Recent Fishing Reports for Alaska. 8/28/04

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[size 1]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. [/size]
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JUNEAU AREA FISHING REPORT

King Salmon (95 hours per fish the week, last week 132 hours): Backside of Douglas Island; North Pass
Coho Salmon (5 hours per fish this week, last week 4 hours): Shelter Island; North Pass; Backside of Douglas Island;
Halibut: (6 hours per fish, last week 6 hours): Poundstone Rock; South Shelter; Vanderbilt Reef; Icy Strait


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.

Coho Salmon: Coho catch rates have been excellent and continue to improve in most ports as the season progresses:

Regional [ul] [li]Regional catch rates for coho salmon by marine boat anglers were generally equal or better than the 5 year average. Catch rates for coho salmon ranged from 1 rod hour in Sitka, Gustavus, and Elfin Cove to 11 rod hours in Wrangell. The ports of Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Gustavus, and Elfin Cove all had coho salmon catch rates better than or equal to their respective five-year averages, while in Craig, Juneau, and Wrangell last week's rates were poorer than the five-year average. [/li][/ul]
Local Juneau Area [ul] [li]Coho catch rates in the Juneau area were slightly poorer than average last week. Last week, marine boat anglers put in 5 hours on average to land a coho. Last year during the same week it took angler 3 hours to land a coho, which is one hour less than the five-year average. Popular fishing sites for coho include Handtrollers Cove, Point Retreat, South Shelter, Backside of Douglas Island, and Point Salisbury. [/li][/ul] [left]King Salmon: Catch rates last week for chinook salmon at most ports continued to improve last week:[/left] [left]Regional
[ul] [li] For most ports, it took considerable effort to land a king salmon. Catch rates ranged from 5 rod hours per harvested chinook salmon in Sitka to 378 rod hours in Ketchikan. In comparison to the five-year average, last week's catch rates were better at the ports of Craig, Sitka, Skagway, Gustavus and Elfin Cove, while catch rates were poorer than the five-year average at Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, and Wrangell. [/li][/ul] [left]Local Juneau Area
[ul] [li] Catch rates for marine boaters increased over the last week. Last week it took the average marine boat angler 95 hours to land a king salmon. This is not as good as the catch rate last year when it took 48 hours per king, but better than five-year average of 96 hours per king salmon. Areas to fish for kings include the Backside of Douglas Island, South Shelter and North Pass.[/li][/ul] As salmon become more mature and approach spawning condition, their skin will darken. The flesh of these dark fish will eventually become less firm and less desirable for eating; however "blush" colored fish or even some darker fish may still be of good eating quality. Most dark king salmon caught in the fish creek pond and terminal area do not make good table fare this time of year. [left]Shoreline anglers fishing for king salmon near the mouth of Auke Creek should be aware that an emergency order (EO) has been issued that prohibits snagging in salt water at the creek mouth. The purpose of this EO is to protect the small run of sockeye salmon bound for the Auke Lake drainage. This EO prohibits all incidental snagging as well as the act of snagging, regardless of whether or not a fish has been hooked. Anglers using large, weighted treble hooks will be considered as being in violation of this EO. All fishing sport fishing regulations for this area will be strictly enforced. Sport fishing violations observed in this area will result in the area being closed to all fishing. [/left] [left]To reduce incidental snagging, anglers should avoid using lures with treble hooks and try using lures that have single, smaller hooks (one-half inch or less between the point and shank). Also, casting and retrieving whole herring or salmon roe from a bobber is a good way of catching these king salmon while reducing incidental snagging.[/left] [left]The area where snagging is prohibited is in the immediate area of the mouth of Auke Creek. By definition, this area encompasses all saltwater inside of a boundary line that from the Auke Bay Laboratory's boat dock south to the buoys marking the location of the laboratory's salt water intake pipe, and finally extending to a departmental regulatory marker on the Fritz Cove Rd. shoreline [/left]

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Ketchikan Fishing Report

The marine sport fishery in the Ketchikan area improved for most species in the local sport fishery. This weeks dockside surveys again encountered a substantial number of anglers during randomingly scheduled sampling periods. Anglers on average spent 78 hours per king salmon, 7 hours per halibut, 68 hours per chum salmon, 4 hours per coho salmon, 8 hours per pink salmon, 313 hours per lingcod and 7 hours per rockfish to harvest these fish during this time period. No other species of fish were reported during the dock side interviews. The upcoming fall rains should improve both salt and freshwater fishing success in the local area. 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 and no snagging), Herring Cove and the Mt. Point area where 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 and do not litter. 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./p>
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. Anglers are reminded that all freshwater streams in the Ketchikan area are closed to king salmon fishing unless opened by emergency order. 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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[size 3]Haines and Skagway Sport Fishing Report [/size]
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Pullen Pond and the portion of Pullen Creek above Pullen Pond in Skagway are open to king salmon fishing through September 14th. Hatchery king salmon returning to Pullen Creek are now projected to exceed brood stock needs. Therefore, anglers are allowed to keep ten king salmon any size per day and in possession. King salmon caught in Pullen Creek and Pond do not count toward the nonresident annual limit.

Fishing for king salmon was good in Taiya Inlet last week where it took an average of 13 rod hours of effort to catch a king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. This compares with the average of 9 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 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 22nd, 57,729 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 48,474 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.
The catch of sockeye salmon in the Chilkat River fish wheels has been above average so far. As of August 22nd, 3,150 sockeye had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is compares with the average of 3,094 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.

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.
Important Announcements and Reminders:
BEAR WARNING……Anglers should be aware that there have been a number of brown bear and human interactions along the Chilkoot River in recent days. For example, a sow has been frequenting the fishing area below the weir and recently obtained fish from an angler who refused to stop fishing when the bear approached. This situation is very dangerous for both anglers and the bear. The bear learns to associate anglers with food making a dangerous situation for all anglers and will likely result in the bear having to be killed. You can help to reduce these incidents by following these guidelines:
[ul] [li]Clean your fish in the river, and place fish remains in swiftly moving water. [li]Cease all fishing activity when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at a point where the bear could obtain your fish if you hooked one, whichever is greater. Immediately release your hooked fish (by cutting or breaking the fishing line) when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at the point when it is attracted by your struggling fish, whichever is greater. If anglers are in a boat, you may move to deeper water to maintain separation between the angler and the bear. Make every effort (including releasing hooked fish) to prevent a bear from obtaining your fish. [li]Store your food, fish and garbage in your vehicle (or bear-resistant container) at all times. Never leave your food, fish or garbage unattended. We encourage you to clean your fish, to bag it immediately, and to store it in a cooler in your vehicle. [li]Do not cast at bears. [li]Do not eat along the river. [li]Avoid fishing early in the morning or late at night. This is when bears are most active. [li]Avoid fishing in areas which bears are known to frequent such as the east shore (opposite side from the road). [li]Camp only in the campground at the lake or at one of the commercial campgrounds. [li]Use the outhouses provided in the campground. [li]Leave pets in your vehicle, or have them under leash control at all times. If you must feed your pet, do so at your campsite and clean up any dropped food. [li]Do not use firearms to scare or warn bears. This could result in a wounded bear. [li]If a bear approaches, stand your ground and speak in a normal voice. Never run away from a bear. Don’t whistle, call to, or otherwise try to get a bear’s attention. [/li][/ul]
Pullen Creek opened to king salmon fishing. Effective August 4, Pullen Pond and Pullen Creek above the pond in Skagway are open to sport fishing for king salmon. In this area, the bag and possession limit is ten king salmon of any size, and the nonresident annual limit for king salmon does not apply. This regulation will remain in effect through September 14, 2004. This additional opportunity is being provided to allow harvest of hatchery-produced king salmon released at Pullen Creek, where returning adult king salmon are expected to exceed broodstock needs.
The department reminds anglers that Pullen Creek below the pond remains closed to king salmon fishing. All king salmon entering Pullen Creek are captured at the weir and fish needed for hatchery broodstock are held net pens located in Pullen Pond. All fish in excess of broodstock needs are released upstream and are available for harvest above the weir, including Pullen Pond. In 2002, vandalism to the weir and holding pens resulted in the release of adult king salmon before enough eggs were collected. Any vandalism causing the release of king salmon needed for broodstock will result in closing the entire drainage to king salmon sport fishing, and jeopardize the success of this king salmon enhancement program and the local king salmon fishery.
Filleting and Heading Salmon is Prohibited this Season in the Skagway Marine Boat Sport Fishery: Marine boat anglers returning to the Skagway Boat Harbor are now prohibited from filleting, mutilating, or heading sport caught king salmon, coho salmon, and lingcod until the fish have been brought to shore and offloaded, unless the fish have been consumed or preserved onboard. However, anglers are still allowed to gut and gill these fish before returning to port, and for the purposes of this regulation, anglers will be allowed to fillet and head them on their boats once they are tied up at a docking facility.
Yukon Residents to Pay Less for Sport Fishing Fees Beginning in 2005: Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed a bill adopting reciprocal sport fishing fees for residents of the Yukon. Specifically, the bill would enable a Yukon resident to receive a nonresident sport fishing license or a king salmon tag for the same annual fee that an Alaska resident would pay.
"I am pleased to support this legislation, because it fosters good relations with our neighbors in Yukon," Murkowski said. "It will give Yukoners who come to Southeast to fish for salmon a little bit of a break, yet will still require them to comply with nonresident restrictions, such as bag limits."
Yukon residents will continue to pay nonresident fees through the remainder of this year. The reduced fees become effective January 1, 2005.
King Salmon Bag Limits: Current king salmon bag and possession limits for sport anglers fishing in the marine waters of Southeast Alaska are as follows:
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.
These regulations are based on the preseason abundance index determined by the Pacific Salmon Commission’s Chinook Technical Committee, as directed by the Southeast Alaska king salmon management plan.
For more information about the sport fisheries in Southeast Alaska, contact the nearest Southeast Alaska ADF&G office or visit: [url "http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm"]http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm[/url]
2004 Sport Fishing Licenses and King salmon tags: Remember to buy your 2004 sport fishing license and king salmon tag (if going after kings) before heading for the water.
2004 Sport Fishing Regulations Booklets: The 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary will be available by late April at Fish and Game Offices and many sporting goods stores throughout the Northern Southeast area. If you are rusty on the regulations, please pick up a regulation booklet and refresh your knowledge prior to going fishing.
The Use of Bait: The use of bait is permitted year-round in the Skagway Area and in the Chilkat and Chilkoot River drainages except as noted below. The use of bait is prohibited year-round in Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes. The inlet and outlet streams to Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes are closed to bait fishing now through September 15. This prohibition on the use of bait stems from concern over hook-and-release mortality on cutthroat trout that must be released if below the legal size for harvest.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Clams: Many people in Southeast Alaska like to take clams for personal consumption. Clam digging is popular but comes with some risk, primarily due to contamination of clam tissue with potentially lethal toxins accumulated during the so-called "red tides." This is a condition where small, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates (a type of algae), increase in abundance in the marine waters during warmer times of the year, and which can turn the local waters reddish in color. The dinoflagellates produce a group of toxins that are collectively referred to as paralytic shellfish poison, or PSP.
These toxins are a natural byproduct of the algae's metabolism, and are accumulated in clams when they feed on the algae. People can get sick and even die if they eat clams contaminated with PSP. The risk goes up exponentially during the summer months when water temperatures increase and there are "blooms" of the dinoflagellate algae. Certain species of clams purge themselves relatively quickly of the toxins, others retain the toxins for considerable time, and can be hazardous to eat at any time of the year. Little neck or steamer clams are a safer target species because they tend not to concentrate the toxins as much, compared to butter clams, mussels, and even scallops. Mussels and butter clams can be very dangerous. Moreover, butter clams will retain the toxins for very long times. People should learn as much as they can about clam identification, PSP, and procedures to minimize risks of contracting paralytic shellfish poisoning, should they choose to take clams for consumption.
Fishing Guide Registration and Charter boat Logbooks: Once again, sport fishing guides and owners of guiding services businesses must register with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All businesses and guides registered in 2003 should have received renewal forms from the Department, which should be completed and returned. Individuals new to these activities can obtain registration forms from the Sport Fish Office in Haines (766-2625 or 766-3638). Additionally, the 2004 saltwater charter vessel logbooks are now available for businesses operating such vessels. Haines folks should come to the Haines Office and obtain their books. Please have your 2004 guide business registration number and your CFEC vessel license number with you. Business/vessel owners in outlying areas can call the Haines or Douglas office (465-4270) and work with a department representative for obtaining logbooks.

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PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND AREA

Chinook fishing traditionally is slow at this time of year off the west coast of POW however anglers did relatively well last week. Anglers fishing for chinook last week out of the ports of Craig and Klawock spent an average of 22 hours of effort per king salmon, much better than the 5-year average of 238 hours/fish for this same time period. Coho salmon fishing was good last week, as it took an average of 2 hours of effort to land a coho, a little slower than the five year average of 1 hour/fish. Halibut came in at 2 hours/fish, right at the five-year average. Anglers are also catching quite a few pinks and few chums. 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 experiencing extremely low water again (August 24). Pink and Chum salmon have entered island streams in good numbers but many more fish are holding off stream mouths in salt water until stream levels rise. Water temperatures have cooled slightly over the last week but are still very warm and this has resulted in extremely stressful conditions (warm water holds less dissolved oxygen) for fish in some island streams. Staney Creek experienced a "die-off" around the 15 of August, where over an estimated 10,000 pink and chum salmon died from the warm water before spawning. A few other streams have had some fish die before spawning and conditions will remain stressful until it rains. Anglers that practice catch and release fishing should use extreme care when playing and releasing fish under these stressful conditions.
There are some coho that have also entered fresh water and the next good rain should trigger more of these fish to enter streams. The best bet for coho is the Klawock River and anglers can also fish for these fish in salt water by fishing from the shoreline between Craig and Klawock. Commercial trollers have been working the shoreline between Craig and Klawock the last few days indicating that there are coho in the area. The Thorne River also has a few coho that have entered already. 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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Bristol Bay Area
Salmon
Eastern Section: Kvichak River drainage south to Cape Menshikof: [ul] [li]Fishing for silvers and pinks is reported as good in the Naknek River. [li]Silvers and pinks numbers are good in the Alagnak River. [/li][/ul] [ul][/ul]
Central Section: Nushagak/Mulchatna and Wood River drainages: [ul] [li]An estimated 158,700 Nushagak River silvers passed the sonar counter through August 15. Angling remains very good. [li]Angling for Nushagak River pinks is reported to be fair to good. [/li][/ul]
Western Section: Drainages from Nushagak Bay west to Cape Newenham, including the Togiak River: [ul] [li]Angling for Togiak River silvers and pinks is still reported to be good. [/li][/ul] Resident Fish
Eastern Section: [ul] [li]Rainbow trout fishing should continue to be fair to good this week as the number of actively spawning salmon increases. [li]Naknek and Kvichak drainage grayling, pike, and char angling is reported as fair. [/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 in weedy bays and along lake and slough shores.[/li][/ul]
Western Section: [ul] [li]Opportunities for grayling, 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]Halibut anglers in Central and Lower Cook Inlet have been reporting more difficulty finding and catching decent-sized fish. This coincides with the annual outmigration of halibut from shallower coastal areas to deeper waters that generally takes place sometime after the middle of August. [li]Good fishing has still been reported from Point Adams out to the Barren Islands and Chugach Islands, although fishing in the middle of the Inlet has slowed down somewhat. [li]In spite of the outmigration of halibut from Lower Cook Inlet, fishing for halibut can still be very productive, with success limited primarily by rough seas. [li]The bag limit for halibut is 2 per day (4 in possession). [/li][/ul]
Marine Waters King Salmon [ul] [li]Salt water Cook Inlet feeder king salmon fishing is available around Bluff Point, Point Pogibshi, and other nearshore locations in Kachemak Bay. Fishing has been fair to good with anglers using cut herring for bait, hootchies, or spinners. [/li][/ul]
Other Salt Water Fishing [ul] [li]Many silvers are being picked up at the "green can" off the Homer Spit,out at Flat Island and in the Bluff Point/Anchor Point areas. [li]Anglers continue to have a great time catching silver salmon at the Fishing Hole. The best bite is early in the morning or on the flooding and ebbing tides. Spinners are working well inside the Hole, along with cut herring and cured salmon eggs below a bobber or drifted salmon eggs when the water is flooding into the Hole. [li]Best luck for catching lingcod is fishing the Barren Islands or the Chugach Islands areas. Lingcod season remains open until December 31. The minimum size limit is 35 inches, and the bag limit is 2 per day and 2 in possession. [li]Rockfish fishing is also open all year. Most rockfish are taken while targeting halibut or salmon. Rockfish caught in less than 60 feet of water generally survive release. The bag limits are 5 rockfish per day, no more than 1 of which may be a non-pelagic species. [li]Large schools of spiny dogfish have recently moved into Cook Inlet. Anglers are reminded that all dogfish that are not kept must be carefully released. The bag limits for all sharks, including dogfish, are one fish per day and two per year, and they must be immediately recorded on the back of your license or on your harvest record card. [li]Anglers are reminded that all fish that are gaffed must be kept as part of that person's bag and possession limit. A person may not gaff a fish for which the fishing season is closed, that is not of legal size, or that is to be released. [/li][/ul] Shellfish [ul] [li]The next series of clamming tides runs August 28-September 1. Again, a PSP warning has been issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation for Kachemak Bay. Clammers should read the "news release" information above and visit the website listed in the "Helpful Links" section of this report. [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]Silvers are entering Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, but aren't biting readily, possibly because of the warm temperatures and very low water levels. [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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Kenai Area Kenai River
Salmon [ul] [li]Fishing for silver salmon on the lower Kenai River is reported to be fair. [li]Pink salmon fishing has been very good throughout the lower Kenai River. [li]Silver and pink salmon will readily strike bright spoons, spinners, plugs, and Spin-n-Glos. [li]Multiple hooks and bait may be used from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the Upper Killey River. [li]Anglers are also reminded that 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]
Upper Kenai River and the Russian River [ul] [li]Late run red salmon are available in the Upper Kenai and Russian River Sanctuary areas, with anglers reporting fair to good fishing. [li]The majority of the red salmon being caught in this area are well into their spawning coloration. Anglers looking for brighter fish will likely have to put in some extra time. [li]Silver salmon have also been caught in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas. [li]Anglers may now use single-hook artificial lures in the Russian River and the Kenai and Russian River confluence areas. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden has been good on 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] Kasilof River [ul] [li]Silver and pink salmon are being caught in the Kasilof River, along with a few late red salmon. [li]Bank anglers can access good fishing areas from the Crooked Creek campground off Cohoe Loop Road. [li]Spinners in sizes 3 or 4, 1/2 ounce Pixees, and small Spin-N-Glos with salmon eggs are popular tackle choices for silvers. [/li][/ul] Swanson River [ul] [li]Anglers have reported catching silvers on the Swanson River in Nikiski. Try using small spinners or drifting eggs for best success. [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] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Although area lakes were last stocked in June, they don't see much fishing effort during salmon season. Now would be a great time to "take a break and fish a lake." Early mornings and late evenings are the best times. [li]Try Johnson Lake near Kasilof for rainbow trout, or Sport Lake near Soldotna for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. [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]Dipnetting is now over for the rest of the year. Permits were due back to ADF&G on August 15. Permits can either be mailed in or dropped off at Fish and Game offices. [/li][/ul]

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Anchorage Area Salmon
Ship Creek [ul] [li]The Ship Creek Silver Salmon Derby is over, with the first prize fish a 12.6 pound silver salmon. [li]Bright fish continue to move into the creek, and fishing has been good. [li]The best time to fish remains as the tide is going in and as the tide is going out. [li]The fishery is open 24 hours. [li]Continue to try spinners, spoons, cured eggs, and yarn flies.[/li][/ul]
Campbell Creek [ul] [li]Silver fishing on Campbell Creek is fair. Low, warm creek conditions may be forcing the silvers to hold in Campbell Lake. The lake is closed to all fishing year round. [li]Early morning anglers willing to hike and prospect the stream have the best luck and will find a few nice bright fish. [li]Bait and multiple hooks are allowed. [li]Campbell Creek is closed to fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release.[/li][/ul]
Bird Creek [ul] [li]Since Bird Creek was not stocked with silvers last year, there will be little to no silvers returning this year. [li]The pink and chum run appears to be mediocre for an even year.[/li][/ul]
Other Turnagain Arm streams [ul] [li]The Twentymile River silver run has started, with anglers reporting sporadic success. [li]In Glacier Creek and Ingram Creek, anglers may find a few silvers, as well as pink salmon and small Dolly Varden. [li]There are several streams and sloughs that are closed to all fishing, and some that are closed to fishing for salmon. Please check pages 36-39 of the regulation booklet before heading out to fish.[/li][/ul] Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden and rainbow trout fishing in streams is good to excellent. [li]Egg patterns, beads, or small, dark-patterned dry flies continue to produce good catches. [li]On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street. [li]Be aware of bears if you go fishing in the Campbell Tract. See the bear safety link below for helpful information. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Delong Lake, Jewel Lake, Mirror Lake, and Sand Lake are the most recently stocked Anchorage-area lakes. Best success is early morning or in the evenings, using bait under a bobber, or a small dark-patterend fly, or a size 0 spinner. [li]Maps to the lakes are available on the "Lake stocking" website below. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]During these warm summer months the best time to fish for pike is during the late evenings. Lower Fire Lake has had the most reported success, but even that has slowed.[/li][/ul]

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Mat-Su Area Salmon [ul] [li]Silvers are still being taken in the Eklutna Power Plant Tailrace. Early morning fishing has been the most productive. [li]Silver salmon fishing is good at Jim Creek. [li]Silver salmon fishing also continues to be good in the Little Susitna River. Anglers have been having good success in the upstream near the Parks Highway bridge, as well as downriver at the Little Susitna Public Use Facility. [li]Several thousand silvers have passed the Deshka River weir in the last few days, creating some excellent fishing. The water level in the Deshka is still extremely low, making boating an adventure even for the experienced. If you can make it upstream, try fishing No-name, Trappers or Chijuk creeks since silvers tend to congregate in these areas. In the Deshka River upstream of the forks at Moose and Kroto creeks, all rainbow trout must be released. [li]Some silvers are still being taken in Alexander Creek. Remember, in Alexander Creek if you hook a rainbow trout, Dolly Varden or Arctic grayling they must be released. [li]Silver fishing in the Parks Highway streams of Willow, Little Willow, Sheep, Montana, Rabideux, Birch, Goose, Sunshine and Caswell creeks has been spotty but should provide fair fishing this week. [li]The Talkeetna River drainage is having a fair return of silvers. Clear Creek is the most popular fishing destination and should provide some action. [li]Yentna River sloughs and tributaries continue to produce some silvers. Try the Lake Creek area for some fair fishing. [li]Silver salmon are still present in the Westside Cook Inlet streams of Theodore, Lewis, Chuit, and Kustatan rivers as well as the tributaries of the Beluga and McArthur rivers. Once you take your limit of silver salmon in this area you must stop fishing for the day. [li]Silver fishing is slow in Wasilla and Cottonwood creeks. These are weekend only fisheries, open only on Saturday and Sunday, and only from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm each day. [/li][/ul] Resident Fish [ul] [li]Rainbow trout and grayling fishing have been good in the Parks Highway streams. [li]Only catch-and-release fishing for these rainbows and grayling is allowed year-round in Montana Creek. 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 steams. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]With the cooler temperatures of fall approaching, lake fishing should improve. Fish become more active, and feed in shallower water. [li]In the Palmer/Wasilla area, Barley, Homestead, Irene, Lucille, Memory, Rocky, and Walby lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. [li]Lakes stocked with landlocked salmon are Barley, Carpenter, Echo, Finger, Kalmbach, Loberg and Victor. [li]Further north on the Parks Highway, Christiansen, Crystal, Kashwitna, South Friend, Tigger, Willow and "Y" lakes have rainbow trout. [li]Arctic char are stocked in Benka, Finger, Irene, Long, Lynne, Marion, Matanuska, Prator, and Seventeenmile lakes. [li]Along the Glenn Highway northeast of Palmer, Lower Bonnie, Seventeenmile, Slipper, Long, Ravine, Weiner, Knob and North Knob lakes all have rainbow trout. [li]If it's Arctic grayling you're looking for, try Bruce, Canoe, Reed, Finger, Florence, Knik, Meirs, Lorraine and Kepler/Bradley lakes. [/li][/ul]

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Prince William Sound Area Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut anglers found the best luck on the west side of the Sound. [li]Many halibut are now caught close to stream mouths. [li]Look for moderately deep waters, down to 150 feet, in bays that have both underwater structures and pink salmon runs. [li]Halibut may be as shallow as 50 feet, feeding on pink salmon. [li]Larger halibut are still found in outside waters by Cape Cleare and Seal Rocks.[/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]Silver salmon fishing continues to improve throughout the Sound. [li]Silvers are now common in the Port of Valdez, and starting to show at Allison Point. [li]Silvers are beginning to show at Flemming Spit in Cordova. [li]Whittier anglers have good silver fishing in Wells Passage. [li]All areas report silvers seem larger this year, with 15 lb. fish common. [/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]Lingcod action is still best at Wessels Reef and Seal Rocks. [li]Anglers are reminded that unseasonably calm weather can change quickly in the Sound and can be particularly intense in the outside areas at Seal Rocks and Wessels Reef. [li]Fair lingcod action can be had near Zaikoff Bay and Windy Bay. [li]Look for steep rocky underwater structures for lingcod.[/li][/ul]
Shellfish [ul] [li]The western Sound is still producing shrimp in areas of rock structure. [li]Look in bays that have pink salmon runs for rock piles at about 200 feet of water.[/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon [ul] [li]Low waters have slowed silver salmon migrations in most of the streams in the Sound. [li]Silver salmon can be found in the lagoons and stream mouth areas of the Sound. [li]Along the Copper River Highway, the Eyak River and Alaganic Slough are producing nice limits of silvers. [li]Robe River near Valdez has also started to produce nice large silvers. [li]Anglers are reminded that the Robe River from the highway to its mouth is fly fishing only. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden fishing is still good in most streams that have salmon runs. [li]Dollies have been choosing the larger rivers to ascend this year due to low flows in small creeks, or they have been staying in stream mouths and lagoons. [li]Cutthroat trout are still on a good bite if you can find some clear, cool water. [li]Try small fish-patterned flies and other streamers to get a cutthroat. [/li][/ul]

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Resurrection Bay Area
Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut fishing outside the bay remains good with the best fishing still found to the east toward Montague Island. [li]Good halibut fishing can also be found west toward Aialik and Harris bays.[/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]The 49th Annual Seward Silver Salmon Derby ended last weekend with the heaviest fish weighing in at 19.8 pounds. [li]Silver fishing in Resurrection Bay is good, but the fish are spread out so you have to go find them. [li]The Seward beach fishery is picking up, with a few silver salmon caught. Expect this fishery to improve at any time.[/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon -Resurrection Bay [ul] [li]There is no fresh water salmon fishing open in Resurrection Bay drainages. [/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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Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area
Salmon opportunities during August in the Upper Copper Upper Susitina drainages continue to be slow with the continuing dry weather that we are experiencing. Sockeye salmon are available in most area streams throughout August. Coho salmon will begin arriving in Copper River tributaries downstream of the Klutina River. The bag and possession limit for salmon species other than chinook salmon is 3 per day 3 in possession.
Lake trout fishing should be good during August. Boat anglers will have the best success fishing in the deeper cooler water with lures. Water is stratified during August and fishing will be good in Lake Louise, Lake Susitna and Tyone lake also Summit near Paxson. Good choices for fly-in anglers are Crosswind, Copper and Tanada Lakes. Lake trout are vulnerable to over harvest because of their slow growth and late maturity, please respect bag limits and use proper catch and release techniques.
The stocked lakes will provide good angling opportunities through the month of August. Fishing during the morning and the evening tends to be more productive; however, fish can be caught throughout the day. For rainbows try Van, Sculpin and Silver Lakes off the Chitina-McCarthy Road, Ryan, Buffalo and Tex Smith off the Glenn Highway, Old Road and Round off the Lake Louise Road. For grayling try the Little Nelchina and Gulkana Rivers and Meiers Lake along the Richardson Highway.

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