Recent Fishing Reports for Alaska. 8/05/04

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Fishing reports are provided for the major fisheries throughout the state. These reports are prepared by the biologist most familiar with each area. Reports are provided throughout the busy summer season on more or less a weekly basis. During the winter and less active months the reports are updated only as conditions or regulations change. You should check this site before venturing out to fish to get the most current information.
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JUNEAU AREA FISHING REPORT
Notation Used in this Report
Some anglers may not be aware of many terms used in this report; such as, rod hours, catch, effort, or catch and harvest rates. Below is a brief description of each term:
Rod Hours: For marine boat anglers in Southeastern, Alaska, this refers to the number of hours spent targeting a species of fish (halibut, salmon, rockfish, or bottomfish) per rod used. For example, an angler who harvested 2 coho salmon after 6 hours of salmon fishing with two rods would have spent 6 rod hours per fish.
Catch: Catch is composed of fish harvested and released.
Effort: For marine boat anglers in Southeastern, Alaska, effort refers to the number of rod hours spent pursuing a particular species of fish. For example, the previously described coho angler expended 12 hours of salmon fishing effort.
Catch and Harvest Rates: These rates are commonly referred to as catch per unit of effort (CPUE) or harvest per unit of effort (HPUE) and can be calculated using a variety of statistical methods. In general, they describe how much effort (e.g. rod hours) was expended catching, or harvesting, a particular species of fish (e.g. halibut).
And as a reminder to all anglers, please be aware of the following regulation.
For all boats returning to a port where an ADF&G creel survey is being conducted, it is prohibited to head or fillet king salmon, coho salmon or lingcod until the fish have been brought to shore and offloaded. This prohibition allows our marine creel survey crew to examine intact salmon for evidence of coded wire tags (CWTs) and to measure and collect the heads from these tagged fish. Among other things, this information is used to estimate the composition of hatchery king salmon caught in Alaska fisheries that can be excluded from Alaska's quota of king salmon as set by the U.S/Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty. Since hatchery king salmon do not count toward our quota, determining the proportion of hatchery kings that can be excluded from the quota has the potential of maximizing our total harvest of king salmon. Gutting and gilling your king or coho is allowed at any time while you are at sea; as is, eating them or having them completely preserved (i.e. canning, freezing, etc.) Aside from those exceptions, your catch of king and coho salmon may not be headed and/or filleted until your vessel has been tied up at the dock.
Regarding coded-wire-tagged salmon, if you are surveyed by a Department creel census technician, you are required to forfeit the head and the date/area you caught the fish.
[center]Sport Catch Rates for the Week of July 26 - August 1, 2004[/center]
Catch rates last week for chinook salmon at most ports continue their seasonal decline, and ranged from 4 rod hours per harvested chinook salmon in Sitka to 85 rod hours in Juneau. In comparison to the five-year average catch rates for chinook salmon, last week's catch rates were better at all sampled ports, with the exception of Juneau having a catch rate poorer than the five year average. Halibut catch rate ranged from 1 rod hour per fish in Craig to 13 rod hours in Ketchikan, and all sampled ports had catch rates better than or equal to their respective five-year averages, with the exception of Ketchikan and Petersburg. Catch rates for coho salmon ranged from 1 rod hour in Gustavus to 11 rod hours in Ketchikan, and the ports of Juneau and Gustavus had better catch rates than their respective five-year averages while coho catch rates in Craig, and Wrangell were approximately equal, and Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Sitka were poorer than their five-year averages. Pink salmon catch rates ranged from 2 rod hours in Ketchikan to 31 rod hours in Juneau, and were better or equal to the five-year averages in Craig, Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Sitka. Chum salmon catch rates ranged from 13 rod hours in Ketchikan to 1100 rod hours in Juneau, and were approximately equal to or better than their five-year averages in the ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, Gustavus, and Elfin Cove
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Ketchikan Fishing Report for the week 7/26/04 to 8/01/04
The marine sport fishery in the Ketchikan areaslowed down a little for most species in the local sport fishery. This weeks dockside surveys encountered a substantial number of anglers during randomingly scheduled sampling periods. Anglers on average spent 84 hours per king salmon, 13 hours per halibut, 13 hours per chum salmon, 11 hours per coho salmon, 2 hours per pink salmon,153 hours per lingcod and 8 hours per rockfish to harvest these fish during this time period. No other species of fish were reported during the dock side interviews. Anglers are reminded to check ADF&G's main web page for any in-season regulation changes under the Emergency Order icon. Anglers interested in shoreline saltwater fishing should consider Thomas Basin ( single hook area only), Herring Cove and the Mt. Point area where large numbers of coho and pink salmon have arrived and are available for our local sport fishery. All anglers utilizing the Herring Cove shoreline fishery are reminded not to trespass across local residents property, do not litter, and to only fish seaward of the green painted rocks which designates the freshwater/saltwater boundary. Inquires about sport fish regulations and any in-season changes can also be addressed by calling the Sport Fish office at (907) 225-2859 or by dropping by the office at 2030 Sea Level Drive Suite 215 Ketchikan, Alaska.
The freshwater sport fishery in Ketchikan continues to be dominated by fishing in Ward Creek and Ward Lake. Fishing has improved at these locations with increased fish activity by pink and summer run coho salmon plus the arrival of a few summer time rain storms that will increase stream flows. Ketchikan Creek is closed to all sport fishing from May 16th through September 14 unless opened earlier by emergencey order. Anglers looking for other local trout fishing should consider Carlanna, Harriet Hunt, Silvis and First Waterfall Lakes. Anglers interested in remote trout fishing should consider Eagle, Wilson, McDonald, Reflection, Orchard, Ella and Humpback Lakes just to name a few. All anglers are reminded to check their regulation booklet prior to fishing in any area as regulations differ considerably between locations.
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This is the Haines and Skagway Sport Fishing Report for the week of July 26-August 1, 2004.
The number of sockeye salmon counted through the Chilkoot River remained high last week. Anglers are warned to be bear conscious due to recent bear incidents (see BEAR ALERT below). The weir was pulled due to high water on June 19th, and was not fish tight until the afternoon of June 27th. As of August 1st, 36,652 sockeye had been counted through the weir but an unknown number passed through while the weir was open. This compares with the five year average of 25,916 sockeye salmon counted through the weir. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River drainage. Average daily weir counts of salmon are presented below

Fishing for king salmon was very good in Taiya Inlet last week where it took an average of 7 rod hours of effort to catch a king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. This compares with the average of 24 hours per king for that week. Anglers are reminded that the Taiya Inlet terminal hatchery regulations expired August 1st. Regional regulations apply to Taiya Inlet. Alaska resident anglers have a bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit. Nonresident anglers have a bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; with an annual limit of three fish

The department reminds anglers that fresh waters of Southeast Alaska are closed to king salmon fishing. However, Pullen Creek in Skagway will likely be opened to taking king salmon later this week once hatchery brood stock needs have been met. In 2002, this did not happen because vandalism to the weir and holding pens resulted in the release of adult king salmon before enough eggs were collected. Continued vandalism will jeopardize the success of this king salmon enhancement program and the local king salmon fishery.
The catch of sockeye salmon in the Chilkat River fish wheels has been slightly above average so far. As of August 1st, 1,939 sockeye had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is compares with the average of 1,879 for this date. Good places to fish for them are in Chilkat Lake and clearwater tributaries of the river in coming weeks. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and twelve in possession in the Chilkat River drainage. Average daily fish wheel salmon catches are presented below.
It is shaping up to be another record year for pink salmon returning to the area. An all time record 13,404 had been counted through the Chilkoot River weir by August 1st. The average for this date is 3,486 pink salmon (see graph below). A total of 2,289 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels as of August 1st which is well above the average of 1,264 for this date. Anglers are allowed to keep six per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River. In the Chilkat River you are allowed six pink salmon per day and twelve in possession.
Halibut fishing has been improving in the area. There have been several reports of anglers landing 100 lb and larger fish in past weeks. Dolly Varden can be caught in saltwater along the shorelines of Chilkat Inlet, Lutak Inlet, and Portage Cove, and in freshwater along the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers. The limit for Dolly Varden is 10 per day and in possession except in the Chilkoot drainage where the bag and possession limit is four Dolly Varden.
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Sitka Area
King Salmon
Anglers last week averaged 5 rod hours per king salmon; this is 4 hours less than the 5-year average for this fourth week in July. King salmon were caught just south of town in Sitka Sound as well as in Salisbury Sound, Biorka Island area, and along the outer coast of Kruzof Island. Many anglers continue to have excellent fishing in the Sitka Point area. For more information on fishing for salmon in the Sitka area visit:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=04%2D06%2D04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast"]King Salmon News Release[/url].
Ø Alaska residents: bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit.

Ø Nonresidents: bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; annual limit of three fish.
For more information on the 2004 king salmon regulations visit:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=04%2F22%2F04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast"]Filleting & De-Heading News Release[/url]. Coho Salmon
Catch rates for coho salmon were very good last week. Anglers last week averaged 1 rod hour per coho salmon. The 5-year average for this fourth week in July is 1rod hour per coho.
Anglers returning to any port on the Sitka road system may not head or fillet king salmon, coho salmon, or lingcod prior to returning to port and offloading unless fish are preserved or consumed onboard. Once anglers have tied their boat to a docking facility or to existing fish cleaning stations, king salmon, coho salmon, and lingcod may be filleted and headed on board. In Sitka, cleaning stations are available in New Thomsen Harbor on float 11. This regulation does not prohibit anglers from gutting and gilling king salmon, coho salmon, or lingcod before returning to port.
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=04%2F22%2F04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=04%2F22%2F04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast[/url]. Halibut
Fishing for halibut is also good; anglers last week averaged 2-rod hours per halibut harvested. The five-year average is 2 hours per halibut for this same week. The best fishing for halibut has been on the outside of Kruzof Island, but anglers have also had good success fishing inside waters. For more information on halibut fishing in the Sitka area vist:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/halibut.pdf"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/halibut.pdf[/url]. Lingcod
Fishing for lingcod in the Sitka area is closed from June 16 through August 15. The lingcod season will reopen August 16 and remain open until November 30. During this open period, the bag and possession limits will be one lingcod per day and two in possession for all anglers. For lingcod harvested by guided and nonresident anglers, a 30-inch minimum and 40-inch maximum size limit will be in effect. Additionally, guided and nonresident anglers may land lingcod only by hand or with a landing net. Lingcod regulations can be found on page 11 of the 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary.
Anglers returning to the port of Sitka may not head or fillet lingcod prior to returning to port and offloading unless fish are preserved or consumed onboard. Once anglers have tied their boat to a docking facility or to existing fish cleaning stations, lingcod may be filleted and headed on board.
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=4%2D27%2D04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=4%2D27%2D04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast[/url]. Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden fishing in the Sitka area will continue to improve as the follow salmon returning to their natal streams.
For more information on fishing for Dolly Varden in the Sitka area visit:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/dv.pdf"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/dv.pdf[/url]. Trout
Local streams and lakes are producing fair catches of trout.
For more information on fishing for steelhead and trout in the Sitka area visit:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/trout.pdf"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/trout.pdf[/url].
All anglers are responsible for knowing the current regulations for the area that they will be fishing. Regulation handbooks and copies of the most current regulatory changes are available at the Sitka ADF&G office and on this web site. For further information, please feel free to contact Bob Chadwick, Sitka Area Management Biologist, at (907)747-5355.
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PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND AREA
POW rpt for 7/26-8/1
Anglers fishing for chinook last week out of the ports of Craig and Klawock spent an average of 15 hours of effort per king salmon, better than the 5-year average of 25 hours/fish. Chinook fishing traditionally slows down at this time of year. Coho salmon fishing was good last week, as it took an average of 2 hours of effort to land a coho, right on the five year average. Halibut came in at 1 hour/fish, better than the five-year average of 2 hours/fish. Anglers are also catching quite a few pinks. Anglers are reminded to check ADF&G 's main web page for in-season regulation changes for king salmon, lingcod and the prohibition on filleting of king, coho and lingcod until returning to port under the emergency order icon. Inquires about in-season changes can also be addressed by calling the POW office at (907) 826-2498 or dropping by the office in Craig.
Fresh water fishing on POW is improving fast as salmon are entering island streams in good numbers. Water levels are currently rising (August 2), with the rain that started falling on Sunday (August 1) and are close to normal levels now. Chum and Pink salmon are the main species entering streams now and numbers are building fast. Try Staney Creek for chum salmon and the Maybeso for pinks and chum. Summer run coho fishing is still good at the outlet of Neck Lake and this fishery will remain good for several more weeks. Anglers can fish both the stream and in the bay (casting from shore or from a skiff) for Neck Lake coho. The Thorne River also has a few coho that have entered already and anglers should also try the Klawock for coho as a few have already entered this stream. Anglers looking for trout fishing on Prince of Wales Island should consider Control, Klawock, Eagle, Red Bay, and No Name Lake as well as the Thorne River drainage just to name a few. Please check the regulation booklet for limits and other regulations that apply to these areas.
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Petersburg/Wrangell Sport Fish Report

Petersburg/Wrangell King Salmon and Halibut fishing:
The local emphasis on area saltwater fishing has changed to primarily fishing in the Wrangell Narrows for king salmon and Halibut fishing in Frederick Sound and Sumner Strait. After a spell of hot dry weather and smaller tides, fishing activity has picked up dramatically for Chinook salmon in Wrangell Narrows. Fish have also been entering Blind Slough with the rising tide, giving the shorebased anglers action at the Blind River Rapids either on the rising tide or at low water when some of the fish hold in pools downstream of the rapids. Anglers can continue to seek king salmon in areas near Petersburg such as Beacon Point and Point Frederick but the catch rates in these locations are much lower than in Wrangell Narrows where anglers are doing well to catch fish returning to Crystal Lake Hatchery. The current catch rates for chinook salmon is estimated at 7 hours per fish in the Petersburg area, between 6/21 and 6/27. Halibut fishing has continued to pick-up in Frederick Sound and Sumner Strait locations, with the most recent catch rate estimated at 5 hours per fish. For Halibut in Frederick Sound, anglers have been succeeding in about 300 feet of water, with some successes also in shallower waters. In Sumner Strait, anglers can fish in shallower waters with varied success. Try to fish the slack tides with heavy duty gear and use whole herring for bait. Coho salmon should begin to turn up in saltwater areas in greater numbers soon, and I heard of one being caught from shore along the Wrangell Narrows in Petersburg in the last week. Anglers will begin to find coho salmon returning to the Crystal Lake Hatchery in the Wrangell Narrows and catch them by trolling or spincasting with spinners or spoons. Late in July and in August, they will be entering the fresh water areas of Blind Slough. Wild coho stocks in other area streams will be a bit later in August and September.
In Wrangell, Babbler Point or right in front of town off Point Highfield can be good places to find chinook this time of year. Fish returning to Sumner Strait (near Baht Harbor) Vank Island, and Elephants Nose are also popular places to fish. Although hatchery releases of Chinook have been discontinued at Earl West Cove, some adult Chinook should be returning and available to anglers there. The hatchery release program for Chinook and other salmon has moved to Anita Bay, and adult Chinook returning there have been started producing some medium sized fish, corresponding to 3-ocean age classes returning. In any event, trolling a fresh or frozen herring , whole or cut-plug are the methods of choice among local anglers. Last weeks catch rate for chinook salmon was 10 hours per fish in the Wrangell area.
Other area fishing:
Although a bit early for coho fishing in most areas, some anglers have reported catches of coho in Sumner Strait between Pt Baker and Snow Pass, and nearing Neck Lake on the East side of Prince of Wales Island. Cutthroat trout fishing may be available in local creeks although many of the larger sea-run fish may have left the creeks by now, and stream levels are very low from our dry summer. Dolly Varden fishing in the Petersburg Harbor continues in and around the docks and cannery outfalls, but anglers are also catching them at Blind River Rapids while fishing for Chinook salmon. Herring fishing has picked up in and around the Narrows in Petersburg, and many small scrapfish are available for young anglers fishing from the docks. Schools of smelt and cod, and numbers of flounder are keeping the action up and providing for competition in the Petersburg annual Scrap Fish Derby held on the holiday weekend.
Recent Management actions: Crystal Lake Hatchery chinook are showing up in Wrangell Narrows with a modest return of chinook salmon forcasted to return this year, similar to the levels observed in 2003. The 2004 projected return to Wrangell Narrows includes approximately 4,400 adult chinook. A news release on May 28 announced the increased bag and possession limits for hatchery return king salmon in the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough terminal harvest area. In this area, the sport fishing bag and possession limits for all anglers will increase to three king salmon 28 inches or more in length and three king salmon less than 28 inches in length from June 1, 2004 through July 31, 2004. The slight reduction in bag limits this year is to better achieve spawning escapement to the Crystal Lake Hatchery at the head of Blind Slough.
The Wrangell Narrows-Blind Slough terminal harvest area near Petersburg is described as: that portion of Wrangell Narrows, south of 56O 46' N. latitude (Martinsen's dock) and east of the longitude, and north of the latitude, of the northern tip (Inlet Point) of Woewodski Island, and; the waters of Blind Slough upstream of a line between Blind Point and Anchor Point. An important distinction for King salmon caught by nonresident anglers in this area is that king salmon greater than 28 inches caught in this area, during this period, do not count toward the 2004 nonresident annual limit (3 fish). Resident and non-resident anglers planning to fish there should also refer to the 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary, and examine maps showing the boundaries of areas where different regulations exist in fresh and salt waters for chinook salmon. Maps of the terminal area are available at the Petersburg Fish and Game office, and posted locally at South, Middle, North Harbors, at the Blind River rapids access, and at Papke's Landing.
As an additional note, anglers boating in the area should pay close attention while piloting small craft there, as the area commonly fished is constricted by numerous navigational bouys, and has heavy commercial and recreational boat traffic.

Some other fishing reminders:
[ul] [li]Please don't forget to purchase your 2004 King salmon stamp; [li]The regional daily bag and possession limit for Alaska residents is two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit king salmon 28 inches or more in length;
[li]For Nonresidents the bag and possession limit is one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length and the annual limit is three fish; [li]The Grey's Pass closure for salmon fishing at the mouth of the Stikine River is no longer in effect; [li]All anglers are reminded that region-wide regulations prohibit the possession of king salmon less than 28 inches when fishing outside of designated terminal harvest areas like the Wrangell Narrows/Blind Slough Terminal Harvest area; and, [li]Anglers returning to Petersburg or Wrangell may not head or fillet king salmon, coho salmon and lingcod prior to returning to port and offloading unless fish are preserved or consumed onboard. Once anglers have tied their boat to a docking facility or to existing fish cleaning stations, king salmon coho salmon and lingcod may be filleted and headed on board. This regulation does not prohibit anglers from gutting and gilling king and coho salmon before returning to port. [/li][/ul]
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Resurrection Bay Area
Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut fishing outside the bay remains very good to excellent, with the best fishing still found around Montague Island. [li]Last weekend saw many halibut over 200 lbs. brought back to Seward. The biggest fish tipped the scale at an even 300 pounds. [li]Inside Resurrection Bay, try the waters around Eldorado Narrows [/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]The 49th Annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby starts Saturday, August 7, at 6 a.m. Contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce at (907) 224-8051 or [url "http://www.sewardak.org/"]www.sewardak.org[/url] for more information. [li]Silver fishing in Resurrection Bay is very good to excellent right now. There is no "hot spot," fish are being caught from the head of the bay to Pony Cove. [li]It is still early for the Seward beach fishery. Catching will improve here about mid-Derby, and the beach fishery typically reaches its peak in late August/early September. [li]Expect a big fish to win the Derby this year. An ADF&G technician saw a 19-pound coho at the cleaning tables last Sunday.[/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]Rockfish fishing continues to be good. Black rockfish continue to be the most caught species. [li]Lingcod fishing in North Gulf Coast waters (NGC) remains good. [li]Because Resurrection Bay is closed year-round to lingcod fishing, if you harvest a lingcod in NGC waters, you may not stop to fish in Resurrection Bay on the way into port. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon -Resurrection Bay [ul] [li]There is no fresh water salmon fishing open in Resurrection Bay drainages. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish -Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast [ul] [li]Resident Dolly Varden fishing in local streams is good. [li]Egg patterns work the best now. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Look at the helpful links below to find out how to find a stocked lake. The lake stocking website is updated by Thursday every week. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike/Atlantic Salmon [ul] [li]Please report the catch of any northern pike or Atlantic salmon as soon possible to ADF&G at (907) 267-2218. [/li][/ul]
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Bristol Bay Area Salmon
Eastern Section: Kvichak River drainage south to Cape Menshikof: [ul] [li]Fishing for silvers and pinks is reported as fair in the Naknek River. [li]Silvers and pinks are just starting to show in the Alagnak River. [li]A season total of approximately 5.46 million Kvichak River sockeye salmon passed the tower at Igiugig. Angling is reported as fair. [/li][/ul] [ul][/ul]
Central Section: Nushagak/Mulchatna and Wood River drainages: [ul] [li]Angling for Nushagak River king salmon is now closed. An estimated 116,000 kings passed the sonar at Portage Creek. [li]An estimated 35,600 Nushagak River silver salmon have passed the sonar through August 2. Angling is reported as fair . [li]Angling for Nushagak River pinks is reported to be very good. [/li][/ul]
Western Section: Drainages from Nushagak Bay west to Cape Newenham, including the Togiak River: [ul] [li]It is still early for Togiak River silvers and angling will not likely produce consistently until next week. [/li][/ul] Resident Fish
Eastern Section: [ul] [li]Rainbow trout fishing should continue to be fair to good this week as the number of salmon spawning increases. [li]Naknek and Kvichak drainage Arctic grayling, pike, and Arctic char angling is reported as fair to good. [/li][/ul]
Central Section: [ul] [li]Wood River Lakes system fishing opportunities are fair. Rainbow and char fishing reportedly remains fair. [li]Northern pike fishing is reported as fair to good in weedy bays and along lake and slough shores.[/li][/ul]
Western Section: [ul] [li]Opportunities for Arctic grayling, Arctic char, pike, and rainbow trout should remain fair to good throughout the week. [/li][/ul]
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Lower Cook Inlet Area
Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Plenty of fish are still being caught by anglers dropping their bait in the environs of outer Kachemak Bay, the waters around the Barren Islands, Flat Island, the Chugach Islands, and offshore from the beaches of Deep Creek and Ninilchik. [li]Halibut fishing is expected to remain good to excellent through the end of summer in the waters of Central and Lower Cook Inlet. Strong winds and rough seas may keep vessels close to port. [li]The daily bag limit for halibut is 2 per day/ 4 in possession. [/li][/ul]
Marine Waters King Salmon [ul] [li]King salmon fishing in the Anchor Point to Ninilchik marine waters is slowing down. Anglers are trolling up to one mile from shore using cut herring for bait or using spinners. Try fishing one hour before high tide through two hours after high tide. [li]Bluff Point and Point Pogibshi are the popular spots for trolling for feeders. Typical size in this area has been 10 - 20 lbs. [/li][/ul]
Other Salt Water Fishing [ul] [li]Anglers are having a great time with silver salmon at the Homer Spit Fishing Hole. The best bite is on the flooding and ebbing tides. Vibrax spinners are working well inside the Hole along with cut herring and cured salmon eggs. Fish the eggs and herring below a bobber. [li]Twice the usual number of early-run silvers were stocked in the Fishing Hole, so this return should provide great fishing. [li]The daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is 6 in the Hole area. Outside the Hole area, the daily bag and possession limit is 3. [li]Snagging is allowed inside Kachemak Bay except for the Fishing Hole area, which does not open to snagging until the salmon runs stocked there go off the bite. [li]Pinks are available at Tutka Bay. Pinks bite readily on spinners and spoons. [li]Best luck for catching lingcod is fishing the Barren Islands or the Chugach Islands areas. [/li][/ul] Personal Use [ul] [li]The China Poot dip net fishery continues to be open to Alaskan residents until August 7. The open area is the fresh waters of China Poot Creek upstream of ADF&G markers. [li]The bag and possession limits are 6 sockeye salmon per person per day. [/li][/ul] Shellfish [ul] [li]The next series of clamming tides runs August 28-September 1. [li]Dungeness, King and Tanner crab, and shrimp fisheries are closed in Cook Inlet and the Outer Gulf Coast. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters [ul] [li]Anglers can now fish the entire Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River systems, but salmon fishing is open only in the lower two miles on each stream. All three streams are low and clear. [li]Anglers fishing the Anchor River report a few silver salmon. Silver fishing should improve quickly as the typical August 20 peak of the run approaches. [li]Pink salmon can also be found in these streams. [li]For salmon fishing, drift eggs or cast small to medium spinners for best results. Silvers will be available through Labor Day. [li]Steelhead are starting to enter the rivers. Please familiarize yourself with the differences between a silver salmon and a steelhead. Rainbow/steelhead have black spots all over both lobes of the tail, while silvers have black spots only on the upper lobe of the tail. [li]Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately in these streams. [/li][/ul]
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Mat-Su Area
Salmon [ul] [li]Silvers are being taken at the Eklutna Power Plant Tailrace. [li]Silver and sockeye salmon fishing is good at Jim Creek. [li]Silver salmon fishing has been good in the Little Susitna River. You will also find a few chums and sockeye. [li]Silvers and pinks can be found in the Deshka River and Alexander Creek. Alexander Creek is catch-and-release only for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling. In the Deshka River upstream of the forks at Moose and Kroto creeks, rainbow trout are catch-and-release only. [li]Pink salmon are arriving in large numbers in the Susitna River drainage this year. Look for them in the Parks Highway streams along with silvers and chums. Willow Creek is closed to salmon fishing upstream of Deception Creek and Montana Creek is closed to salmon fishing upstream of a marker ½ mile above the Parks Highway bridge. [li]Chums, sockeye and silvers are present in the Talkeetna River drainage, with the mouth of Clear Creek your best bet. [li]Yentna River sloughs and tributaries are producing lots of silvers. Lake Creek should provide excellent fishing. [li]Silver salmon fishing is good for Westside Cook Inlet streams: Theodore, Lewis, Chuit, Kustatan and freshwater tributaries of the Beluga and McArthur rivers. Once you take your limit of coho salmon in this area you must stop fishing for the day. [li]Sockeye salmon and coho are moving through the mouth of Cottonwood Creek. This is a weekend only fishery, from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday only. [li]A few sockeye and coho may also be moving through Wasilla Creek, which is open to fishing for salmon (other than king salmon) from its mouth upstream to the Alaska Railroad Bridge. This is a weekend fishery, from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday only. Motorized watercraft may not be used on Wasilla Creek on Saturday and Sundays, July 15 - August 15. [/li][/ul] Resident Fish [ul] [li]Rainbow trout and grayling fishing have been good in the Parks Highway streams; however, only catch-and-release fishing for these species is allowed year-round in Montana Creek. [li]In Willow Creek, rainbow trout may not be retained downstream of the Parks Highway bridge. [li]Check the regulations for single hook only areas on all Parks Highway streams [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Best bets for rainbows include Boot, Beverly, Canoe, Christiansen, Crystal, Farmer, Loon, Marion, Ruby, Seventeenmile, Tanaina, and South Rolly lakes. [li]Canoe, Finger, Florence, Ida, Kepler/Bradley, Knik, Lorraine, Meirs, Mile 180, Weiner and Reed lakes have Arctic grayling. [li]Benka, Echo, Irene, Lynne, Marion, Matanuska, Memory, Prator, and Seventeenmile lakes are stocked with Arctic char. [li]For a single lake with a wide variety of fish, try Finger Lake. It has rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char and landlocked king salmon. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]Pike fishing in most of the lakes is a little slow right now, due to warm water temperatures. Best pike action comes from remote lakes such as Alexander and Trapper, or the boat-only accessible sloughs of the Deshka River or Alexander Creek. [li]Pike anglers on the road system might try the lakes of the Nancy Lake canoe system, or Memory Lake.[/li][/ul]

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Kenai Area
Fresh Waters
Kenai River Salmon [ul] [li]Red salmon are often available into early August on the lower Kenai River. [li]Silver and pink salmon are entering the river. These runs generally usually show up in good numbers by the first week of August. [li]Anglers are reminded that fishing for silver salmon is closed in the Kenai River August 1, 2, & 3. The river remains open for other species. [li]After retaining a second silver salmon 16" or longer, you may not fish in the Kenai River downstream of the Upper Killey River for the remainder of that day. [/li][/ul]
Kasilof River Salmon [ul] [li]Kasilof River red salmon fishing will continue to slow. A few fish should be available for the next week or two. [li]Silver salmon should now be available in the Kasilof River as well. [li]Spinners in sizes 3 or 4, or ½-ounce Pixees, or small Spin-N-Glos with salmon eggs are popular tackle choices for silvers. [/li][/ul]
Upper Kenai River and the Russian River [ul] [li]Late run red salmon are available in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas, with anglers reporting good fishing. [li]Anglers are reminded that both the Russian River and the waters of the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River are fly-fishing only waters. [li]Rainbow/steelhead trout are catch-and-release only in this area. Please check pages 30 & 31 of your regulation booklet carefully before deciding to harvest any fish species. [/li][/ul]
Swanson River [ul] [li]Anglers have reported catching a few silver salmon on the Swanson River in the Nikiski area. [li]Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are also available in the Swanson River. [li]Bait and multiple hooks are allowed through September 15. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish - Kenai River [ul] [li]Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden has been improving in the upper and lower Kenai River. [li]Anglers are advised to check the regulations closely for retention and gear restrictions for the waters being fished. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Fishing in the area's stocked lakes will begin to improve during the next several weeks. [li]Floating eggs off a bobber or casting small spoons or spinners are popular methods while fishing in the lakes. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]Fishing success for northern pike will typically be slow during the summer months due to warmer water temperatures. [li]Stormy Lake and Arc Lake are two publicly accessible pike lakes. [li]Casting lures or flies that imitate small fish or other prey works well for northern pike. Bait fishing can also be productive. [/li][/ul] Personal Use [ul] [li]The Kasilof River dip net fishery is reported as slow. [li]The Kasilof River is open daily for personal use dip-netting, 24 hours per day, through midnight, August 7. [li]The Kenai River closed for personal use dip-netting on July 31. [li]If you're NOT going to dip net the Kasilof this week, please return your permit ASAP to ADF&G. You can either mail it, or drop it off. By law, permits must be returned by August 15, 2004. [li]Personal use fishery participation is open only to those Alaskan residents who have maintained a permanent home in Alaska for at least the previous 12 consecutive months. [li]Personal use fishery permits are available from Fish and Game offices as well as most local license vendors[/li][/ul]
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Kodiak Area
Salt Waters [ul] [li]Saltwater fishing for halibut and rockfish is good this time of year. [li]Trolling for both king and coho salmon continues to be excellent. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Coho Salmon [ul] [li]Coho salmon are beginning to return to Kodiak fresh waters. The earliest returns occur on Afognak and Shuyak islands. Popular fisheries include Litnik (Afognak) Lagoon, Pauls and Discovery bays, as well as various bays around Shuyak Island. [li]As of August 2, 100 coho salmon have passed through the Litnik weir, which has an average annual escapement of about 10,000 fish. Although fish are available now, the Afognak and Shuyak returns usually peak during the last week of August. [li]Coho on the Kodiak Road System usually don't show up in fishable numbers until mid-August. Road System returns peak in mid-September.[/li][/ul]
Pink Salmon [ul] [li]Pink salmon are entering Road System streams in good numbers and showing up along beaches in front of streams. Ocean beaches near streams are a good place to fish for pinks because fish are often still bright silver. [li]As of August 2, 13,000 pink salmon have passed the Buskin River weir, which has an average escapement of 83,000 pinks during even years. . Look for pink salmon abundance to continue to pick up during the next several weeks. [/li][/ul]
Dolly Varden [ul] [li]Dolly Varden are entering freshwater drainages along the Road System in good numbers. Some of the more popular places to fish for Dolly Varden include the Buskin, American, Olds and Saltery rivers, however, many of the streams on the Road System will have Dollies.[/li][/ul]

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Prince William Sound Area

Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut in the 80 - 120 lb. range were common from the Montague Island and Seal Rocks areas. [li]Halibut fishing has been fair at Red Head. [li]Some larger halibut - to 150 lbs. - were caught in shallow waters close to salmon streams. [li]Wessels Reef and other popular areas outside the Sound have been productive on calm days when the wind dies down.[/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]Near Valdez, silver salmon have been caught near Tongue Point. [li]Hoochies and green spoons are the hot lure. [li]A 17.4 lb. fish leads the Valdez silver salmon derby. [li]Wells Passage and Culross Passage are good spots for silver trolling as well. [li]Stream mouths at Knowles Head and on Montague Island have also produced silvers. [li]Flemming Spit near Cordova has been slow for salmon. [/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]Lingcod fishing has been excellent. [li]Cape Cleare and Seal Rocks have been fair for smaller lingcod. [li]The open Gulf waters by Wessels Reef have been excellent, producing several fish over 45 lbs.[/li][/ul]
Shellfish [ul] [li]Shrimp fishers have had only sporadic luck with shimp this week.[/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon [ul] [li]Eyak River has shown a few early silver salmon at the lake outlet as well as by the mouth of Ibeck Creek. [li]Ibeck Creek has cleared and should begin to show silvers soon. [li]Anglers report seeing a few early silvers at Robe River, but none have been reported caught. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden can be found in most streams with salmon runs. [li]Dolly Varden are often found in smaller pools or tail-outs where they avoid large schools of migrating silver salmon. [/li][/ul]

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Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area

Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers. The Gulkana River remains low from lack of rain but sockeye catches have been reported. The Klutina River king salmon fishing has dropped off dramatically and sockeye catches are fair. King salmon fishing in the all Copper River tributaries (including the Gulkana, Tonsina and Copper River mainstem) closed July 20th. The exception is the Klutina River mainstem from 19.2 mile of the Klutina Lake Road downstream to department markers at the mouth, which is open through July 31st.
The hot weather has warmed the water and insect activity is at its peak for grayling fishing. The smaller streams have very little water and the angler should head for larger rivers and streams. Rivers to try are the Little Nelchina and the Gulkana Rivers. Meiers Lake on the Richardson Highway has a good number of grayling and fishing the northern end usually produces fish.
Silver Lake on the McCarthy Road has been producing good catches of rainbow trout from the recent stocking. Two and Three Mile Lakes near Chitina are also experiencing good fishing and are worth stopping on the way to Chitina or McCarthy. Tex Smith on the Glenn Highway usually produces good catches of rainbow and there is a good wayside for parking and access. With the recent warm temperatures and lack of rain, lower than normal water levels are occurring and more growth of water vegetation has been taking place. The use of a smaller boat or belly boat is recommended for better access to the fish.
Lake trout are in deeper water and trolling with large spoons and plugs with downriggers should get the lure to the proper depth, generally 20 feet or deeper. Large colored jigs are also good bounced off the bottom. Paxson and Summit Lakes or Lake Louise with its connecting lakes of Susitina and Tyone have good populations of lake trout. For remote fly-in lake trout fishing try Crosswind or Copper lakes. As always check the regulations for seasons, bag limits, size and gear restrictions before fishing.

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