Alaska Fishing News
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Alaska Fisheries News
The Kenai River and surrounding waters are taking a much deserved
winter respite. Our next target will be early-run King Salmon on the
Kenai and the Kasilof in May 2006 but until then please take a look
at our 2005 Year in Review.
Welcome to our news center. Here you will find:
- Alaska
fishing reports during the fishing season
- Alaska
fishing forecasts
- Articles
of interest related to salmon, trout and steelhead fisheries around
the world
- News
articles related to Alaska fisheries resources in general.
- News
articles related specifically to the Kenai Peninsula and Cook Inlet
fisheries.
Alaska
Department of Fish and Game
Southcentral Region
FROM: George Pappas
Area Management Biologist
Northern Kenai Peninsula SUBJECT: 2005, NKPMA Season Summary
Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Fishery
The
department anticipated a slightly below average return of Kenai River
early-run king salmon based upon the preseason forecast of 13,000 fish.
The preliminary in-river sonar estimate for the early run was 12,391
fish through June 30, but this estimate will likely change post season
as described below in the Kenai River Inseason King Salmon Sonar Adjustment
section. Based upon the preliminary sonar results, of 17 years on record,
12 years were higher and 5 years were lower than this season. The average
return is 16,000 fish. We estimate an escapement of approximately 7,600
early-run king salmon, which is slightly above the mid-point in the
optimal escapement goal range of 5,300-9,000 fish. A below average run
with normal water level conditions and good to excellent water clarity
through May and June resulted in fair to good catch rates for most of
the run. When the department projected that the early run was going
to exceed the escapement goal, the early-run king salmon sport fishery
was liberalized on June 18 to allow the use of bait from the mouth of
the Kenai River upstream to 100 yards below the Moose River confluence.
The 44"-55" slot limit performed as expected in its third
year on the Kenai River. Approximately 20% of the early run catch was
between 44" and 55" in length and therefore returned to the
river. Fishing success was slightly below average at 14 hours per fish
for guided anglers (average - 12 hours per fish) and 27 hours per fish
for unguided anglers (average 24). The estimated total catch (4,602)
and harvest (3,079) below the Soldotna Bridge were both below average
for the early run fishery (average catch is about 9,000 fish and average
harvest is about 6,000 fish). During 2005, department staff sealed the
first trophy (55" and greater in length) early-run king salmon
since the inception of the slot limit in 2003.
Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Fishery
The
pre-season forecast of 61,000 Kenai River late-run king salmon was significantly
above the preliminary in-river passage estimate of 37,765 fish. The
preliminary late run escapement estimate of approximately 19,000 fish
is slightly above the lower end of the escapement goal range of 17,800-35,700
late-run king salmon, but this estimate is likely to change as described
below in the Kenai River Inseason King Salmon Sonar Adjustment section.
The 2005 sport fishery was the fifth highest total harvest on record
with the preliminary total inriver sport harvest estimate of approximately
18,000 fish (average harvest is about 13,000 fish). Angler success was
considered good to excellent overall. The catch rate for guided anglers
was approximately 8 hours per fish (average 12 hours) while the catch
rate for non-guided anglers was 10 hours per fish (average 24 hours).
On two "Super Tuesdays" during July, anglers harvested over
1,000 king salmon per day in the Kenai River below the Soldotna Bridge.
Regulations require sport caught king salmon over 55 inches in length
to be sealed by the department. A total of 14 late-run king salmon were
brought to the department to be sealed during the 2005 season. Of these
14 fish, only 7 were over 55 inches in length and the remainder of the
fish were slightly less than 55 inches in length.
The commercial fisheries in the Central District of the Upper Cook Inlet
Management Area harvested approximately 23,100 king salmon. Of this
commercial harvest, approximately 20,800 were harvested in the east-side
set-net fishery (average 11,500 fish). This harvest is preliminarily
the third largest in the East Side set net commercial salmon fishery
since 1966. The preseason forecast of the marine sport and commercial
harvest was 20,000 Kenai River late-run king salmon.
Kenai River Inseason King Salmon Sonar Adjustment
A calibration problem with the Kenai River king salmon sonar resulted
in under estimating the number of king salmon in the river. The problem
was recognized at the beginning of the season but was not believed to
significantly impact estimates of king salmon abundance. A mid-July
re-evaluation of the calibration and sonar data indicated that the effects
of the problem were greater than previously thought and had resulted
in abundance estimates that were much lower than the likely number of
fish in the river. These data were analyzed to produce a better estimate
of late-run king salmon abundance in the Kenai River, though even the
revised estimates may still be somewhat conservative. After the season,
the sonar equipment will again be shipped to the manufacturer for calibration
tests. After these tests are completed, sonar data will be reanalyzed
to provide a more accurate estimate of the inriver return of both runs
of Kenai River king salmon. Fortunately, the type of sonar system currently
in use for estimating king salmon passage in the Kenai River has a data-storing
feature that allows for post-season analysis. The final king salmon
sonar estimates will be release post season and these estimates are
likely to be higher that the inseason estimates.
Russian
River Sockeye Salmon Fishery
Fishing
was good from the beginning of the season (June 11) through the first
week of July. The Russian River fly-fishing-only area opened to sport
fishing 4 days earlier than in recent years due a regulatory change
made at the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting in January 2005. The Sanctuary
area at the confluence of the Kenai and Russian rivers was opened to
sport fishing by Emergency Order on June 16 when the sustainable escapement
goal range of 14,000-37,000 fish was projected to be achieved. The daily
bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon were liberalized from 3
per day and in possession to 4 per day and 8 in possession on June 25
when the escapement goal was projected to be exceeded. This is the second
year the daily bag and possession limits were liberalized to 4 per day
and 8 in possession, instead of the usual 6 per day and 12 in possession.
The lower limits were implemented to provide additional angler opportunity
by increasing the cyclic rate of angler rotation through the fishery
that is limited by access. Harvest levels are not yet available; however,
the early-run sockeye salmon escapement through the Russian River weir
was 52,903 fish. This was about twice the long-term average of 27,000
fish.
Sport
fishing for late-run sockeye began strong in mid-July and daily success
rates ranged from fair to good for the duration of the season. A total
of 59,473 (goal 30,000-110,000) late-run sockeye salmon passed through
the Russian River weir through September 6.
Late
season angler success was considered to be fair and steady. As the season
progressed into late August, anglers wishing to retain bright sockeye
salmon were required to sort through water marked fish to do so. In-river
harvest information is not yet available.
Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Fishery
The
2005 preseason forecast for the Kenai River late-run sockeye salmon
was for a run of 3.3 million, which reflects the long-term average run
size (over 3.0 million). The Kenai River sockeye salmon sport fishery
bag and possession limit was liberalized from 3 per day and in possession
to 6 per day and in possession on July 20 when the lower end of the
optimal escapement goal of 500,000 to 1,000,000 was projected to be
achieved. The Personal Use (PU) fishery took place from July 10 through
July 31. This fishery was liberalized by increasing the daily hours
open for fishing from 6:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. to twenty-four hours
per day beginning on July 19 when the run had exceeded 2.0 million fish.
The
2005 late run began above average in strength and continued to exceed
average strength levels throughout the season. Throughout July and August,
late-run sockeye salmon consistently returned to the Kenai River daily
in numbers averaging 26,500 sockeye salmon pass the sonar. Sport fishery
success rates were good to excellent throughout July into mid-August.
Harvest rates in the PU fishery were also excellent at times especially
during and immediately following the commercial fishery closure windows.
Although
final estimates for the 2005 sockeye run are not available, preliminary
results indicate a total Kenai River sockeye salmon late run of over
5.0 million, with almost 1.4 million fish past the sonar counter. Once
sport harvest estimates are calculated next year, the 2005 escapement
is expected to be above the OEG range (500,000-1,000,000).
Due
to the large number of sockeye salmon in the Kenai River which were
surplus to escapement needs and the satisfactory Russian River late-run
sockeye salmon escapement levels, the sockeye salmon sport fishing season
in the section of the upper Kenai River "fly-fishing-only"
from the Russian River ferry crossing downstream to the power lines
crossing was extended from August 21 through 8:00 p.m. September 5 (the
time when the ferry closes for the season).
During
the first three weeks in August, the late run returned in unprecedented
levels. An estimated total of 536,000 late-run sockeye passed the sonar
during the first three weeks in August (average 161,000 fish). The commercial
fisheries, which target sockeye salmon returning to the Kenai River,
closed by regulation on August 10. The large push of fish late in the
summer provided anglers the unusually opportunity to target bright sockeye
throughout the month of August.
Kenai
River Silver Salmon Fishery
Based
on reports from individual and guided anglers, the 2005 Kenai River
silver salmon fishery started out very slow and late. Poor to fair silver
salmon catches were reported during the first three weeks of August
though catch rates continually improved and were considered good through
the beginning of September. The silver salmon run continued to improve
from mid August through mid September. During the second half of September,
angler success rates varied daily depending upon which section of the
Kenai River anglers fished. Run timing appeared to be up to two weeks
later than normal with bright fish present throughout the run. Preliminary
inseason results from the ADFG Kenai river silver salmon fish wheel
project indicates that this year's silver salmon run was average in
strength during the month of August and September. The silver salmon
fish wheel project will be removed from the water on September 31 though
silver salmon will continue to enter the Kenai River through and past
October.
Kenai
River Resident Species Fishery
Regulations
adopted at the January 2005 Board of Fisheries meeting opened a section
of the Kenai River, down stream of the outlet of Skilak Lake, to sport
fishing for Dolly Varden trout during the spring. This section of the
Kenai River was previously closed to all sport fishing in the spring
to protect spawning rainbow trout. Anglers reported fair to good success
rates targeting Dolly Varden trout in this fishery. Anglers observed
fishing in this area during the spring caught both Dolly Varden and
rainbow trout.
Anglers
reported fair to good rainbow trout fishing in the Upper Kenai River
in June and July. Fish size was reported to be average when compared
with previous years. Late summer and fall fishing was reported to be
good to excellent. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing was considered
average throughout the early summer but picked up with the start of
sockeye salmon spawning in August. In both the Middle River (between
Skilak Lake and Moose River) and the Lower River, incidental catches
of rainbow trout and Dolly Varden were reported to be similar compared
to recent years.
Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Fishery
The
strength of the 2005 sockeye salmon run to the Kasilof River was unprecedented
and early. This year's run was of such magnitude the sport, personal
use, and commercial fisheries targeting this stock were all liberalized.
The sport fish bag and possession limits were increased from three per
day and three in possession, up to six fish per day and 12 in possession
beginning on June 25. The personal use dip net fishery was liberalized
on June 25 through increasing the area open to fishing with dip nets
from shore up to the Sterling Highway Bridge and up to Trujillo's landing
for dipnetting from boats. The personal use set net fishery season was
also extended one additional day through June 25. The commercial fisheries
targeting Kasilof River sockeye salmon fished the terminal harvest area
in the mouth of the river and received additional time to fish.
Reports
from both dipnetters and sport anglers indicated that success rates
were considered fair on average despite the June 25 - August 5 strong
estimated passage of over 230,000 sockeye salmon past the Kasilof River
sonar site (average of 5,500 fish per day).
Kasilof River Early-Run King Salmon Fishery
New
regulations were approved a the January 2005 Board of Fisheries meeting
to provide for a limited harvest of early-run naturally-produced king
salmon by allowing anglers to retain naturally-produced king salmon
on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Angler success during the 2005 early-run
king salmon sport fishery was considered good. A total of 3,409 king
salmon were enumerated through the Crooked Creek facility, of which,
1,903 fish were determined to be naturally-produced and 1,024 fish were
hatchery raised. Total angler catch and harvest estimates will be available
post season. Of the 3,409 king salmon enumerated though the weir, 2,927
fish were allowed to escape to the spawning ground while the remainder
518 fish were utilized as brood stock for future stocking events.
Kasilof
River Late-Run King Salmon Fishery
The
late-run king salmon sport fishery began with poor angler success rates
and remained poor through the middle of July but rapidly improved during
the last two weeks in July. During the last week of July, anglers reported
excellent success rates with some anglers landing up to 10 king salmon
per boat daily. A sport fishing harvest estimate will be available post
season.
Beginning
in mid July, ADFG began a new research project to study the Kasilof
River late-run king salmon population. To provide a better understanding
of Kasilof River late-run king salmon, ADF&G has initiated a research
project that will estimate the spawning distribution of chinook salmon
in the Kasilof River drainage, age / sex / length composition of the
inriver return, and attempt a preliminary estimate of the inriver abundance.
This project included netting and tagging king salmon throughout the
run and recapturing king salmon on their spawning grounds at the end
of the run. Both passive and radio tags were utilized for this project.
This project is scheduled to operate for two more seasons, pending funding.
Kasilof River Silver Salmon Fishery
The
2005 Kasilof River silver salmon sport fishery paralleled the sport
fishery in the Kenai both for timing and angler success. Angler success
at the beginning of the run was reported as poor. On approximately the
third week of August, angler success began to improve at the same time
the Kenai River silver salmon sport fishery did. Angler success was
reported to be good until the middle of September when angler success
began to gradually decline. Reports were received indicating that angler
effort in this fishery was considered average throughout the silver
salmon run.
Restoration of Salmonid Habitat by Control and Removal of Invasive
Northern Pike
The
long-term goal of this project is to restore and maintain freshwater
salmonid habitat on the Kenai Peninsula by reducing northern pike in
area streams and lakes and restricting their migration within these
waters and to other areas. During 2005 this project is focused on removing
northern pike from the Soldotna Creek drainage. The northern pike netting
project has successfully captured and removed a significant number of
fish during the spring portion of the netting project. Spring pike harvest
rates were lower than in previous years indicating an over all reduction
in the population. The final numbers will be published following the
completion of the fall portion of the project.
Local
area residents play a key role in this project by participating and
allowing Department personnel access to lakes through their private
property. Reduction of northern pike by gill-netting and inventorying
of these lakes will resume on September 27, 2005 and is expected to
continue until mid-October when the lakes become ice-covered.
Helpful
Links
-
Area webpage: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/areas/kenai/kenhome.cfm
-
Salmon and trout identification pages: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/salmonid.pdf
- Sonar
estimates/weir counts: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/Escapement/HTML/query.cfm
-
And the Kenai River escapement hotline at (907) 262-9097
-
Kenai River in season data summaries: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=5
-
River levels: aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?pacr
-
Lake stocking: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/Hatchery/Stocking_search/HTML/stock_search.cfm
-
Maps to stocked lakes: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/LAKEMAPS/HTML/LAKEMAP1.stm
-
Southcentral informational handouts: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pubs.cfm
-
Safety in bear country: www.wildlife.alaska.gov/hunt_trap/hunting/huntak/huntak14.cfm
-
Enforcement: www.dps.state.ak.us/fwp/index.asp
-
Regulations: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/reghome.cfm
-
Northern pike: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/areas/anch/pikepage.cfm
-
Finding a charter or guide: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/sfguides/html/index.cfm
-
OEO/ADA statement: www.adfg.state.ak.us/oeostate.php
Mark's
Fishing Report, June 12, 2005:
Jeanne
Beezhold proudly displays and 35lb. Kenai King she caught on Tuesday
June 7.
As of Sunday 6/12, many, if not all of South-Central June fisheries
are in full swing. Beginning on the Kenai River, Early Run King Salmon
numbers have seen a significant spike in the past week with between
400 and 700 ER king salmon passing the lower river sonar counter daily.
The last available count as of this fishing report was Saturday June
11 when 555 kings were recorded bringing the cumulative total of ER
Kenai King Salmon to 5,638 fish. It seems this run is on tract to meet
or exceed escapement goals. Fishing on the Kenai River has been hit
and miss as increasing water levels and have affected angler success.
While many boats were seeing between 4-6 fish per day over a week ago,
more recent catch rates have dropped to 1-3 fish per boat. There have
been a number of very large fish moving through the Kenai system and
several trophy class fish weighing well over 70lbs. have been recorded.
On Wed. June 8, my boat hooked a Kenai Monster just below Eagle Rock
on the lower Kenai River ad fought the fish for nearly 45 minutes without
even seeing it. After well over an hour, we finally were able to bring
the giant to the net and after carefully taping it at nearly 53 inches
long, we successfully released the fish to continue its epic journey.
We estimated the fish to weigh between 70 and 75 lbs. The non-retention
slot of 44-55 inches has been very effective in preserving these genetically
unique trophy class Kenai Kings and letting this fish go was rewarding
beyond what words can describe. Currently, the Kenai River continues
to rise as snow melt and rain in the Kenai mountains puts more and more
water into the system. Water clarity is less than ideal at the time
of this report although conditions should improve by early next week
with little rain in the forecast.
Good
numbers of Russian River Red salmon are being reported throughout the
Kenai River as this fishery opens today near Cooper Landing. Anglers
should expect plenty of fish and crowds as this tiny mountain tributary
of the Kenai sees the first substantial pushes of sockeye for the season.
We will have more information regarding fishing success and run numbers
once this fishery has been under way for a few days. Look for a more
detailed report very soon.
Troy
Johnson with a nice Kasilof King also taken on June 11.
Kali
Johnson with one of many Kasilof Kings she landed on Saturday June 11.
On the Kasilof River, the
ER of King Salmon has seen a new push of fish after a very high tide
cycle over the past week slowed the numbers of fish entering the river.
The last 2-3 days has seen a significant spike for both naturally produced
and hatchery origin Crooked Creek Kings and fishing has definitely followed
suit. Many anglers are retaining their one fish limit and guided trips
are yielding double digit hook-ups in recent days. The ration of hatchery
fish to wild fish has improved to as high as 3 to 1 and this run should
continue to produce very good fishing over the next week to ten days.
Anglers are reminded that wild kings may only be retained on Tuesdays
and Saturdays with retention of hatchery fish only during the remaining
days of the week. Given the improved ratio of hatchery versus wild fish
currently in the system, the Kasilof offers a very good chance for retaining
the daily one fish limit of king salmon. Water conditions are very good
although the river is getting higher by the day.
Trout fishing opened on the
Kenai river-wide today and action was expected to be very good. More
detailed information regarding Kenai Trout fishing will be included
in the next fishing report.
King salmon fishing on lower
Kenai Peninsula Rivers will come to a close after this weekend, although
good numbers of kings are still present and entering the Anchor, Ninilchik
and Deep Creek. All of these smaller snow-fed streams have seen very
solid king runs this season and angler success during weekend only,
open days has been very high.
West Side Cook Inlet fly-out
fisheries have also gotten off to a very good beginning with lots of
sockeye and bears massing around the outlet of Wolverine Creek where
it enters Big River Lake. Massive schools of sockeye salmon, fresh from
Cook Inlet, can be seen circling the clear waters of Redoubt Bay and
fishing pressure has been moderate. We have taken several trips to this
popular West Side destination and have gotten limits of reds and have
seen multiple brown and black bears on every trip. There has already
been a significant push of sockeye up Wolverine Creek over this weekend
although newly arriving fish continue to mass around the mouth of Wolverine
Creek and large schools of newly arriving sockeye can been seen breaking
the surface throughout Big River Lake. This run will continue to build
through mid-July.
King salmon
fishing on the Chuitna has not yet begun due to excessive snow melt
and high and murky water conditions. This river is expected to come
into fishing shape may mid week and angler success should be very high.
With several trips planned for us in the near future, a detailed report
will be available soon. The neighboring Theodore River has been high
as well but it has been fishable and reports indicate very good catch
and release king salmon fishing on this tiny, yet very exciting river.
We also plan to visit the Theodore over the next week and will continue
to update this report as we explore both of these very productive remote
fisheries.
If you have
any questions regarding any of the above Kenai Peninsula and West Side
fisheries please fell free to email me anytime at mgfish@mgfalaska.com.
Good luck
on the water and great fishing!
Mark's
Fishing Report, May 31, 2005:
Memorial
Day weekend signifies the official start to many of the most popular
Kenai Peninsula fisheries and in a number of primary locations, fishing
was very consistent. Beginning on the Kenai, sonar counts remain quite
low despite relatively steady fishing success. As of May 31, only 1031
Early-Run Kenai king salmon had passed the ADF&G sonar site on the
lower Kenai River. Despite the low counts, fishing has been fair with
most boats averaging 1-2 kings in an 8 hour charter. Typically this
run peaks in the first two weeks of June, so the next week to ten days
should see significant numbers of fish entering the river and catch
rates should follow suit. River conditions are ideal with excellent
color and moderate water levels. Rain in the Kenai Mountains is bringing
the river up daily.
Will
Sigsbee releases a 2005 naturally-produced early-run Kasilof King Salmon.
On the neighboring Kasilof,
fishing has continued to build daily since Mid May. In the recent 3-4
days, the fishery has seen a significant burst of fresh kings and multiple
hook-ups per boat are now the norm. This run offers mix of both hatchery
and naturally produced early-run king salmon and anglers are reminded
that only hatchery king salmon (marked by a clipped adipose fin) are
allowed to be retaining with the exception of Tuesdays and Saturdays
when both wild (natural) and hatchery king salmon may be kept. New rules
which allow anglers to keep fishing once they retain a king salmon on
the Kasilof have been very well received and have made this fishery
a very attractive option for Kenai Peninsula anglers. This run should
peak in the next week to ten days. Water levels are moderate and rising.
The
Cook Inlet Marine fishery off Ninilchik/Deep Creek has been extremely
productive for halibut and to a lesser degree, salt water king salmon.
The halibut fishing has been very good even in the less than optimal
tides. Near shore trolling for king salmon has been off and on as sporadic
pushes of both feeder and river bound kings make their way through the
area. In the last two days, high concentrations of mature kings have
provided red hot action after a week of very hit and miss fishing. This
recent push of fish may very well be the bulk of early run Kenai kings
making their way north. This early run marine king salmon fishery normally
peaks between the last week of May and the first week of June.
Patty
Powers and nice hatchery king salmon from the Kasilof River
Lower Kenai Peninsula streams
such as Deep Creek, the Ninilchik River and the Anchor River are all
seeing fair to strong return of king salmon and fishing pressure over
the Memorial Day weekend was heavy. Perhaps the most productive of these
rivers was the Anchor where low water and lots of fish made for good
fishing around the high tide. Anglers are reminded these rivers are
weekend only fisheries and fishing for salmon is limited to the lower,
tidally influenced sections of these streams. Downstream steelhead (kelts)
are also present in the Ninilchik, Deep Creek and the Anchor and are
making their way back to Cook Inlet after being in the rivers since
the fall/winter. Kenai Peninsula steelhead are not allowed to be removed
from the water and should be handled with extreme caution to ensure
their safe release.
Good luck on the water and
great fishing!
Here are a few more photos
of recent king salmon caught fishing on the Kasilof River. Click
on any image for a larger view in a new window.
Coho,
halibut, more on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
Mark's
Fishing Report, November 23, 2004:
As
of 11/23/04, the Kenai Peninsula is experiencing a temperate beginning
to winter. We have seen several reasonable snow storms with some accumulation
although persistent warm temperatures and rain have melted most of it.
Daytime temperatures have been in the mid to high thirties. On the southern
Kenai Peninsula, both the Anchor and Deep Creek are both flowing at
moderate to high levels with good clarity.
There is a great
deal of shore ice and debris from cold weather a few weeks prior and
flooding caused by ice dams. Both steelhead and dolly varden remain
active and fishing is rated as fair on both the middle and lower sections
of the Anchor River and Deep Creek. The Ninilchik River remains largely
frozen and unfishable.
The Kenai is low
but still navigable above Bings Landing. Trout fishing both below and
above Skilak Lake is still a viable option, weather depending. Trout
are not highly concentrated but larger fish are found just below spawning
silver salmon. Good numbers of both dark and bright silver salmon are
present although their season closed November 1.
Mark's Fishing Report, October 20, 2004:
As of October
20, Kenai Peninsula fisheries continue to provide excellent angling
opportunities for those willing to put in their time on the water. The
Kenai River is still seeing a fair number of silver salmon after one
of the strongest returns of coho since ADF&G began estimating escapement.
Silver salmon season on the Kenai normally closes the last day of September
but was extended this year through the end of October due to the large
return. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing on the Kenai, both above
and below Skilak Lake, remains very good with a number of larger fish
being caught. Fish are being taken on both flesh patterns and painted
beads.
Dan
Mendenhall with a beautiful Kenai Rainbow caught in late September.
Steelhead
trout fishing on the lower Kenai Peninsula Rivers has been very steady
with large number of fish present in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and
the Ninilchik River. These fisheries have been most productive just
after rain storms although currently all rivers are low and clear and
fishing has slowed. Look for more fish to enter these rivers just after
the next big rain or before the river freezes for winter.
Jim
Rinker readies a nice fall steelhead for release.
Good
luck on the water and great fishing!
Mark
Glassmaker
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Review:
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