These are the Fishing News items for 2021:
Monday, December 20: ADF&G Emergency Order: East Cook Inlet Beaches Remain Closed to Sport and Personal Use Clamming in 2022
Summary: By emergency order, all of the east-side beaches of Cook Inlet will be closed yet again during the 2022 season. This order is for areas from the Homer Spit north along western Kenai Peninsula to the mouth of Kenai River and includes popular sites such as Ninilchik Beach and Clam Gulch.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Saturday, October 23: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Anchor, Deep, Ninilchik steelhead, Dollies; Kasilof silvers, steelhead; more.
Friday, October 15: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Copper lakers, grayling, burbot; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Anchor, Deep, Ninilchik steelhead, Dollies; Talkeetna rainbows, Dollies, grayling; Kasilof silvers, steelhead; more.
Friday, October 8: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Copper lakers, grayling, burbot; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Anchor, Deep, Ninilchik steelhead, Dollies; Talkeetna rainbows, Dollies, grayling; Kasilof silvers, steelhead; more.
Friday, October 1: Skilak Lake Dammed Lake Releasing
Summary: A dammed glacial lake is reportedly in the process of releasing large amounts of water into Skilak Lake, which may cause a significant rise of water level on the middle section of Kenai River. It is expected that the river will crest at bankfull after October 5. Residents and river users, including anglers, should take necessary precautions.
These events are not unusual and happen on a cycle every few years in the Kenai River system, most often in late summer and fall, and affect river conditions at first with quickly rising water followed days later by very heavy silt discharge impacting visibility as sediment is washed out of the dammed lakes and the pathway of strong outflows. From an anglers perspective, fishing is negatively impacted with high and turbid conditions often lasting several weeks before settling down to more seasonal levels and clarity. How the current lake release will actually affect the river is not yet known.
Friday, October 1: Seasonal Road Maintenance Ends on Denali and Taylor Highways and McCarthy Road
Summary: The State of Alaska will end maintenance on the Denali Highway (between Paxson and Cantwell) and McCarthy Road (from Chitina to McCarthy) on October 1 and Taylor Highway (between Tetlin Junction and Eagle) on October 15. This includes snow and ice removal and drivers are reminded that travel on these roads and highways can be extremely risky after the maintenance season ends. Summer maintenance commences again in April with travel starting sometime in May, depending on snow depth and other weather related factors.
Friday, October 1: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Talkeetna rainbows, Dollies, grayling; more.
Thursday, September 23: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Valdez silvers; Kenai silvers, rainbows, dollies; Chulitna rainbows, grayling; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai rainbows, Dollies; Russian silvers; Gulkana reds, grayling, rainbows; more.
Thursday, September 15: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Valdez silvers; Kenai silvers, rainbows, dollies; Seward silvers; Chulitna rainbows, grayling; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Russian silvers, rainbows, dollies; Gulkana reds, grayling, rainbows; more.
Thursday, September 9: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Valdez silvers; Kenai silvers, rainbows, dollies; Seward silvers; Chulitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Portage silvers; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Russian silvers, rainbows, dollies; Swanson silvers, rainbows; more.
Thursday, September 2: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Valdez silvers; Kenai silvers, rainbows, dollies; Seward silvers; Chulitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Little Susitna silvers; Portage silvers; Susitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Anchor silvers, Dollies; Upper Kenai silvers, rainbows, Dollies; Russian silvers, rainbows, dollies; Swanson silvers, rainbows; more.
Thursday, August 26: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai reds, silvers, rainbows, dollies; Kasilof silvers; Chulitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Valdez silvers; Little Susitna silvers; Portage silvers; Susitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai reds, rainbows, Dollies; Russian reds, silvers, rainbows, dollies; Seward silvers; more.
Thursday, August 19: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai reds, rainbows, dollies; Bird silvers; Fish reds, silvers; Chulitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Ship silvers; Little Susitna silvers; Portage silvers; Cottonwood reds, silvers; Susitna silvers, rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai reds, rainbows, Dollies; Russian reds, rainbows; more.
Tuesday, August 17: EMERGENCY ORDER: Ship Creek Silver Salmon Limits Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the bag and possession limits to six (6) silver salmon starting Thursday, August 19, and continuing through Friday, December 31, 2021. Ship Creek is experiencing a good return of silver salmon this season and with an estimated 2,500 fish already present upstream of the sport fishery area, increased opportunity is warranted for anglers. According to state officials, brood stock as well as natural spawning requirements have been met.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, August 16: EMERGENCY ORDER: Upper Kenai River and Russian River Sanctuary Area Red Salmon Season Extended through September 6
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order extending the red salmon season in the sanctuary area of the Russian River, including the section of Upper Kenai River from the sanctuary downstream along the mainstem to the power line, through September 6, 2021. Both the Kenai and Russian rivers are experiencing very strong and late runs of red salmon this year. Additionally, from an earlier emergency order dated August 9, the bag and possession limits in these areas were raised to 6 and 12, respectively.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, August 12: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai reds, rainbows, dollies; Bird silvers; Fish reds, silvers; Chulitna reds, rainbows, grayling; Ship silvers; Little Susitna silvers, chums; Portage silvers; Cottonwood reds, silvers; Susitna silvers, chums, rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai rainbows, Dollies; Valdez pinks; Gulkana reds, grayling; Russian reds, rainbows; more.
Monday, August 9: EMERGENCY ORDER: Russian River & Upper Kenai River Red Salmon Limits Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the daily bag limit for red salmon on the Russian and Upper Kenai rivers from three (3) to six (6) starting Wednesday, August 11, and continuing through Friday, August 20. The possession limit also doubles, from six (6) to twelve (12). As of August 8, almost 52,000 reds have been counted through the weir above the falls near the Lower Russian Lake outlet. It is projected that the biological escapement goal of 44,000-85,000 reds will be exceeded, thus allowing additional opportunity for anglers to harvest fish.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, August 5: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai reds, rainbows, dollies; Hope pinks; Kasilof reds; Bird pinks; Ship pinks, silvers; Little Susitna silvers, chums; Turnagain pinks, chums; Susitna silvers, pinks, chums, rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai reds, rainbows, Dollies; Valdez pinks; Gulkana reds, grayling; Russian reds, rainbows; more.
Wednesday, August 4: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kenai River Red Salmon Bag Limit Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the daily bag limit for red salmon on the Kenai River from three (3) to six (6) starting Thursday, August 5, and continuing through Friday, December 31. The possession limit also doubles, from six (6) to twelve (12). It is projected that the escapement goal of 750,000-1,300,000 reds will be met, thus allowing additional opportunity for anglers to harvest fish.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, July 29: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai reds, rainbows, dollies; Hope pinks; Kasilof reds; Bird pinks; Ship pinks, silvers; Little Susitna chums; Turnagain pinks, chums; Susitna pinks, chums, rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai reds, rainbows, Dollies; Cottonwood reds; Valdez pinks; Gulkana reds, grayling; Russian reds, rainbows; more.
Thursday, July 29: EMERGENCY ORDER: Unbaited, Single-hook, Artificial Lures Only in the Kenai River
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing the use of bait and multiple hooks on the Kenai River beginning Sunday, August 1, and continuing through Sunday, August 15, in order to leverage additional protection for a very small return of late-run king salmon. This order follows the July 19 emergency order to close the river to all sport fishing for kings on the Kenai. As of July 28, only around 5,300 “large” kings had passed the sonar at River Mile 13.7; the minimum escapement goal is 15,000 fish.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, July 22: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kenai reds, rainbows; Hope pinks; Kasilof reds; Bird pinks; Ship silvers; Turnagain pinks; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai reds, rainbows, Dollies; Cottonwood reds; Valdez pinks; Gulkana reds, grayling; Klutina reds; Tonsina reds; more.
Monday, July 19: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kenai River Closed to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing all sections of the Kenai River to fishing for king salmon effective Wednesday, July 21, through Saturday, July 31. Current passage rate of large king salmon through the department sonar places season projections at 10,068 fish, well below the minimum escapement goal of 15,000. As of July 18, only 2,872 large kings have passed the sonar.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, July 19: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kasilof River Closed to King Salmon Fishing
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing all sections of the Kasilof River to fishing for king salmon effective Wednesday, July 21, through Saturday, July 31. In support of strong evidence of depressed king salmon stocks around the region this season, the Kasilof is expected to follow the same trend, thus the implementation of this order.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, July 19: EMERGENCY ORDER: King Salmon Sport Fishing Closure in Cook Inlet Saltwaters
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing all sections of Cook Inlet north of Bluff Point to fishing for king salmon effective Wednesday, July 21, through Saturday, July 31. Due to depressed king salmon stocks around the region this season, the implementation of this order reinforces the notion of conservation. The lower Cook Inlet south of Bluff Point, including Kachemak Bay, remains unaffected by the emergency order.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, July 15: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kasilof reds; Turnagain pinks; Susitna rainbows, grayling; Upper Kenai rainbows; Valdez pinks; Lower Kenai Reds, rainbows; Gulkana grayling; Hope pinks; Summit, Paxson, Louise lakers, grayling; more.
Monday, July 12: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kenai River King Salmon Restricted to Catch-and-Release
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing all sections of the Kenai River to retention of king salmon effective Wednesday, July 14, through Saturday, July 31; all fish caught must be released. Current passage rate of large king salmon through the department sonar places season projections at 10,778 fish, well below the minimum escapement goal of 15,000.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, July 12: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kasilof River King Salmon Restricted to Catch-and-Release
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing all sections of the Kasilof River to retention of king salmon effective Wednesday, July 14, through Saturday, July 31; all fish caught must be released. In support of strong evidence of depressed king salmon stocks around the region this season, the Kasilof is expected to follow the same trend, thus the implementation of this order.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, July 12: EMERGENCY ORDER: Ship Creek King Salmon Season Extended and Limits Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order allowing anglers to fish for and retain king salmon through July 31 this year; the season was set to end July 13 by regulation. Additionally, the daily bag limit doubles from the current one (1) fish to two (2). Due to a sizable run and enough fish to meet anticipated broodstock requirements, the department decided to allow anglers extra opportunity to harvest king salmon.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, July 8: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kasilof reds; Susitna rainbows, grayling; East Fork Chulitna kings; Upper Kenai rainbows; Little Susitna kings; Valdez pinks; Ninilchik kings; Gulkana grayling; Hope pinks; Summit, Paxson, Louise lakers, grayling; more.
Thursday, July 8: Fish Creek Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir at Stream Mile 0.8 of Fish Creek became operational on July 7; no salmon were counted on the first day of service. The first red salmon last year passed on July 3, and July 9 in 2019. Fish Creek is the outlet stream of Big Lake (Matanuska Valley). Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, July 8: Salcha River Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir at River Mile 1.25 of the Salcha River became operational on June 24; no salmon were counted on the first day of service with the first kings passed on July 1. As of July 7, a total of 351 kings have been recorded. No chum salmon have been enumerated as of July 7. The Salcha River is located in the Fairbanks area, a tributary of Tanana River. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Wednesday, July 7: Chena River Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir at River Mile 45 of the Chena River became operational on June 24; no salmon were counted on the first day of service with the first king passed on June 29. As of July 6, a total of 241 kings have been recorded. No chum salmon have been enumerated as of July 6. The Chena River is located in the Fairbanks area, a tributary of Tanana River. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Friday, July 2: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Russian reds; Willow, Sheep, Montana kings, rainbows; Upper Kenai reds, rainbows; Little Susitna kings; Ninilchik kings; Kasilof reds; Gulkana reds, grayling; Summit, Paxson, Louise lakers, grayling; Klutina reds; more.
Friday, July 2: EMERGENCY ORDER: Little Susitna River Open to Limited King Salmon Harvest
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order allowing anglers to retain king salmon from the Little Susitna River downstream of the department fish weir effective Saturday, July 3, through the end of the season on Tuesday, July 13. The section of water from the weir upstream to the Parks Highway bridge in Houston remains closed to retention of kings, catch-and-release only is in effect there. The weir on the lower river has recorded 2,065 kings passing through as of the morning of July 2; with a sustainable escapement goal of 2,100-4,300 fish, the projected escapement goal at the end of the season is 2,584 salmon and thus within range of providing for limited opportunity to harvest kings. The last several days has seen a sharp increase of kings escaping upstream.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Friday, July 2: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kasilof River Red Salmon Limits Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the daily bag limit for red salmon on the Kasilof River from the current three (3) to six (6) starting Saturday, July 3, and continuing through the rest of the season ending December 31. Additionally, the possession limit doubles from six (6) to twelve (12). With well over 100,000 reds already passed the sonar as of July 1 and with a biological escapement goal of 140,000-320,000 fish, it is expected that the current threshold will be exceeded, thus allowing increased limits for anglers. The area open to dip netting has also been increased.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Tuesday, June 29: EMERGENCY ORDER: Russian River & Upper Kenai River Red Salmon Limits Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the daily bag limit for red salmon on the Russian and Upper Kenai rivers from the current three (3) to six (6) starting Thursday, July 1, and continuing through Wednesday, July 14. Additionally, the possession limit doubles from six (6) to twelve (12). With over 26,000 reds already passed through the weir near the outlet of Lower Russian Lake as of June 28, the biological escapement goal of 22,000-42,000 fish may be exceeded, thus an increase in harvest level is warranted.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, June 24: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Russian reds; Ship kings; Klutina reds; Susitna kings, rainbows; Little Susitna kings; Ninilchik kings; Kasilof reds; Gulkana reds; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, bottomfish; Summit, Paxson, Louise lakers, grayling, burbot; more.
Wednesday, June 23: EMERGENCY ORDER: Dudiak Lagoon Open to Snagging June 25-27
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order opening the Dudiak Lagoon to snagging starting Friday, June 25, and continuing through Sunday, June 27. There is a large presence of king salmon within the lagoon and an increased harvest level is acceptable to provide more opportunity for anglers. The daily bag and possession limit for kings 20 inches and over is two (2) fish.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Wednesday, June 23: EMERGENCY ORDER: Copper River King Salmon Sport Fisheries Closed
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing down the entire upper Copper River drainage to fishing for king salmon effective Saturday, June 26, including catch-and-release. This order will affect the popular roadside king fisheries of Gulkana, Klutina, and Tonsina rivers. Additionally, bait will not be allowed in these waters. Catch rates of king salmon in fish wheels along the Copper are the third lowest on record since 2003, prompting the department to take action to close the drainage. The Copper River subsistence fishery will also be closed to retention of king salmon June 28 through July 31.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Tuesday, June 22: EMERGENCY ORDER: Russian River Sanctuary Opens Early for Sport Fishing
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order opening the sanctuary area at the confluence of the Upper Kenai and Russian rivers to fishing beginning Thursday, June 24, and continuing through Wednesday, July 14. Based on current data from the weir located near the outlet of Lower Russian Lake and numbers of red salmon traveling through the lower and upper stretches of the Kenai River bound for the Russian River, it is expected that the biological escapement goal will be met, hence anglers are given additional time and area to harvest fish. By regulation, the sanctuary is not slated to open to fishing until July 15, but if the early run of red salmon proves strong enough to handle increased harvest levels, an emergency order opening up the sanctuary is issued.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, June 21: Ship Creek Slam’n Salm’n Derby Ends, Winners Declared
Summary: The very popular downtown Anchorage king salmon derby ended over the weekend. Grand Prize Winner of a gold nugget and $1,000 in cash was David Seen of Ohio with a fish weighing 29.9 pounds, taken on a Spin-N-Glo and salmon roe combination on the tide. Winner of the Women’s Division was Stacey McElroy with a 28.15-pound fish. The Youth Division was won by Kanden Sorensen with a 22.6-pound catch. Military Division champion was Josh Larangirea and a 24.5-pound salmon. Proceeds of the derby support non-profit organizations.
Thursday, June 17: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kasilof River Late-Run King Salmon Starting July with No Bait, Single-Hook Artificial Lure
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order prohibiting the use of bait and multiple hooks during the late-run king salmon season starting July 1 and continuing through July 31. As a precautionary measure, the order aims to restrict fish harvests but at the same time allow for opportunity. The department may rescind the order if indications allow for increased harvest.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, June 17: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Starting July with No Bait
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order prohibiting the use of bait during the late-run king salmon season starting July 1 and continuing through July 31. As a precautionary measure, the order aims to restrict fish harvests but at the same time allow for opportunity. The department may rescind the order if escapements levels allow for increased harvest.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, June 17: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Ship kings; Klutina reds; Susitna rainbows; Little Susitna kings; Russian reds; Ninilchik kings; Resurrection reds; Kasilof kings, reds; Gulkana kings, reds; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, bottomfish; Summit, Paxson, Louise lakers, grayling, burbot; more.
Wednesday, June 16: EMERGENCY ORDER: Upper Copper River King Salmon Annual Limit Reduced
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order reducing the number of king salmon allowed per year from five (5) down to one (1) fish starting Monday, June 21, and continuing through the season. Any king salmon already harvested before the effective date does not count towards the new season limit. Multiple indications from the commercial fishery in the Copper River delta, as well as test sites along the Copper and counting tower on the Gulkana, are that the escapement goal of 24,000 kings may not be met, hence this order.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Wednesday, June 16: Kasilof River Sonar Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar unit at River Mile 8 of the Kasilof River became operational on June 15; a total of 4,890 red salmon were counted on the first day of service. Last year, the tally on June 15 was 3,942 fish. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Tuesday, June 15: EMERGENCY ORDER: Resurrection Bay Red Salmon Bag Limit Increased
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the bag limit for red salmon from the current six (6) to twelve (12) per day starting Thursday, June 17, and continuing through Saturday, July 31, in Resurrection River downstream of the Seward Highway and adjacent saltwater areas of Resurrection Bay, including Salmon Creek downstream of Nash Road. The possession limit remains twelve (12).
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Tuesday, June 15: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kasilof River Early-Run King Salmon Restricted to Hatchery Fish Only
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing the Kasilof River to the retention of wild king salmon; only hatchery fish may be retained from Thursday, June 17, through Wednesday, June 30. The late-run king salmon season from July 1 through July 31 is not affected by this order.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Tuesday, June 15: EMERGENCY ORDER: Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Restricted to Catch-and-Release
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing all sections of the Kenai River to retention of king salmon effective Thursday, June 17, through Wednesday, June 30; all fish caught must be released. Retention of king salmon will be allowed starting July 1 through July 31, but only in the section of river from the Slikok Creek area downstream to the river mouth; upstream of the Slikok Creek area to the outlet of Skilak Lake, king salmon may not be retained for the remainder of the season.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, June 10: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Ship kings; Susitna rainbows; Ninilchik kings; Resurrection reds; Kasilof kings, reds; Kenai reds; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, bottomfish; Summit, Paxson, Louise lakers, grayling, burbot; Cook Inlet halibut; more.
Thursday, June 10: Russian River Special Report Update
Summary: Following up on the more comprehensive report from June 7, the update reflects current conditions as of the morning of June 10. In short, the Russian is unlikely to be a hot spot for the opener on Friday, June 11. Full report available in Fish Alerts section; click here to see.
Thursday, June 10: Gulkana River Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir at River Mile 45 of the Gulkana River became operational on June 9; no fish were reported on the first day. Last year, the first kings were counted on June 5 and reds on June 7. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Wednesday, June 9: EMERGENCY ORDER: Ninilchik River Daily Bag Limit for Hatchery King Salmon Increased, No Annual Limit
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order increasing the daily bag limit for hatchery king salmon on the Ninilchik River to two (2) per day from the current one (1). Additionally, there is no longer a seasonal 5-fish limit in place for kings; instead, anglers may keep as many hatchery kings as desired during the season as long as the daily bag limit of two fish is not exceeded. This order reflects the situation that the river is experiencing a strong return of hatchery kings this year and the department prefers anglers harvest these fish before they move out of the area open to king salmon fishing. The return of wild king salmon continues to be weak, thus the catch-and-release order remains in effect for this particular stock of fish.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Wednesday, June 9: Ship Creek Slam’n Salm’n Derby Begins June 11
Summary: The annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby at Ship Creek starts this Friday, June 11, and continues through Saturday, June 19, with an awards ceremony for the winner on Sunday, June 20, at Kings Landing. Categories include men, women, military, and youth. Proceeds support local non-profit organizations. Tickets are available at The Bait Shack. In addition, volunteers are being sought to work 3-hour or 4-hour shifts to assist in derby functions, such as selling derby tickets and checking fish.
Click here for additional information.
Monday, June 7: Russian River Special Report
Summary: A rundown of current pre-season conditions on the Russian River, where salmon are being observed and what the numbers look like, including stream volume and clarity. Full report available in Fish Alerts section; click here to see.
Monday, June 7: Russian River Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir at Russian River became operational on June 4; as of June 6, two red salmon reported counted. Last year, the first reds were recorded on June 9, in 2019 on June 7, and 2018 on June 10. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, June 3: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Ship kings; Susitna rainbows; Ninilchik kings; Resurrection reds; Kasilof kings; Kenai reds; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, bottomfish; Area stocked lakes; Louise lakers, burbot; Cook Inlet halibut; more.
Thursday, June 3: EMERGENCY ORDER: Anchor River and Deep Creek Closed to Sport Fishing
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing the popular southern Kenai Peninsula streams to all fishing starting Saturday, June 5, and continuing through Thursday, July 15, due to low returns of king salmon to these waters. As of June 1, only 127 kings had been counted through the weir on the Anchor River, whereas the average count should be 300 by this date to meet the minimum sustainable escapement goal of 3,800 fish for the season. At the current rate, the run estimate for this year is projected to be around 2,000 kings. Deep Creek, generally following the same trend as the Anchor concerning seasonal king salmon run strength, is also ordered closed. The nearby Ninilchik River, however, will remain open to king salmon fishing as the numbers of hatchery fish entering the system is positive.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Thursday, June 3: EMERGENCY ORDER: King Salmon Restrictions in the Cook Inlet Saltwaters
Summary: The ADF&G through the Alaska Board of Fisheries has issued an emergency order closing the saltwaters of Cook Inlet within one mile of shore north of Bluff Point to king salmon fishing. This order aims to protect the projected low numbers of king salmon returning to the southern Kenai Peninsula streams of Anchor River and Deep Creek. Targeting other species within the one mile zone will still be allowed. The order is in effect from Saturday, June 5, continuing through Thursday, July 15.
For more information, click here for a link to the official ADF&G emergency order statement.
Monday, June 1: Crooked Creek Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir at Crooked Creek became operational on May 27; as of May 31, no king salmon reported counted. Last year, the first king was recorded on May 29, in 2019 and 2018 on June 1. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, May 27: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. 20-Mile River hooligan; Ninilchik kings; Resurrection reds; Kasilof kings; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, bottomfish; Area stocked lakes; Cook Inlet halibut; Copper Valley grayling streams; more.
Thursday, May 20: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Turnagain Arm and 20-Mile River hooligan; Kasilof kings; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden, bottomfish; Area stocked lakes; Cook Inlet halibut; Copper Valley grayling streams; more.
Thursday, May 20: Ninilchik River Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar at River Mile 2 of the Ninilchik River became operational on May 19, with 2 king salmon counted on the first day. Both fish were of hatchery origin. Last year, the first king was recorded on May 15, in 2019 on May 19. The Brody Road Bridge weir at River Mile 4 is not in operation yet. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Wednesday, May 19: Bear Lake Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The CIAA weir at the outlet of Bear Lake became operational on May 11. As of May 18, no red salmon had been reported through the weir. These fish are available to anglers at the mouth of Resurrection River on Resurrection Bay. Click here for link to CIAA data.
Tuesday, May 18: Kenai River Salmon Sonar Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar at River Mile 14 of the Kenai River became operational on May 16. As of May 17, a total of 18 king salmon have been counted. Last year, the first kings were recorded on May 22, in 2019 on May 21, and 2018 on May 18. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 17: First Ship Creek King Salmon of 2021 Season Caught
Summary: It is official, the first Ship Creek king salmon was taken on the evening tide on Sunday, May 16. Angler Darren Jueneman hooked and landed a chrome 16.5-pound female king on a Spin-N-Glo and roe setup fished on the bottom and thus became the recipient of 1st Ship Creek King Prize Package courtesy of The Bait Shack. Click here for more information and link to The Bait Shack.
Monday, May 17: Copper River Salmon Sonar Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G sonar at Miles Lake on the Copper River became operational on May 12. As of May 16, a total of 36 red salmon have been counted. The earliest fish returns on record was in 2016 when reds began passing through on May 8. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 17: Little Susitna River Weir Counts First King Salmon of 2021 Season
Summary: Becoming operational on May 8, the ADF&G salmon weir passed two kings over the weekend on May 15 and 16, respectively, signaling the start of salmon runs to Matanuska-Susitna area waters for this year. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Monday, May 17: Anchor River Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir on the Anchor River was installed on May 13. As of May 16, no king salmon had been reported through the weir. The first king last year passed on May 11, in 2019 on May 8, and in 2018 on May 22. The earliest king documented through weir was on May 4 in 2016. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, May 13: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Turnagain Arm hooligan; Kasilof kings and steelhead; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden; Matanuska Valley stocked lakes; Cook Inlet halibut; Copper Valley lakes; Valdez Dollies; more.
Thursday, May 13: The Denali Highway and McCarthy Road Now Open for Public Travel
Summary: According to Alaska DOT&PF, the Denali Highway is open to travel throughout its length from Paxson to Cantwell, and McCarthy Road from Chitina to McCarthy. Maintenance and operations crews have removed snow, thawed culverts, and completed repairs for travel to be possible and will keep roads open through regular maintenance until October 1. Although technically spring, travelers at this time are reminded to be prepared for potential adverse weather conditions (snowfall, high winds, freezing temperatures). Please consult 511.alaska.gov or call 5-1-1 for latest information regarding road conditions before traveling.
Tuesday, May 11: Little Susitna River Salmon Weir Operational for 2021 Season
Summary: The ADF&G weir on the Little Susitna River was installed on May 7. As of May 10, no king salmon had been reported through the weir. The first king last year passed on May 12, in 2019 on May 17, and in 2018 on May 12. The earliest king documented through weir was on May 11 in 2014; the earliest red on May 14, 2016. Click here for link to ADF&G data.
Thursday, May 6: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Kasilof steelhead; Homer and Seward sea-run Dolly Varden; Susitna River trout and grayling; Matanuska Valley stocked lakes; Cook Inlet halibut; Copper Valley lakes; Valdez Dollies; more.
Monday, May 3: Updated Streamside Spot Checks Report Posted
Summary: Comprehensive listing of the more popular rivers and streams as well as saltwater areas available in the Streamside Spot Checks section. Find out which waters are open or closed to fishing and if anything is being caught. Covers the Anchorage-Turnagain Arm area, Matanuska-Susitna Valleys-Knik Arm, the Kenai Peninsula, and Copper Valley-Valdez Arm.
Monday, April 26: Updated Streamside Spot Checks Report Posted
Summary: Comprehensive listing of the more popular rivers and streams as well as saltwater areas available in the Streamside Spot Checks section. Find out which waters are open or closed to fishing and if anything is being caught. Covers the Anchorage-Turnagain Arm area, Matanuska-Susitna Valleys-Knik Arm, the Kenai Peninsula, and Copper Valley-Valdez Arm.
Wednesday, April 21: New Fishing Report Posted
Summary: The fishing report for the road system in Southcentral Alaska is available for viewing in the Hot Spots of the Week section. Upper Kenai rainbows; Kasilof steelhead; Matanuska Valley stocked lakes; Cook Inlet halibut; Copper Valley lakes; Valdez Dollies; more.
Monday, February 1: ADF&G Emergency Order: Anglers May Only Retain Hatchery King Salmon in the Ninilchik River
Summary: By emergency order, anglers may only retain hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River during the 2021 season; all wild fish must be released. The return of hatchery kings to the river has been relatively strong the last two years, albeit the natural production remains below average.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, February 1: ADF&G Emergency Order: Gear Restrictions for the Anchor River and Deep Creek
Summary: By emergency order, fishing gear is restricted to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure during the dates open to king salmon fishing. This order is in response to recent below average returns to these streams and to ensure the health of future runs. The use of bait will still be allowed on the Ninilchik River due to satisfactory returns of hatchery produced king salmon there.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Monday, February 1: ADF&G Emergency Order: King Salmon Restrictions in the Cook Inlet Salt Waters
Summary: By emergency order, the annual 5-fish limit of king salmon in Cook Inlet north of Bluff Point is being reduced to 2 fish effective April 1 through July 15, 2021. This order is in response to recent below average returns to the rivers and streams of the Kenai Peninsula and to ensure the health of future runs.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, January 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Little Susitna River King Salmon Restricted to Catch-and-Release
Summary: By emergency order, the Little Susitna River will be restricted to catch-and-release fishing only for king salmon during the 2021 season. In addition, sport fishing gear is restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.
Friday, January 22: ADF&G Emergency Order: Susitna River King Salmon Restricted to Catch-and-Release
Summary: By emergency order, the entire Susitna River drainage will be restricted to catch-and-release fishing only for king salmon during the 2021 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.
Friday, January 1: ADF&G Emergency Order: East Cook Inlet Beaches Remain Closed to Personal Use Clamming in 2021
Summary: By emergency order, all of the east-side beaches of Cook Inlet will be closed yet again during the 2021 season. This order is for areas from the Homer Spit north along western Kenai Peninsula and includes popular sites such as Ninilchik Beach and Clam Gulch.
To view a complete copy of the ADF&G document, please click here.