These are the “Hot Spots of the Week” fishing reports for 2017:

Updated November 3, 2017

Note: This is the last weekly roadside fishing report for the season. The reports will resume again in April, 2018.

KENAI RIVER:  Anglers wanting true open-water opportunities from now on through the winter will find the Kenai being a reliable location. While small pulses of chrome silvers continue to enter the river on the tides, action and effort has slowed considerably the past week. As a reminder, the highly productive November fishery targeting silvers on the middle river has been closed by new regulation. As of November 1, all waters upstream of Bing’s Landing in Sterling (including the middle and upper river and Skilak Lake) is closed to silver salmon fishing until July 1. Only the lower section of the river is open to silvers but will also close on December 1. But fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is still viable with anglers doing fair to good using a variety of offerings, such as beads, flesh flies, and forage flies. A few steelhead trout are also present. Expect things to progressively slow down through the month but there will be at least fair catches made all winter long in the area of Kenai Keys up to Skilak Lake outlet and at the Kenai Lake outlet.

KASILOF RIVER:  Steelhead trout continue to be caught on the upper portions of the river between the rapids and the boat launch near the Tustumena Lake outlet. With water being so cold, plugs have been the most reliable offering. A good number of blushed silvers are also present with an occasional fresh specimen mixed in. Expect freeze-up to occur within a month or two depending on the weather.

SUSITNA RIVER:  With cold weather settling over the area once again, freeze-up conditions are pending. However, there is still open-water fishing to be had right now as long as slush ice is not too much of a problem. Recent efforts have yielded poor to decent catches depending on location. Search deep channels of the mainstem river near the mouth of tributaries using flesh and forage flies or small spoons and spinners. Rainbows, grayling, and Dollies are all available. Anglers targeting burbot have done well lately.

 

Updated October 27, 2017

KENAI RIVER:  For those anglers still wanting to experience excellent fishing for bright silver salmon this season only have several more days to do so. Starting November 1, the Kenai will close to silver fishing in all areas upstream of Bing’s Landing, including waters up to Skilak Lake and the entire upper river. The section of river downstream of Bing’s Landing to its mouth at Cook Inlet will remain open to targeting silvers through November 30; however, At this time, there are small groups of silvers arriving on the tides on the lower river and fishing for them is generally poor unless fish can be found concentrated in slackwater holes or sloughs. Drifting from the lake down to Bing’s and scouting holding water on the upper is yielding fast salmon action. As for rainbows and Dollies, the middle river holds the best promise with good or mediocre success from the outlet of Skilak Lake down to near Bing’s. On the upper, try downstream of Jim’s through the canyon to the lake inlet.

KASILOF RIVER:  Anglers hiking in to the upper section of Kasilof or putting in near Tustumena Lake and drifting down to the highway crossing are finding some decent steelhead action. Plugs worked in deep holes do best but large size beads (12-14mm) gets attention as well. Silver salmon can be plentiful in spots above the rapids but most are turning color with only a handful of bright or semi-bright specimens left.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  This is the last weekend to sample these waters for steelhead and char as the season closes on November 1. Success has varied from very slow to fair depending on location, with most fish encountered in the middle and upper stream sections. Use beads and attractor flies; spoons may work also.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Warmer weather recently has kept fishing opportunities in the valley viable at least for another week or two with anglers hitting trout, char, and grayling off the mouths of tributaries and in channels of the mainstem river. Focus on water north of Willow to the Talkeetna area. Forage flies and even beads may entice strikes. Expect fishing to be poor to good depending on location and water conditions.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  Cold weather last week did hamper angling opportunities here but warmer temperatures last few days helped the fishing a bit. Catch rates vary by the day, from slow to quite decent, most success being enjoyed low in the drainage near town. Scout deeper parts. Rainbows, grayling, and Dollies are all present.

 

Updated October 19, 2017

KENAI RIVER:  Late-run silvers are plentiful along sections of the upper and middle river and fishing is good to excellent. The run is at a peak with a variety of offerings effective, from spinners and plugs to flies. Bait may also be used in areas of the lower and middle but is not allowed on the upper. Many of the salmon are chrome with a smaller number of semi-bright and lightly blush specimens. Target mouth of sloughs or anywhere there is slack current on edge of main channel. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good as well, especially between Skilak Lake and Bing’s Landing, and in the canyon and below to the lake inlet. Forage and flesh flies are best but beads can be effective in spots. Note: Bear activity is still high.

KASILOF RIVER:  Fair to decent action persists for silver salmon and steelhead trout on the middle and upper river sections. Access this time of year is primarily by boat but hike-in is possible too. Plugs worked deep in slow moving water and holes do best. Fishing is very slow downstream of the rapids.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Conditions have improved significantly with cooler temperatures but the fishing is spotty still with a flurry of good activity now and then in locations. Some anglers are managing to target fish visually in areas as stream levels are low and clarity excellent. The middle sections of these streams are producing the majority of catches. Success usually means a lot of walking and scouting. Fair fishing for Dolly Varden. Most silvers are somewhere in the spawning phase or dying.

SUSITNA RIVER:  With cold nighttime temperatures and cool days, ice or slush is becoming a common problem in some areas for anglers. But rainbows, grayling, and Dollies are still present and hitting flesh and forage flies as well as small spoons and spinners fished through deep holes or pools at or near tributaries. Popular late-season access points include Willow, Kashwitna, and Montana creeks. Expect slow to very good fishing depending on day and location; midday and afternoon usually favored time.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  River is running low and relatively clear these days, making fishing a bit easier but cold temperatures and slush ice are becoming an issue now as winter sets in. Try in afternoon, targeting deeper holes and runs on the lower river and the Susitna confluence area. Species available include trout, grayling, and char. Try forage and flesh flies or small spoons and spinners. Catch rates are generally fair with sporadic good success.

 

Updated October 13, 2017

KENAI RIVER:  Silver salmon continue to enter the river but the bulk of the late run is now upstream of Bing’s Landing in the middle and upper sections. Fishing around Soldotna and Sterling is spotty to sometimes good at first light, yet is good to excellent higher up in the drainage. The flood waters are dropping steadily and should reveal some of the best silver action of the season shortly. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden opportunities are picking up again with good catches on the upper and good to excellent on the middle.

KASILOF RIVER:  Those that access water between the rapids and Tustumena Lake are treated to fair to good fishing for silver salmon and steelhead trout. While many of the silvers are turning there are still chrome specimens available. Plugs work best on the salmon and trout both. The fishing is generally poor downstream of the rapids to the highway crossing and below.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Rain and high, muddy water has spoiled a lot of the steelhead season on these streams but with cooler weather settling in shortly, expect steelheading to improve. While the run appears small this year there will still be sporadic good catches in places so be prepared to scout water to find action. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good. The silver run has ended but a few stragglers are always present.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The best fishing is still at the mouths of clearwater tributaries from Willow up to the Talkeetna area. However, with colder temperatures on the way, the mainstem river will be producing decent catches of rainbows, grayling, and char. The Kashwitna River still supports fair to good catches of trout and grayling in the middle and lower reaches.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  Anglers scouting deeper pools, holes, and runs are finding productive fishing in the lower reaches of the river, near town of Talkeetna. This will likely be the last week of potentially good catches before cold temperatures start putting ice on the water and fish drop down to the mainstem Susitna. Expect a mix of rainbows, grayling, and Dolly Varden.

BYERS CREEK:  Mixed reviews of fishing recently, ranging from slow to good. Scout various deep slots from highway crossing downstream to Chulitna confluence. Rainbow trout is the main species present.

COPPER RIVER:  Winter is rapidly approaching and freezing temperatures at night has area streams dropping and cooling off after a wet autumn. Most resident species have vacated summer feeding grounds in favor of lakes or the mainstem Copper but anglers will still be able to find some intermittent good opportunities for grayling on larger tributaries, such as the Gulkana, Nelchina, Slana, and Mendeltna.

 

Updated October 5, 2017

KENAI RIVER:  Late-run silver salmon are entering the river and anglers are doing well throughout the lower and middle sections from Skilak Lake to near tidewater. The morning bite is best with 3-fish limits achieved using eggs, spinners, and plugs. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are plentiful upstream of Bing’s Landing and good to excellent catches are reported. The upper river around Cooper Landing also has fish available but water conditions are still stabilizing after the flood event about a week ago.

SWANSON RIVER:  While a small number of silvers continue to arrive on the tides, the majority of the run is now situated on the middle and upper river. Anglers scouting spots near the Swanson River Road access are finding large schools of salmon, albeit many of the fish are blush to red but decent opportunities persist in getting chrome to semi-bright specimens. Eggs and spinners are best. Trout fishing is still good.

KASILOF RIVER:  Anglers here are finding a variety of species this week, from late-run silvers to steelhead and Dolly Varden. The upper section of water is producing the best catches, from the rapids up to within a few miles of Tustumena Lake outlet. Boaters have the best access but hiking in from the road is also possible. Plugs are very effective for all fish present with very large beads or corkies good for steelhead. The lower river around Crooked Creek and the highway crossing is slow.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  When water conditions cooperate, the steelhead action here is good. Beads and an assortment of forage and streamer flies work best when water is clear; use larger, more colorful patterns when water is murky from rain. Orange corkies can be great in adverse conditions. Char fishing ranges from spotty to good with most fish in middle and upper reaches. Very few fresh silvers remain.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Scouting the mouths and lower end of clearwater tributaries such as Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana puts anglers into some fair to excellent fishing. Trout, char, and grayling are staging in these areas and are biting a variety of offerings, from forage and flesh flies to beads and small spinners. There may still be some nice fish lingering in upper or middle reaches as well, usually near spawning salmon.

BYERS CREEK:  Fair to excellent trout fishing here as long as the weather holds. Most fish are being found from the highway bridge down to the mouth on the Chulitna. Forage and flesh flies work best but beads may get attention too as silver salmon are actively spawning in the stream.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  The peak of trouting has arrived and fishing is good to excellent as long as rains hold back and water stays clear. Action is also productive for char and grayling. Best spots are located upstream of town accessed by boat. Silvers and chums are actively spawning in the area still so beads continue to yield resident fish, as are flies and spinners.

COPPER RIVER:  As long as winter does not set in, good grayling opportunities remain. Anglers scouting various waters are finding fair to excellent action in Mendeltna, Tolsona, Nelchina, and Little Tonsina, as well as portions of upper Gulkana. A few of these locations also support other species, such as rainbows and Dolly Varden. Salmon prospects in this area remains very slim; the Tonsina drainage still has a few light blush silvers in addition to many spawners.

PORT VALDEZ:  The stellar silver run of this year is waning significantly but a small number of bright and semi-bright fish are available to those that put in time and effort in the right place. Scout for salmon near the Solomon Gulch hatchery and Robe River. With lack of angling pressure, individual anglers can do quite well.

 

Updated September 27, 2017

LOWER KENAI RIVER: Despite large volumes of water coming out of the upper Kenai River and Skilak Lake, anglers continue to find good or better fishing for late-run silvers in many locations. While the lower river is being affected by rising water levels as well, successful catches are being made in sloughs and mouths of clearwater tributaries from tidewater up to Bing’s and beyond. Eggs and spinners are taking limits of fish. Trout and char fishing may begin to suffer as a result of expected high and turbid water conditions; use high visibility beads and flies.

SWANSON RIVER:  The silver run here is on the wane as the numbers of fish entering the river drops each passing day. However, good fishing can still be had for individual anglers hitting the right tide or opting to float the river from the Swanson River Road access site down to tidewater. The middle river in particular has a very large component of silvers present. Drifting clusters of salmon roe is best followed by spinners and flies. Be prepared to release blushed or dark fish targeting chromers. Trout action is good on upper river.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Steelhead fishing is variable depending on time of day and water conditions but is generally quite good with a few skilled anglers reporting excellent catches. Beads are responsible for a lot of successful days but a number of fly patterns do well also. Most of the sea-run trout are now holding in deep holes and pools upstream of tidewater and throughout the lower stretches. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to very good on the middle and upper stream sections. The silver run is down to a trickle but some fresh fish are still being caught.

SUSITNA RIVER:  As October closes in, most resident species such as trout, char, and grayling are now situated in the lower reaches and mouths of tributaries. Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana are producing good catches this week, with beads, spinners, and flesh/forage flies being popular. If water conditions are low and clear this weekend, expect excellent opportunities in some locations. The salmon runs are largely finished for the year with both silvers and chums actively spawning in tributaries and side channels of the mainstem Susitna.

TALKEETNA RIVER:  Water conditions are improving here as the river is clearing and dropping. Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling are all available with peak fishing conditions now and into October. Good to excellent catches are being made in some areas, primarily just upstream of town. As silver and late-run chum salmon are actively present and spawning in the river, beads work great but egg imitation, flesh, and forage flies are getting a lot of fish as well.

CHULITNA RIVER:  With winter quickly approaching in the highland tributaries of this vast drainage, resident species are migrating to the mainstem Chulitna to overwinter; however, there will still be pockets of fish providing intense action for another week or two. Main available species are rainbows and grayling. Try the lower reaches of the East Fork or Byers Creek using beads to flesh and forage flies.

COPPER RIVER:  Providing autumn rains do not muddy up streams too much, anglers will find some really noteworthy opportunities in clearwater tributaries in this area. This week has seen good to excellent grayling action in several key drainages, including Mendeltna, Tolsona, and Gunn creeks. Little Tonsina is yielding fair to good fishing for both grayling and Dolly Varden with a few nice silvers still present. For those anglers with the means, the middle reaches of Gulkana has decent fishing for rainbows and grayling—even a few steelhead.

PORT VALDEZ:  For anglers still wanting a load of silvers, the waters around Valdez are still yielding decent numbers of salmon. Expect fair success between Allison Point to mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek with some tides producing even good catches in the right spot; use spinners. Snaggers are getting some nice fish in the harbor. In all locations, a mix of blush and bright silvers are available. Robe River had a good run this year and action continues to be fair to good.

 

Updated September 22, 2017

PORTAGE CREEK:  The silver run here peaked weeks ago but there are still a good number of fish in the drainage. The anglers that go are finding a few chrome specimens between the many blushed or dark salmon. Due to lack of crowds and large run this year, limit of bright silvers is still possible. Use eggs or spinners in the upper or middle sections of water.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Fishing out of Seward has slowed considerably along the shores in front of town but a fair number of silvers are still present in key locations, such as Scheffler Creek near the boat harbor. If the rain holds up and weather is cool, there may be some good opportunities for late-season salmon and Dolly Varden in lower Salmon Creek or West Fork Resurrection River.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  With a flood event expected this weekend from the Snow River glacial dam, anglers are likely to find scrambled opportunities here. The water is not expected to muddy up a whole lot but will be high. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden should stay productive with some spots on the river yielding good or better fishing. Blushed silvers are available, especially near the Russian confluence.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Late-run silvers are now coming into the river in good numbers. The tidewater holes and upstream to Sterling are seeing quick action for many anglers during the dawn hours. Use eggs and spinners for salmon averaging 10-12 pounds; the limit is now 3 fish per day. Trout and char fishing on the middle river above Bing’s is excellent using beads and flesh. Water conditions should be unaffected by the Snow River flood until next week.

SWANSON RIVER:  Number of silvers coming in on the tides is slowing but some fair to good fishing can be had still; the better option is upstream in stretches between the Kenai Spur access and Swanson River Road access where catching is reported as good to excellent. The upper river has mainly blushed silvers so target chrome salmon on the lower and middle. Good to excellent trout fishing.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Anglers targeting steelhead trout are doing well with some days doing better than others depending on water conditions. Many fish are arriving on the tides with some good success rates lately. Beads and a variety of flies are responsible for the majority of fish being landed. The silver run is near its end but a few bright fish are still around. Char fishing is fair to good.

SUSITNA RIVER:  As long as water levels and clarity are not hampered by too much rain, fishing for rainbow trout and grayling as well as Dolly Varden is very good on the lower reaches and mouths of tributaries. Willow, Little Willow, Goose, Sheep, and Montana creeks are great late-season spots; use beads and flesh. Kashwitna River has seen fast action this week throughout much of its length. A very few nice silvers are still present but most of the run is actively spawning.

CHULITNA RIVER:  Fall conditions are in full swing here with primarily rainbow trout and grayling available. Byers Creek is a late season favorite for trout fishers and catching has been good. The mouth of Troublesome and lower East Fork Chulitna are seeing productive fishing also. Use a variety of offerings, from beads to flesh to forage flies.

COPPER RIVER:  Throngs of arctic grayling are moving from their summer feeding grounds headed to wintering areas, providing excellent opportunities this weekend. The lower and middle reaches of most clearwater tributaries are yielding very fast action using flies and spinners. Spots to try include Mendeltna, Tolsona, Gunn, Tulsona, and Indian, among others, including upper Gulkana. The latter still has a few semi-bright reds passing through. Little Tonsina is good for grayling as well as char and some silvers are available.

PORT VALDEZ:  The run of silvers this year continues to produce decent numbers of chrome and semi-bright silvers for the few anglers visiting this area. Allison Point and the shoreline up to Solomon Gulch Creek is seeing schools of fish on the tides. Depending on the tide, action ranges from fair to good and even limits are possible; look for jumpers signalling possible concentration of salmon. The harbor area has good snagging for silvers still. Nearby Robe River also has fair to good silver fishing.

 

Updated September 14, 2017

PORTAGE CREEK:  Chrome silver salmon continue to enter this Turnagain Arm drainage, albeit in reduced numbers, with most fish being semi-bright to lightly blushed. Most fish are concentrated in just a handful of spots on the middle and upper sections. Soak eggs or cast colorful spinners in deeper parts at or just downstream of clearwater tributaries and sloughs. Chums are actively spawning, resulting in a fair char bite.

PASSAGE CANAL:  Decent success can be had in Whittier for silvers, such as around the breakwater in front of town and Smitty’s Cove. Also scout for salmon at mouth of Cove Creek and the head of the canal near the tunnel. Generally fair catches most days; a few anglers have reported good fishing. Cast large spoons and spinners. If water is clear, scout for small schools of silvers.

RESURRECTION BAY: This should be the last productive weekend for silvers here. Although the run peaked some two weeks ago, there are still salmon being caught ranging in condition from dime bright to blushed. Expect catches to be fair at best with sporadic good fishing in the right spots. Try the mouth of Scheffler Creek using snag hooks or spinners. A few bright pinks persist. Parts of the Resurrection River drainage is open to salmon fishing; if water is clear or just slightly silty, silver action can be quite good this time of season. Dolly Varden opportunities are good also, in area streams. Use beads or white forage flies.

QUARTZ, PTARMIGAN CREEKS: As reds are wrapping up the spawn for this year, the char fishing is starting to slow. Washed out beads and flesh still get strikes. Expect fair to good catches; focus on lower sections. Whitefish also showing up.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Excellent rainbow trout and Dolly Varden action, mainly from Sportman’s down to Jim’s and Skilak Lake. Reds are actively spawning along with a few kings so beads still work well along with flesh. The early run of silvers is tapering off but fair in some locations. Fish range from chrome to blush. Try flies and spinners. A few nice reds are continuing to come through.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Silver salmon are still moving through river in decent numbers, yet this weekend should be the last for good opportunities. Chrome specimens possible but increasingly semi-bright to light blush. Trout and char fishing starting to slow a bit but good days can be had using flesh patterns as reds are dying off.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Generally fair for silvers downstream of Sterling as the early run is ending and the late run is accumulating. Some tides can produce a good bite in or near tidewater; additionally, the upper section near Killey River can be productive as well using flies and spinners. A few fresh red salmon stragglers remain yet. Trout and char action is excellent from Bing’s up to near Skilak Lake. Beads and flesh are both producing plenty of strikes.

SWANSON RIVER:  Tides are yielding some fish with occasional good catches. This is a great time of season to try water between the Swanson River Road access point and tidewater with a canoe; expect fair to excellent success using flies and spinners. Good trout fishing also on the upper river.

KASILOF RIVER:  The best silver salmon fishing is now on the upper river above the rapids, accessed primarily by boat. Good catches are possible using plugs. Fish range from chrome to light red. The latter component of silvers should show in another week to ten days. Steelhead trout are beginning to show up; large beads are best along with plugs.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Some fresh silvers continue to arrive at these waters but the run is dwindling. Better bet is to target steelhead trout and a fair number of them are being caught at this time. Starting this weekend and for the next ten days should be good in the lower stream sections and in or just above tidewater. Also fair to good char fishing.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER, KNIK ARM DRAINAGES:  Silver salmon numbers are dropping quickly now as fish are changing to spawning mode in upper reaches of area streams. However, chrome and semi-bright silvers are still present in decent numbers in a few locations, such as the Little Susitna, Wasilla, and Jim, yet expect to filter through older, darker salmon to find them.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Good to excellent success for trout, grayling, and char can be enjoyed on east-side streams, in particular Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana creeks. The upper reaches are still best but fish are also moving in numbers into middle sections of water as well. All streams support fair catches of silver salmon with Montana, Rabideux, and Sunshine being the choice locations. Late-run chums are also present.

CHULITNA RIVER:  Rainbow trout and grayling are hitting in the lower reaches of East Fork and Middle Fork Chulitna with the few anglers present experiencing good fishing. Silvers are arriving also but are mostly turning. Look to Byers Creek for a shot at semi-bright silvers with fair to good opportunities still.

PORT VALDEZ:  Every tide continues to bring in nice silvers and the run is holding steady, some days producing very good catches and anglers getting their limits. Cast large spinners at Allison Point and the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. Snagging for silvers in the harbor area is good to excellent with chums also in the mix. Robe River is fair to good for silvers.

 

Updated September 7, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  While the peak of the silver run is long gone there are still silvers to be found here, sometimes in quite decent numbers. Tides are the best times to go looking and the action varies quite a bit, from slow to good depending on the day and tide. Try casting spinners or drift eggs during the incoming, high, and outgoing. Limit is still 6 silvers per day but 2 to 3 fish is the most to expect this late in the season.

PORTAGE CREEK:  Silvers are still running here with each tide bringing in chrome fish. The run has already peaked in tidewater but anglers can experience days with schools of fresh salmon to come in until at least mid-month; check out quiet water of holes and sloughs in the middle and upper stream reaches for concentration of salmon. Use eggs or egg/attractor combinations. Spinners can be great in spots where there is clear water. The red and chum runs have practically ended for this year but a few stragglers are always available. Dolly Varden are present as well.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Snagging for silvers remain a decent bet along the Seward waterfront, especially at or near the mouth of Scheffler Creek at Seward Lagoon where limits are possible yet. Anglers opting to entice a strike using spinners and herring can try the harbor area or the mouths of any clearwater stream draining into the bay. Catch rates are fair to good; look for clean, clear water of high tides for best results. Bright pinks are still a possibility although most fish are in or near spawning condition at this time. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good but will slow soon.

QUARTZ, PTARMIGAN CREEKS:  With reds spawning and dying in these Kenai Lake tributaries, anglers are doing well in their search for Dolly Varden using beads and flesh flies. Expect the bite to continue for another week to ten days.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Salmon are spawning and anglers are experiencing the peak of the trout and char season. Excellent success is norm this time of year; try beads and flesh. Anglers searching for silvers are doing best in sloughs and quiet water spots casting flies and spinners. Expect good fishing as this run is peaking. Although many fish are still chrome there are a few lightly blushed specimens too. Bright and semi-bright reds are still available in small numbers, primarily downstream of the Russian confluence.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  For those that enjoy stalking and spotting big silvers in a clear water setting, the Russian is hard to beat. Limit is only 1 fish per day but easily achieved if skilled at sight-fishing. Give it a try at dawn, searching holes and runs near the campground as well as the river mouth. Dark streamers are best. Trout and char action is good; use beads and flesh. Closed to red salmon fishing.

SWANSON RIVER:  Fishing continues to be quite good for silvers on this out-of-the-way stream, anglers finding small schools of salmon coming in on each tide. Additionally, the middle sections of water can be great for silvers, downstream of the Swanson River Road access. Use eggs and spinners. Rainbow fishing is good to excellent in upper reaches of the river.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  The early run of silvers is beginning to slow down as late-run fish are just starting to arrive. Anglers can still manage good catches of fish at dawn in some spots, particularly upstream of Sterling. The majority of silvers are taken on eggs and spinners. A few fresh reds are continuing to move into the river on the tides but the run is just about done for the year; anglers upstream of Bing’s Landing, however, may continue to find fair success for another week or so. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is excellent between Bing’s and Skilak Lake and fair to good around Soldotna.

KASILOF RIVER:  Fair to good possibilities for silvers below Crooked Creek Campground and slack water locations between Sterling Highway and the Tustumena Lake outlet. Eggs are best but plugs and spinners are the lures to use. Very few bright reds available. Good fishing for Dolly Varden using bait in slow moving water.

JIM CREEK:  Good opportunities persist for silver salmon at this valley fishery. Hot spot is at or near the Knik River confluence, eggs and spinners being effective. For the more adventurous angler, head upstream towards the lakes where schools of silvers can be found, including a number of red salmon and Dolly Varden.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD, FISH CREEKS:  The silver salmon runs here are largely subsiding for the season but schools of bright fish are still pulling into these waters on some of the tides, yielding good action and quick limits for the lucky few to be there. Try eggs, spinners, and flies. A few reds continue to linger.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Good fishing for silver salmon, on the middle river in particular. New, chrome fish are entering the drainage but the bulk of the run is upstream between the lower access point and Houston. Expect the majority of salmon to be semi-bright to light pink. Eggs and spinners are top producers.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Good to excellent success for trout, grayling, and char can be enjoyed on east-side streams, in particular Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana creeks. The upper reaches are still best but fish are also moving in numbers into middle sections of water as well. All streams support fair catches of silver salmon with Montana, Rabideux, and Sunshine being the choice locations. Late-run chums are also present.

PORT VALDEZ:  There is still some fairly productive fishing to be had here for silvers. The commercial cost recovery fleet has worked the port yet there are salmon to be found on the incoming, high, and outgoing tides. Look for schools of fish off Allison Point, in the boat harbor, and the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. A few bright pinks and chums are being caught. Robe River has good opportunities for silvers.

 

Updated August 31, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  Fresh silvers continue to enter stream as both hatchery and natural spawn fish are available and readily caught by floating eggs and casting spinners. The run has slowed a bit from ten days ago but anglers are still managing good catches with some persistent and skilled ones getting their 6-fish limit in a few hours. Expect this to be the last weekend of really productive action on this stream.

CAMPBELL CREEK:  At times good fishing for silvers down low in the drainage when water rises following heavy rain. Scout deeper areas of stream at dawn using eggs, the stretch between Dimond and Lake Otis being best. Trout and char opportunities abound on the upper stream in the Campbell Tract; watch out for bears feeding on salmon.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  Fair to good catches of silver salmon still happening here with the brunt of activity occurring during low light hours using eggs under a bobber or sitting on the bottom; spinners may work well at times. Bait like eggs and shrimp are getting the attention of a fair number of Dolly Varden also.

JIM CREEK:  The peak of the silver run here has arrived and anglers should find some very good action this weekend and next. A variety of enticements seems to be working, including eggs and spinners. Most fish are currently being caught around the Knik confluence but silvers are available upstream towards the lakes too. A few reds are being caught but this run is quickly dying out.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD CREEKS:  Nice numbers of silver salmon in these streams are providing good fishing but expect runs to slow after this weekend. Look for schools of fish to arrive in the tidal area of Cottonwood, while Wasilla has more productive water open to salmon fishing where anglers can scout deep pockets for fish. Eggs are best but spinners can be great at times.

FISH CREEK:  Open 7 days a week by recent emergency order, this Big Lake drainage stream is still seeing fair to good catches of silver salmon, primarily at dawn or following a high tide. However, here like elsewhere in the valley, the silver run is slowing down. Red salmon continue to trickle in and rainbow trout and Dolly Varden action is worthwhile in the upper stream.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Good to excellent catches here of silver salmon as much of the river is open to salmon fishing. Despite fluctuations in water levels and clarity, anglers are catching limits of fish using eggs and spinners all the way from the highway bridge in Houston downstream to the Burma access point. While some fish are starting to turn, particularly around Houston, a lot of bright silvers are still available. A few chrome and semi-bright chums are present on the lower river.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP CREEKS:  Anglers visiting these streams can do great on silvers with good to excellent opportunities at dawn using eggs. While the mouths are producing fish, much of the runs are now situated in the stretches of water between the highway crossings and the mouth. Hiking in from the road and scouting deep areas can be very rewarding. This should be the last weekend of really productive silver fishing before runs begin to falter due to salmon starting to turn color. Trout and grayling action is good in upper reaches.

MONTANA, RABIDEUX, SUNSHINE CREEKS:  A lot of silvers are moving through here with best fishing being at the Susitna confluences. Try eggs and spinners at first light for good to excellent results. Sight-fishing for silvers can also be good on Montana when water is low and clear. Rabideux is a great place to search out silvers from the highway crossing on down. A few fresh chums available yet at the mouths of Montana and Sunshine. For rainbows and grayling, upper Montana is the place to go.

CHULITNA RIVER:  Silver salmon are just now arriving in force to streams in this area. The mouths of Troublesome and Byers can be excellent spots to go and do not overlook East Fork Chulitna. Byers has the strongest run by far and also more productive water; scout deeper spots for schools of salmon. Eggs, spinners, and flies all do very well. A few fresh and semi-bright reds and chums continue to be available. Fair to good trout and grayling action.

PORT VALDEZ:  Anglers experienced good fishing for silvers earlier in the week but things slowed down quite a bit due to very silty water conditions resulting from heavy outwash from area rivers and streams. Search out clear or less turbid water on high tide around Allison Point or city dock. Use brightly colored lures or bait. If water conditions improve over the weekend, expect excellent silver fishing. Snagging remains productive for silvers in the harbor with a lot of chums in the mix as well; some of these chums are still in very decent condition. Robe River is yielding fair to good opportunities for silvers.

BIRD, GLACIER, INGRAM, SIXMILE, RESURRECTION CREEKS:  Fair to good fishing yet for silvers. The hatchery run at Bird is now being replaced by the native run. Sixmile can be a great stream to search out silvers in upstream areas, from mouth to Canyon Creek. Use eggs or spinners, preferable at dawn or incoming and outgoing tide. Glacier and Resurrection still has a few fresh chums available.

PORTAGE CREEK:  A good run of silvers here this year. Look for fish on incoming tides near the mouth and after high tide in holes and pools just upstream of tidal section. Anglers can find productive fishing throughout the day in spots higher up, in slack water locations and mouths of clearwater tributaries. Salmon roe is extremely effective in this stream but spinners and attractors work too. Expect catch rates to remain high for another ten days at least. A few fresh reds and chums remain.

RESURRECTION BAY:  The silvers have finally hit in numbers along beaches in Seward and anglers in some spots are easily getting their 6-fish limit. The mouth of Scheffler Creek at Seward Lagoon has been particularly productive for silvers recently with most caught by snagging; for a true bite, use herring or spinners a distance away from the snag crowd. Good action can also be had in other areas, such as mouth of Tonsina, Spruce, and Spring creeks and wherever jumpers can be seen indicating possible school of fish present. Incoming, high, and outgoing tide is best. Some bright and semi-bright pinks are still available in bay waters; try around mouths of streams. Surf-casting for bottomfish is good also around the west side, targeting codfish and flounders with occasional catches of halibut and rockfish.

QUARTZ, PTARMIGAN CREEKS:  Good opportunities for Dolly Varden along with some rainbows in these two tributaries of Kenai Lake. Try 7 and 8mm beads. Watch out for bears.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden using beads as the reds and kings are spawning throughout the river. For those targeting salmon, silvers are moving through in decent numbers with fair to good catch rates as the run builds to a peak this weekend and next week; try spinners in slack water areas or swing flies. A few chrome and semi-bright reds continue to be available, particularly in stretches of water downstream of Russian confluence.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Always a reliable late-season bet, anglers are finding good fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden on the lower river along with fair but increasing numbers of silver salmon. Beads and egg imitation flies work on the trout and char while the silvers are best targeted using dark flies. As the silver limit is only 1 fish, anglers do very well, especially at dawn or the Kenai confluence.

SWANSON RIVER:  Good success for silvers around high tide on the lower end of the river using eggs and spinners. Very productive fishing also in spots above tidewater, especially in early morning. Rainbow trout fishing is great on the upper river.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Anglers here are experiencing some very rewarding action for silver salmon, the area from Soldotna on upstream towards Skilak Lake being best, although a decent number of fish are still coming in off the tides too. Target slack water areas at dawn using eggs and spinners for excellent results, or swing or drift flies in other areas throughout the day. There are still fresh reds coming into the river on every tide but the majority of fish are now caught in the middle river section above Bing’s Landing; limits are possible with persistence. Excellent rainbow trout and Dolly Varden opportunities upstream of Sterling but can be good down around Soldotna as well; use beads or roe imitation flies.

KASILOF RIVER:  Good to excellent for silvers, hot spots being channel right below Crooked Creek and slack water locations upstream of Sterling Highway bridge. Try the edge of high tide on the lower river. Eggs or eggs and attractor combinations work best. A few nice reds are present although the run is practically done for the season. Good fishing for char using bait in slow moving water.

NINILCHIK & ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Provided water stays in decent shape and not too much rain, anglers do well on silvers here. Run is peaking and catch rates typically range from fair to good; use spinners or plugs. Note: Starting September 1 and through the season, bait is prohibited. Still poor for steelhead but numbers are increasing. Fishing for char is good in upper reaches of these drainages.

 

Updated August 24, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  Downtown anglers are still finding good opportunities for silvers but the run does seem to have peaked. A 3-fish limit is possible using eggs and spinners during incoming, high, and outgoing tide with some decent catches also being made on low tide drifting flies. There are a number of pinks and chums present as well but very few are considered decent for sport and eating at this point.

CAMPBELL CREEK:  The recent rains have helped spark a surge of silvers into the stream from Campbell Lake and anglers are doing well at dawn drifting salmon roe through various holes. Best stretch of water is from Arctic Boulevard bridge downstream to Dimond Boulevard. Some limits are being achieved. Trout and char fishing is good in upper areas, above Piper Street in the Campbell tract.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  Plunking eggs and casting spinners are scoring catches of silver salmon, especially at the Knik River confluence. Early morning is the time to go with fair to good action possible and a few fishers are walking away with limits.

JIM CREEK:  While the number of reds in the fishery has dwindled during the course of this week, silvers are building in strength. Open to fishing from Wednesday through Sunday, anglers are having fair to good success, mainly in the morning but decent catches may be had all day long at the stream mouth. Most fish are taken on eggs but spoons and spinners work well too.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD CREEKS:  These two small valley weekend-only streams are currently receiving a very good shot of silver salmon. Anglers hitting the water early Saturday morning should have no problem taking home a limit of silvers, which is now 4 according to ADF&G emergency order. Eggs should produce best catches.

FISH CREEK:  This stream is now open 7 days a week and the silver salmon limit has been upped to 4 by recent emergency order. A very strong showing of silvers this past week prompted the order and anglers should focus on deep holes at dawn or try incoming and high tides; try eggs. Only a few reds remain in the stream. Trout action is good in the upper stream.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  With the bait ban lifted and a good slug of silvers headed upstream, anglers around Burma Road access will likely experience some intense fishing for the next week or so. Be on the water at dawn, soaking eggs or casting spinners for good to excellent success. Relatively few silvers have made it up to the Houston area still. River is plugged with spawning chums in the upper reaches; bright and semi-bright specimens are being caught down low in the drainage as some fish continue to arrive.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, CASWELL, SHEEP, GOOSE, MONTANA CREEKS:  These Susitna drainage streams are receiving strong numbers of silver salmon this year and the daily bag limits for the species upped to 4 by recent emergency order. While good to excellent catch rates are currently experienced at the mouth of these waters, some streams like the Willow, Little Willow, and Sheep creeks are seeing good angler success also higher up in the drainages. These runs are at a peak. A small number of bright and semi-bright chums are still present, mainly at the Susitna confluences. Trout, char, and grayling action is good to excellent in many areas, primarily in the upper stream reaches.

RABIDEUX, SUNSHINE, BYERS CREEKS:  The mouth of these small drainages are great spots to go for silvers from now on through the month. The morning bite is best but there will be productive fishing all throughout the day as more and more fish filter in through the Susitna and Chulitna. Try eggs and spinners. Some fresh chums available still.

BIRD, GLACIER, INGRAM, SIXMILE, RESURRECTION CREEKS:  Fair to good catches of silver salmon in these Turnagain Arm streams, mainly on eggs at dawn or around high tide. Pink and chum runs are virtually done for the year, except at Glacier which has a smattering of chrome fish arriving.

PORTAGE CREEK:  The peak of the late summer silver salmon run is now, anglers having success from tidewater on upstream to spots along the Portage Glacier Road. Some high and silty water in the stream from recent rains so focus on slack water locations using eggs or egg/attractor combinations; try spinners at mouth of clearwater tributaries. Action ranges from fair to excellent so scout around until concentration of silvers is found. A number of fresh chums are present still but the main run is entering spawning phase. Few decent reds remain.

RESURRECTION BAY:  For shore anglers, main catch these days are pinks along with some silvers and a few chums. Although most of the pinks are blush in color, some dime bright specimens are available at the mouth of streams draining into the bay as well as areas of the Resurrection River and fishing can be fair to good at times as long as rains hold up long enough for water to drop and clear a bit. Spring, Scheffler, and Tonsina creeks and West Fork Resurrection River produce late season pinks. Silvers are finally showing up in numbers and can be located by scanning the surface for jumpers; cast spinners. Expect the silvers to start peaking sometime next week and through the month.

QUARTZ, PTARMIGAN CREEKS:  Anglers taking a break from salmon are finding good fishing for Dolly Varden in these two tributaries of Kenai Lake. Beads are best as the streams are full of spawning reds.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Good to excellent opportunities here for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden using beads or egg imitation flies. The late run of reds and kings has started spawning and the action should stay hot now on through September. A small number of fresh reds are still moving upstream and can be successfully targeted from the Russian River area on downstream. Silvers are arriving but fishing for them is still fair as the run is building.

SWANSON RIVER:  The lower river from tidewater on up several miles is supporting some good opportunities now for arriving silver salmon. Anglers fishing the tides using eggs and spinners are catching fish, including some limits, but those feeling more adventurous are finding catches of silvers higher up in the drainage as well. Trout fishing is very productive on the upper river.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Anglers trying their luck at dawn using eggs and spinners in slack water locations of the river are finding excellent catches of silver salmon. Even anglers drifting flies for other species are connecting and taking limits of salmon. The late run of red salmon is tapering off now on the lower end of river downstream of Sterling but some good catches may be had yet from Bing’s Landing to near the outlet of Skilak Lake; prepare to do a bit of catch-and-release of mature fish in search of fresh reds with persistent anglers bringing home limits. Trout and char fishing is good to excellent on the middle river upstream of Bing’s.

KASILOF RIVER:  With the red salmon run almost done for the season, anglers here are now focused on silver salmon. Good catches are being made in areas on top of tidewater and in slackwater locations farther upstream. Shore anglers do well in slough just downstream of mouth of Crooked Creek. Soak eggs on or near the bottom.

NINILCHIK & ANCHOR RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Recent rains helped push silvers into these streams and anglers dropping eggs into deep holes at dawn or around tidewater will find good success. Runs should peak the next several days. A few steelhead trout are showing up. Fishing for char is good in upper reaches of these drainages.

DUDIAK LAGOON/KACHEMAK BAY:  With the silver salmon bite subsiding along the shores of the spit, anglers wanting salmon are finding best success in the lagoon where fishing is still fair to good. Try the tide exchanges using eggs. Surf-casting is productive for various species of bottomfish and a few halibut are being caught by anglers with the right gear.

 

Updated August 18, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  Tides are continuing to bring in fresh pulses of silver salmon and anglers using eggs and spinners are doing well with many limits being taken on incoming and outgoing tides. Still a good shot of pinks in the stream but these fish are mostly in spawning condition at this point. A number of chums are present with chrome specimens possible still.

BIRD CREEK:  The rainfall the last several days helped push more silvers into the stream and good catches are made on the tides drifting eggs or casting spinners. Limits are possible with a combination of hatchery and wild fish available. The pink run is over but an occasional bright fish may be around yet; few fresh or semi-bright chums remain with this run ending as well.

GLACIER CREEK:  Decent opportunities here for several salmon species. Anglers are catching a number of silvers in early morning and on the tides using eggs and spinners and fresh pinks and chums continue to arrive with fair opportunities. An occasional red salmon may be encountered.

PORTAGE CREEK:  The number of silver salmon available to anglers is increasing every day as the run is building in earnest; try the tidewater holes using eggs sitting on the bottom. Many spots upstream are plugged with chums and pinks still and there are fair to good catches of bright and semi-bright chums possible casting attractor and egg combinations. Some bright reds are present too but this run is quickly tailing off for the season.

SIXMILE CREEK:  The lower stream along Hope Highway presently has fair to good opportunities for silver salmon. Search out holes with some quiet water, floating eggs or cast spinners. Lots of spawning chums present in some parts of the stream along with lesser showing of pinks. Nearby Resurrection Creek has fair fishing for silvers.

RESURRECTION BAY:  With the silver salmon derby ending this weekend, shore anglers are starting to see some silvers move within range but the fishing is still spotty with most catches being pink salmon and a variety of bottomfish. The mouths of Spring and Tonsina creeks still hold a decent chance of getting fresh pinks but the majority of these runs are starting to turn; a few semi-bright chums are also available at the latter location.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Very good fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden right now and getting better as the “bead” season kicks into gear. Late-run reds are pushing into the upper in good numbers with most catches being blush or dark fish but there are fair opportunities for dime bright specimens still, particularly in locations downstream of the Russian River confluence. Additionally, silvers are becoming more regular but still spotty to fair at best.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Fair to good fishing for late-run reds with some excellent catches at first light near campground. As a reminder, this is the last weekend open to red salmon fishing as the season closes on Monday the 21st. But there are silvers arriving, albeit in small numbers yet, and rainbow trout fishing is good right now with more Dolly Varden starting to show up as well.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Late-run red salmon continue to enter the river in intermittent spurts of 20- to 30,000 fish per day, providing good fishing to anglers still interested. Limits are being achieved, usually in 2 hours or so, the best area being at Soldotna when fish are pushing upstream or in the middle river above Sterling to Skilak Lake. Many fish are starting to blush but there are chrome reds available. This run should start to slow down any day now. In addition, the early run of silvers is at a peak with very good catches being made at dawn; use eggs or spinners. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good to excellent above Bing’s Landing.

KASILOF RIVER:  Good fishing awaits anglers that tempt silvers at dawn using eggs fished on the bottom of holes or slow moving sections of water. Some spots can be productive throughout the day. The late run of reds is dwindling in strength but a few fish are continuing to be caught still. Dolly Varden fishing is fair to good.

SWANSON RIVER:  Fair to good silver salmon fishing on incoming and high tides with anglers hiking upstream also doing well at dawn. Try floating eggs or cast spinners for success. Rainbow trout fishing on the upper river is good to excellent.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Early morning opportunities are good for silver salmon on these streams and should hit a peak next week. Floating eggs and casting spinners and flies are scoring some limits for anglers. A number of semi-bright pinks are available too. Dolly Varden action is good on the upper sections of water. A very few steelhead trout are appearing.

DUDIAK LAGOON/KACHEMAK BAY:  The fishing hole on the spit is yielding good catches of silver salmon, especially on the incoming and outgoing tides. Eggs, herring, and spinners are responsible for the majority of fish. The beaches along the spit are also producing silvers and some pinks with good fishing possible on incoming and high tides; use spinners or herring. Those trying for bottomfish are doing well also; a few halibut have been caught recently.

JIM CREEK:  Fair to good opportunities here at the mouth of the stream for primarily silvers but some reds are being taken also. Eggs and spinners work best. Nearby Eklutna Tailrace is seeing a surge in action as hatchery silvers arrive; go in early morning.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD, FISH CREEKS:  These weekend-only streams are expected to provide good fishing for silver salmon come Saturday morning and limits should be possible. Eggs are taking the most fish but spinners and flies are effective as well. Additionally, red salmon are still filtering through Fish Creek in catchable numbers. Spawning pinks and chums may be present. Good trout fishing upstream.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Silver salmon run appears to be peaking with good fishing available on the lower river. Best catches are made at dawn on eggs. Limits are common. Semi-bright and bright chums continue to be available, although this run is tapering off as most fish are moving into spawning mode. The upper river around Houston is seeing spotty to fair silver catches and very large concentrations of dark chums.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS, KASHWITNA RIVER:  Silver salmon are starting to show in earnest and fishing is good. The Susitna confluence areas are best but fishing can be productive throughout the lower sections of these waters as well. Eggs, spoons, and spinners are all great with limits very possible in early morning hours. Heavy run of chums this year in the Susitna drainage and anglers are doing fair to good on chrome and semi-bright fish at the mouth of these streams, in particular Willow and Montana creeks. Rainbow trout and grayling are active on the upper stream sections; good action awaits.

CASWELL, RABIDEUX, SUNSHINE CREEKS:  Good opportunities for silver salmon, particularly at first light. Float eggs or cast spinners at mouths. Many chums and pinks and some reds also present with majority of fish nearing spawning condition; some fresh chums still possible.

CHULITNA RIVER:  Anglers hitting the mouths of Byers and Troublesome creeks are experiencing fair fishing for red salmon, particularly on the former, with a number of silvers starting to show. Cast flies for the reds, use eggs or spinners for silvers. Many chums and some pinks present but bright specimens becoming hard to find. Rainbow trout and grayling are available in these waters as well as East and Middle Forks of Chulitna River.

GULKANA RIVER:  Fair to good fishing her for late-run red salmon. This run is now at a peak and should hold into early September. Successful anglers scout the river for schools of fish moving upstream and cast flies. Catch rates are best from river mouth up to around Sourdough. Grayling fishing is excellent higher up in the drainage, rainbow trout fair to good.

 

Updated August 11, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  Anglers visiting this downtown stream are finding very productive fishing for silver salmon using eggs and spinners on the incoming and outgoing tides. An increasing number of fish are showing up and fair to excellent action can be expected with many limits being achieved. There are also pinks and chums present but the majority of these fish are turning; a few bright ones may still be caught, however.

BIRD CREEK:  Lots of salmon in this stream but mostly blushed and spawning pinks and chums with a small number of bright ones mixed in. Silver salmon are continuing to come in, providing generally fair opportunities with sporadic bursts of good fishing. Successful anglers float eggs or cast spinners at incoming and high tide but sight-fishing for silvers can be successful using flies on low tide as well.

GLACIER CREEK:  Good mix of species available here with pinks and chums being predominant catches with lesser numbers of silvers plus a few reds. Bright specimens are still possible of the former two; try the tidal area of the stream. As for silvers, fair catch rates are the norm using eggs and spinners during tidal activity or holes in early morning.

PORTAGE CREEK:  One of the highlights in this area, providing overall good angling opportunities. Chums are making a strong showing this year and can be hooked on attractors and eggs combinations but will take spoons and flies too. Fish are starting to turn but many fresh specimens still available. Pinks and reds are present but most are blushed to pre-spawn condition. Some silvers are being caught on eggs in lower stream near tidewater.

PASSAGE CANAL:  Surf-casting for bottomfish is fair to good, especially around the breakwater in front of town. Herring are being caught also. Pinks are abundant along with lesser number of chums but entering spawning stage quickly; few bright fish remaining. Silvers are starting but not productive yet. A few kings continue to cruise the shoreline of the canal.

RESURRECTION, SIXMILE CREEKS:  Few bright pinks left in these waters with most in or near spawning condition at this time; scout tides for success. Chums are also darkening but decent catches may be had still, particularly in Resurrection. Silvers are appearing in both streams with Sixmile being the best bet. Use eggs.

RESURRECTION BAY:  The annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby begins this weekend. Only a few silvers are off the beaches in town yet but good fishing can be had from boats in outer bay. A fair number of bright and semi-bright pinks and chums are available to shore anglers; try near the mouth of clearwater streams, such as Spring Creek for pinks and Tonsina for both pinks and chums. If water conditions hold without too much rain in area, the lower sections of Salmon Creek and Resurrection River will yield pinks and chums as well. Dolly Varden opportunities are quite good in upper Salmon Creek.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Fishing is picking up for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, with good catches being made on beads from outlet of Kenai Lake downstream to Skilak Lake. Red salmon are pushing into the area with many fish being blushed at this stage, but a fair number of bright specimens are present. Best river section for reds is anywhere below the Russian confluence. A few silvers are showing.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Generally fair to good angling here for late-run reds, mainly at first light in holes downstream of campground and at the river mouth. Limits can be easy in some spots. Occasional catches of silver salmon possible. Trout and char fishing is fair to good with a few larger specimens now entering river.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  While the late-run reds are slowing down significantly in the Soldotna area, there will still be pulses of fish coming through providing good but brief action for another ten days or so. The better red opportunities this time of year are generally on the middle river section, above Sterling to near Skilak Lake, where good catch rates may be enjoyed still. Be prepared to filter through blushed salmon in search of chromers. Silver salmon action has been fair in tidewater; try early morning using eggs or spinners. Good trout and char fishing available above Bing’s Landing.

SWANSON RIVER:  Silvers have not shown in any big numbers here yet but anglers are getting some fish on the tides using eggs; head upstream in early morning and scout deep holes for fish. Rainbow trout fishing is very good in upper sections of water.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Fair fishing for silvers in tidewater and at dawn using eggs and spinners; expect things to pick up here in another week or so, perhaps sooner after a good downpour. Decent number of pinks but most are in spawning condition. First steelhead due any day. Good char opportunities on beads in upper part of these drainages.

DUDIAK LAGOON/KACHEMAK BAY:  Good fishing awaits anglers at the lagoon with some anglers getting their limits. Best catch rates are on the inside of the lagoon on incoming tide and on the bay side as the tide drops out again. Float eggs or pieces of herring, sardine, or mackerel; casting spinners will work too. Surf-casters at the tip of the spit are catching good numbers of mainly flounders with some codfish and the occasional halibut and pink and silver salmon.

WASILLA, COTTONWOOD, FISH CREEKS:  These smaller drainages open to salmon fishing this weekend and anglers can expect good action for silvers on opening day, particularly at dawn and on the tides using eggs. In spots where water runs clear, also try spinners and flies. A few reds still remain along with a handful of pinks and the occasional chum. Rainbows are good in upper reaches.

JIM CREEK:  Fishing for red salmon is fair to good and holding steady while silvers are starting to arrive in numbers enough to target. Spinners, eggs, and flies are being used successfully. Dolly Varden fishing is good in the stream between the mouth and the lakes. Nearby Eklutna Tailrace is seeing reds and silvers being caught with fair success.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Huge numbers of chum salmon are present in section of water between Burma Landing and Houston but many are now showing spawning colors; for good chance at bright or semi-bright specimens, try the lower river using spoons, flies, and attractors. Silver salmon are present in fair numbers around Burma with some anglers doing well and catching limits in some spots or at dawn casting spinners or flies. A few pinks and reds present. No bait allowed on this river by emergency order.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW CREEKS:  Best place for silvers, primarily at the mouth of streams at dawn using eggs and spinners. A few fish are also up at highway crossings. Lots of ripe pinks and chums present but good opportunities for bright fish may be had casting spoons at Susitna confluences. Good rainbow trout and grayling fishing in upper stream reaches.

SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS:  Good fishing for chum salmon at stream mouths using spoons and flies with many fish still in decent condition. Pinks are rapidly turning. Only a handful of silvers as of yet, mostly down low in the drainages, but improving daily; scout deep holes or mouths at dawn using eggs or spinners. Good rainbow trout and grayling fishing in upper stream reaches.

BYERS CREEK, EAST FORK CHULITNA RIVER:  Anglers here are finding fair to very good fishing for nice-sized rainbows casting flies and small spinners. East Fork also has productive grayling fishing. In Byers, red salmon are running and fishing is fair to good; decent return of chums as well along with a few pinks. First silvers due any day.

GULKANA RIVER:  No big spike as of yet of late-run reds but decent number of fish are to be found lower down in the drainage. Given clear water conditions, fishing is fair and successful anglers scout for schools of fish moving upstream. Grayling opportunities remain a solid bet on the middle and upper reaches of water. Nearby Klutina and Tonsina also have late-run reds present.

 

Updated August 3, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  Fishing for silver salmon is beginning to pick up a bit, especially for those targeting the tides using salmon roe and spinners. Some limits are being achieved but most anglers take home 1 or 2 fish at this time. There are also decent numbers of pinks in the stream along with a smaller number of chums.

BIRD CREEK:  Big numbers of primarily pinks and chums are present, most of which are starting to turn; quality ranges from chrome to near spawning so expect to do a bit of catch-and-release if wanting to keep some nice fish for eating. However, anglers are experiencing fair to good fishing for silvers using spinners and drifting eggs on incoming and outgoing tide. Fishing at low tide using flies can be productive as well, especially if sight-fishing.

GLACIER CREEK:  Mainly pinks and chums available here, yielding fair to good opportunities for bright and semi-bright catches. The area at or around mouth of California Creek is a relative hot spot. Silvers are also arriving along with a few reds; expect slow to fair action.

PORTAGE CREEK:  Good numbers of pinks, chums, and reds are present, although the latter species may be difficult to catch in many places. However, a few anglers can do well on reds if good current flow, structure, and fish concentration can be located; utilize the flip-and-drift technique using flies. Use brightly colored spoons, spinners, and attractors for the pinks and chums. Do not be surprised to find a few early silvers. Nearby Ingram Creek has fair pink salmon fishing with majority of fish starting to turn; a few chums and silvers are in the stream too.

PASSAGE CANAL:  This is mainly a pink salmon fishery with the largest concentrations found at the head of the canal and over at Cove Creek; fair to good opportunities for bright specimens but many fish are turning. A smaller number of chums along with a few reds are also available. Silver salmon are just starting to show up and an occasional hatchery king may be left still.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  Big number of pinks here with decent opportunities for bright specimens still, particularly on the tides, but be prepared to release a lot of darker, pre-spawning fish before finding keepers. Same goes for the chums; release the older fish in favor of finding the fresher ones. A very few silvers are starting into the stream as well and may be caught on salmon eggs, spinners, and flies. Nearby Sixmile Creek is experiencing a solid run of chums but these fish are mostly turned; pinks and a few silvers present here as well.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Anglers here are finding good numbers of pinks and chums off the mouth of Tonsina Creek, a hike-in clearwater drainage on the west side of the bay. Many of these fish are still bright but some are starting to turn. Try the incoming and outgoing tides using spoons, jigs, and flies. Fair to good pink salmon catches may also be had at the head of the bay along the Seward waterfront as well as the mouth of Spring Creek off Nash Road.

UPPER KENAI & RUSSIAN RIVERS:  Late-run reds are arriving in good numbers but be prepared to sort through quite a few blushed salmon in order to catch chromers. The Russian and the confluence area is a good bet for finding bright fish and anglers are doing good at dawn in the main river and at the mouth and below during mid-day. Fair to good catches of rainbows can be had in both drainages. Quartz and Ptarmigan creeks are seeing an increasing number of Dolly Varden coming up from the lake and action can be good at first light.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  After about a week to ten days of excellent red salmon fishing, anglers here are advised to keep an eye on escapement numbers; if high, fish the lower end from Soldotna downstream to Kenai. The middle river from Sterling up to Skilak Lake is generally more consistent this time of the season. Historically, the river experiences one last strong pulse of reds around the second week of the month. While the king season is done for this year, silvers are arriving and being caught in small numbers incidentally to flipping for reds. If specifically targeted, silver fishing is better in the tidewater holes using eggs and spinners. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden opportunities are good in most areas of the river.

KASILOF RIVER:  Good to excellent catches were had here last weekend but it has slowed down last few days; expect pulses of fish to come through offering good fishing for another week before tapering off for the season. Silvers are just starting to show.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Good fishing for pinks in the tidewater holes and immediately upstream and some silvers are appearing; expect fair action at best for the latter. The upper parts of these drainages currently offer good to very good fishing for Dolly Varden. While the Ninilchik is still open to retention of king salmon, only a few blush to dark specimens remain at this point, although chrome fish is a possibility.

DUDIAK LAGOON/KACHEMAK BAY:  The lagoon on the Homer Spit is seeing a fair showing of silvers and a few determined anglers are getting close to their limit of fish. The run is building and herring or spinners are responsible for most catches. A few blush kings linger in the lagoon still and legal for retention. The beaches along the spit are seeing decent opportunities for bright and semi-bright pinks as a multitude of bottomfish are available too, including halibut.

COTTONWOOD, WASILLA CREEKS:  While the red salmon runs here are tapering off, anglers can expect to find fair numbers of silvers this coming weekend. Prepare to be on the water at first light Saturday for best success or try soaking eggs on the tides. Jim Creek is seeing a fair return of reds presently along with a few silvers.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  This valley drainage is currently experiencing a very strong return of chum salmon and angling is excellent throughout the lower and middle stretches of water; some 60,000 fish are headed upstream with more to come. Many fish are still chrome to semi-bright but likely darker higher up, such as around the highway crossing in Houston. Silver salmon are giving a fair account of themselves and this run is still building. Few pinks and late-run reds appear to be present this year.

WILLOW, LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS & KASHWITNA RIVER:  A large showing of chums at the mouth of these streams keep anglers busy with good to excellent fishing available; some fair to good catches can be had at the highway crossings as well. This may be the peak weekend for this species as many fish are still bright or at least semi-bright and perfect for sport and tablefare. Anglers looking for silver action are having to work harder, although a few limits are being taken using eggs or spinners. For resident species, try the upper reaches of these waters where rainbow and grayling provide good to excellent opportunities; look for fish around the spawning kings.

GULKANA RIVER:  The late run of reds is arriving and fishing is fair to good as long as the water stays clear. The bulk of the run can be found between the Copper confluence and just upstream of the highway crossing but is advancing rapidly towards Sourdough. Grayling fishing is excellent and rainbows fair on the middle stretch of river above the forks. King salmon fishing is closed for the year.

KLUTINA & TONSINA RIVERS:  Late-run kings are peaking in numbers in these glacial drainages, with very good catches being made. Expect the majority of salmon to be blush to some degree but there will be near chrome to dark specimens in the mix as well. Boaters do best accessing prime locations but a number of kings are landed from shore near the highway crossings. Red salmon are also available to anglers on the Tonsina and some may be caught on the Klutina also.

PORT VALDEZ:  Lots of pre-spawning pinks present near Solomon Gulch Creek but anglers may still find bright specimens along the beaches of the port at Allison Point and the boat harbor; expect fair to good fishing. Some chums and even a few early silvers are appearing around the head of the port. Decent pink salmon and Dolly Varden fishing can be had at Robe River.

 

Updated July 27, 2017

BIRD CREEK:  Fishing for pinks and chums is good with incoming, outgoing, and low tides producing plenty of action. Also silver salmon are showing in increasing numbers and some anglers are getting their 3-fish limit using eggs or spinners. Sight-fishing can be excellent for salmon at Bird, primarily on low tide in various holes. Individual kings are still cruising around. Nearby Indian Creek has a fair number of pinks available along with an occasional chum and silver.

GLACIER CREEK:  Good to very good opportunities for pinks, particularly near the California Creek confluence. Chums are present in fair numbers as well. Silvers are starting to appear but not to the degree of specifically targeting them yet. Caution: A bear has taken up residence just downstream of the highway bridge, on the north side.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  A great spot for plenty of pink salmon action with catch rates being excellent for dime bright and semi-bright fish. A fair number of salmon are turning spawning colors, especially in the middle and upper areas of the stream; try the outgoing tide on the flats for best quality fish. Fresh chums are being caught incidentally but can be successfully targeted for limits by sight-fishers. A few silvers are just starting to show.

PASSAGE CANAL:  Surf-casting for pinks and some chums is good at the head of the canal as well as in the small cove east of town. Some fish are starting to turn but there are still a lot of chrome salmon available; try the incoming, high, and outgoing tides. Casting for bottomfish can be good right in front of town, along the breakwater.

UPPER KENAI & RUSSIAN RIVERS, QUARTZ CREEK:  Good rainbow trout action is available on both the Kenai and Russian while Quartz has some really decent opportunities for Dollies as the presence of spawning salmon is increasing. Fishing for late-run reds in the main drainages is slow to fair. Quartz is closed to salmon fishing.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  A slug of big, chrome reds hit the lower river starting a few days ago and fishing has been good to excellent in the Kenai, Soldotna, and Sterling areas. Over 70,000 reds passed the sonar on the 26th. Also king salmon fishing has been very good with decent-seized catches being made; recent kings boated have pegged the scales at 70-75 pounds with evidence of even larger salmon present. A few pink salmon are present. Anglers targeting rainbows and Dollies have done good to excellent.

KASILOF RIVER:  Anglers have experienced inconsistent catches for reds recently but last day or two have seen excellent success rates finally. Hit the tides below or near Crooked Creek campground or chance schools of fish passing by around highway crossing and above. Also good king salmon fishing from boats.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Fair activity here on pink salmon with good opportunities for Dolly Varden too. A few silvers are now being caught with anglers scoring using eggs or spinners on incoming and high tides. A few decent kings continue to persist at Ninilchik; season is open through October 31.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  The main species for shore anglers on the lower river is chum salmon, which provide good sport at this time using spoons and plugs. Relatively few pinks have shown and silvers have remained rather scarce as well compared to previous seasons. However, anglers hitting the water early soaking eggs are getting some fish.

COTTONWOOD CREEK:  Likely the last good weekend opener for reds on this stream and there should be a few silvers available. Only the tidewater section is open to salmon fishing. Rainbow trout fishing is good in portions of stream where salmon are present. Nearby Wasilla and Jim creeks will see reds and silvers arriving this weekend also.

WILLOW, SHEEP, MONTANA CREEKS & KASHWITNA RIVER:  Salmon fishing is steadily improving after a slow start but anglers are finally seeing good numbers of fish arriving. Chums are the best bet for now with large schools being present at the Susitna confluences, but some fish are also being seen at highway crossings. Silvers are available too but sparingly so; only fair opportunities thus far for pinks. Rainbow trout and grayling action continues to be good in the middle and upper sections of these waters. Nightime fishing for burbot is productive at the stream mouths using bait.

PORT VALDEZ:  Excellent opportunities continue for pinks at Allison Point but anglers are having to release a good number of darkening fish in favor of retaining fresh, chrome specimens. Try the incoming tides at the point or the mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek on outgoing tide. Orange spoons and spinners are favored. Nearby Robe River has decent opportunities for pinks and Dolly Varden.

 

Updated July 20, 2017

BIRD CREEK:  Fair to good opportunities here for pink salmon with an increasing number of chums arriving on the tides. This is the prime time for these species here; silvers, however, have been slow to show in any numbers as of yet but a few are being caught. King salmon are still in the stream and anglers are reminded that they are a prohibited species in Bird, including catch-and-release.

GLACIER CREEK:  Decent fishing for pink salmon and Dolly Varden with a few chums beginning to arrive as well. Look for silvers to appear any day now. Try the tides near the highway crossing or scout deeper holes upstream. Use bait or high-visibility lures and flies if water is silty.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  Fresh pinks and chums are present and these runs are still building. Expect good luck fishing the incoming and outgoing tide at the mouth or scout stretches of water above the bridge. Those that enjoy sight-fishing can do excellent.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Late-run reds are starting and may be found throughout the drainage from Skilak Lake up to Kenai Lake; expect fair action with the stretch of river below the Russian confluence producing most catches at this time. Anglers are doing better on resident species, such as rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, with good success rates using a variety of forage flies.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Red salmon fishing is picking up and has been good the last few days with many anglers getting their limit. Best area has been from Sterling down to tidewater. This weekend and next week should see peak returns with hopefully excellent catches. Likewise, king salmon action is good and getting better; prime spots are in or near tidewater. Some large fish are being caught, between 40 and 60 pounds, and could top 70 pounds or more this season. Fishing is also good for rainbows and char.

KASILOF RIVER:  Having been quite inconsistent the last couple of weeks, a good push of reds did finally come through this week and numbers should hold steady for the next week to ten days. Good to excellent opportunities can be had now. Late-run kings are available too and fishing for them has been fair and steadily improving. Dolly Varden are entering the system in decent numbers.

ANCHOR, NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  Fair catches of pink salmon being made with good fishing for Dolly Varden as well. King salmon fishing is closed in these waters, except the Ninilchik where hatchery fish may still be retained. There are a small number of kings left there, most of which are turning color but a few bright salmon are continuing to be caught.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Anglers are seeing good fishing for fresh chums on the lower river near Burma Road access point, yet very few silvers are present as of date of this report. Some pinks and a few reds are available too along with rainbows and the occasional whitefish. King salmon fishing is closed for the season.

COTTONWOOD CREEK:  A weekend-only fishery, this small stream is open to salmon fishing at the lower end in and around tidewater. Anglers will find a decent number of red salmon with the best fishing expected to occur on outgoing tides using streamers or yarn flies. An occasional silver salmon and char may be caught as well. Rainbow trout fishing is quite good in upper reaches of the stream.

WILLOW CREEK:  A fair number of pinks and chums are available at the mouth of the stream and fishing for them is getting better by the day as more fish are starting to show. Only a few silvers caught thus far this season. The middle stream section does not have any numbers of salmon present yet, except for kings that are spawning at this time and closed to fishing. Rainbow and grayling action is good.

LITTLE WILLOW, SHEEP, CASWELL, GOOSE, MONTANA CREEKS, KASHWITNA RIVER:  Poor to fair numbers of pink and chum salmon at mouths with relatively few fish available up to highway crossings still. Silver salmon are slow at this time. Best action is for rainbow trout and grayling in middle and upper areas of these waters.

PORT VALDEZ:  One of the better places to catch salmon on the road system, with excellent catches reported at Allison Point and mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek. Run may not be as large as those seen in previous years yet but large numbers of fish are still arriving to the area. Large spoons and spinners do best. A few chums may be present.

 

Updated July 13, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  While most years the stream closes to king salmon fishing on the 13th of July, this year the season has been extended through July 31 due to a surplus of spawners having reached the hatchery. A few kings continue to show up on the tides and there is still possible to catch a dime bright fish, albeit the typical king is blush to red in color. However, the other big news here is that other salmon species are beginning to show, including a small number of silvers. Drift eggs or cast spinners for them. There are also a fair number of pinks present along with an occasional chum.

BIRD CREEK:  This Turnagain Arm stream opens to all species (except kings) on Friday, July 14. Pink salmon will be available but not in great numbers yet as the run seems either a bit late or small this year. Expect a few chums and silvers to be taken as well and these runs should only increase in strength over the weekend and through next week. The best fishing this week will occur on the opener, then build steadily as the season progresses.

RESURRECTION CREEK:  A favorite pink salmon destination, this clearwater stream in Hope will have some good opportunities this weekend and for the next ten days as the run peaks. Chrome pinks are entering on the tides in decent numbers and some anglers will do very well using pink spinners, flies, and jigs. Sight-fishing above tidewater is good for those skilled at it. Also a few chums are now coming in and there could be an occasional silver in the mix.

RESURRECTION BAY:  With the king and early red runs tapering off, anglers are finding productive fishing for chums off the mouths of Spring and Tonsina creeks. There will also be some reds lingering at Spring Creek; this is mainly a snag fishery this time of year. No silvers reported from area beaches yet, although the outer bay is producing great action. Surf-casting from the rocks along the western shore of the bay can be fair to good for bottomfish with decent potential for true cod and small halibut.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Late-run kings and reds are entering the system in increasing numbers. The tidewater holes and immediately above are producing good king action for boaters and a few fish have been taken from shore too. Red salmon are just now turning on, with success rates ranging from fair to very good depending on location on the river and angler experience. According to historical data, the first big push of fish could come any day now, probably this weekend or early next week. Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is good throughout the drainage.

KASILOF RIVER:  Red salmon numbers continue to fluctuate greatly but should see solid action by next week. Still, anglers are doing fair to good right now casting flies in fast water sections of the river; favorite spots include the Crooked Creek Campground and a quarter of a mile upstream of the highway bridge. Late-run kings are being caught with fair success at the time of this report; look for improved chances in about a week. A few early-run kings continue to linger in the channel right below the campground but are mainly dark blush to red in color now.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The Parks Highway streams between Willow and Talkeetna reopen to all fishing (except kings) this Friday, July 14. A mix of fish are present at this time but not in any great abundance just yet. Pinks and chums should provide the brunt of activity with an occasional silver here and there. The mouth of Willow Creek could be the best bet with decent opportunities also at the mouths of Little Willow, Sheep, Caswell, Goose, and Montana creeks. Rainbow trout and grayling action is typically good to excellent in upper reaches of these waters.

GULKANA RIVER:  As long as heavy rains do not turn the river to mud, anglers will be able to find some fair to good king salmon fishing in holes on the middle river. A few early-run reds still come through but expect few opportunities until the late run arrives in about ten days. Grayling fishing is excellent on the upper sections of river and fair for rainbows. It is also fair for lake trout at the outlet of Paxson Lake. Nearby Klutina and Tonsina rivers continue to be slow for reds as well but late-run kings are beginning to show.

PORT VALDEZ:  Perhaps one of the better spots for pinks on the road system this weekend, Allison Point is offering good to excellent fishing for anglers using orange spoons and spinners. The mouth of Solomon Gulch Creek can be very good on the outgoing tide even when other locations come up short. Most fish are very bright and in great shape right now. However, the grand mass of pinks has yet to appear; hopefully the coming week will see numbers build to expectations.

 

Updated July 5, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  Although the king salmon run is waning by the day there are still some decent catches being made on the tides. Chrome kings are still entering the system but fish tend to be smaller in size this late in the season, ranging from “jacks” to about 15 pounds, but some larger, blush specimens are present as well. Expect fair opportunities floating eggs or casting large spinners. Rumors of silver salmon starting to appear may be accurate as this is the time when they generally begin to show up.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  A good number of kings are still found here but the vast majority of fish are blush to red in color with very few fresh salmon being caught. Most anglers choose to catch and release salmon in hopes of getting a salmon of decent color. The early morning hours are usually the best time to be here. Roe and spinners are responsible for most hookups.

SUSITNA RIVER:  With king salmon fishing closed for the remainder of the season, anglers are still able to find good to excellent fishing opportunities. Rainbow trout and grayling are still prolific in the middle and upper sections of water on the Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana creeks as well as a handful of smaller drainages near Talkeetna and up through the Chulitna system. Forage flies and lures support good to excellent catch rates for fish averaging 8 to 20 inches. A few trout between 25 and 29 inches have been caught recently.

GULKANA RIVER:  Anglers here are enjoying a combination of species, from kings and reds to rainbows and grayling. Historically, the king run should be at its peak still with the early run of reds tapering off. Success has varied from fair to good last several days with some really productive days for kings in a few choice locations up around Sourdough. The late run of reds will begin to show on the lower end of the river in about two weeks. The trout and grayling are mainly found in the middle and upper areas of the river.

RESURRECTION BAY:  While an emergency order upped the bag limit for red salmon from 6 to 12 per day, the early run of reds to the Resurrection River is slowing down for the year as the bulk of fish have already reached Bear Lake. Some fish will still be available on the tides and expect a few pinks and chums to be present too. The better option now is to focus on other runs, such as the chum fisheries off the mouths of Spring Creek and Tonsina Creek which are seeing fair to good opportunities this week. While silvers are relatively abundant in the outer bay, no catches of this species has been reported off Seward beaches yet. A few hatchery kings are still around.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Being on the water early is they key to success fishing the main Russian as schools of reds make their way upstream in cover of low light hours. Sight-fishing is ranging from fair to excellent. Later in the morning and throughout the rest of the day, focus on the confluence area. Limits are possible in the right spot and with patience. Many of the salmon are beginning to turn color but bright specimens are still available in decent numbers, particularly at the mouth of the river. Rainbow trout action is fair to good.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  If still searching for salmon, try immediately below the Russian confluence as the majority of the red run has exited most areas of the upper Kenai. However, there are a smaller number of reds present all the way up to Kenai Lake as fish bound for other drainages in the system are beginning to arrive. The best and most predictable action is for rainbow trout, of which anglers can expect good opportunities this week and coming weekend.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  The late run of red salmon is quickly building on the lower end of the river below Soldotna. At the time of this report, anglers were doing fair with some good catches when a large school of fish come through. This coming weekend should yield some decent opportunities if the current trend continues. A mix of early and late run kings are present in the river but success is fair at best as we are now technically between runs. Those seeking rainbow trout are doing well upstream of Bing’s Landing using forage pattern flies.

KASILOF RIVER:  Anglers are finding mixed opportunities on this river depending on species and tide. The red salmon run continues to slowly build in strength with actual number of fish entering on each tide being highly variable still. Some tides are good, other times it is slow. The main bulk of salmon will arrive in another week or so. Early-run kings are almost done for the year but some fish continue to be present in the channel right below Crooked Creek Campground and in the main river downstream of the mouth of Crooked Creek. These fish are almost all blush to maroon in color with very few chrome specimens present. The late run of kings is just starting.

 

Updated June 29, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  The fishing the last several days has been somewhat unpredictable with some tides producing a decent number of kings while other tides very few. Come this weekend and lasting through next week, small tides will rule and bring anglers on top of arriving kings throughout the cycle. Casting spinners and floating salmon roe will work at incoming, high, and outgoing tides, while flipping flies should do best at low tide. Expect fair to good catches this extended holiday weekend. The run is slowing and fish beginning to show more color so this could be the last real chance in getting a king this season. Do not be surprised to see a few pinks and even an early silver any day now.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  Anglers hitting the water in the very early morning are getting kings on spinners and eggs. A decent number of salmon are present but many of the fish are quickly maturing with chrome salmon becoming increasingly scarce. Fair to good success possible during peak fishing times, generally poor during the afternoons.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The mouths and lower reaches of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana creeks will yield some very good king opportunities this coming weekend. Using spinners, attractors, and flies are expected to entice fish averaging 15 to 30 pounds with some larger catches to 40 or even 50 pounds or more. It appears that there are bigger kings this season than the last several years but the runs to the various tributaries are a bit smaller compared to last year. Kashwitna River has a few very large kings present that may push 60 pounds. Rainbow trout and grayling fishing continues to be good to excellent in many eastside streams with successful anglers focusing on the middle and upper reaches using forage flies and lures.

GULKANA RIVER:  Providing the weather holds barring heavy rains and turbid water conditions in the area, anglers will find good action for king salmon in the popular spots in the middle section of river near Sourdough. The run is still at a peak and fish are hitting plugs, attractors, and large flies. There are still relatively bright to semi-bright kings to be had but catches are increasingly blush these days. The early run of reds has dwindled recently, with poor to fair opportunities available. Grayling fishing is excellent in upper portions of the drainage; expect rainbows to be present as well.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  With historic catches being made the past week to lucky anglers fortunate enough to be here, there could still be some good to excellent opportunities this weekend. Schools of reds still push into the sanctuary and up into the clear Russian during the night so anglers are recommended to fish at dawn. Also, being on the river during a good downpour can result in some awesome catches. Rainbow trout action is best above the campground.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  If targeting early-run red salmon, try various locations just downstream of the Russian River confluence. However, there will also be schools of fish holding throughout the river downstream to Skilak Lake. Good success is being reported but this run should begin to taper off shortly. Rainbow trout fishing is good while Dolly Varden provide fair opportunities; try a sampling of forage flies, including dry flies.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Water levels are still relatively low for this time of year but slowly rising. Kings are distributed throughout the river with greatest concentrations found upstream of tidewater to Soldotna. Boaters fishing plugs, attractors, and spinners are responsible for the majority of catches but some nice kings are being caught from shore also this year, mainly on large streamers or spinners. Although the early run of red salmon have mostly exited the lower Kenai, late-run mainstem fish are coming into the river in increasing numbers. The morning and evening hours seem to be best with fair to good results reported.

KASILOF RIVER:  The early run of king salmon is slowing down here with slow to fair action typical on any given day; some tides or locations may still produce good catches, however. Fish range from dime bright to dark red with more blush kings than anything else now. After several days with rather dismal numbers of reds coming through, the late segment of the run appears to be building and anglers should start seeing an uptick in activity soon.

COOK INLET:  This weekend and on into next week will see smaller tides in the inlet. This is a good thing in some places but not so much in others; the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers should have good surf-casting for a multitude of species, including halibut, spiny dogfish, and skate, while the beaches of Whiskey Gulch and other similar locations should be fair at best.

DUDIAK LAGOON/KACHEMAK BAY:  The numbers of king salmon arriving at the lagoon is declining but is still worth a try using a variety of lures and bait depending on location fished and tide stage. Floating egg will work inside of the lagoon incoming through to outgoing and even low tide. Spinners are best on incoming and outgoing tide, while fly fishing can at times be productive in the channel as the tide goes out. Expect the first silvers to arrive any day. The end of the spit is still the place to go for a multitude of bottomfish, like cod fishes, flounders, sculpins, and an occasional halibut.

 

Updated June 22, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  King salmon are present in good numbers in this downtown stream and water conditions are perfect for catching them. Anglers casting large spinners and drifting clusters of salmon roe are experiencing some very good action on incoming and high tides, while drifting flies has been productive on the outgoing tide. The Slam’n Salm’n Derby has ended, with the winning fish tipping the scale at over 36 pounds. However, big fish and even greater catch rates can be found now and is expected to hold for another week to ten days.

CAMPBELL CREEK:  This coming weekend (June 24-25), kids age 15 and younger will have the exclusive opportunity of catching a king salmon in this clearwater stream. Open area is from the Dimond Boulevard bridge upstream to Old Seward Highway. Scout deep holes and runs for groups of kings. Expect the best fishing to occur Saturday morning as soon as the fishery opens (6 a.m.). The stream also has an early run of red salmon but these fish are not allowed to be targeted. Fair to good fishing for trout and char will also be available.

EKLUTNA TAILRACE:  This Palmer fishery is seeing a decent push of king salmon coming in with successful anglers using eggs and spinners in the very early morning hours, although there is the occasional flurry of activity in midday as well. Good catches may be experienced some days at peak fishing times. Expect another week or more of solid hookups before this run begins to turn color.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Like elsewhere in the region, king salmon numbers in the eastside tributaries are lagging a bit. Some decent opportunities may still be had in certain spots but fair catch rates seem to be the general rule this season. The mouths of Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana creeks are all seeing fish being caught. Remember, kings are catch-and-release only this year. The better bite is for rainbow trout and grayling in the middle or upper reaches of clearwater streams, such as Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Goose, and Montana, where good to excellent angling awaits.

GULKANA RIVER:  The early run of red salmon are streaming through the middle section of water, yielding fair to good catches to anglers casting flies. Optimal conditions for catching these fish are low and clear water where schools of fish can be spotted and worked. Smaller number of kings are present with spotty to very good activity reported from the highway bridge upstream to Sourdough and beyond. This run should peak by next weekend. Grayling, as always, are providing fast and furious action on the middle and upper river along with a handful of rainbow trout.

KLUTINA RIVER:  Depending on the day and stretch of river, anglers here are continuing to experience mediocre catch rates with some good moments here and there as schools of red salmon come through. It is hoped that the big push of salmon farther downstream on the Copper will have positive effects on this fishery any day now. Limits are possible for those willing to put in the time and effort. Kings are closed until July 1.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Anglers still targeting red salmon at the mouths of Resurrection River and Spring Creek in Seward are generally having to work in getting their fish. Limits are being achieved around the tides yet most anglers are managing 3 to 4 fish at best; this run may stay moderately productive for another week to ten days before slowing down in earnest. Fair catches of king salmon can be had at the mouth of Scheffler Creek in front of town using large spinners and salmon roe during incoming, high, and outgoing tide. A few chums are beginning to show in spots and the first silver was caught in the bay some days ago. Casting bait for various species of bottomfish is good.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Early-run reds are continuing their migration into this clearwater stream. Water conditions are currently very low and clear, rendering the best opportunities to find salmon to the low-light hours of dawn as well as rainy days. Those skilled at sight-fishing are getting easy limits. Expect this fishery to be productive for another couple of weeks yet as reds are still arriving into the lower and upper Kenai. Anglers are also catching good numbers of rainbow trout, although the size of fish available has dropped; to find larger and more aggressive fish, head upstream from campground area.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Red salmon anglers are continuing to experience good action from the Russian confluence downstream to Skilak Lake, although a few fish are reportedly also moving through into the section of water to Kenai Lake. As the river is quite clear this season, sight-fishing remains a great option in catching reds. Fair to good opportunities for rainbow trout are available; try forage imitation flies, even dry flies tend to work well this time of year. Dolly Varden are slowly increasing in abundance in the river.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Water conditions have improved from a week ago, with reasonably good catches of king salmon again being made using plugs and attractors along with bait. Most kings are taken from boats, with few salmon landed from shore. Fair to good action can be had if targeting red salmon using streamer flies or yarn on a hook. It is evident from fish being caught that at least a portion of the reds are not Russian-bound salmon but headed for areas elsewhere in the Kenai drainage. Rainbow trout fishing is good on the middle river above Sterling.

KASILOF RIVER:  Anglers spending time here are doing very well catching a mixed bag of kings and reds. The channel right below the Crooked Creek Campground is a productive spot at dawn for kings and newly arriving fish can be taken off the tides near the People Hole. Focus on the period from approximately 2 hours before to 1 hour after peak high tide. This is also the best time to find reds passing through and some very good to even excellent catches have been made recently. Note: Expect the number of kings and reds moving into the river to drop as the commercial fishery opens in a few days.

COOK INLET:  With a series of very large tides occurring now through the weekend into next week, anglers surf-casting along the beaches of the inlet will find mixed success for several fish species. Halibut is the target of most and some of these flatfish are being taken on herring bait; however, it should be noted that the inlet is experiencing a large presence of spiny dogfish (mud/sand sharks) this year which may drop catch rates of halibut considerably. Skates are also a very common catch. Try the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers as well as the beaches of Clam Gulch and Whiskey Gulch from two hours before to two hours after high tide.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  King salmon continue to provide fair opportunities on incoming and outgoing tides. Successful anglers are casting spinners and floating clusters of salmon roe. This run has peaked as is evident with more blush salmon showing up and lesser numbers of chrome fish. Drifting flies through the channel to schools of kings on an outgoing tide can be an exciting challenge this time of year. Nearby Coal Point at the end of the spit is producing good to excellent action on a multitude of bottomfish with occasional catches of king salmon and halibut.

 

Updated June 15, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  The Slam’n Salm’n Derby is ongoing and will proceed through this coming weekend. Fishing has been varied, ranging from mediocre to very good depending on the day and tide with a decent number of salmon weighing between 20 and 30 pounds reported. It is probably just a matter of time before a 40-pounder or larger is caught, be it during the derby or soon thereafter. Toss big spinners or float eggs during incoming and high tides, flipping yarn flies as the tide goes out again. The king run should be peaking right now with good opportunities for another week to ten days.

RESURRECTION BAY:  The red salmon run into Resurrection River is likely at a peak despite catches being less than what anglers are used to in this popular snag fishery. Limits are possible with some luck and skill, yet most are walking away from the beach with only a couple of fish. Expect conditions to hold steady with some hopes of better catches during this coming week. Also scout the mouth of Spring Creek for schools of reds with a few early chums mixed in as well. Both of these fisheries are off Nash Road. Closer to town, a few king salmon are appearing at the mouth of Scheffler (Seward Lagoon) Creek but success is spotty to fair at best.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Anglers arriving on the water at first light are finding fish with good to excellent opportunities at hand; however, the mid-day sun in combination with very low and clear water conditions has the salmon very skittish and reluctant to move up from the sanctuary. Sight-fishing to schools or individual fish is the game at dawn and skilled anglers are catching easy limits. Those getting a later start in the day should focus on the area below the sanctuary near the ferry or prepare to hike upstream towards the falls to locate fish. Trout action has been good, particularly near fish cleaning stations and in areas above the campground.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  The early run of red salmon will likely reach a peak this weekend on the upper river above Skilak Lake. It is a good and steady run this year but the true actual size of it remains to be seen and experienced. Anglers are having fair to very good success with some reporting excellent results in certain locations. Typically, the greater abundance of salmon will be the first several miles below the Russian River confluence. Rainbow trout are being caught in good numbers between Sportman’s Landing and Skilak Lake inlet with a lesser showing of Dolly Varden.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  With the recent heavy rains that raised the water level significantly, anglers have had a difficult time matching the action compared to just a week to ten days ago. After a long streak of low and unusually clear water conditions ideal for concentrating and hooking kings, the high and muddy water event slowed the success rate on kings. As the weather holds, the river should be dropping and clearing at least somewhat, revealing some productive fishing. The majority of the early red salmon run is believed to have passed through Soldotna into the “middle” river section above Sterling; anglers could do very well in spots, such as Bing’s Landing. Trout action is fair to good with the better opportunities being higher up in the drainage, closer to Skilak Lake.

KASILOF RIVER:  The early run of king salmon is still peaking on the Kasilof with shore anglers doing very well some days and tides. Fish are arriving on the tides along with an increasing number of red salmon. Casting yarn flies is an effective way of connecting with migrating fish, such as in areas above and below the People Hole near the Crooked Creek Campground following high tide. Kings are beginning to concentrate in the channel right below the campground as well, especially in the early morning. Reds are evenly distributed from tidewater to above the highway bridge and limits are possible.

NINILCHIK RIVER:  New regulations this year permit anglers to fish this stream for hatchery kings starting Friday, June 16, through the entire season ending on October 31. Expect fair catches of kings minus the crowds usually associated with the weekend-only openers. All wild kings must be released. Try fishing in very early morning or on incoming tides. The outgoing tide can be productive at times in the boat harbor near the mouth. Water conditions are currently low and clear.

ANCHOR RIVER:  This coming weekend is the last king salmon opener for the season and action is expected to be fair to good. There are still decent numbers of kings concentrated in the deep tidewater holes up to the bridge and anglers should not have too much difficulty connecting. An assortment of large flies, spinners, and salmon roe has produced plenty of salmon here this year. Although the run appear to be smaller than last year, this location will sure prove a relative weekend hot spot. Water is low and clear.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  Anglers are doing fair to sometimes good here, focusing on the incoming and outgoing tides using salmon roe, cut herring, and spinners. The run is holding on and has even shown a slight improvement lately despite this coming week generally being on the downhill side of the season. Catches are ranging from “jacks” to near 20 pounds with most kings being 10 to 16 pounds. However, there have been specimens in the 25- to 30-pound class sighted.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The abundance of king salmon is increasing at the mouths of eastside tributaries, such as the Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Caswell, Sheep, and Montana. Water conditions are good and fish are being landed, albeit not in great numbers yet. Expect poor to fair opportunities for another week or so at which time it should pick up considerably. This is a catch-and-release fishery this year for king salmon. Far better action can be had for resident species, such as rainbow trout and Arctic grayling. Forage flies and small spinners will do the trick on the middle and upper sections of water and success rates are fair to excellent depending on location.

GULKANA RIVER:  The early red run here is stable and producing fish for anglers that put in time scouting for concentrations of fish. If water is low and clear as it is now, sight-fishing can be quite good from the highway bridge upstream to Sourdough and beyond. The main component of the king run has yet to appear but fish are there and anglers are catching a small number of them. Grayling fishing is excellent on the upper river using flies and small spinners.

KLUTINA RIVER:  Success seems to be determined by a combination of luck and skill here as of late, with persistent anglers in the right spot bringing home limits of red salmon. Off to a somewhat slow start, this fishery is yielding fair results to the average angler with the peak of the run traditionally in the river by this time of the season. The bright side is that dip netters are reporting large concentrations of fish downstream of the mouth on the Copper so excellent opportunities could still be possible in the very near future. King salmon fishing is closed until July 1.

 

Updated June 9, 2017

SHIP CREEK:  With the start of the annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby today (Friday), crowds of anglers are bound to descend on this downtown stream. King salmon are being landed on every tide in varying numbers and fishing can best be described as fair at this time with some good moments possible. Most catches are in the 10- to 20-pound category but a few nice fish between 25 and 30 pounds were caught earlier this week. The derby runs through the 19th and the winner will undoubtedly be in excess of 40 pounds.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Snagging for reds at the mouths of Resurrection River and Spring Creek off Nash Road remains a bit unpredictable as some days or tides see good fishing while poor catches dominate at other times. Spending a few days in the area is the most certain way of being successful. Anglers putting in genuine effort are reporting 2-3 fish a day; very few have reported limits of 6 salmon thus far but should be more common towards the peak of the run in another week. King salmon fishing is still poor from shore but typically picks up by the 15th. Dolly Varden action has been quite good at mouth of Tonsina Creek.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  This popular stream opens to fishing this coming Sunday, the 11th. Red salmon are present in decent numbers and the action could be excellent during the first several hours of opening day. Water conditions are still low and clear and salmon are crowding the deeper holes and runs throughout the area open to salmon fishing. However, with the advent of clouds and rain predicted on Sunday, water levels should rise and expect a sizable push of reds up into the Russian from the sanctuary. There will likely also be some good rainbow trout fishing to be had in areas upstream of the campground.

UPPER KENAI RIVER:  Like the nearby Russian River, the Upper Kenai between Skilak and Kenai lakes will open to fishing this coming Sunday. Reds are stacking up in spots below the Russian confluence with peak numbers expected this coming week. Success rates will likely be fair to good depending on location; generally, the closer to the mouth of the Russian, the more dense the salmon are likely to be. Rainbow trout fishing should be very good on the opener. Water conditions are still a bit low and water very clear.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  King salmon continue to move into the river in good numbers and anglers in boats are doing very well in some locations in or near near tidewater. Big fish are caught and released, a few weighing between 50 and 60 pounds, as well as an estimated 80-pounder from early last week. An increasing number of tributary kings within the legal size slot are now present. Water levels have been very low and relatively clear so far this season but are starting to rise. Decent numbers of red salmon heading for early-run locations are moving through the river and can be intercepted at several spots around Soldotna and Sterling with limits possible for those putting in time in the right place; this is historically the peak week for Russian bound fish. It appears that the hooligan run is very small this year.

KASILOF RIVER:  The king salmon run here should be peaking and anglers are reporting fair to excellent catch rates depending on day and tide. Although boaters have had the advantage recently, more shore anglers are now hooking up as water levels are rising and fish are beginning to gravitate to the area around the mouth of Crooked Creek. Those fishing off the bank seem to do best following high tide, casting flies and corkies to kings moving up in the fast current below the People Hole. A small number of red salmon are also being caught with limits possible some days as the run builds.

ANCHOR & NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  With recent big tides, kings should be present in good numbers in these mainly weekend-only fisheries. This is the final weekend opener for both the Ninilchik and Deep, although the former will stay open to retention of hatchery kings only through October 31. The Anchor has one more king salmon weekend to go before closing for the season. All three streams will likely yield good to excellent catches, especially so at the midnight opener on through the early dawn. Salmon in the 30-pound range were landed in these waters last weekend and mid-June is typically the time we see a few larger specimens show up.

COOK INLET:  Surf-casting opportunities for halibut will be fair to good this weekend and through next week. Tides are high enough for some real chances to hook into fish in the 10- to 20-pound range with larger fish always a possibility. The beaches of Ninilchik, Kasilof, and Kenai has been producing some decent catches with a few limits taken.

DUDIAK LAGOON:  The king salmon run here has been somewhat spotty so far this season but some fair catches are being made on the tides. Try inside the lagoon on incoming tide, the outside on the outgoing. Roe and herring have done well as has blue spinners. The period from the first of the month up until the 15th is traditionally the peak of the run so there is still time for a good slug of kings to come in. The expected cloudy and rainy weather this weekend should spur some activity from fish still holding in the bay.

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER:  Water levels have come up several inches last few days, turning on the migration of kings holding in the lower end of the river. Anglers this weekend should experience some of the better action of the season as salmon are moving upstream past the Burma access point. Spinners, plugs, and attractors are all producing fish; bait is still not allowed. The early run of red salmon is also coming in but very few have been caught thus far.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Clearwater tributaries between Talkeetna and Willow are yielding some good to excellent rainbow trout and grayling fishing right now, particularly in the middle and upper reaches of various streams, most notably the Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana creeks. Anglers casting forage imitation flies are typically connecting with between half a dozen to a dozen or more fish per day. Some kings are showing up at the mouths of these waters but the catching is generally still a bit on the slow side. However, seeing a lack of angler participation can bring good opportunities for those few still wanting to pursue these salmon. Regulations this year call for catch-and-release only for kings.

GULKANA & KLUTINA RIVERS:  The reds are beginning their runs into these drainages but the catching is still fair at best as of the time of this report. Expect the Klutina to turn on within the next several days as a large push of salmon is due. Although limits have been reported, catching one fish per day is more typical right now. The Gulkana also has king salmon available but action is slow; rainbow trout and grayling are far more prolific in the middle and upper river sections.

 

Updated June 1, 2017

20-MILE RIVER:  Dip netting for hooligan has slowed but remains fair to good on or around the tides. Those with a watercraft or willing to take the time to hike a distance may reach some excellent spots higher up in the drainage above tidewater. As a reminder, dip netting along Turnagain Arm (all saltwater areas) is now closed for the season.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Angler success for red salmon is fair at the mouth of Resurrection River at the head of the bay. Snagging is allowed (check regulations for exact open area) and fishing is best on the tides. Schools of salmon are coming through in spurts with some good catches possible; however, as in all fishing, expect some tides or days to be slow. King salmon are being caught from shore in small numbers, mainly at or near hatchery release sites, using the snagging method but a few fish hit eggs and large spinners as well. For the more adventurous angler, scout the mouths of streams on incoming tides for individual fish or small schools of kings, such as Spring, Tonsina, and Spruce creeks. These locations will also hold a number of sea-run char.

LOWER KENAI RIVER:  Decent number of king salmon are continuing to enter the Kenai and anglers in the tidal zone are reporting fair to good catches depending on the tide and location on the river. Most of these fish are caught by boaters but a few salmon may be landed from shore too. Red salmon are present and anglers are getting a few fish. Generally, this can be a hit-and-miss fishery and those doing best are trying in areas with moderately fast current next to the main channel. Limits are possible with patience. Hooligan are entering the river in fair numbers.

KASILOF RIVER:  Mixed success reported here, ranging from very slow to quite good. Some tides have brought in decent numbers of salmon last several days. Plan to be on the water early, plunking eggs near the Crooked Creek confluence. Yet some kings are also taken on flies, primarily at the edge of a rising tide. Boaters do well on plugs. Several reds have been caught by anglers targeting kings while swinging flies. Dolly Varden action is fair to good in the slow, deep holes of the river. Steelhead trout are few and far between these days as most fish are on the spawning beds in tributary streams.

ANCHOR AND NINILCHIK RIVERS, DEEP CREEK:  This coming weekend will see the beginning of peak king salmon returns to these lower peninsula streams. Water conditions are prime in all three and there are good numbers of salmon present. Expect catches to range from fair to excellent; best fishing will be at midnight opener and again at dawn. In fact, there are perhaps no better spots for freshwater kings anywhere in the state at this time. Large streamer and egg imitation flies as well as an assortment of spinners and spoons will work, as will salmon roe and herring.

DUDIAK LAGOON/KACHEMAK BAY:  Small tides this weekend may inhibit kings from entering the lagoon in sufficient numbers. Hit the morning tides for best shot at getting a salmon. Anglers scouting the outside waters may find a few using herring or spinners. Some have found the bay area adjacent to the boat harbor to be good spots during tides such as these, rigging herring under bobbers. Dolly Varden are still cruising the beaches along the entire spit and will hit small spoons, jigs, and flies resembling juvenile salmon. Catches of bottomfish is good on low tides from Coal Point at the end of the spit.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Fishing for rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Dolly Varden is good in many areas of the drainage. Stream mouths and the lower portions of clearwater tributaries produce action using forage imitation flies and lures. Willow, Little Willow, Kashwitna, Sheep, and Montana have yielded consistent catches this week. A few kings are appearing but targeting them has been spotty thus far this season. Try the confluence of Willow, Montana, and Rabideux creeks using spinners and attractors. Note: Kings are catch-and-release by emergency order.

COPPER RIVER:  Grayling action is still good in many clearwater tributaries of the Gulkana, Tazlina, and Upper Copper rivers, such as Tolsona, Gunn, and Sourdough creeks; however, most any stream this time of year will have fish in it. Red salmon are just starting to enter the mouths of the main fisheries here. Fishing this weekend will probably be poor at best, improving to fair the coming week. The large slug of salmon that went through the sonar site at Miles Lake a few days ago should reach the area late next week or the following weekend (June 8-10). Klutina River is always a reliable early season bet but Gulkana will have reds as well. Note: Kings are closed by emergency order.

 

Updated May 25, 2017

20-MILE RIVER/TURNAGAIN ARM:  While effort has dropped off considerably from a week or two ago, dip netters are continuing to find large numbers of hooligan at the 20-Mile River as well as along Turnagain Arm east of Peterson Creek. Although the run is starting to wane in parts, good to excellent success can still be had in the right spots on outgoing tides. For those with a boat or willing to hike up the 20-Mile, concentrations of fish can be located and coolers easily filled.

RESURRECTION BAY:  The big news in Seward is that the reds have begun returning to Resurrection River and anglers are managing to snag some nice fish on the tides. This weekend should produce some decent results for those willing to put in the time and effort. Success is currently best described as fair but could easily spike to good or better any day now; in years past, the Memorial Day weekend has yielded anywhere from very slow to excellent catches. Note: Recent heavy rains has the river flowing a bit high and fast; use caution. As for kings, individual fish have been sighted around the harbor and the breakwater in front of town but no confirmed catches as of yet.

KASILOF RIVER:  King salmon are arriving in decent numbers as a series of big tides are helping push fish right up into the People Hole and the mouth of Crooked Creek. Boaters are still having the best luck but some kings are being landed from shore as well. Start fishing two hours before to two hours after high tide. Bait is legal and eggs are getting fish from the bank but also sardine wraps do great for boaters. Remember, the daily bag limit here is two kings per day of which only one can be a wild fish. Additionally, wild kings can only be retained three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. A few reds are now entering the river and may be encountered if flipping flies into fast water. Only a few steelhead remain as most trout have moved to spawning grounds in Crooked Creek. Dolly Varden opportunities are good right now.

COOK INLET:  This is a good weekend to surf-cast for halibut and other bottomfish off peninsula beaches. Big tides and baitfish on the move along the shallow coast has anglers doing fair to good recently with some limits being taken. As scent and depth are the main factors for success, use herring tossed into waters with at least moderate depth. Locations of choice include the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers, the Ninilchik area, and Whiskey Gulch. Generally, two hours before to two hours after peak high tide is best. Halibut to 40 pounds have been caught this week.

NINILCHIK RIVER:  Running low and clear up until two days ago when rain hit the area, this river will be the best bet for king salmon anglers this weekend as water conditions usually recover the quickest of the lower peninsula streams. If still moderately high and silty, use eggs with or without an attractor (Spin-N-Glo/Cheater/Corkie) or large spinner with plenty of flash and color. If conditions are still unfavorable, try the slow water in the harbor or incoming tides. If the rain holds up, Sunday and Monday could actually be good days to be on the river this Memorial Day weekend, in stark contrast to Saturday typically being the top producer on opening weekend.

ANCHOR RIVER:  With issues similar to Ninilchik, stream conditions here are currently high and muddy and swift and the weekend could prove difficult for kings until water levels drop and clears. Depending on how fast this change occurs, the latter part of the opener (Sunday/Monday) may be best. Rely on salmon eggs, attractors, and flashy spinners pending low water conditions returning. There appears to be a decent number of fish in the river and anglers being in the right spot at the right time this weekend may find themselves some good catches.

KACHEMAK BAY:  Anglers are hooking more kings now in the Dudiak Lagoon on the Homer Spit. Incoming tide inside the lagoon and the outgoing tide on the ocean side has produced fair success the last few days; expect some tides to yield good action soon as the run builds. Fish are being caught on eggs, herring, and spinners. Casting off the end of the spit, at Coal Point, will result in a mixed bag of species, including various forms of bottomfish as well as sea-run char and the occasional king salmon.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Hit the mouths and lower reaches of the eastside Susitna streams for good trout and grayling fishing and a couple of locations also offer good char action. If water conditions are high and murky due to recent rains, search out drainages associated with lakes or slower moving water at the mouths. However, these drainages should begin to clear quite quickly as the weekend progresses. Little Willow, Goose, and Montana creeks have been relative hot spots in the region. As for salmon, kings are just beginning to show up but fishing for them is slow at this point. To find them, scout various confluences using spinners or green/chartreuse attractors. Note: It is catch-and-release only again for kings this year by emergency order.

COPPER RIVER:  Anglers taking time away from salmon and trout are finding good to excellent opportunities for grayling in the small tributaries of the Copper, Tazlina, and Gulkana river drainages. Waters that produce fast strikes include Tolsona, Tulsona, Startup, Cache, Poplar Grove, Sourdough, Haggard, and Gunn creeks. Fish often school up in certain areas so if one hole comes up empty, scout around a bit until grayling are located. Rainbow trout are also availabe. It seems that the salmon are a bit late coming into the area this year; expect the first catches to occur on the Klutina in about a week.

 

Updated May 18, 2017

20-MILE RIVER/TURNAGAIN ARM:  The hooligan are continuing their onslaught at the 20-Mile and along the stretch of Turnagain Arm between Peterson Creek and the head of the arm. Dippers are doing excellent by most reports, filling large buckets as well as big coolers easily within 1 hour. The run is at a peak and should stay strong for at least another week. As a reminder, the waters of Turnagain Arm close to dip netting on June 1 while the 20-Mile stays open until June 15.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Anglers using ultra-light gear are finding very good opportunities for sea-run Dolly Varden along the shoreline of the bay, from the Lowell Creek waterfall to Spruce Creek and on down the coast to Tonsina Creek. Spring Creek off Nash Road is also producing fish. Use fry or smolt imitation lures and flies. A few reds are beginning to arrive at Resurrection River but angling effort has been very low thus far; wait at least another week to maybe ten days for this fishery to be worthwhile. Also, scout the mouth of Spring Creek on an incoming tide for small schools of reds.

KASILOF RIVER:  Some king salmon have been caught the last several days, most of them from boats, but at least a couple were taken off the bank. The stretch of water from the mouth of Crooked Creek down into tidewater is best this early in the season. Be on the river at dawn or give it a try after a high tide. With a series of small tides now through the weekend into next week, freshly arriving kings generally take an hour or two to make it up to the People Hole after peak high. Anglers are still doing mediocre on steelhead trout and this should be the last weekend for consistent catches as fish are in progress of entering spawning tributaries. Dolly Varden catches are picking up as fish are migrating down from Tustumena Lake on their way to Cook Inlet.

ANCHOR RIVER:  The first king salmon opener of the season is this weekend. Starting Saturday morning and lasting through Monday, anglers will have the chance to get a king. Water conditions are still a bit high and murky which is typical this early in the season; for improved success, drift clusters of salmon eggs or cast herring for slow retrieve. Medium-sized spoons in neutral colors of blue or green work too, as will large streamer and roe imitation flies. A few hundred kings have already passed the sonar/weir this spring and there should be decent numbers of fish in the tidewater holes and above. There may be a few steelhead backing out of the drainage but the majority of these fish are still far upstream spawning.

KACHEMAK BAY:  King salmon are cruising along the spit in increasing numbers, destined for the Dudiak Lagoon. The best shot at these early fish will be at the lagoon on the incoming and outgoing tide casting plug cut herring or salmon roe clusters; spinners may work also. A handful of nice kings were landed this week during the period of big tides we just had; however, the tides are small this weekend so do not expect success to be any better than fair at best. Sea-run Dollies are also plying the beaches of the spit and can be caught on small spoons, jigs, and flies resembling juvenile salmon or other forage items. At the end of the spit, anglers casting pieces of cut herring and squid are finding decent opportunities for a variety of bottomfish.

SUSITNA RIVER:  Successful anglers are targeting trout, grayling, and char at the mouths of tributaries from Willow Creek to the south up through the Talkeetna area to the north. Forage flies are responsible for most action. This is the time of year when many rainbows and grayling spawn in the upper reaches of tributaries of the Susitna and these fish are often successfully intercepted during their migration. The char, however, largely remain in the confluence areas feeding on juvenile salmon coming downstream. Action ranges from fair to very good this time of year. There have been no reports of kings caught in any of the roadside streams yet but at least a few scouts should be arriving by next week. Remember, these waters are catch-and-release only again for kings this year by emergency order.

COPPER RIVER:  Fair to excellent fishing can be had for grayling in many of the streams within the Copper Valley right now. Seek out the small tributaries of the Gulkana, Tazlina, and mainstem Copper rivers using flies and small spinners. Among spots to try include Tolsona, Tulsona, Startup, Cache, Poplar Grove, Sourdough, Haggard, and Gunn creeks. A few of these will also produce rainbow trout (maybe even a surprise steelhead!).

Updated May 11, 2017

20-MILE RIVER/TURNAGAIN ARM:  Dip netters are experiencing good to excellent success along the stretch of water between Peterson Creek and the mouth of 20-Mile River. Although each tide is a little different, an hour or less of effort will typically yield a large bucket full of smelt. The 20-Mile River around the highway bridge is seeing good catches as well with some people reporting excellent results. The run should spike this coming weekend and peak starting early next week.

RESURRECTION BAY:  Sea-run char are present along the beaches of the bay, successful anglers casting smolt or fry imitation lures and flies. While these char may be caught most anywhere, the mouths of salmon streams are relative hot spots. Incoming and outgoing tides are usually best. Very few anglers target Dolly Varden this time of year so anyone venturing out to give it a try will likely have a lot of water to themselves. Also keep an eye out for a few early kings and reds; the kings are far between but have been known to chase herring that are currently moving into the head of the bay around the harbor. Sightings of reds have been made but no solid confirmation of any catches yet from the snag fisheries of Resurrection River and Spring Creek.

KASILOF RIVER:  Steelhead trout are still being caught in this glacial stream, with successful anglers reporting catches at or near the mouth of Crooked Creek. Expect fair success at best with some good moments possible for another few days only as these fish are beginning their movement to spawning areas. Boaters have done well using plugs, those on shore are hooking trout mostly on forage and egg imitation flies and beads. As a reminder, this is strictly a catch-and-release fishery. A few king salmon have arrived and can be seen rolling in the People Hole just below the Crooked Creek confluence; catching one of them has been a challenge yet, especially during low water and clear, sunny days. For improved chances, give it a try at dawn or fish from about an hour before to two hours after high tide. Tides of 20 feet or higher are optimum for bringing kings into the area.

COOK INLET:  Anglers interested in getting some fresh halibut can try near the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers as well as other beach areas south to Anchor Point. Success ranges from fair to good depending on location with some limits possible from now on into June. These flatfish are currently chasing hooligan in the shallows and surf-casters using herring or other forms of bait do best; anglers casting lures generally do poorly. Expect fish in the “chicken” range mostly with larger specimens into the 20s and 30s range possible.

KACHEMAK BAY:  Dolly Varden action is quite good along the beaches of Homer Spit with smolt/fry imitation lures and flies scoring catches during incoming, high, and outgoing tides. Long casts are not warranted as fish often hunt prey close to shore — look for fish breaking surface as this is usually a good indicator of individual char or even a school of them being present. Bottomfish are showing up in increasing numbers off the end of the spit; try pieces of herring or cast small jigs. Some king salmon are in the area and beginning to nose into the waters of Dudiak Lagoon; a few nice fish have been caught already. This early in the season, try herring or a shiny blue and silver lure; drifting a cluster of eggs may work too.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The mouths of various tributaries from Willow north to Talkeetna and beyond are worth a try for rainbows, Dollies, and grayling. Forage imitation flies and lures are getting strikes with action being fair to very good depending on day and location. Many of the trout and grayling will soon be headed to spawn in upper reaches of tributaries while the char commonly hold at stream mouths. Some kings are moving into the lower Susitna and have been caught as far upstream as the Deshka River. Expect a few scouts to show at mouth of Willow sometime next week. Reminder: Catch and release only for kings again this year on Eastside Susitna drainages.

 

May 4, 2017

KASILOF RIVER:  Anglers targeting steelhead trout in the vicinity of the mouth of Crooked Creek are reporting fair catches using an assortment of flies and lures. Forage patterns are doing reasonably well along with larger egg patterns and beads (10-12mm). Small plugs can be exceptional at times. Although fish are spread throughout the drainage, this time of year these sea-run rainbows generally gather at the mouth of tributaries in preparation for their spawning migration upstream, but nice trout have been and are being caught anywhere from the Sterling Highway bridge downstream to tidewater. A few early king salmon are reportedly entering the tidal portion of the river and scouts could be as far up as Crooked Creek by this weekend. However, there have been no reports yet of any kings hooked and landed; generally the first fish of the season is caught right around May 5 and 10. Dolly Varden are just starting to make an appearance. Nearby Kenai River may be worth a shot as well for staging steelhead around the mouths of Slikok Creek and Funny River.

COOK INLET:  Surf-casting for halibut is picking up as the hooligan runs are starting to move along the shoreline and nosing into the mouths of Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Fair success is common now with specimens averaging 5 to 15 pounds; expect a few larger halibut to 30 pounds or more to be in the mix. Try the bigger tides using herring or smelt as bait, fished stationary on the bottom with 4 to 6 ounces of lead. Expect limit catches to be possible soon.

KACHEMAK BAY:  Casting off the end of the Homer Spit is fair to good now for sea-run Dolly Varden along with a number of bottomfish, such as flounder and codfish. For the char, cast right along the shoreline using very small jigs, spoons, or flies imitating juvenile salmon upon which they feed this time of year. The bottomfish are not abundant yet but some catches are being made using bait like herring or octopus. A few king salmon are beginning to arrive at the Dudiak Lagoon but fishing is still very slow; try the outgoing tide.

RESURRECTION BAY:  The head of the bay is starting to produce a number of sea-run Dolly Varden with very little or no angling pressure at this time. Use lures and flies imitating juvenile salmon for results; the mouths and tidal areas of salmon spawning streams are relative hot spots during the month of May. Spring Creek on the east side of the bay as well as Spruce and Tonsina creeks on the west side are perfect spots to catch these char. Although very early in the season, a few red salmon should begin showing in area marine waters shortly. Also, with herring moving into the harbor area in front of town, there will be a few king salmon present. As of the date of this report, no salmon have been taken from shore yet.

TURNAGAIN ARM/20-MILE RIVER:  Some hooligan are now showing up in nets of dippers at the mouth of 20-Mile as well as along the shoreline of the arm. Expect fair dipping at best but will improve rapidly towards mid-month. Try incoming and outgoing tides.

SUSITNA RIVER:  The river has broken up and is currently shedding ice. While springtime here usually entails uncertain water conditions due to snowmelt, a few anglers are currently connecting with fish. Stream mouths tend to yield the better catches with rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling currently available. Hot spots can change daily so success is often determined by moving around quite a bit until fish are located; expect action to range from dead slow to quite good. Forage flies and anything resembling juvenile salmon can be good. Scout waters from the Talkeetna confluence down to mouth of Willow Creek.

BADGER SLOUGH:  This location south of Fairbanks is prime for grayling these days. A strictly catch-and-release fishery, grayling up to 15 inches are being caught in good numbers at the road crossings. Try small spinners and flies for success.

 

April 25, 2017

This is the first weekly roadside open water report for the 2017 season.

KENAI RIVER:  Anglers are reporting slow to fairly decent catches of primarily rainbow trout along with a few Dolly Varden. Those experiencing the best luck concentrate effort at or immediately below the outlet of Kenai and Skilak lakes with generally lesser results farther downstream in the mainstem river. A variety of offerings may work this time of year, including egg, flesh, and smolt/fry imitations; the latter can be hot items at times in the slack water of these large lakes. As the winter run of silvers has concluded spawning with decomposing bodies scattered throughout the upper sections of water near the lakes, egg and flesh may work yet; however, it is the hatch of chironomids that resident species are attracted to now and imitations of such can have great results even on otherwise quiet days. Testing the areas around the mouths of tributaries on the lower river, such as Funny and Slikok, may result in catches of steelhead trout this time of year. Reminder: The upper river and portions of the middle close to all fishing on May 1.

RUSSIAN RIVER:  Although this river closes to fishing in a week (May 1) to protect spawning rainbow trout, anglers still have a limited opportunity here. Trout respond to a variety of flies, from attractor to forage patterns. Scout deeper sections of river near the Kenai River confluence; sight fishing can be very good at times. Not all of these fish are dark spawners and a fair number will be bright, feeding non-spawners.

KASILOF RIVER:  A long-time favorite with early season fly-fishers, this glacial drainage is currently producing a small number of steelhead trout. Depending on the day and temperature, catches range from spotty to good with a productive outing usually yielding a couple of fish. The area around the mouth of Crooked Creek is a known relative hot spot but steelies can be encountered anywhere along the river from the outlet of Tustumena Lake downstream to tidewater. A range of streamers and forage patterns typically produce fish but large orange-colored flies, beads, or corkies are often exceptional enticements, particularly where the river flows heavily greenish-grey. Expect some Dolly Varden to show any day as well. While a far-fetched opportunity this early in the season, a few king salmon have been caught in the Kasilof in late April in years past.

COOK INLET:  With hooligan beginning their annual run up the inlet destined for Kenai River, Turnagain Arm, and the Susitna River, surf-casters targeting shallow water halibut do quite well starting about now. Some fish have already been caught off area beaches this season and things will only get better into May. Hooligan (or smelt) is a major food source of halibut this time of year and anglers frequently encounter catches averaging 10 to 15 pounds with a few specimens exceeding 30 or 40 pounds. If casting off ocean beaches (including Kasilof), focus effort on the biggest tides (at least 18 feet or more). The mouth of Kenai River fishes best between 16 and 19 feet. Use whole or chunks of herring or hooligan as bait, allowing it to sit on bottom.

SUSITNA RIVER:  This early in the season, fishing here can be largely hit and miss as ice is still in progress of breaking up and flushing out. Additionally, brown, turbid meltwater from tributaries have a way of slowing the bite. However, there are fish to be had in places and success can be quite good some days. Scout various locations in search of clear or at least moderately clear water of the mainstem Susitna as well as the mouth of streams using forage and smolt/fry imitations targeting trout, grayling, and char. Lake-based tributaries typically flow clear and fishable (and warmer) early on in the season when runoff waters prove too high, cold, and silty.