Lower Cook Inlet Area Fishing Report
Seasonal Summaries
Current Sport Fishing Report
September 09, 2009
Fall Fishing Report 2009
Fresh waters
- Starting September 1 and continuing through December 31, when fishing closes until spring, bait and/or treble/multiple hooks are not allowed in the flowing waters of the Ninilchik and Anchor rivers, and Deep and Stariski Creeks. Legal gear is single-hook, unbaited artificial lures/flies. A single hook has only one point.
- Fall fishing success on Lower Peninsula streams will fluctuate with changing water conditions associated with periods of rain.
- A small number of coho (“silver”) salmon will continue to enter these streams until mid- to late September. Try Spin-N-Glo’s or small Corkies with yarn, flash flies, and spinners at dawn and dusk.
- Steelhead runs on these streams typically peak in mid-September. The steelhead/rainbow trout fishery is catch-and-release only and these fish may not be removed from the water. Fly anglers find success by dead-drifting a variety of streamers, leeches, and egg patterns.
- Dolly Varden will continue to be available through ice-up. Dollies provide excellent action on light tackle.
Salt Waters
Halibut
- Halibut fishing remains possible in September, though rough weather frequently forces boats to remain in the harbor. Larger halibut have begun their migration off-shore.
- The daily bag limit is 2 halibut, with a possession limit of 4.
Salmon
- Silver salmon fishing is slow at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Silvers will be available in the lagoon until mid-September. The daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is six in the lagoon area. The fishing lagoon is currently closed to snagging.
- Anglers find success trolling for “feeder” king salmon throughout late fall and early winter. Popular trolling tackle includes herring. Hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
Other salt water fishing
- Rockfish are occasionally caught in Lower Cook Inlet while trolling for king salmon. Rockfish may be kept year-round. The daily bag limit in Cook Inlet is five rockfish, no more than one of which may be non-pelagic species. Check the rockfish identification pages in the regulation booklet to identify non-pelagic species.
Shellfish
- Both razor and hadshell clams sport fisheries are open the entire year. You will need a lantern or strong flashlight because most minus tides occur after dark until spring. Few people brave the winter conditions to participate in these fisheries but those looking for an uncrowned experience will find it this time of year.
- Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.
- Subsistence, personal-use and sport fisheries for Tanner crab are open July 15- March 15 in the waters of Cook Inlet and the North Gulf Coast. A permit is required prior to harvesting. Other Tanner crab regulations are printed on the permit and in a handout available from ADF&G.
