These are the Fishing News items for 2019:
Thursday, October 17: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Silvers, Rainbows, and Dollies; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Lower Peninsula Steelhead; Copper Lake Trout and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, October 10: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Silvers, Rainbows, and Dollies; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Lower Peninsula Steelhead; Copper Rainbows and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, October 2: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Silvers, Rainbows, and Dollies; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Lower Peninsula Steelhead; Copper Rainbows and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, September 26: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Silvers, Rainbows, and Dollies; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Lower Peninsula Steelhead; Copper Rainbows and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, September 19: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Valdez Silvers; Upper Kenai Rainbows, and Dollies; Seward Silvers; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Copper Grayling; Middle Kenai Rainbows and Dollies; Whittier Silvers; Chulitna Rainbows and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, September 12: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Upper Kenai Silvers, Rainbows, and Dollies; Russian Silvers, Rainbows, and Dollies; Valdez Silvers; Seward Silvers; Portage Silvers; Knik Silvers; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Swanson Silvers; Gulkana Reds and Grayling; Chulitna Rainbows and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, September 5: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Rainbows and Dollies; Portage Silvers; Knik Silvers; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Swanson Silvers; Gulkana Reds and Grayling; Valdez Silvers; Chulitna Rainbows and Grayling; Seward Silvers; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, September 4: Valdez Labor Day Weekend Special Report Posted
Summary: A detailed write-up how anglers fared over the holiday weekend and what fishing conditions were experienced, including background information on this unique and highly productive fishery primarily targeting silver salmon. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Thursday, August 29: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Silvers, Rainbows, Dollies; Portage Silvers; Knik Silvers; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Swanson Silvers; Gulkana Reds and Grayling; Kasilof Silvers; Chulitna Rainbows and Grayling; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, August 22: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Silvers and Rainbows; Portage Silvers; Cottonwood Silvers; Susitna Silvers and Rainbows; Swanson Silvers; Gulkana Reds and Grayling; Kasilof Silvers; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Monday, August 19: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River Closed to Silver Salmon Fishing
Summary: By emergency order, the Little Susitna River will close to fishing for silver salmon effective Wednesday, August 21, through Monday, September 30, 2019. Due to extremely low water conditions and difficulty ascertaining run size based on current fish counts through the weir, the department is taking a precautionary approach by closing the fishery until more information becomes available.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, August 15: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Reds and Rainbows; Ship Silvers; Russian Reds and Rainbows; Homer Silvers; Susitna Silvers and Rainbows; Gulkana Reds; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Monday, August 12: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River Closed to Bait
Summary: By emergency order, the use of bait will not be allowed on the Little Susitna River from its mouth upstream to the Parks Highway bridge in Houston effective Wednesday, August 14, through September 30, 2019. With just over 50% of the run in the river at this point at, the projected escapement stands at less than 9,000 fish; the sustainable escapement goal is for between 10,100 and 17,700 fish.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, August 8: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai Reds and Rainbows; Ship Silvers; Russian Reds; Homer Silvers; Susitna Chums, Silvers, and Rainbows; Tonsina Kings; Gulkana Reds; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, August 8: ADF&G Emergency Order: Fish Creek Sport Fishing Open 7 Days Per Week with Increased Red Salmon Limits
Summary: By emergency order, Fish Creek near Wasilla will open to fishing daily on Friday, August 9, and the daily bag limit for red salmon raised to six (6) fish. Normally a weekend-only fishery that opens the second weekend of August and subject to intermittent personal use dip netting in July if red salmon runs are strong, this year’s run of reds has been exceptionally strong with good numbers of fish still entering the stream, thus increased harvest and season was deemed warranted.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Wednesday, August 6: ADF&G Emergency Order: Bait and Multiple Hooks Prohibited in the Kenai River August 6-15
Summary: By emergency order, the use of bait and multiple hooks will not be allowed on the lower Kenai River from the mouth upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. This order is meant to lessen the impact of anglers incidentally hooking king salmon still entering the river while targeting silver salmon. The late run of kings was weak this year and added protection is warranted to conserve future runs.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, August 1: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai late-run Reds and Rainbows; Valdez Pinks; Ship Silvers; Russian Reds; Homer Silvers; Susitna Chums and Rainbows; Tonsina Kings; Gulkana Reds; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, July 31: ADF&G Emergency Order: Port Valdez Pink Salmon Bag Limits Increased
Summary: By emergency order, the daily bag limit has been raised from six pink salmon to 12 per day and 24 in possession effective Friday, August 2. The number of pinks returning to the port and the Solomon Gulch Hatchery is high and cost recovery operations have been completed, thus allowing for additional sport fishing harvest. This order only applies for the limit of pink salmon, not silver salmon, which still stands at 6 per day and 12 in possession.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, July 26: ADF&G Emergency Order: Kenai River Red Salmon Bag Limits Increased
Summary: By emergency order, the daily bag limit has been raised from three red salmon to six (6) per day and twelve (12) in possession as of Sunday, July 28. The biological escapement goal is anticipated to be achieved, thus allowing for additional sport fishing harvest.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, July 25: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai late-run Reds and Rainbows; Valdez Pinks; Ship Silvers; Kasilof Reds; Willow Pinks and Rainbows; Tonsina Kings; Hope Pinks; Sheep Pinks; Montana Pinks and Rainbows; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Monday, July 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Kasilof River Red Salmon Bag Limits Increased
Summary: By emergency order, the daily bag limit has been raised from three red salmon to six (6) per day and twelve (12) in possession as of Wednesday, July 24. Escapement levels as of last Sunday, July 21, was over 260,000 fish and well within the biological escapement goal.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, July 18: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai late-run Reds and Rainbows; Valdez Pinks; Ship Silvers; Kasilof Reds; Willow Pinks and Rainbows; Hope Pinks; Sheep Pinks; Montana Pinks and Rainbows; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, July 10: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Kenai late-run Reds and Rainbows; Valdez Pinks; Ship Silvers; Kasilof Reds; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Hope Pinks; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Tuesday, July 9: Southcentral Region Salmon Update
Summary: Listing of most popular salmon waters along the road system; what is happening right now, latest confirmed catches or fish sightings. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Wednesday, July 3: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Gulkana Kings; Klutina Reds; Homer Kings; Susitna Rainbows; Ship Kings; Valdez Pinks; Kenai Rainbows; Little Susitna Kings; Kasilof Reds; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Tuesday, July 2: ADF&G Emergency Order: Kenai River Above Slikok Creek Reopens to Fishing for Early-Run King Salmon Less than 36 Inches in Length
Summary: By emergency order, anglers on the lower Kenai River will be allowed to retain a king salmon less than 36 inches in length in that stretch of water from Slikok Creek upstream to Skilak Lake. Downstream of Slikok Creek, king salmon of any size may be retained.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, June 28: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Russian Reds; Little Susitna Kings; Ship Kings; Kenai Rainbows; Kasilof Kings; Klutina Reds; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Gulkana Kings and Reds; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Tuesday, June 25: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River Open to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: By emergency order, the Little Susitna River is reopened to fishing for king salmon starting this Wednesday morning, June 26, from the river mouth upstream to the Parks Highway bridge in Houston. The past week has seen a significant increase in escapement with well over 2,600 fish through the weir as of June 24. Only unbaited, artificial lures are allowed.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, June 25: Southcentral Region Salmon Update
Summary: Listing of most popular salmon waters along the road system; what is happening right now, latest confirmed catches or fish sightings. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Tuesday, June 18: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Russian Reds; Ship Kings, Upper Kenai Reds; Kasilof Kings; Klutina Reds; Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Seward Reds and Kings; Gulkana Kings and Reds; Homer Kings and Bottomfish; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Monday, June 17: ADF&G Emergency Order: Russian River & Upper Kenai River Red Salmon Bag Limits Increased to 9 Fish
Summary: By emergency order, the daily bag limit and possession limit for red salmon will be increased to nine (9) and eighteen (18) fish, respectively, starting on Wednesday, June 19. As of yesterday, June 16, the weir at Lower Russian Lake has passed nearly 46,000 reds, surpassing the maximum biological escapement of 42,000. The early run typically continues strong through June and into early July, ending in mid-July.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, June 14: Revised Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Russian Reds; Ship Kings, Upper Kenai Reds and Rainbows; Kasilof Kings and Reds, Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Klutina Reds; Ninilchik Kings; Seward Reds and Kings; Homer Kings and Bottomfish; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, June 13: ADF&G Emergency Order: Resurrection River Red Salmon Bag Limit Increased
Summary: By emergency order, the daily bag limit and possession limit for red salmon will be increased to twelve (12) fish on Friday, June 14. This order comes as escapement to Bear Lake in Seward is very high and the cost recovery fleet has met its objectives.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Wednesday, June 12: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Russian Reds; Ship Kings, Upper Kenai Reds and Rainbows; Kasilof Kings and Reds, Susitna Rainbows and Grayling; Ninilchik Kings; Seward Reds and Kings; Homer Kings and Bottomfish; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, June 12: ADF&G Emergency Order: Russian River & Upper Kenai River Red Salmon Bag Limits Increased
Summary: By emergency order, the daily bag limit and possession limit for red salmon will be increased to six (6) and twelve (12), respectively, on Friday, June 14. This order comes as some 8,500 red salmon have passed through the weir on Lower Russian Lake with an estimated additional 5,000 fish in the Russian River and the sanctuary area. Also, a good portion of the run is still making its way through the Kenai River and Skilak Lake, thus the biological escapement goal of 22,000-42,000 is likely to be met and/or exceeded.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, June 11: ADF&G Emergency Order: Russian River Sanctuary Opens Early for Sport Fishing
Summary: By emergency order, the sanctuary at the confluence of Russian and Kenai rivers will open to fishing tomorrow morning at 8:00AM, Wednesday, June 12. Due to large numbers of red salmon already passed the weir on Lower Russian Lake and some 5,000 fish holding in the Russian and the sanctuary, the biological escapement goal will be met for the early run that ends July 14. With significant numbers of reds still in the lower Kenai River, Skilak Lake, and moving through the upper Kenai, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s goal of 22,000-42,000 is likely to be met and could be exceeded.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, June 10: Russian River Pre-Season Update #2
Summary: A report on the latest observations on the Russian (and Upper Kenai) before the season opens tomorrow, June 11, with emphasis on red salmon. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Thursday, June 6: Russian River Pre-Season Update
Summary: A report on the latest observations on the Russian (and Upper Kenai) before the season opens next Tuesday, June 11, with emphasis on red salmon. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Thursday, June 6: Southcentral Region Salmon Update
Summary: Listing of most popular salmon waters along the road system; what is happening right now, latest confirmed catches or fish sightings. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Wednesday, June 5: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Seward reds hot; big kings in Ship; Kenai reds strong; Anchor & Deep kings peak; solitude for Susitna trout, grayling; Kasilof kings and reds arriving; surf-casters catch Cook Inlet halibut; Copper grayling, lake trout great; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, May 30: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Ship Creek kings abound on tides; Kenai early-run reds worthwhile; Seward reds and hooligan appearances strong; Anchor and Deep kings doing well; Susitna trout and grayling good; Cook Inlet halibut biting off the beach; Susitna rainbows and grayling provide fast action; Copper grayling showing in tributaries; more. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, May 29: Southcentral Region Salmon Update
Summary: Listing of most popular salmon waters along the road system; what is happening right now, latest confirmed catches or fish sightings. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Thursday, May 23: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Peninsula streams of Ninilchik, Deep, and Anchor open for kings; Kasilof king numbers improve; Dudiak Lagoon in Homer see more kings arriving; Seward reds make impressive early appearance; Kachemak Bay beaches good for sea-run char; Susitna drainage yield rainbows and grayling; Copper River tributaries peak for grayling; 20-Mile hooligan hanging on. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Tuesday, May 21: Southcentral Region Salmon Stream Update
Summary: Listing of most popular salmon waters along the road system; what is happening right now, latest confirmed catches or fish sightings. Available to all registered members in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Thursday, May 16: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: King salmon are showing up in Kenai and Kasilof rivers, Dudiak Lagoon on Homer Spit, and Ship Creek in town; reds just starting in Seward; sea-run char abundant along Homer and Seward beaches; lots of rainbows and grayling in Matanuska, Susitna, and Copper valleys; surf-casting for halibut and other bottomfish productive in Cook Inlet; dip netting for hooligan good in 20-Mile and Kenai rivers. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Thursday, May 16: Kenai River King Salmon Sonar Operational for 2019 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar unit on the Kenai River began operation today, May 16. Updated information on fish passage will soon be available online through the ADF&G website. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, May 16: First Ship Creek King Salmon of 2019 Season Caught
Summary: Kicking off the season, Jimmy Vue landed a 23-inch king on a blue and silver Vibrax spinner from Ship Creek yesterday, May 15. The fish is estimated to have weighed approximately 5 to 6 pounds, quite small by king standards but enough to anchor the word that fish are now arriving. Last year, the first king was caught on May 17.
Tuesday, May 14: Deep Creek King Salmon Sonar Unit Operational for 2019 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar unit on Deep Creek is now operational. There were no kings recorded passed through on the first day. Last year, a dozen kings were documented on May 15. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 13: Little Susitna River Salmon Weir Operational for 2019 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir on the Little Susitna River became operational on April 30. As of May 12, no king salmon had been reported through the weir. The first king last year passed on May 12, in 2017 on May 17, and 2016 on May 13. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 13: Copper River Salmon Sonar Unit Operational for 2019 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar unit at Miles Lake on the Copper River is functional and began operations on May 8; salmon began passing through the area on May 11. These first fish will reach the mouth of Klutina River in approximately two weeks, right around Memorial Day weekend. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 13: Anchor River King Salmon Video Unit Operational for 2019 Season
Summary: The ADF&G video unit on the North Fork of Anchor River is up and running since May 7; the South Fork sonar unit will be operational shortly. The first king salmon reported passing through on May 8. Last year, the first kings of the season passed on May 22; in 2017 first salmon passed on May 11. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Tuesday, May 7: New Weekly Fishing Report Posted
Summary: Hooligan are running in Turnagain Arm and mouth of Kenai River; rainbows and grayling are moving up Susitna Valley and Copper Valley streams; Dolly Varden are hitting the surf in Homer and Seward; Kasilof is still seeing steelhead returns in addition to first sightings of kings; halibut being taken from Cook Inlet beaches. See the details in the Hot Spots of the Week section.
Wednesday, April 24: First 2019 Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The first of weekly fishing reports for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Hooligan are running in Turnagain Arm and 20-Mile River; trout and grayling are showing in Susitna tributaries; Copper River grayling and Lowe River Dollies present opportunities; Upper Kenai and Russian rainbows now being caught; Kasilof is yielding steelhead; Cook Inlet halibut are targeted by surf-casters; Homer and Seward beaches see first Dolly Varden.
Sunday, April 14: Hooligan Run Arriving in Turnagain Arm
Summary: The roadside fishing season is kicking off early this year as hooligan have started their annual spawning migration through Turnagain Arm, destined for the glacial drainages of 20-Mile and Placer rivers. While dipping is currently fair at best, this coming week should improve as number of fish increases. Read the details of best spots, tide stages, and success rate in the Streamside Spot Checks section in Fish Alerts.
Monday, February 25: ADF&G Emergency Order: Annual King Salmon Limits in Effect for Lower Cook Inlet Streams and Marine Waters
Summary: By emergency order, the combined annual limit for king salmon on the Anchor and Ninilchik rivers, Deep Creek, and adjacent Cook Inlet salt waters is now two (2) fish 20 inches or greater in length. This order is placed to protect depressed runs of king salmon returning to southern Kenai Peninsula streams.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, February 25: ADF&G Emergency Order: Only Hatchery King Salmon May be Retained in the Ninilchik River
Summary: By emergency order, wild king salmon may not be retained during the 2019 fishing season; only hatchery (fin-clipped) king salmon may be harvested. All wild kings must be released. This measure is intended to protect the wild run of king salmon.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, February 25: ADF&G Emergency Order: Fishing Gear Restrictions for Lower Cook Inlet Streams
Summary: By emergency order, sport fishing gear is restricted to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the three weekend-only king salmon fisheries of Anchor and Ninilchik rivers and Deep Creek. Restrictions are in effect from April 1 through July 15 and implemented in an effort to stem harvest levels to help in conserving king salmon runs.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, February 25: ADF&G Emergency Order: Start of Fishing Season Limited on the Anchor River
Summary: By emergency order, the early season on the Anchor River targeting primarily king salmon has been adjusted to three consecutive “weekends” only (including following Monday), starting Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27). This decision was based on recent below average returns of king salmon and a precautionary approach in order to conserve the run.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, February 14: ADF&G Emergency Order: Kasilof River Early-Run King Salmon Restricted to Hatchery Kings
Summary: By emergency order, all wild king salmon caught on the Kasilof River must be released; hatchery (fin-clipped) kings may be retained. Bag and possession limit is one (1) king salmon per day. Also, gear restrictions limiting anglers to only one single-hook, unbaited artificial lure that may be used.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Thursday, February 14: ADF&G Emergency Order: Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Restricted to Catch-and-Release
Summary: By emergency order, all king salmon caught on the Kenai River during May and June must be released. A catch-and-release philosophy is applied to conserve sport fishing opportunity and at the same time prevent retention to protect recent below average returns of early-run king salmon.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, January 7: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River Closed to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: By emergency order, the Little Susitna River will close to king salmon fishing during the 2019 season. Recent returns of king salmon to the drainage have been below average, prompting a complete closure to conserve future runs.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, January 7: ADF&G Emergency Order: Susitna River Drainage Closed to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: By emergency order, the entire Susitna River drainage will close to king salmon fishing during the 2019 season. This order includes the roadside fisheries of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, and Montana creeks, Talkeetna and East Fork Chulitna rivers, among other system tributaries.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, January 1: ADF&G Emergency Order: Retention of Arctic Char/Dolly Varden Prohibited at Stormy Lake in 2019
Summary: By emergency order, harvest of Arctic char/Dolly Varden at Stormy Lake will not be allowed this year; all fish caught must be released. The lake was treated with rotenone to eradicate invasive northern pike in order to preserve the native char in the lake.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Tuesday, January 1: ADF&G Emergency Order: Eastside Cook Inlet Beaches Remain Closed to Sport Clamming in 2019
Summary: By emergency order, all Eastside Cook Inlet beaches will remain closed to sport and personal use clamming again in 2019 due to the continued low abundance levels of mature razor clams. Affected area runs from the mouth of Kenai River to the southernmost tip of the Homer Spit, including the beaches of Clam Gulch, Ninilchik, Deep Creek, and Anchor Point. The cause of previously low abundance remains unknown but evidence is that populations are on the rebound. This closure does not affect clamming on the Westside Cook Inlet beaches (Polly Creek, etc.).
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.