing being fair to good at this time as the early run continues to build. Trout and char fishing is good with the best bite now centered on the stretch of water upstream of Sterling.

NINILCHIK, ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  The late summer runs of silver salmon are entering these waters and anglers report good action. Drift clusters of salmon roe at dawn through deep holes and pools, although spinners and streamer flies work well too. This weekend should prove worthwhile but anglers need to be aware of heavy rainfall that typically turn these waters to mud. On a separate note, steelhead trout are beginning to enter freshwater and anglers need to know the difference between these supreme sport fish and silver salmon.

FISH, WASILLA, COTTONWOOD CREEKS:  These Knik Arm drainages are flowing clear despite the rains and anglers are rewarded with some decent catch rates for silver salmon. Fish Creek is open to fishing daily following an emergency order but the number of silver salmon present varies by the day and tide. Some reds are still available as the run continues through the month. Cottonwood can be a bit tough but both silvers and reds are present. For the adventurous angler, search out rainbow and dollies in the upper reaches of these streams for some good action. Nearby Jim Creek is closed to salmon fishing by emergency order as of August 20.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  When the water here runs low and clear, anglers will find decent opportunities for salmon. Modest numbers of silver salmon are showing and can be caught throughout the length of the river open to salmon fishing and bright chums are still entering the system. The first part of the weekend will probably yield the best action before the next heavy rainfall colors the river and slows success yet again.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  Plagued by high and turbid water conditions recently that has slowed any productive fishing, a break from heavy late-summer rain will likely reveal fair to good silver salmon catches along with a trickle of semi-bright chums. Rainbow trout and grayling will prove good to excellent as well, particularly in the middle and upper reaches of these drainages; use beads and flesh flies.

CASWELL, SUNSHINE, RABIDEUX, BYERS CREEKS:  As these Susitna tributaries are lake-influenced and not as prone to major flooding and associated turbidity, anglers can expect some good and steady silver salmon fishing. Try the mouths or lower reaches using eggs, spinners, and flies, the early morning being best. A couple of these locations may still hold a few decent red salmon. Rainbow trout success typically ranges from fair to excellent this time of year, always being best in areas near the highway crossings or above.

GULKANA RIVER:  Apart from ongoing excellent grayling fishing in the middle and upper reaches, late-run red salmon are entering the lower river in fair numbers and should increase in productivity over the next week to ten days barring high and turbid water conditions. Nearby Tonsina River is presently seeing a small return of silver salmon and this run will continue to build through the month and on into September.

 

August 11, 2016:

SHIP, BIRD, & CAMPBELL CREEKS:  Historically at the peak of the silver salmon run, these streams have not been performing according to expectations this season. Some fish are being caught on the tides or at dawn in various deep holes and pools using clusters of salmon roe. Limits are possible but only a few skilled or lucky anglers manage this feat, most walking home with one or two fish. A few chums remain in Ship and Bird; the pink runs have ended for this year. Trout and char fishing is good in upper parts of Campbell Creek.

PORTAGE CREEK:  There is a good run of chums underway in this glacial stream but fishing for them has ranged from poor to very good depending on the day and spot. Many fish are still bright or semi-bright and are falling for clusters of salmon eggs or fluorescent lures fished slowly through holding areas away from the main current. Some early silvers are also being caught, though these salmon should increase in abundance in another ten days or so.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Although the silver salmon derby is getting underway in Seward, the silvers have failed to show in any numbers yet at the head of the bay. Pinks and chums remain the most abundant salmon species still, the relative hot spot currently being the marine waters off the mouth of Tonsina Creek on the Caines Head trail. Expect fair to good opportunities for semi-bright fish; most salmon in this run are starting to turn. Surf-casting for bottomfish is still good.

QUARTZ CREEK:  Good to excellent catches of Dolly Varden along with a few rainbow trout are being reported at this Kenai Lake tributary. Spawning red salmon are present in decent numbers in the lower and middle sections with beads working best on the char. Ptarmigan Creek, on the eastern side of the lake, should begin seeing some nice catches soon as well.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  With only a week or so remaining of the red salmon salmon season, anglers are struggling to find very productive action here. However, numbers of fish entering the drainage has increased the last few days with some anglers easily limiting out in the early morning hours when the reds are actively moving out of the confluence area. Those skilled at sight-fishing can do very well. Additionally, anglers flipping in the sanctuary across from the island are finding some nice fish. Bright specimens are still common but many salmon are beginning to turn. A few silvers are starting to show. For good trouting, head upstream above the campground using a variety of enticements, from dry flies to dark streamers.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  While action is only fair targeting reds, the main species this time of season is rainbow trout. With an increasing number of spawning salmon showing up, the bead action is getting to be very good. Also Dolly Varden and a handful of silvers are being picked up.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  The late run of pinks have entered the river in large numbers and fishing for them is excellent. Although found from Skilak Lake to Cook Inlet, the best fishing by far is on the lower end of the river, both in terms of fish abundance and quality. Red salmon continue to arrive in decent numbers and fair to good success may be had depending on the day and location. Quite a few of the reds are blushing, even when fresh off the tides, but chrome specimens are available. Silver salmon opportunities are spotty, some days being quite decent while slow going on others.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Some catches of silver salmon are being made but nothing hot to report yet. Try fishing on the tides and the deep holes and runs immediately above tidewater in early morning using eggs and spinners. These runs are still building in strength and should perform better in another week or so. Good success for Dolly Varden may be enjoyed in the upper sections of these waters in areas where king and pink salmon are currently spawning.

FISH CREEK:  With the season opener this coming weekend (Aug. 13/14), angler should expect some worthwhile silver fishing in this Knik Arm stream. The run looks very healthy thus far, prompting an emergency order to allow fishing seven days a week and a bag limit of three silver salmon. Red salmon are in the mix as well. Hit the water early, at dawn, using eggs and spinners. Streamer flies can be deadly on schools of fish migrating between holes.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD CREEKS:  These Wasilla-area salmon streams should have some quite productive moments the next two or three weeks for silvers, with successful anglers being on the water at dawn floating eggs. As with nearby Fish Creek, these waters have seen an increase in bag limit for silvers from two to three fish. Note, however, that days salmon fishing is allowed is Saturday through Monday only. A few reds may be present too. The upper portion of Cottonwood has some good opportunities for rainbow trout using flies.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  The recent rains have brought a good group of silvers out of the tidewater area and into the lower river off Burma Road. Decent catches are being made with some anglers achieving limits of two fish. Use bait, especially if the water is murky like it has been recently. Chums are available in good numbers, particularly in the middle and upper river sections, although many fish are in full spawning colors so it takes a fair amount of catch-and-release to find bright specimens.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  Fair catches of silver and chum salmon here, with eggs and spinners working on both. The mouths of these streams are preferred by many anglers as the salmon tend to be in better shape compared to waters higher up around the road crossings. The general rule of being on the water at dawn for best success still applies. If water is high and murky, seek out slower moving water. When water is clear, rainbow trout and grayling action is good to excellent in middle and upper reaches.

CASWELL, RABIDEUX, SUNSHINE CREEKS:  These often overlooked waters can yield very good salmon fishing when other locations are too high and muddy as they are mainly lake-influenced and not run-off creeks. Try fishing at the mouths where the clear water mixes with the silty Susitna River as schools of all salmon species hang here. Presently, silver salmon is the main target.

GULKANA RIVER:  When water is low and clear, anglers will find some of the best grayling fishing in the state here. The stretch of river between Sourdough and Paxson Lake can be stupendous for fish up to 18 inches or more using flies and small spinners. Rainbow trout will also be available. The late run of red salmon is slowly beginning to work its way into the lower river downstream of Sourdough and expected to hit full stride in another week to ten days.

 

August 5, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  Silvers are showing in fair numbers but the run is lagging in providing the fast and furious action so typical this time of the season. A few anglers are getting their limits of three fish but most are having to work to get even one or two. Try eggs and spinners on the tides. Small numbers of pinks and chums are available too but these salmon are rapidly starting to turn but a few bright specimens remain.

CAMPBELL CREEK:  Success rates are fair on this urban stream for anglers targeting silver salmon. Stay in the lower section of the drainage and go at dawn, casting salmon roe or spinners. Good fishing can be enjoyed for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden in the upper sections of the drainage.

BIRD CREEK:  Decent silver salmon fishing is the rule here with successful anglers hitting the incoming and high tides using spinners and roe. Productive fishing can also be enjoyed on outgoing tides drifting eggs and streamer flies in deeper portions of the stream with sight fishing possible. Some bright and semi-bright chums are being taken as well. A fair number of pinks are still around but the majority of these fish are in spawning mode.

GLACIER & PORTAGE CREEKS:  The action in these glacial Turnagain Arm streams is generally fair this time of year if wanting salmon but can be surprisingly good at times. Some bright pinks and chums remain available along with a smaller showing of silvers. Try around high tides or hit deeper holes and runs when tide is out. Use salmon roe or fluorescent lures here.

RESURRECTION & SIXMILE CREEKS:  The pink salmon run is in its final stages with the majority of the run in the spawning process; however, a few chrome specimens may still be had with some luck or dedication. Bright or semi-bright chums can be had with some regularity but many of these salmon are also changing color. Only a few silvers have shown up here.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Very few silvers have yet to hit the beaches in front of town with the best surf-casting occurring for pinks and chums at the mouth of Tonsina Creek off the Caines Head trail on the west side of the bay. Expect many fish to be blushing but there will be a decent shot at bright salmon as well. A few reds are being caught at the mouth of Scheffler Creek (Seward Lagoon outlet stream). Surf-casting for bottomfish can be very good for those with the right equipment.

KENAI RIVER:  The red salmon run continues to produce decent catches for anglers on the lower river between Skilak Lake and Cook Inlet. The limit of six fish is still in effect and some anglers are filling theirs. Being a large river, success rates can vary drastically between various sections from day to day depending on numbers of salmon entering the drainage on a daily basis and their migration rate upstream. Most fish being caught are still bright or semi-bright but there are increasing numbers of blush reds in the mix these days. Silvers are making a fair showing down low on the river, around Kenai and Soldotna, with most being caught incidentally to red salmon fishing. Targeting silvers is now a possibility using eggs and spinners at break of dawn in the usual locations. Pink salmon action is good to excellent in the tidewater and first several miles above, anglers doing well using spoons and spinners. Although the number of pinks may not be as overwhelming this year as in years past, the fish are of trophy proportions with 6- to 9-pound fish not unusual; this could be a year for challenging the state record.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  A steady pulse of silvers keep streaming into the lagoon on the tides with anglers doing quite well on some days. A few skilled anglers are getting near their six-fish limit but most only manage half of that or less. A few silvers and pinks are also being caught surf-casting off the beaches of Homer Spit, in addition to a selection of bottomfish.

FISH CREEK:  This valley stream is seeing a good return of silvers so far this season and will be open this coming weekend (Aug. 6 & 7) to a limited youth-only fishery. Regular limits and open areas apply.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER: Also here the silvers appear to be struggling a bit but some reports of good catches down low in the drainage, below the fish weir, are coming in. Still, an emergency order limiting the use of bait is now in effect. Chum salmon keep pouring in with good action possible, yet anglers are doing a lot of catch-and-release in order to find chrome fish. It is recommended to target salmon near the Burma Road access point as salmon tend to be in better shape there in contrast to those fish being caught up around Houston on the Parks Highway.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD, JIM CREEKS, EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  There are now a fair number of silvers in all of these Knik Arm drainages and anglers are catching them on salmon roe and spinners. Go early in the morning for best success. Additionally, Cottonwood and Jim creeks are seeing decent catches of red salmon.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, CASWELL, MONTANA CREEKS:  Lot of chums still around in these locations but many of them are turning color. To attempt bright or semi-bright fish, focus down low in the drainages and the Susitna confluences. Silvers are being caught with anglers limiting on fish at dawn and dusk using salmon roe and spinners; not a great abundance of these fish yet, however. Trout fishing is excellent in the upper reaches of these waters and fair to good for grayling and char.

BYERS CREEK:  This Chulitna River tributary is experiencing a decent push of red salmon at this time and there is a good mix of blush chums to be had as well. Expect to do fair to good. Also, the first few silvers should start into the stream any day now. Rainbow trout fishing is productive in some of the deeper holes.

GULKANA RIVER:  Those hiking into the remote middle section of river or floating down from Paxson Lake are finding great opportunities for grayling along with a smaller number of rainbows. A few reds are filtering through still but should increase shortly with the arrival of the late run in another week or so.

 

July 28, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  Fair to decent fishing here for pinks and silvers. Each tide is different but more successful reports come from anglers using eggs and spinners around tidal changes. Look for silvers to begin peaking starting next week. Nearby Campbell Creek might be worth a look for silvers in early morning hours between Jewel Lake Road and Taku-Campbell Lake.

BIRD CREEK:  The pink salmon return here has been far less than normal for an even-numbered year but action can still be decent, although many of the salmon are turning color and anglers are encouraged to catch-and-release until finding bright ones. Chums are also present and providing fair opportunities, particularly if sightfishing the stream following high tide. Silver action ranges from quite good to poor; this run should peak beginning next week.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  Good numbers of pinks present but anglers are having to sort through many fish in order to find chrome specimens. Try the tidewater holes following high tide flipping flies or fish incoming and outgoing tides using spoons, jigs, and spinners. Fair number of chums available too. Silvers reported but these salmon typically do not show in any numbers until mid-August.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Good and steady opportunities await for anglers targeting pinks and chums in this area. Try the west side, around beaches and points on incoming tides. The mouth of Tonsina Creek on the Caines Head Trail can be hot for these species this time of year. The Spring Creek fishery off Nash Road is slowing down for chums and reds. Surf-casting for bottomfish (including small halibut and rockfish) is fair to good in waters along Lowell Point Road and near the Sea Life Center.

QUARTZ CREEK:  Spawning red salmon are now present in small numbers throughout much of the drainage and the fishing for Dolly Varden is quite good in the lower and middle stream sections. Expect better action to be had later on in August as more salmon arrive. Use 6 to 8mm beads.

KENAI RIVER:  Red salmon have been returning to this watershed in varied numbers as of late with success at the time of this report ranging from very slow to good depending on angler experience and location. Fishing could still be excellent around Soldotna and Sterling this weekend if a slug of fish makes it past the commercial and dip netters; the upper river near Cooper Landing is fair for reds. Go early in the day for best results. King salmon fishing is fair and a few have been caught off the bank the past couple of weeks. Pink salmon are returning, albeit not in huge numbers yet. Expect fair to good opportunities down low in the drainage, near tidewater. A few silvers have been caught too. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good throughout the river.

HOMER SPIT & DUDIAK LAGOON:  Surf-casting for salmon and bottomfish can be very productive in this area in late July and early August. Pinks and silvers are being caught off beaches and in the lagoon, particularly on the tides. The lagoon, in particular, is reporting decent catches of silvers on herring and eggs. Flounders and other saltwater species continue to be abundant off the end of the spit.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Quite strong numbers of chum salmon are moving through the lower river near Burma Road and fishing for them has been good or better the last few days. This run should be peaking now and into next week. Silver reports are less encouraging but some fish are being taken on eggs in the early morning. Salmon opportunities up around Houston is improving but still several days away from a peak.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  Excellent success rates continue for chums and pinks in these locations, particularly at the confluence with Susitna River. Expect a good number of salmon to be blush and colored so catch-and-release rules in locating bright specimens. Silvers are being caught with limits possible, especially in the lower drainages; use eggs and spinners in early morning. Rainbow trout fishing is very good in many upstream areas of these waters.

PORT VALDEZ:  The pink salmon run here has peaked in quality but the quantity keeps building. As elsewhere, release the darker fish in targeting brighter ones. Allison Point and waters near the hatchery are hot spots but salmon can be found most anywhere around the port these days. Cast medium-sized spoons and spinners for quick hook-ups. A few chums are showing near the harbor but no reports of silvers off the beaches yet. Nearby Robe River has a good run of pinks and Dolly Varden this time of year.

 

July 21, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  Not really hot yet but definitely beginning to pick up for pinks and silvers along with a few chums. Spinners are nailing some fish on the tides and anglers drifting roe with or without a bobber are managing silvers. Some tides are good, some slow but steadily improving. Limits of salmon is possible for those with patience.

BIRD CREEK:  The most abundant species in this Turnagain stream continue to be pinks and chums, both of which provide good to excellent opportunities at this time. Drift flies through deep holes on low tide or cast spoons, spinners, and flies around high tide. Silvers are still not very plentiful but a few limits are being taken; salmon roe and spinners work on high water during tides, yarn flies on low tide.

GLACIER CREEK:  Located in Girdwood, this silty stream is producing a good number of pinks with a few chums mixed in. No reports of silvers yet but a few are typically around by now. Search out deeper sections with slower current. Dolly Varden are aggressive near the stream mouth.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  Still running a bit high and swift, anglers are experiencing excellent pink salmon action here. The tides have been best but good opportunities may be found in upstream holes as well. Casting pink or orange spoons and spinners and drifting jigs on high tide can be deadly. There are also enough chums in the stream now to be interesting; purple, green, or black flies and lures work. Very few silvers yet.

PASSAGE CANAL:  A few kings still roam area waters but it is the arrival of pinks and chums that matters here going forward. Cast spoons and spinners off the beach at the head of the canal or go to Cove (Kelsey) Creek. Some anglers report fair to good fishing for a variety of bottomfish in deeper water in front of town.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Good fishing can be had for chums and pinks around the bay, with the former doing best at the mouths of Spring and Tonsina creeks, the latter along the rocks on the east side near Lowell Point. Most are being taken by snaggers but lures do work as well. Red salmon fishing at mouth of Resurrection River is poor with a few sporadic late-run fish showing up time to time in other locations.

KENAI RIVER:  The limit of red salmon is being increased to 6 by emergency order starting at noon Friday (22nd July). Although the last several days has been slow going for most anglers around Soldotna and Sterling, good fishing is still reported in the area of water from Bing’s Landing to Skilak Lake. With the advent of large numbers of fish entering the inlet and the lower river, the action could easily spike to excellent within hours. Pink salmon are beginning to show up more regularly in the tidal area. King salmon fishing is reported as fair. The upper river, around Cooper Landing, is seeing a small but steady flow of reds heading to the Russian River and other drainages; opportunities in this area should get better next week. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good in most locations of the Kenai.

HOMER SPIT:  Casting bait and jigs off the end of the spit at Coal Point is still good for a variety of bottomfish. Halibut and skate are possible for those with proper surf-casting gear. The Dudiak Lagoon has fair to good opportunities for silvers and the run is building. Try salmon roe or herring. Pinks may be had casting spoons off beaches along the spit with fair action typical this time of season.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Good to excellent fishing may be had for chums and pinks on the lower section of river off Burma Road. An assortment of lures and flies work. Some silvers are being taken as well, generally on spinners or salmon eggs. Only a few of these species have made it as far as Houston on the Parks Highway. Anglers are reminded that the river is closed to king fishing although some specimens are still entering the river.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  Also here anglers will find good to excellent fishing for chums and pinks, primarily at the mouths of these streams. Morning and evening bite is best, fish responding very well to spoons, spinners, and flies. If wanting to keep these salmon, limits are easy to find. Some fish are starting to turn color but there are many bright and semi-bright specimens left still. Silver salmon action is fair and improving daily; catches are being made as far upstream as Montana. Rainbow trout opportunities have been very good in the upper reaches of these waters.

PORT VALDEZ:  Excellent fishing for pink salmon is available here. Anglers trying their luck on incoming, high, and outgoing tides using spoons, spinners, and even flies are reporting great action for chrome pinks. Allison Point and off the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek near the hatchery has been tops. More fish are starting to turn color so catch-and-release is the rule here targeting fresh (silvery) pinks.

 

July 15, 2016:

BIRD CREEK:  This Turnagain stream opened to fishing last Thursday (14th) and success varied. There are decent numbers of pinks available with a smaller number of chum salmon mixed in. If wanting to bring home a limit of three fish of any species, this is the spot for those wanting to stay close to town. Silver salmon are available but not to the degree of presenting good fishing yet. Dolly Varden are biting well at low tide at the mouth of the creek using small lures and bait.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  Water has dropped and cleared, revealing a good opportunity to catch fresh pinks off the tide. Some anglers are able to get their limit within minutes. Sight fishing for them can be exceptional above tidewater. A number of these fish are already turning so catch-and-release until managing chrome specimens is the rule. Chum salmon are also present and a few individual silvers should be around too. Dolly Varden fishing can be good here on high tides using smolt imitation lures and flies or bait.

PASSAGE CANAL:  Perhaps the last viable king salmon opportunity for shore-bound anglers can be found here. Fair to good catch rates of kings in the harbor area as well as on high tides at Cove (Kelsey) Creek near town. Large spinners are getting results for kings ranging from dark red to bright silver. In addition, some pinks and chums are showing up in the area, most notably at the end of the canal near the tunnel.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Snagging for reds continues to be moderately productive in waters at the head of the bay, most notably the mouth of Resurrection River and Spring Creek off Nash Road. Bright fish are still present but many are starting to blush. Chums and pinks are also being caught in these areas as well as on the other side of the bay, at the mouth of Tonsina Creek. A few hatchery kings linger at the mouth of Scheffler Creek (Seward Lagoon outlet stream).

KENAI RIVER:  Excellent opportunities abound in the lower and middle stretches of the river for red salmon. Strong and consistent numbers of fish have been entering the river daily and some anglers are limiting on three reds in as little as 30 minutes. Anywhere around Soldotna and Sterling should be hot. The size average of these fish has seemed to increased over the last several days, indicating that mainstem Kenai reds are now dominating the run. Also, king salmon fishing is good for those with a boat; however, a few kings are being landed by anglers casting for reds from shore. The upper river, near Cooper Landing, is seeing an increase in red numbers as well but the peak of the run here is still ten days away. Some late-run fish are appearing at the mouth of Russian River. Nearby Kasilof River has been rather inconsistent for reds but typically should start seeing large returns in another week or so.

HOMER SPIT:  Anglers casting off the end of the spit at Coal Point are experiencing excellent success for a variety of bottomfish, such as flounder, pollock, and giant sculpin. A few Pacific cod and occasional halibut and skate are also being caught, primarily by anglers using proper surf-casting gear. Silvers and pinks are now cruising the beaches around the spit along with greater numbers of red salmon. The Dudiak Lagoon is seeing the last few kings of the season along with a fair number of silver salmon; try the tidal changes using spinners or herring.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  The river is now closed to king fishing for the year but other species are beginning to show. Good numbers of chum salmon are showing on the lower river and are in their prime right now. This run will peak within the next couple of weeks and excellent action should prevail shortly. Pinks and silvers are being caught in lesser numbers but they are present along with a few late-run reds.

WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  When water conditions cooperate, the rainbow trout fishing can be very good to excellent and expect a fair number of grayling to be hooked as well. The best opportunity for these species are in the middle and upper reaches of the drainages. Kings in the area will begin spawning shortly and the trout will be there to feast. As for other salmon, smaller numbers of pinks and chums are showing at the stream mouths with an early silver always possible. Look for these species to show in force in another week to ten days.

GULKANA RIVER:  Good fishing can still be had for reds on the Gulkana, primarily in the middle/upper reaches near Sourdough or above. Targeting rainbow trout and grayling can bring good to excellent results. Nearby Klutina River is seeing a small but steady flow of reds and anglers being patient enough are usually rewarded with a few fish. Reminder: Both the Gulkana and Klutina rivers are closed to king salmon fishing.

PORT VALDEZ:  Large numbers of pink salmon hit the Allison Point area earlier in the week and are now plugging the waters around the hatchery. Anglers snagging off the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek are taking relatively easy limits and anglers casting large, flashy lures are doing well too. Incoming, high, and outgoing tides have produced limits for many people. The peak of this run should occur in the next week or so but now is the time to harvest chrome pinks. Some pinks are also entering Robe River at the edge of town; try the Lowe confluence area.

 

July 6, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  Anglers have the opportunity to score a mixed bag of salmon here. Kings still offer fair action on the tides and are hitting both eggs and spinners. The season for kings run through July 13. A few silvers and pinks have been caught, generally by anglers targeting kings. The runs of these fish should improve substantially within the next couple of weeks.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  Fair success rate for kings here, mainly on salmon roe drifted below a bobber in very early morning. Good number of fish present but most are quite dark in color and reluctant to bite; however, a few bright or semi-bright salmon remain for persistent or lucky anglers. A few reds, chums, and silvers should be appearing shortly. Look to nearby Jim and Cottonwood creeks to tap red salmon any day now.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Recent emergency orders have opened the river to retention of kings seven days per week and also allowed the use of bait. Fair to good success rates for salmon averaging 15 to 25 pounds. Lower river near Burma Road holds the best opportunity for fresh kings, the middle river below Houston primarily yields blushed to red fish. Early morning has the best bite. Smaller number of reds, chums, and pinks are available. Rumors of silvers caught.

WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  Barred heavy rains and high, muddy water, the fishing for rainbow trout and grayling is very good in these streams. Hike upstream, above the highway crossings, and scout for presence of salmon. Decent catches of trout in the mid-20s range possible. The king salmon season has ended for this year.

EAST FORK CHULITNA RIVER:  Good catch-and-release fishing for kings available as long as water remains clear. Best catches made low in the drainage, around mouth and the confluence of Honolulu Creek. Most fish are blushed to one degree or another but a few semi-bright specimens are present. This river is open to king fishing through July 13. Fair to good opportunities for trout and grayling.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  Pink salmon are making a relatively strong early push into this Hope stream. Anglers skilled at sight fishing are finding very good catches here with most salmon still congregating in the lower reaches near tidewater. Scout holes right after a high tide. Recent heavy rains, however, have brought water levels up significantly and thus making fording the stream very difficult if not impossible. Water is flowing fast with a slightly greenish tint.

KENAI RIVER:  Red salmon numbers in the lower river around Sterling and Soldotna have skyrocketed the last few days, yielding good to excellent catch rates for anglers. Limits are very possible within an hour or two with some individuals managing proxy limits as well without too much effort. Drift yarn flies in various colors. The river is also open to king salmon fishing, retention allowed only in the stretch downstream of Slikok Creek to mouth. Water levels remain very high but visibility has improved. Surf-casting for halibut remains productive at the mouth along Kenai Beach, fish averaging 5 to 15 pounds. Nearby Kasilof River reports poor to fair red salmon fishing.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Dolly Varden are entering these waters in good numbers and the fishing is reflecting this. Anglers using flies, beads, and small lures are seeing success in the tidewater sections of the river and deep holes and pools immediately upstream. A few pinks are also present. The Ninilchik is also open to the retention of hatchery king salmon seven days per week (no bait, single hook lures only) but catch rates have dropped off the last week as run is coming to an end. There should be a few bright and semi-bright specimens available until the season closure on July 15, however.

HOMER SPIT:  Excellent surf-casting for various species of bottomfish at Coal Point, including pollock and flounder, with some Pacific cod and a few small halibut showing up as well. Those equipped with proper gear for long-distance casting are finding halibut and skate to 30 pounds or more. Silver and pink salmon are beginning to appear for anglers and reds frequent the near-shore waters along the spit. Dudiak Lagoon has a few remnant kings available and the first few silvers are being taken. If the silvers are early like last year, expect good numbers to be available here in another week or so.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Snagging for reds has been fair at the mouth of Resurrection River and Spring Creek, the latter also holding good opportunities for early-season chums. The daily bag limit has been upped to 12 reds by emergency order in the salt waters at the head of the bay. For kings, try the mouth of Scheffler Creek (Seward Lagoon) using spinners. The east side of the bay is starting to see decent numbers of pink salmon.

GULKANA RIVER:  If the water stays low and clear, expect to find a good shot at catching red salmon here, primarily in the middle river between Poplar Grove and  Sourdough. Drift small yarn flies or streamers to schools of fish. Grayling action is excellent in the upper reaches along with good opportunities for rainbow trout. Nearby Klutina River reports poor red salmon catches on average but a few lucky anglers may limit out still in the right time and place. Both Gulkana and Klutina are closed to king salmon fishing through the rest of the season by emergency order.

PORT VALDEZ:  Pink salmon are becoming increasingly abundant and currently offer good fishing for anglers off Allison Point and adjoining waters. The mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek can be productive at times on outgoing tides. This is a great time to go here for pinks as they are super bright and excellent table fare. This run should peak in about a week.

 

June 30, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  Kings are still coming into this downtown stream in decent numbers although the run is starting to show signs of slowing down; in addition, many of the fish are turning color but chrome salmon are still available. More jack kings are being caught as well, usually a good indicator of the run being past its peak. Anglers are scoring using spinners and eggs on the tides. A few pinks and silvers should be present by this weekend.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  Abundance of king salmon appears to be good but the action has been varied. The best catch rates continue to be during the low light hours between midnight and dawn. As is typical this time of year, many lightly blushed fish are in the tailrace, yet a small number of bright and semi-bright specimens are being caught. Try salmon roe. Expect big crowds.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Recent emergency order permitting retention of king salmon every day of the week and a seasonal limit of five has opened up opportunities on this valley stream. Good catches are being had on the middle river section but the lower end near Burma Road is definitely slowing down as the run is progressing upstream. Condition of fish range from dime bright to dark red with the lower river seeing the freshest salmon. Early morning best. Additionally, reds and a few early chums are present though fishing for them is poor at this time. The first pinks and silvers are due shortly.

WILLOW, SHEEP, & MONTANA CREEKS:  Catch-and-release only for kings here, weekends only (Saturday-Monday). Fish are moving upstream away from the confluence areas and good fishing may be had up to Parks Highway crossing. Majority of salmon are showing color; for brightest fish try low down or stream mouths. Sight-fishing is very much a possibility in these waters this time of year. Go now because this is the last weekend opener by regulation.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Generally a big disappointment this season as the early run appears to be small; however, fish may still be had for those hitting the river during low light hours when fish move up from the sanctuary. Some limits are being realized by persistent anglers. Due to lack of fish numbers, this fishery may see restrictions soon unless things turn around drastically. Rainbow trout action is fair to good.

KENAI RIVER:  Water is very high in both the upper and lower river sections, hampering angler success for salmon and trout. The lower river around Sterling and Soldotna is seeing an increasing number of red salmon with anglers putting in several hours of effort being able to walk away with limits of three fish. A decent slug of salmon hit the mouth of the river last Sunday night and could materialize in upstream areas during this week and hopefully weekend as well. It appears that the late run is taking on an earlier timing pattern this year. King salmon fishing opens from Skilak Lake to Cook Inlet starting this Friday but with bait and size restrictions.

KASILOF RIVER:  The early run of king salmon is slowing down with fair catches at best. Also, the majority of fish are turning dark. Try yarn flies in the channel right below Crooked Creek campground. Success for red salmon is fair too with anglers doing best one hour before to two hours after high tides; limits are possible with honest effort. Starting July 1, retention of king salmon is allowed daily.

NINILCHIK RIVER:  Open daily to retention of hatchery king salmon only. Success has been mixed, ranging from mediocre to slow, with best results generally seen in early morning and around high tides. First pink salmon of the season was caught last week and increasing numbers of Dolly Varden are showing. Remember, this is a single hook, artificial lure only fishery through July 15.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  Beginning at noon Friday, July 1, the lagoon will open to snagging through July 4 and the fishing is expected to be excellent for king salmon as there are still a very healthy number of fish available, albeit the majority of the run is turning color. The bite has slowed considerably recently, hence the terminal harvest order to allow snagging. There are still chrome specimens to be had and a few new arrivals show on every tide. Typically, after a snagging order is announced, success dwindles dramatically after the first opening day. Silvers due at any time.

RESURRECTION RIVER:  This is primarily a snag fishery targeting red salmon. Success is fair on average and the run appears to have peaked; limits may still be achieved through a combination of skill and luck. Additional species, like pink and chum salmon, may start showing in the river shortly and have already been caught in other parts of the bay, such as the mouth of Spring Creek.

 

June 23, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  With the derby over, the huge crowds have subsided for now but the fishing remains good. The majority of kings are being caught on the tides by anglers casting spinners or roe/attractor combinations. Big tidal shifts this weekend may require anglers to move around a lot to stay on top of fish concentrations. A few salmon are also being taken on outgoing and low tides. Look for a few early pinks and silvers to show soon.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  The king run here is at a peak with good fishing possible. Focus on night and early morning hours for best chance of success with salmon recently weighing 10 to 25 pounds. Quite a few of the kings are starting to turn but chrome fish are still in the mix. Salmon roe and spinners are responsible for most catches.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  The main component of the king run has moved into the middle river but good fishing can still be had down low as well. This would be a good time to float from Houston down to Burma Road access. A few fish are beginning to show around the Parks Highway crossing. Red salmon are present in the river in small numbers. Look for chums to begin appearing next week.

WILLOW, SHEEP, & MONTANA CREEKS:  These Parks Highway streams will open to catch-and-release fishing for king salmon this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Expect the action to be good to excellent as the runs are at a peak and the crowds moderate. Fish in the 40- to 50-pound range are present. A number of kings are also available throughout the lower streams up to the road crossings but the mouths still hold greatest concentrations of salmon. Fishing for rainbows and grayling has been good.

RUSSIAN/UPPER KENAI RIVERS:  Limits of red salmon are being taken by some anglers, primarily in the Russian in very early morning or in spots on the Kenai as schools move through, but generally the action has been lackluster this season. If clouds and rain move into the area, focus attention on the Russian right above the sanctuary as fish will begin to push out of the confluence and into the river. Sight fishing can be productive targeting individual salmon above the campgrounds toward the falls. Fishing for rainbow trout is good both in the Russian and Upper Kenai rivers.

KASILOF RIVER:  With relaxed regulations and healthy numbers of kings returning, anglers are doing good for fish in the 6- to 20-pound range. Hatchery kings may be retained any day of the week, wild fish only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No bait allowed. Some of the kings are starting to turn. Anglers drifting flies in the fast water are catching red salmon with some limits taken; try the main river around Crooked Creek campground around high tide as schools of fish will pass through the area.

NINILCHIK RIVER:  As predicted in the last report, an emergency order was issued for this river allowing anglers to continue targeting hatchery king salmon daily from now on through July 15. Only single-hook, artificial lures are allowed; no bait. Decent numbers of kings are present with particularly jacks (kings under 20″) being abundant. Plan to hit the water at dawn or the tides for best success. Reminder: Nearby Anchor River and Deep Creek are closed to king salmon fishing.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  Good fishing still prevails at the fishing hole on the Homer Spit. Most fish are smallish (6- to 12-pounds) but a few larger specimens pushing 20 pounds or more are present. A portion of the run is now starting to blush. As always, try the incoming and high tides using spinners, herring, or salmon roe. A few early silvers could begin showing this weekend or next week.

RESURRECTION RIVER:  Snagging reds in this glacial river in Seward is still largely hit-and-miss but some good results are reported. This run may have peaked but should yield some decent catches for another week or so. Anglers at nearby Spring Creek are catching a few reds and early chums in the salt off the mouth of the stream.

 

June 16, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  The king salmon run is peaking in this downtown Anchorage stream, just in time for the Slam’n Salm’n Derby now taking place through this Sunday, June 19. Do not forget to pick up a derby ticket! There are some big fish returning this year, a few in the 30- to 40-pound range have been caught already. Although the recent sunny weather has put a slight damper on the action, cloudy weather this coming weekend should provide some good to excellent opportunities.

ANCHOR RIVER:  This weekend (Saturday-Monday) and the following Wednesday are the last scheduled king salmon openers for this season and the fishing should be good. The run looks strong and anglers hitting the water during the low light hours will have the best chances of hooking a king. Eggs and spinners have been tops this year with easy limits for many anglers.

NINILCHIK RIVER & DEEP CREEK:  These small streams are now closed to fishing until July 1. However, a good return of hatchery kings to the Ninilchik may prompt the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to approve additional days and times for targeting these fish. An emergency order for the Ninilchik could be pending. Stay tuned.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  The fishing hole at the end of Homer Spit is having a good king season this year. Anglers have been doing very well the last week to ten days and the action seems to be holding up. Not many large fish here but plenty of 6- to 15-pound kings are available. Roe, herring, and spinners are best bets. Try incoming and outgoing tides.

KASILOF RIVER:  The king salmon run is peaking at this location with successful anglers fishing the channel right near the campground or following high tides. Hatchery kings are allowed for harvest every day of the week; wild fish may only be retained on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Drift roe or yarn flies. A few red salmon are in the mix as well.

RESURRECTION RIVER:  Snagging at the mouth and tidewater area of the river is producing limits for some anglers but each tide is variable. Now and for the next week to ten days is traditionally the peak of this run. If in this area, the mouth of Spring Creek down the road should also hold decent opportunities for sockeye and a few early chums.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  This valley stream is at its peak for kings right now. Good fishing can be had in early mornings and late evenings near the Burma Road access point. Those willing to put in some time hiking a ways upstream are likely to do very well on these fish averaging 15 to 25 pounds. Salmon roe and spinners are taking most fish. A few red salmon are present.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  This short channel near Palmer is stocked with kings and these fish are now returning in peak numbers. Good catches are being had using roe but a fair number of salmon are caught on spinners too. The low-light hours between midnight and sunrise are seeing the most action.

WILLOW, SHEEP, & MONTANA CREEKS:  These Parks Highway streams are open to catch-and-release fishing targeting king salmon. This is the first weekend when anglers can expect good numbers of fish to move into the mouths of these waters. Relatively few kings are found any distance upstream of the confluence areas still.

KLUTINA RIVER:  The red salmon run here this year has been a bit inconsistent. Some days have produced easy limits for anglers, other days very poor results. Although this is traditionally the peak of the run, anglers will have to work for their fish.

 

June 7, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  King salmon are entering this downtown Anchorage stream in good numbers. Incoming and outgoing tides are producing the majority of catches. Large spinners in size 5 or 6 and salmon roe either fished with a bobber or along with a Spin-N-Glo stationary on the bottom are getting hits. Fish between 30 and 40 pounds have been caught.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Good to excellent fishing is expected this coming weekend of June 11-13. This will be the final weekend opener for Ninilchik and Deep, although Anchor will stay open for one additional weekend following that in addition to Wednesdays. Spinners, roe, and herring have all proved deadly as of late. Best action has been right before sunrise although the midnight opener should do very well as daylight is ample this time of year.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Reports of fair to good catches are coming in from this river, with the best opportunities still being low down in the drainage around the Burma Road access point and downstream to near tidewater. Kings weighing 20 to 30 pounds are not unusual. A few early reds are present.

RESURRECTION RIVER:  Snagging at the mouth and tidewater area of the river is good for reds. Limits are possible. This run continues to build and should peak shortly.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Early-run red salmon are moving into the river in small schools and fishing is due to open on Saturday, June 11. The bulk of this run should hit this area in about one week.

 

June 1, 2016:

SHIP CREEK:  Fair to good opportunities await for king salmon. Try spinners and eggs on incoming and outgoing tides, focusing effort on tidal edges where stream current hits the slack tidal water.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK: Expect catches to be good to excellent this coming weekend as the king salmon runs are beginning to peak in these waters. Bait and treble hooks are allowed. Large spinners and salmon roe should provide anglers with fast action. Stream conditions are low and clear and continue to drop. Hit the water early!

RESURRECTION RIVER:  Located in Seward, this snag fishery has been yielding limit catches of red salmon the past week. Every tide is different, with some days being significantly better than others. This run is building towards a mid-month peak.