These are the Fishing News items for 2017:
Friday, December 29: ADF&G Emergency Order: Retention of Arctic Char/Dolly Varden Prohibited at Stormy Lake in 2018
Summary: By emergency order, retention of char will be prohibited at Stormy Lake off the Kenai Spur Highway/North Kenai Road during the 2018 season. Recently treated with rotenone to eradicate northern pike, the lake was stocked with Arctic char to re-establish its historic population of the species. The newly introduced char have yet to reach reproductive size and will remain off limits to harvest until further notice.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, December 28: New Sport Fishing Regulations Adopted for Prince William Sound
Summary: The ADFG issued a summary of newly adopted sport fishing regulations for Prince William Sound, including marine waters around the roadside communities of Whittier and Valdez. Beginning in 2018, the daily bag and possession limit for lingcod will be 1 fish of minimum 35 inches in length and rockfish is 4 per day and 8 in possession (only 1 can be nonpelagic) with no mandatory retention of nonpelagic species.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Wednesday, December 27: 2018 Statewide Sport Fishing Stocking Plan Public Comment Period
Summary: The ADFG issued a notice for public comment period regarding its statewide stocking plans of sport fish, including lakes in the Interior and Southcentral regions as well as Willow Creek, Eklutna Tailrace, Ship Creek, Bird Creek, Whittier/Passage Canal, Seward/Resurrection Bay, Crooked Creek/Kasilof River, Ninilchik River, and Dudiak Lagoon/Homer Spit.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, December 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Eastside Cook Inlet Beaches Remain Closed to Sport Clamming in 2018
Summary: By emergency order, all Eastside Cook Inlet beaches will remain closed to sport and personal use clamming in 2018 due to the continued low abundance levels of mature razor clams. Affected area runs from the mouth of Kenai River to the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit, including the beaches of Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Deep Creek, and Anchor Point. The cause of previously low abundance remains unknown but indications are that populations are on the rebound. This closure does not affect clamming on the Westside Cook Inlet beaches (Polly Creek, etc.).
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, November 3: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Kenai River rainbows and Dollies; Kasilof steelhead trout; and Susitna River trout, char, grayling, and burbot.
Friday, October 27: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Kenai River silver salmon, rainbows, and Dollies; Kasilof River steelhead; lower peninsula steelhead and Dolly Varden; and Susitna and Talkeetna area rainbows, Dollies, and grayling.
Thursday, October 19: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Kenai River late-run silvers; Kasilof silvers and steelhead; lower peninsula steelhead and Dollies; and Susitna Valley trout, char, and grayling.
Friday, October 13: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Kenai River late-run silvers, trout, and char; Kasilof River silvers and steelhead; lower peninsula steelhead and char; Susitna and Talkeetna area rainbows, grayling, and Dolly Varden; and Copper Valley grayling.
Thursday, October 5: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Kenai River late-run silvers, trout, and char; Kasilof and lower peninsula steelhead; Susitna drainage rainbows, char, and grayling; Copper Valley grayling; and Valdez silvers.
Wednesday, September 27: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Kenai Peninsula late-run silvers, steelhead, rainbows, and Dollies; Susitna Valley trout, char, and grayling; Copper Valley rainbows and grayling; and Valdez silvers.
Friday, September 22: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are central Kenai Peninsula late-run silvers, trout, and char; lower peninsula steelhead; Susitna Valley rainbows, grayling, and Dollies; Copper Valley grayling; and Valdez silvers.
Thursday, September 14: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Portage and Whittier silvers, Upper Kenai and Russian rainbows, Dolly Varden, and silvers, Seward silvers, Lower Kenai, Kasilof, and Swanson silvers, lower peninsula steelhead, Susitna River rainbows and grayling, and Valdez silvers.
Thursday, September 7: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Knik and Turnagain Arm silvers, Seward silvers, central peninsula trout and silvers, Susitna drainage trout, grayling, and silvers, and Valdez silvers.
Thursday, August 31: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Knik and Turnagain Arm silvers, Little Susitna River and Susitna drainage silvers, trout, and grayling, Valdez silvers, Kenai and Russian silvers, trout, and char, and Seward silvers.
Friday, August 25: ADF&G Emergency Order: Ship Creek Silver Salmon Bag & Possession Limits Increased to Six Fish
Summary: By emergency order effective 5:00 p.m., Friday, August 25, 2017, the bag limit for silver salmon in Ship Creek doubles from the current 3 to 6 per day and in possession. There are currently over 1,600 silvers that have passed through the fishery and these numbers assure necessary escapement for future stocking needs as well as provision for natural spawning in the stream.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, August 24: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Knik and Turnagain Arm silver salmon fisheries, Susitna River drainage silvers and trout, central Kenai Peninsula reds, silvers, trout, and char, Seward silvers and pinks, and lower peninsula silvers and char.
Thursday, August 24: ADF&G Emergency Order: Cottonwood & Wasilla Creeks Silver Salmon Fishing Limits, Days Liberalized
Summary: By emergency order effective 5:00 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2017, the bag limit for silver salmon in Cottonwood and Wasilla creeks increase from the current 2 fish daily bag limit to 4 and Monday is added on to the Saturday/Sunday weekend-only fisheries.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Wednesday, August 23: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River Bait Restriction Lifted
Summary: By emergency order effective 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 23, 2017, the use of bait becomes legal again on the Little Susitna River. The silver salmon run to this river appears late in timing and only now pushing upstream in sufficient numbers to warrant the lifting of the bait ban. To date, over 9,400 silvers have passed the weir on the lower river.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, August 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Susitna River Silver Salmon Fishing Limits Increased
Summary: By emergency order effective 5:00 p.m., August 22, 2017, the bag limit for silver salmon in the Susitna River drainage increases to 4 fish per day, 8 in possession. According to information gathered from area weir counts, angler reports, and commercial catches, all indications are of a strong run this year. This order is in effect on Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Caswell, Sheep, Goose, Montana, Sunshine, Rabideux and other roadside fisheries in addition to remote waters. Note: The Little Susitna RIver is not included in this order.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, August 21: ADF&G Emergency Order: Fish Creek Salmon Fishing Limits and Days Liberalized
Summary: By emergency order effective 5:00 a.m., August 22, 2017, the bag limit for salmon on Fish Creek increases to 4 fish per day and the stream opens to fishing 7 days a week (from weekends only). Salmon returns, primarily reds and silvers, to this Knik Arm drainage has been and continue to be strong.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, August 18: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Anchorage and Turnagain Arm silvers, Portage chums, Kenai reds and silvers, Russian reds and rainbows, Homer silvers, Matanuska Valley reds and silvers, and Susitna drainage chums and silvers.
Friday, August 11: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Turnagain Arm chums and silvers, Kenai and Russian reds and rainbows, lower peninsula silvers and bottomfish, Knik Arm silvers, Susitna drainage chums, pinks, reds, and silvers, and Gulkana grayling and reds.
Friday, August 4: ADF&G Emergency Order: Bait Prohibited in the Little Susitna River
Summary: By emergency order effective 12:01 a.m., August 6, 2017, the use of bait is prohibited in that section of water from the Parks Highway bridge in Houston downstream to the river mouth. The restriction expires on October 1, 2017, and aimed at slowing down the harvest of silver salmon in the river. To date, only a fraction of the expected escapement has passed through the weir on the lower river. Additional restrictions or even closure of the fishery could be pending if escapement does not improve.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, August 4: Fish Creek Youth Fishery Opens Saturday
Summary: Anglers 15 years and younger will have the opportunity to catch a salmon or trout in Fish Creek this weekend, August 5 and 6 from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adults may assist but not fish themselves. The daily bag limit is 3 salmon greater than 16 inches, of which only 2 may be silver salmon. There are currently fair numbers of red, silver, and pink salmon present along with a few chums, rainbows, and Dollies. For best success, go early on opening day or fish the tides.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, August 3: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Turnagain Arm pinks and chums, central Kenai reds, southern peninsula silvers, pinks, and Dollies, Little Susitna and Susitna drainage chums and silvers, Knik Arm reds and silvers, Gulkana reds and grayling, and Klutina and Tonsina kings.
Thursday, July 27: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Turnagain Arm pinks and chums, Kenai and Kasilof kings and reds, Cottonwood reds, Little Susitna and Susitna drainage chums, rainbows, and grayling, and Valdez pinks.
Thursday, July 20: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Bird and Glacier pinks and chums, Cottonwood reds, Little Susitna chums, Upper Kenai reds and trout, Hope pinks, Lower Kenai and Kasilof kings and reds, and Willow salmon, trout, and grayling.
Thursday, July 13: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are lower Kenai and Kasilof reds and kings, Hope and Valdez pinks, Bird Creek opener, Resurrection Bay chums, Susitna Valley trout and grayling, and Gulkana kings.
Wednesday, July 12: ADF&G Regulation Correction for Jim Creek
Summary: The 2017 regulation booklet incorrectly states the official days the stream is open to fishing. The correct regulation is from August 1 through December 31, fishing is allowed only between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Wednesday, July 12: ADF&G Emergency Order: Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon Opens to Snagging
Summary: By emergency order effective July 14, 2017, the artificial lagoon on the Homer Spit opens to snagging this coming Friday at noon through July 16. A portion of the saltwater along the beach from the city dock to a department marker northwest of the lagoon (except the boat harbor) is also open to snagging. Bag and possession limit remains at 2 kings.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, July 11: ADF&G Emergency Order: Bag Limits Increased and Season Extended for Ship Creek King Salmon
Summary: By emergency order effective July 11, 2017, the daily bag and possession limit for king salmon in Ship Creek will increase to 2 fish while the season is extended through July 31. The department has already met its brood stock needs with an additional 500 fish counted upstream of the fishery, thus opening the creek up to additional harvest.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, July 10: New Streamside Spot Checks Update
Summary: An updated listing of popular waters on the Kenai Peninsula, Copper Valley, and Prince William Sound. Primary focus on main fisheries of Resurrection Creek in Hope, Russian river reds, Lower Kenai late-run reds and kings, and Klutina and Tonsina salmon. Check out Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section now.
Wednesday, July 5: New Streamside Spot Checks Update
Summary: An updated and substantial listing of waters on the Kenai Peninsula, Copper Valley, and Susitna-Matanuska Valleys detailing what is being caught or observed, including Turnagain Arm pinks and Dollies, Hope pinks, Quartz char, lower peninsula Dollies, Klutina kings and reds, Valdez pinks, and Chena and Salcha kings. Check out Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section now.
Wednesday, July 5: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Ship Creek kings, Susitna drainage trout and grayling, Gulkana kings and reds, Seward chums, Russian and Kenai reds and rainbows, and Kasilof reds.
Friday, June 30: ADF&G Emergency Order: Bag Limits Increased for Resurrection Bay Red Salmon
Summary: By emergency order effective July 1, 2017, the bag limit for red salmon in Seward saltwater is increased from the current 6 fish daily and in possession to 12 fish daily and in possession due to a good escapement into Bear Lake.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, June 30: ADF&G Emergency Order: Susitna River Drainage Closed to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: By emergency order effective July 4, 2017, king salmon fishing will be closed in the entire Susitna River system, including catch-and-release. As the weekend-only streams are already closed by the time this order takes effect, the only roadside streams affected are those of the Chulitna River, including East Fork Chulitna.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, June 29: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Ship Creek and Susitna River kings, Gulkana kings and reds, Russian and Kenai reds and rainbows, and Kasilof kings and reds.
Thursday, June 29: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River Closed to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: By emergency order effective July 1, 2017, king salmon fishing will be closed on the river for the remainder of the season. The number of kings having passed the weir has been far below what was expected by this date, prompting the closure. Fishing will still be permitted for other species.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, June 23: ADF&G Emergency Order: Russian River Sanctuary Opens & Russian/Upper Kenai Rivers Red Salmon Bag Limit Increases
Summary: By emergency order effective June 24, 2017, the Russian River sanctuary at the confluence of the Upper Kenai and Russian rivers will open to fishing. Additionally, the daily bag limit on the Russian and a portion of the Upper Kenai has been increased to 6 reds; the possession limit is 12 salmon. This order is in effect through July 14.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, June 23: Campbell Creek King Salmon Update
Summary: A detailed log of information as observed this afternoon for those intending to participate in this urban fishery this weekend. Check out Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section now for details on fish numbers present and best areas to try, including water conditions.
Thursday, June 22: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Ship, Campbell, and Eklutna kings, Susitna Valley trout and grayling, Gulkana and Klutina reds, and peninsula kings and reds.
Thursday, June 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Campbell Creek King Salmon Youth Sport Fishery Opens
Summary: By emergency order effective June 24, 2017, king salmon fishing will be allowed on this city stream from 6 a.m. to 10 p. m. on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. The fishery is open to those anglers of age 15 and younger only. Bag limit is one king salmon greater than 20 inches and must be recorded as part of the five-fish regional annual limit.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, June 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River King Salmon Sport Fishery Restricted
Summary: By emergency order effective June 24, 2017, king salmon fishing will be closed on the river and restricted to weekends and the following Monday only through the remainder of the season starting the weekend of July 1 through July 3 and again July 8 through July 10. Number of kings passing the weir on the lower river has been very low with only 622 fish counted thus far this season, compared to almost 2,000 salmon by this date last year.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, June 20: ADF&G Emergency Order: Yukon River King Salmon Fishery Opened
Summary: By emergency order effective June 26, 2017, king salmon fishing will be opened in the Yukon River drainage, excluding the Tanana River drainage. Bag and possession limit is one king salmon with a season limit of one fish. The popular Fairbanks-area fisheries of Salcha, Chena, and Chatanika rivers remain closed to king salmon fishing.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, June 15: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are Ship Creek derby kings, the peninsula king and red salmon fisheries, Susitna drainage kings, trout, and grayling, and Copper reds.
Monday, June 12: ADF&G Emergency Order: Kenai River King Salmon Sport Fishery Liberalized
Summary: By emergency order effective June 12, 2017, king salmon fishing will be liberalized by increasing the size of fish allowed for harvest to less than 46 inches (in contrast to 36 inches). This order is only for king salmon caught downstream of the markers below Slikok Creek; fish must be less than 36 inches to be harvested if caught upstream of Slikok Creek. Emergency order is in effect through June 30.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, June 9: Russian River Reds Ready
Summary: The early run of red salmon is arriving in good concentration at the Russian (and Upper Kenai) and anglers should do very well on the season opener this coming Sunday. Check out Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section now for details on run strength and best spots to be given river, water, and weather conditions.
Friday, June 9: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are the peninsula king salmon fisheries and the Upper Kenai and Russian red salmon and trout opener, Seward reds, Susitna Valley kings and rainbows, and Copper River reds.
Monday, June 5: New Streamside Spot Checks Update
Summary: An updated and substantial listing of waters on the Kenai Peninsula, Copper Valley, and Susitna-Matanuska Valleys detailing what is being caught or observed, including Kenai River kings and reds, Seward and Russian reds, lower peninsula kings, Susitna River kings and trout, Eklutna and Little Susitna kings (also reds, chums), and Gulkana and Klutina reds. Check out Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section now.
Sunday, June 4: Huge Kenai King Caught, Released
Summary: It is confirmed that an exceptionally large king salmon was caught on the Kenai River several days ago. Before releasing it back into the river, a length measurement of 56 inches was taken–just 2 inches shy of Anderson’s world record salmon from 1985. Based on length and girth dimensions, it is estimated that the fish weighed in the vicinity of 80 pounds. More information on this big catch will be posted in Fish Alerts as it becomes available.
Sunday, June 4: Russian River Reds Arriving
Summary: The early run of red salmon is beginning to infiltrate the clear waters of the Russian River and the June 11 season opener is quickly approaching. Read the details of current status of the run, numbers of fish observed in the holes around the campground, and water conditions in Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section.
Friday, June 2: ADF&G Emergency Order: Upper Copper River King Salmon Sport Fisheries Relaxed
Summary: By emergency order effective June 3, 2017, king salmon fishing will be restored in all waters of the Upper Copper River drainage, including Gulkana, Klutina, and Tonsina rivers. The run is greater than forecast earlier this spring that brought on a complete king salmon fishing closure for Copper River and is now managed for an escapement of 24,000 fish. ADF&G will continue to monitor the run if numbers of kings come in stronger or weaker than anticipated. Additionally, bait may now be used in portions of the Copper River drainage.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, June 1: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are the Kenai Peninsula king salmon fisheries of Kasilof, Ninilchik, Deep and Anchor rivers, Seward reds, Susitna River trout and grayling, and Copper River grayling.
Tuesday, May 30: Ninilchik River King Opener Review and Kenai Reds Starting
Summary: Two new reports highlight how the fishing turned out on the Memorial Day weekend king salmon opener on Ninilchik River and the appearance of early run red salmon in lower Kenai River. Catch the details in Fish Alerts in the Streamside Spot Checks section.
Thursday, May 25: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: In this new edition of Hot Spots of the Week, highlighted are lower peninsula king salmon and halibut opportunities, Seward reds, trout and grayling fishing in the Susitna and Copper valleys, and 20-Mile hooligan.
Tuesday, May 23: Seward Reds and Whittier Kings Starting
Summary: New reports in the Streamside Spot Checks section highlights the appearance of red salmon in the Resurrection River in Seward and king salmon at the head of the canal in Whittier. Get the details of what to use and best areas to fish.
Monday, May 22: Are Kenai River King Salmon Making a Comeback?
Summary: With years of king runs coming in on the low side in numbers and size, perhaps we are finally seeing a turnaround. Reports of some decent catches being made the last week indicates that not only is there some relatively good fishing to be found but some big salmon are being boated as well. Catch the details in Fish Alerts through Streamside Spot Checks section.
Sunday, May 21: Anchor River King Salmon Opener Update
Summary: A firsthand account of what was caught where on the river and how and why. Detailed king opener report available in Fish Alerts through Streamside Spot Checks section.
Thursday, May 18: New Streamside Spot Checks Update
Summary: A listing of waters north and south of Anchorage where king and red salmon have been caught or sighted so far this season and what to expect for the next several days to next weekend according to current developments and historical averages. Become a full member of our website and get valuable updated insider information in Streamside Spot Checks that is not available anywhere else.
Thursday, May 18: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Report on the latest developments and relative “hot spots” of waters around Southcentral. This weeks’ report include 20-Mile River hooligan, Seward and Homer sea-run char, Kasilof and Anchor kings, Susitna River trout, grayling, and char, and Copper River grayling.
Tuesday, May 16: Ship Creek Kings Showing
Summary: Latest news from this downtown Anchorage fishery is that a few salmon were landed the last couple of days, which is in due time as fish have been spotted rolling in the slack water of incoming tides since late last week. But kings are not only beginning to appear here but in quite a few waters around Southcentral. Additional information coming later this week in the weekly fishing report with a detailed listing of locations where kings (and reds!) have either been caught or observed in the Streamside Spot Checks section.
Tuesday, May 16: Turnagain Arm Hooligan Report
Summary: The latest update in the Streamside Spot Checks edition discusses the current status of this popular dip net fishery, including success rates according to tide levels and location, average number of smelt per dip, and the appearance of some very small fish this year. And yes, some dippers are filling coolers in only minutes!
Monday, May 15: South Fork Anchor River Weir Operational for 2017 Season
Summary: As of May 12 at 4PM, the sonar unit on the South Fork Anchor River joined the North Fork in enumerating king salmon. Total count for the season currently stands at 59. Last year, which was an early spring, the total for this date was 141. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 15: Copper River Sonar Operational for 2017 Season
Summary: As of May 11, the sonar unit at Miles Lake began operating but is only functioning part-time for now due to various issues, including ice conditions. The first several days did not register any salmon passing the North Bank counter. In comparison, last year at this time 3,800 fish had gone through the area. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Friday, May 12: Little Susitna River King Salmon Weir Operational for 2017 Season
Summary: As of May 9, the ADF&G weir on this valley river is up and running. No king salmon reported passing the counter thus far. Last year, fish began arriving at the weir by May 13. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Friday, May 12: Hooligan Run in Turnagain Arm Peaking
Summary: The run of hooligan took a while to arrive this year but the bulk of fish is now pouring through the arm and into 20-Mile River. See the weekly fishing report.
Thursday, May 11: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Report on the latest developments and relative “hot spots” of waters around Southcentral, including Turnagain Arm hooligan, Kasilof steelhead and early kings, surf-casting for Cook Inlet halibut, Homer kings starting along with Dollies and bottomfish, Seward sea-run char and red salmon update, and Susitna drainage trout, char, and grayling.
Tuesday, May 9: Hooligan Run Arriving in Turnagain Arm
Summary: Dip netting for hooligan is picking up along the rocky shoreline between Girdwood and 20-Mile River with good results possible. Read the details of best spots, tide stages, and average success rate as of today, Tuesday afternoon, in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Monday, May 8: Announcing Roadside Angler Surf-Casting Page Coming Soon
Summary: For those with a keen interest in learning more about the latest craze of targeting a multitude of fish species from shore in our marine waters, this newest chapter of The Roadside Angler’s Guide is sure to become an instant hit with our site members. Containing a rich layout of detailed and factual information on surf-casting for halibut and other bottomfish along Southcentral Alaska’s road system, primary emphasis will be on where and when to go, what to use and why, and how to rig gear and tackle for shallow water success. Check back often for announcement of exact release date.
Thursday, May 4: New Weekly Roadside Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Second comprehensive fishing report of the season; new information regarding “hot spots” around the region, including Kasilof steelhead, Cook Inlet shallow-water halibut, Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, 20-Mile River/Turnagain Arm hooligan, and Susitna River trout, char, and grayling.
Thursday, May 4: Streamside Spot Check Pages Activated
Summary: The newest addition to our website, Streamside Spot Checks features information and comments on the latest water and fishing conditions on a multitude of rivers, streams, and marine locations around the Southcentral region. Kings are starting to show up in a few rivers!
Thursday, May 4: North Fork Anchor River King Salmon Weir Operational for 2017 Season
Summary: As of 4:00pm yesterday, the ADF&G weir just upstream of the Anchor confluence is up and running. No king salmon were reported passing the counter the first day. Last year, the first king of the season passed on May 4 followed by several more specimens subsequent days. This is the earliest operational salmon weir in Southcentral. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, April 27: Kenai River Page Activated
Summary: The Kenai River Page is now up and running, loaded with information and more data being added almost daily. Enough pages here to be a book in and of itself, presenting details on various species available, best areas on the river to catch them, proven methods, techniques, lures, flies, and bait to use, fish timing according to sections of river, and current rules and regulations. Also information describing the physical characteristics of this remarkable drainage, including logistics of area communities and listing of public access points.
Tuesday, April 25: 2017 Roadside Fishing Reports Activated
Summary: The first weekly Roadside Angler open-water fishing report launched today for the 2017 season with freshly updated information on Upper Kenai River trout and char, Kasilof River/Crooked Creek steelhead, Russian River spring rainbows, recent surf-casting success for Cook Inlet halibut, and Susitna River resident fish species. Get the latest on what is happening here.
Tuesday, April 4: Kenai River Early-run King Salmon Preseason Total Run Projection and Early-run King Salmon Sport Fishery Regulations
Summary: The 2017 early-run king salmon preseason projection is for 6,500 large kings and falls well within the optimal escapement goal of between 3,900 and 6,000 fish. Under the Kenai River Management Plan, the season may begin under general regulations. As the season progresses and actual number of king salmon are tallied through the sonar counter, regulations may be liberalized or restricted accordingly by emergency order. Liberalization may only occur downstream of Slikok Creek. Pick up a 2017 regulation booklet or see web site for more information.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, March 23: ADF&G Emergency Order: King Salmon in the Susitna River and Little Susitna River; Annual Limit Restrictions
Summary: Restrictions for the 2017 king salmon season include only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in the Susitna River drainage, including all waters of eastside Susitna River along the Parks Highway (Willow, Sheep, Montana creeks, etc.), and in the Chulitna River drainage, including East Fork Chulitna River. Retention of king salmon is prohibited; only catch-and-release fishing for kings allowed on dates stated in current regulations. Little Susitna River allows for harvest of king salmon 7 days per week, multiple hooks but no bait. Season limit is 2 fish. Eklutna Tailrace is not affected by emergency regulations and excluded from all restrictions.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, March 23: New Northern Cook Inlet Fishing Regulations for the 2017 Season
Summary: Information supplied by ADF&G listing new regulation changes for the upcoming 2017 season, including modified management plan for the Fish Creek personal use fishery, increase of fishing time on the weekend-only streams of Wasilla, Cottonwood, and Fish creeks, reduction of fishing time and days on Jim Creek starting August 1, motor restriction for boaters on Little Susitna River, and nightime closure of Larsen Creek (Talkeetna River tributary).
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, March 23: New Sport Fishing Regulations For Kenai River And Northern Kenai Peninsula Area In 2017
Summary: Information supplied by ADF&G listing new regulation changes fro the upcoming 2017 season, including spring closures (May 1 thru June 10) on Bishop Creek and Swanson River, retention of rainbow/steelhead trout now prohibited throughout the Kasilof River drainage (catch-and-release only), all tributaries of Kasilof River and Tustumena Lake are closed to trout fishing May 1 thru June 10 (existing Crooked Creek regulations apply), cleaning and processing restrictions for king salmon on Kasilof River, only king salmon less than 36 inches may be retained in certain sections and periods on the Kenai River, silver salmon fishing upstream of Bing’s Landing on Kenai River (Sterling area) closes on November 1 but remains open thru November 30 downstream, new king salmon sanctuaries are in effect on the Kenai River, and all Kenai River tributaries (except Russian River) are now closed to salmon fishing. A multitude of additional and more detailed restrictions are listed as well.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, March 6: ADF&G Emergency Order: Upper Copper River King Salmon Sport Fisheries Restrictions
Summary: By emergency order effective May 1, 2017, king salmon fishing will be closed in all waters of the Upper Copper River drainage, including Gulkana, Tazlina, Klutina, and Tonsina rivers. Catch-and-release fishing not allowed. The run forecast for Copper River is 29,000 kings and exceeds the drainagewide minimum escapement by only 5,000 fish. King salmon abundance has been below average since 2009 and below minimum escapement in three of those years (only 12,000 returned in 2016). ADF&G will continue to monitor the run and will reevaluate these preseason restrictions if numbers of kings come in stronger than anticipated. Additionally, only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures may be used in all flowing waters of the Copper River drainage.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, March 6: ADF&G Emergency Order: King Salmon Sport Fishing Regulations for Haines/Skagway Area Marine Waters
Summary: By emergency order, the marine waters of Chilkat Inlet north of Seduction Point are closed to king salmon fishing from April 15 thru July 15 due to very low projected return for the 2017 season (600 fish). This is below the lower end goal range of 1,850 to 3,600 large kings. In marine waters of Lynn Canal north of Sherman Rock, king salmon may not be retained from April 15 thru December 31. These restrictions impact the areas of Haines and Skagway.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Wednesday, December 28: ADF&G Emergency Order: Eastside Cook Inlet Beaches Remain Closed to Sport Clamming in 2017
Summary: By emergency order, all Eastside Cook Inlet beaches will remain closed to sport and personal use clamming in 2017 due to the continued low abundance levels of mature razor clams. Affected area runs from the mouth of Kenai River to the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit, including the beaches of Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Deep Creek, and Anchor Point. The cause of low abundance remains unknown but there are indications that populations are on the rebound. This closure does not affect clamming on the Westside Cook Inlet beaches (Polly Creek, etc.).
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.