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STRENGTH OF EARLY-RUN KENAI RIVER KING SALMON ALLOWS BAIT DOWNSTREAM OF THE MOOSE RIVER STARTING JUNE 10

Thanks to a good in river return of early-run king salmon, combined with below-average angler effort and harvests, sport fish anglers may now use bait in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to a point 100 yards downstream of the confluence of the confluence of the Moose River and Kenai River, beginning at 12:01 a.m., Saturday June 10.

All other Kenai River special provisions, methods and means and bag and possession limits remain in affect. Anglers may only use one single-pointed hook.  Anglers may keep only those king salmon that are less than 44 inches in length or 55 inches or greater in length. All other king salmon must be released immediately.

The “Kenai River and Kasilof River Early-Run King Salmon Conservation Management Plan" directs the Department to achieve a spawning escapement goal of 5,300-9,000 king salmon in the Kenai River.  To date, the total in-river run is estimated to be 5,450 king salmon.  Total sport harvest is estimated to be approximately 350 king salmon below Soldotna Bridge.  Harvest rates have been fair, and angler effort has been very low compared to past years.  The Department is currently projecting a total in-river run of early king salmon of approximately 13,000-16,000 fish and a spawning escapement in excess of the escapement goal.

Under these circumstances, the management plan directs the Department to establish, by Emergency Order, a fishing period during which bait may be used in the mainstem of the Kenai River. The Emergency Order issued on June 9, will allow the use of bait in the Kenai River from a point 100 yards downstream of the confluence of the Kenai River and the Moose River downstream to the mouth of the Kenai River.

SPORT FISHING Emergency Order ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME
Under Authority of AS 16.05.060
Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-10-06
Issued at Soldotna: Friday, June 9, 2006
Effective Date: 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 10, 2006
Expiration Date: 11:59 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2006, unless superseded by subsequent emergency order.

EXPLANATION: This emergency order allows the use of bait in the following waters of the Kenai River drainage open to fishing for king salmon, beginning 12:01 a.m., Saturday June 10, 2006 through 11:59 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2006. The waters in which bait may be used extends from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to a point one hundred yards downstream of the confluence of Moose River and the Kenai River. The slot limit prohibiting the retention of king salmon between 44 and 55 inches in length remains in effect.

REGULATION: The provisions of 5 AAC 56.023 SEASONS; BAG, POSSESSION, AND SIZE LIMITS; AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE. (c)(1)(A) are superceded by this emergency order. Under this emergency order, the following provisions are effective beginning at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 10 through 11:59 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2006:

5 AAC 56.023 SEASONS; BAG, POSSESSION, AND SIZE LIMITS; AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE. (c)(1)(A) from January 1 – June 30, in the Kenai River, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used except that, from June 10 – June 30, in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to a point 100 yards below the confluence of the Moose River and Kenai River, only one single hook may be used.

McKie Campbell, Commissioner By delegation to: George E. Pappas, Area Management Biologist

King SalmonMark's Fishing Report, May 28, 2006:

Both the Kenai and the Kasilof Rivers are off to a relatively slow start for the 06 fishing season. Unseasonably cold temperatures this spring have left both rivers much lower than normal although a recent ridge of high pressure and seventy degree days have reversed this trend and both streams are now coming up accordingly. The Kenai is currently seeing very poor conditions due to excessive runoff from tributaries such as the Killey and Funny rivers making the main-stem quite dirty and almost brown in color. Anglers should expect these conditions to prevail through at least early June as the river will take several days to recover from this sudden and excessive snowmelt precipitated by unseasonable warm temperatures. Daytime temperatures are expected to drop down to more normal levels (55-65 degrees) by late in the week and this will help improve the water clarity considerable. Understandably, fishing success on the Kenai has been very low given the relatively low numbers of fish entering the river and the poor river conditions.

King salmonThe Kasilof has also been quite slow in terms of fishing success although river conditions are more favorable than on the Kenai River. The Kasilof is lower and the water is considerably colder than normal and this may explain the slow start to the early run of king salmon. Persistent anglers are seeing sporadic action for both wild and hatchery origin Kasilof kings with the majority of the fish being caught reportedly being wild fish. Anglers are reminded that only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays can wild Kasilof King salmon be retained and on all other days of the week only adipose clipped/hatchery origin kings may be kept. Both the Kenai and the Kasilof are expected to improve dramatically in the next week to ten days as river temperatures and water levels continue to climb. Fishing for king salmon in the salt water off Anchor Point and Ninilchik in Cook Inlet has been very good and hopefully this indicates good numbers of salmon are on their way to the rivers. Stay tuned for the next fishing report to be posted sometime late next week.

Good Fishing!

Mark

Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Southcentral Region
Weekly Fishing Report

North Kenai Peninsula Management Area

Week of June 11 to June 17
Issued June 13, 2006

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

  • At this time, three Emergency Orders are in effect for this area. The first was released to remind anglers that they may not fillet or otherwise disfigure Kenai River king salmon in such a manner that would prevent determination of the length of the fish. Boat anglers cannot fillet a king salmon until the fish is brought to shore and offloaded from the vessel. Shore anglers cannot fillet a Kenai River king salmon before removing it from the fishing site. The Emergency Order still allows gilling and/or gutting the king salmon.
  • The second Emergency Order was released to inform Kasilof River anglers that as of May 18, they may keep either a naturally-produced king salmon OR a hatchery king salmon on an additional day, Thursday, in addition to Tuesdays and Saturdays. A naturally-produced king salmon is a fish that still has its adipose fin. Hatchery king salmon, which are fish that are missing their adipose fin, can be kept seven days per week.
  • The third Emergency Order was released to inform Kenai River anglers that beginning at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 10, bait will be allowed in the Kenai River from the mouth upstream to a point about 100 yards below the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers. Anglers are reminded that the slot limit and that the single hook restrictions remain in effect.
  • All flowing waters in the Kenai River watershed are now OPEN to fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden trout.
  • The Russian River opened to fishing on June 11. The Russian River sanctuary remains closed until either July 15 or it may be opened by emergency order when the department can project that the lower escapement goal of 14,000 sockeye salmon through the Russian River weir will be exceeded. Anglers fishing in the Russian River area have reported good success rates with many anglers harvesting their daily limits. The Russian River Sanctuary Area (see page 31 of the 2006 regulation booklet) opens 12:01 a.m., July 15, unless an Emergency Order is issued to open it earlier.
  • There may be other areas closed to all fishing. Check your regulation booklet.

Salmon - Kenai & Kasilof rivers

  • Anglers targeting king salmon in the Kasilof River reported that success significantly increased on June 9. Angler success has remained fair to good for most anglers and excellent for a few anglers through Tuesday, June 13. ADF&G creel survey data indicate that angler success in the Kasilof River significantly increased beginning on Thursday, and that this years' run is perhaps as much as one week behind recent averages.
  • Historically, the numbers of king salmon entering the Kasilof River should peak this week and begin to decline next week. Water temperatures and height in the Kasilof River have reached normal levels.
  • The Kenai River king salmon sonar station began operation for the season on May 15. Through midnight, June 12, an estimated total of 8,197 king salmon have passed the station. The last 10 years' average through midnight, June 12, is about 7,871 king salmon past the sonar station.
  • Kenai River water levels are continuing to rise, but the river in this reach is still slightly below historic average for this time of year. Water clarity in the Kenai River was considered only fair on June 13, but appears to be improving by the day.
  • Angler reports and the ADF&G creel survey indicate that many Kenai River king salmon are caught daily, and fishing is considered good, with many boats harvesting their daily bag limits. Angler success should remain steady or increase as the season advances into June.
  • Due to an Emergency Order, bait is now allowed in the Kenai River from 100 yards below the Moose River downstream to the mouth of the Kenai River.

Resident Fish - Kenai River

  • All flowing waters in the Kenai River watershed re-opened to fishing for rainbow trout on Sunday, June 11.
  • Fishing for Dolly Varden is also now open in the Kenai River watershed.
  • Many streams have special tackle restrictions, so please check the regulation booklet before fishing.

Resident Fish - Kasilof River

  • Rainbow/steelhead fishing is reported as very slow. Anglers putting in enough time to work the holes and drifts have had the best success.
  • All rainbow/steelhead trout caught downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge must be immediately released without removing them from the water.

Lake Fishing

  • All area lakes are ice-free at this time and are fishable. See below for links to stocking information, as well as maps to the area lakes.
  • Johnson Lake in the Kasilof area is ice-free, and is a great place to try for stocked rainbow trout. On May 1, 3,000 catchable sized rainbow trout were stocked into Johnson Lake.
  • Anglers have reported success catching lake trout in Hidden Lake. Anglers have been successful trolling down riggers at 30 to 80 feet deep.

Northern Pike

  • Try Stormy Lake, Arc Lake or Union Lake.
  • Many other area lakes have northern pike, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access, but get permission first.
  • Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (with arrow attached by a line), bait, spin, and fly-fishing gear. Try fish-shaped and fish-colored lures and flies.
  • There is no closed season for pike, and the bag limit is unlimited. Wanton waste laws apply, so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.

Personal Use

  • Hooligan (smelt) fishing in the Kenai River was reported as fair, but has leveled out recently, and is now about over for the season. Dipnetting for hooligan closes for the rest of the year on midnight, Thursday, June 15. It appears that this years' hooligan return was likely below average.
  • The Kasilof River personal use set gillnet fishery will open at 6:00 a.m., Thursday, June 15. Complete regulations are on pages 16 through 18 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet. A free permit is required, in addition to an Alaska resident fishing license. Permits are available from many grocery stores, tackle shops, ADF&G offices, and even some gasoline stations.
  • You must hold an Alaskan resident sport fishing license (or ADF&G senior license or ADF&G Disabled Veteran's license) in order to participate in any personal use fishery, including dipnetting for hooligan and set netting at the Kasilof.

Helpful Internet Links

Area webpage: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/areas/kenai/kenhome.cfm
Fishing regulations: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/reghome.cfm
Enforcement of fishing regulations: www.dps.state.ak.us/fwp/index.asp
Fish identification: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/salmonid.pdf
Rockfish identification: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/rockfishID.pdf
Weir counts and sonar estimates: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/Escapement/HTML/query.cfm
River levels: http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/
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
Informational brochures: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pubs.cfm
Safety in bear country: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/regulations/bears.cfm
OEO/ADA statement: www.adfg.state.ak.us/oeostate.php
Copyright and reproduction information: www.adfg.state.ak.us/copyright.php

Mark's Fishing Report, June 12, 2005:

Kenai King salmonJeanne 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.

Kasilof King salmonGood 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.

     

     

Kasilof kingKali 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 Glassmaker

Mark's Fishing Report, May 31, 2005:

kasilof king salmonMemorial 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.

Kasilof KingThe 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.

    Kasilof king salmon
    Kaslof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof King salmon
    Kasilof king salmon
    Kasilof king salmon

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.

Kenai Rainbow

 

 

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.

Steelhead

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Rinker readies a nice fall steelhead for release.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good luck on the water and great fishing!

Mark Glassmaker

Book Review:

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Top Water, Fly-Fishing Alaska, the Last Frontier. By Troy Letherman and Tony Weaver. 294 pages, hardbound, published by Countrymanpress.com

For a signed copy of his book, contact Troy directly at: t.letherman@worldnet.att.net

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