Kenai River

• Silver salmon fishing on the Kenai River closed by regulation at 11:59 p.m., September 30. Any silver salmon accidentally caught must now be immediately released.
• October 1 - December 31, only unbaited artificial lures are allowed in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River.
• Also through December 31, from the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake, only unbaited, single hook artificial lures may be used.

Russian River & Upper Kenai River

• Silver salmon fishing on the Russian River and the Upper Kenai River also closed by regulation at 11:59 p.m. September 30.
• Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout fishing in the Upper Kenai River is expected to be good through the fall. The Russian River is expected to be fair for Dollies and rainbows.
• Anglers may use unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures in the Russian River and the Upper Kenai River.

Kasilof River & Crooked Creek

• Anglers may find a few steelhead trout in the Kasilof. There is no retention of steelhead trout in the Kasilof River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge. Any steelhead caught in this section of the river must be released without removing it from the water.
• As of September 1, only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used in the Kasilof River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, and in Crooked Creek.
• As of September 16, only unbaited, artificial lures may be used in the Kasilof River upstream of the Sterling Highway bridge.
• Until January 1, motorized boats may be used throughout the Kasilof River.

Stocked Lakes

• As water temperatures cool, lake fishing will improve.
• A free pamphlet with maps and descriptions of the Peninsula's stocked lakes is available at Fish and Game offices.
• Try light tackle with small spoons or spinners, or float salmon eggs or shrimp off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns, or dry flies such as mosquitoes or Adams parachutes.

Northern Pike

• Northern pike have been illegally introduced into some lakes on the Kenai Peninsula.
• Arc Lake and Stormy Lake have public access points. Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula also have pike, but public access is very limited. Private property owners may allow access to these lakes, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using bait, spinning gear, or fly-fishing gear. Pike readily take bait or any type of lure or fly that imitates small fish or other prey. You may also use a spear, or a bow and arrow, but the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line.
• There is no closed season or bag limit for pike in this area. "Wanton waste" laws still apply, so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.

Need more information?

When you're away from your computer, ADF&G recorded fishing reports are available by calling (907) 267-2510, Anchorage; (907) 746-6300 Palmer; or (907) 235-6930 Homer.

Check our Northern Kenai Peninsula webpages for more information about fisheries, research, and management.

Kenai River

• Anglers have reported slow to fair silver salmon fishing on the Kenai River. Expect success to be spotty. Conditions may improve as second run fish enter the river.
• Metallic or brightly colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glos with eggs, and smaller-sized Kwikfish work well for silvers. Anglers using cured salmon eggs have reported the best luck.
• Multiple hooks and bait may be used in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River. From the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake, only unbaited, single hook artificial lures may be used.
• The daily silver salmon bag limit is 2 per day and 2 in possession. After taking a bag limit of 2 silver salmon 16 inches or longer from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River on that same day.
• Fishing from a registered guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays, from the Moose River downstream to the mouth of the Kenai River. Upstream from the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers, fishing for silver salmon from a guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays. Any silver salmon caught must be immediately released.

Upper Kenai and Russian River areas

• Anglers have reported fair to good fishing for silver salmon, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout in the Russian River and the Upper Kenai River areas.
• Anglers may now use unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures in the Russian River and in the waters of the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River. Fly-fishing only regulations ended Aug. 20.
• Sockeye salmon fishing also closed Aug. 20 in this area, including catch-and-release. Any sockeye salmon caught in the Russian River, the Russian River Sanctuary area, and in the Kenai River from the ferry crossing downstream to the powerline must be immediately released.

Kasilof River

• Silver salmon fishing on the Kasilof River is likely to be best above the Sterling Highway bridge, although silvers can be found throughout the whole system.
• Anglers are reminded that as of September 1 in the Kasilof River, from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used.

Swanson River

• Anglers may still find a few silvers on the Swanson River. This run is relatively small and is likely past its peak. Try using small spinners or drifting eggs for best success.
• Anglers will also find Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the Swanson River.

Stocked Lakes

• As water temperatures cool, fishing in the area's stocked lakes improves. A free handout with maps and fish information is available at Fish and Game offices and on our publications web site.
• Try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs or shrimp off a bobber. Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito or Adams patterns.

Northern Pike

• Keep trying Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have populations of illegally-introduced pike, but public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spinning gear, or fly-fishing gear. Or, extend the usage of your archery equipment and go bowfishing. Just be sure your arrow is attached to your bow by a line.

Kenai River

• Anglers have reported slow to good silver salmon fishing success. Since the early run is slowing, success will be variable until the second run fish start to enter the river.
• Even though an Emergency Order is still in effect raising the salmon limit to 6 per day/6 in possession, of the 6 fish, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver salmon.
• Multiple hooks and bait may be used in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River. From the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake, only unbaited, single-hook artificial lures may be used. Metallic or brightly-colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glos with eggs, and small Kwikfish work well for silvers. Currently, anglers using cured salmon eggs have reported the best luck.
• After taking a bag limit of 2 silver salmon 16 inches or longer from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River on that same day. Fishing from a registered guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays, from the Moose River downstream to the mouth of the Kenai River. Upstream from the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers, fishing for silver salmon from a guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays. Any silver salmon caught must be immediately released.

Russian River/ Upper Kenai River

• Anglers have reported fair to good fishing success for silver salmon, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout in the Russian River and Upper Kenai River areas.
• Since fly-fishing only regulations ended Aug. 20, anglers may now use unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures in the entire Upper Kenai River and in the Russian River drainage.
• Aug. 20 was also the last day to fish for sockeye salmon in the Russian River, the Russian River Sanctuary Area, and in the Kenai River from the ferry crossing downstream to the powerline crossing. Anglers may not target sockeye salmon, even for catch-and-release, and any sockeye salmon accidentally caught in this area must be immediately released.

Kasilof River

• Anglers have reported fair to good silver salmon fishing on the Kasilof. They've been catching silvers from the lower sections on the Kasilof, upstream to the slack water near Tustumena Lake.
• The Kasilof River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge is now single-hook, no bait.

Swanson River

• The silver salmon run to the Swanson is small, and is likely past its peak. Try using small spinners or drifting eggs for the best success.
• Anglers will also find Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the Swanson River.

Stocked Lakes

• As water temperatures cool, fishing in the area's stocked lakes improves. A free handout with maps and fish information is available at Fish and Game offices and on our publications web site.
• Try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs or shrimp off a bobber. Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito or Adams patterns.

Northern Pike

• Keep trying Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have populations of illegally-introduced pike, but public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spinning gear, or fly-fishing gear. Or, extend the usage of your archery equipment and go bowfishing. Just be sure your arrow is attached to your bow by a line.

Miscellaneous

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered to anyone providing information leading to the conviction of boat operators who provide guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance. To report suspicious activity, call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377 or Alaska State Parks in Soldotna at (907) 262-5581.

Kenai River

• Anglers have reported variable -- slow to good -- silver salmon fishing success on the Kenai River. Anglers using cured salmon eggs reported the best luck. Metallic or brightly-colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glos with eggs, and smaller Kwikfish also work well for silvers.
• Multiple hooks and bait may be used in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River. From the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake, only unbaited, single-hook artificial lures may be used.
• On the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Moose River, fishing from a registered guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays. Upstream from the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers, fishing for silver salmon from a guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays. In this section, any silver salmon caught while fishing from a guide vessel on Mondays must be immediately released.

Kenai/Russian River

• August 20 was the last day to fish for red (sockeye) salmon in the Russian River, the Russian River Sanctuary area, and in the Kenai River from the ferry crossing downstream to the powerline crossing. Any sockeye salmon caught in this area after August 20 must be immediately released.
• Anglers have reported fair to good fishing for silver salmon, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout in the Russian River and Upper Kenai River waters.
• Anglers may now use unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures in the Russian River, Russian River Sanctuary Area, and in the Kenai River from the ferry crossing downstream to the powerline crossing. Fly-fishing only regulations also ended August 20.

Kasilof River

• Starting September 1 in the Kasilof River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used.
• Anglers have reported fair to good silver salmon fishing on the Kasilof, especially in the lower sections. Metallic or brightly-colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glos with eggs, and smaller Kwikfish work well for silvers.

Swanson River

• Anglers have reported catching silvers from the Swanson River in Nikiski. This run is relatively small and is probably past its peak. Try using small spinners or drifting eggs for best success.
• Anglers will also find Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the Swanson River.

Stocked Lakes

• As water temperatures cool, fishing in the area's stocked lakes improves. A free handout with maps and fish information is available at Fish and Game offices and on our publications web site.
• Try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs or shrimp off a bobber. Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito or Adams patterns.

Northern Pike

• Keep trying Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have populations of illegally-introduced pike, but public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spinning gear, or fly-fishing gear. Or, extend the usage of your archery equipment and go bowfishing. Just be sure your arrow is attached to your bow by a line.

By Emergency Order, the daily limits for Kenai River salmon (other than king salmon) 16 inches and longer are 6 per day/6 in possession. Of the 6, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver (coho) salmon.

Also, after taking a bag limit of 2 coho salmon 16 inches or longer from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River on that same day.

Kenai River

• Anglers have reported fair to good fishing conditions for early run silvers. Fishing success picked up last week.
• Through Sept. 30, anglers may use multiple hooks and bait in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River. From the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake, only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures may be used.
• Metallic or brightly-colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glo's with salmon eggs, and smaller-sized Kwikfish work well for silvers.
• Through Sept. 30, on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Moose River, fishing from a registered guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays.
• Also through Sept. 30, on the Kenai River from the Moose River upstream to Skilak Lake, fishing for silver salmon from a guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays. Any silver salmon caught must be immediately released.

Kenai/Russian River

• August 20 was the last day to fish for red (sockeye) salmon in the Russian River, the Russian River Sanctuary Area, and in the Kenai River from the ferry crossing downstream to the powerline crossing. Any sockeye salmon caught after August 20 must be immediately released.
• Also, fly-fishing only regulations ended August 20. Anglers may now use unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures in the Russian River, the Russian River Sanctuary Area, and in the Kenai River from the ferry crossing downstream to the powerline crossing.
• Anglers have reported fair to good fishing for silver salmon, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout in the Russian River and Kenai River confluence area.

Kasilof River

• Silver salmon fishing on the Kasilof River has also improved. Fair to good fishing has been reported.
• Metallic or brightly-colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glo's with salmon eggs, and smaller sized Kwikfish work well for silvers.

Swanson River

• Anglers have reported catching silvers on the Swanson River in Nikiski. Try using small spinners or drifting salmon eggs for the best success.
• Anglers may also find a few Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the Swanson.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in area lakes is likely to be good to great as water temperatures cool. Fish become more active, and move to shallower waters to feed. Anglers using spinning or baitcasting gear might try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber. Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or such dry flies patterns as mosquitoes or midges.
• A free handout with fishery descriptions and directions for the Peninsula's stocked lakes is available at Fish and Game offices.

Northern Pike

• Lakes with public access are Arc Lake and Stormy Lake.
• Although many more Kenai Peninsula lakes have populations of illegally-introduced pike, public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access to these lakes, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears; or bait, spinning, and fly-fishing gear; or by bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line.
• Use a chunk of herring for bait, or try a silver weedless plug or lure. Top-water buzz baits or poppers also work well and allow you to watch the action.

Kenai River

• The second run of sockeye (red) salmon is nearly over in the lower Kenai River. A few sockeye may still be available.
• Although anglers are catching a few silvers, fishing for Kenai River early run silver salmon doesn't usually pick up until mid-August.
• Anglers may use multiple hooks and bait in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River. From the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake, only unbaited, single hook artificial lures may be used.
• Metallic or brightly colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glo's with eggs, and smaller sized Kwikfish work well for silvers.
• By Emergency Order, the daily limits for salmon over 16 inches (other than king salmon) are 6 per day/ 6 in possession. However, of the 6-fish limit, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver (coho) salmon.
• Also, after taking a bag limit of 2 silver salmon 16 inches or longer from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River on that same day.
• On the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Moose River, fishing from a registered guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays.
• Upstream from the confluence of the Moose and Kenai rivers, fishing for silver salmon from a guide vessel is prohibited on Mondays. Any silver salmon caught while fishing from a guide vessel must be immediately released.

Kenai/Russian River

• Fishing for second run red salmon in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas has been reported as fair to good. The sockeye salmon season closes at 11:59 pm, August 20, in this area.
• The daily bag limit for salmon in the Russian River and the Russian River Sanctuary area was increased by Emergency Order to 6 fish per day and in possession. Only one of these six may be a silver salmon.
• Although sport fishing is open 24-hours-per-day in this area, the land managers, who are the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have closed the uplands to all public access between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. through Aug. 20, due to the risk of bear/human confrontations.
• This area is fly-fishing only through August 20, and many other special regulations apply. Check pages 30 - 31 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet for more details.

Kasilof River

• The numbers of red salmon entering the Kasilof River are slowing as this run nears its end. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.
• Silver salmon are showing in the Kasilof River. Although it is early in the run, anglers have reported fair fishing conditions.
• Multiple hooks and bait are allowed in the Kasilof.

Swanson River

• Anglers have reported catching silvers on the Swanson River in Nikiski. Try using small spinners or drifting salmon eggs for the best success.
• Anglers may also find a few Dolly Varden and rainbow trout in the Swanson. Daily limits for rainbows are 5 per day/5 in possession, only 1 per day/1 in possession may be 20 inches or longer. Daily limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day/2 in possession, any size.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the area lakes is likely to be good.
• Try light tackle with small spoons or spinners, floating salmon eggs off a bobber, or nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquitoes.

Northern Pike

• Keep fishing Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have also had pike illegally introduced to them, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access to these lakes, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spin, fly-fishing gear, and by bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line. Pike readily take bait or any type of lure or fly that imitates small fish or other prey.

Clams

• Check the Lower Cook Inlet report for a clam update.

Helpful links and rewards

• Fish stocking dates and species: Division of Sport Fish Hatchery Program
• Lake maps: Kenai Peninsula Area Stocked Lakes
• Printable guide to the Kenai Peninsula area lakes: Kenai Peninsula Area 2003 Stocked Lakes
• River levels and weather forecasts: The Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center
• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered to anyone providing information which leads to the conviction of boat operators providing guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance. To report suspicious activity call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377 or Alaska State Parks in Soldotna at (907) 262-5581.

An Emergency Order was issued August 5 to increase the Russian River and Russian River Sanctuary Area salmon (except kings) bag and possession limit to 6 per day/6 in possession, only 1 of which may be a silver salmon.

An Emergency Order was issued July 25 to close bank fishing in certain areas on the Kenai River, in addition to the seasonal bank closures already in effect through August 16.

Another Emergency Order remains in effect increasing the Kenai River salmon (except kings) limit to 6 per day/6 in possession, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver salmon.

Kenai River

• The second run of red salmon is slowing, but continues to enter the lower Kenai River in catchable numbers. Anglers have reported fair to slow fishing.
• Although anglers are now catching a few silvers, fishing for Kenai River early run silver salmon usually doesn't pick up until mid-August.
• Brightly-colored spoons and spinners, Spin-n-Glos with salmon eggs, and smaller Kwikfish work well for silvers. Except for the Moose River fly-fishing-only area, bait is allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River through September 30, which is also the end of the silver season.
• The Moose River fly-fishing-only restriction ends August 15.
• After taking a bag limit of 2 silver salmon 16 inches or longer from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River on that same day.
• August 1 - Sept. 30, on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Moose River, fishing from a registered guide vessel is not allowed on Mondays.
• Also Aug. 1 - Sept. 30, on the Kenai River upstream from the Moose River, fishing for silver salmon from a guide vessel is not allowed on Mondays. Any silver salmon caught under this condition must be immediately released.
• Through December 31, only unbaited, single hook artificial lures may be used in the Kenai River from the Upper Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake.

Kenai/Russian River

• Second run red salmon are showing in the Upper Kenai and the Russian River area. Good fishing conditions have been reported.
• Anglers are reminded that while sport fishing is open 24 hours per day, the area land managers, who are the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have closed the uplands to all public access between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., due to the risk of bear & human confrontations.
• This area is fly-fishing only through August 20, and many other special regulations apply. Check pages 30-31 of the regulation booklet before fishing here.

Kasilof River

• The numbers of red salmon entering the Kasilof River are slowing as this run nears its end. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.
• Silver salmon are starting to show in the Kasilof River. Although this run is just getting underway, anglers have reported fair fishing conditions.
• Multiple hooks and bait are allowed in the Kasilof.

Personal Use Fishery

• The personal use fisheries at the mouth of the Kenai River and the mouth of the Kasilof River are now closed for the rest of the year.
• You must return your permit by August 15. You can drop it off at any ADF&G office, or mail it. Your permit must be postmarked by August 15.
• You must return your permit even if you did not use it. Also, you must return your permit even if you went dipnetting/gillnetting and did not catch any fish.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the area lakes should be good, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
• Anglers using spinning and baitcasting gear should try light tackle with small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph or mosquito patterns.
• A free handout with maps to the Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes is available at Fish and Game offices.

Northern Pike

• Stormy Lake is a good place to try.
• Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have also have illegally-introduced northern pike, but public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access to these lakes, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike anglers can use spinning gear and fly-fishing gear, bait, spears, and bow and arrow (as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line).
• Warm weather may make pike go off the bite. Try a weedless plug or lure fished deep in the grassy margins of the lake.

An Emergency Order remains in effect increasing the limit for salmon (other than king salmon) to 6 per day/6 in possession, except in the Russian River and the Russian River Sanctuary Area, where the limit remains 3 per day/3 in possession.

Of your six salmon, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver (coho) salmon.

A map and description of the Russian River Sanctuary Area can be found on page 28 of the 2003 Southcentral Alaska regulation book.

Kenai River Fisheries

• Anglers after late run king salmon have reported good catches. Today is the last day for this fishery, which closes for the rest of the year at 11:59 pm tonight.
• Any Kenai River king salmon 55 inches or longer must be sealed by Fish and Game personnel in the Soldotna office within 3 days of harvest. King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.
• The second run of red (sockeye) salmon is slowing, but continues to enter the Kenai River in decent numbers. Anglers have reported fair to good fishing.
• A few silver (coho) salmon have started to show in the Kenai River. Fishing for early-run silver salmon usually begins to pick up in mid-August.
• Fishing for silver salmon throughout the entire Kenai River drainage is prohibited August 1, 2, & 3.
• After taking a bag limit of 2 silver salmon 16 inches or longer from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River on that same day.

Kenai River Bait

• Through Sept. 30, bait is allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River (but not in fly-fishing-only sections), except that on August 1, 2, and 3, only unbaited artificial lures may be used from the mouth of the Kenai upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna.

Kenai River Tackle

• Also through 11:59 pm tonight, anglers must use only one single-pointed hook throughout the Kenai River. At 12:01 am, August 1, multiple hooks may be used in the Kenai River downstream from the Upper Killey River.

Kenai/Russian River Fisheries

• Second run red salmon are in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas in good numbers. Good to excellent fishing has been reported.
• The daily bag limit for reds in the Russian River and the Russian River Sanctuary area remains 3 fish per day and 3 in possession. Possession limits do not "add up" across areas.
• Many other special regulations apply in this area. Please consult pages 30 and 31 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation book for a detailed description of these areas and regulations.
• For information about access, visit the Chugach National Forest pages.

Kasilof River

• King salmon fishing has been fair. King salmon fishing closes tonight at 11:59 pm. for the rest of the year.
• Multiple hooks and bait are allowed in the Kasilof through Aug. 31.
• Decent numbers of red salmon have still been entering the Kasilof. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.

Kenai River/Kasilof Personal Use Dipnet Fisheries

• As of 11:59 pm tonight, July 31, the Kenai River dipnet fishery will be closed for the rest of the season. There will be no extension of the Kenai River personal use dipnet fishery. All dipnetting at the mouth of the Kenai River must stop at 11:59 pm tonight, including dipnetting from a boat and dipnetting from shore.
• The mouth of the Kasilof River is still open for personal use dipnetting through 11:59 pm, August 7. The Kasilof fishery is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. No king salmon may be retained in the Kasilof fishery.
• Permits must be returned by August 15, 2003. They may be mailed, or dropped off at ADF&G offices. You must return your permit whether you went dipnetting or not. You must also return your permit even if you went dipnetting and did not catch any fish.

Stocked Lakes

• Take a break and fish a lake! Lake fishing is likely to be good as the weather cools.
• Try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or salmon eggs under a bobber. Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns, or dry flies such as mosquitoes.
• A free handout with maps to the Kenai Peninsula's stocked lakes is available at ADF&G offices and on-line.

Northern Pike

• Keep heading to Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula also have illegally-introduced pike, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• On the Kenai Peninsula, pike can be taken using spears, bait, spin, fly-fishing gear, and by bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line.
• Pike also readily take bait, or any type of lure or fly that imitates small fish or other prey.

Clams

• Click over to the Lower Cook Inlet fishing report for a clam update.

An Emergency Order was issued Saturday, July 19, to increase the Kenai River salmon (other than king salmon) bag and possession limit to 6 per day/6 in possession, except in the Russian River and Russian River Sanctuary Area. Of the 6 salmon, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver salmon, and only 3 per day/3 in possession may be chum salmon, but all 6 may be red salmon.

In the Russian River area, the limit remains 3 per day/3 in possession.

Also on Saturday, an Emergency Order was issued to increase the Kenai River personal use dipnetting time to 24 hours per day.

The full text of these Emergency Orders can be found on our EO/News Release web pages. Emergency Orders for this area are also recorded on two telephone hotlines: 907-267-2502 Anchorage and 907-262-2737 Soldotna.

Kenai River

• On the Kenai River, anglers after late run king salmon have reported good catches.
• Any size king salmon may be retained through the season closure on July 31, but all Kenai River king salmon 55 inches or longer must be sealed by Fish and Game personnel in the Soldotna office within 3 days of harvest. King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.
• Bait is allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to Skilak Lake (except in the Moose River fly-fishing-only area). Anglers are still restricted to using only one single hook throughout the Kenai River. A single hook has only 1 point, with or without barb.
• Popular lure choices include large Spin-n-Glos with eggs, and spinners and spoons rigged with a single hook. Boat anglers also do well with K-16 sized Kwikfish and Magnum Wiggle Warts rigged with a single hook.
• The second run of sockeye (red) salmon continues to enter the Kenai River in good numbers. Anglers have reported fair to excellent fishing.
• Sonar estimates for sockeye salmon are maintained by the Division of Commercial Fisheries on their Upper Cook Inlet Escapement web pages, and recorded on this Soldotna telephone number (907) 262-9097.

Kenai/Russian River

• Second run red salmon are now present in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas. Fishing conditions are good. Weir counts can be found on the Division of Sport Fish escapement pages.
• The limit for reds in the Russian River and the Russian River Sanctuary area remains 3 fish per day / 3 in possession. Daily limits are not cumulative across areas.
• This area is fly-fishing only and many other special regulations apply. Please consult pages 30 -31 of the 2003 regulation booklet before throwing a line in the water.

Kasilof River

• Kasilof River king salmon fishing has been reported as fair to good. The Kasilof is only open to king salmon fishing downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge.
• Multiple hooks and bait are allowed on the Kasilof.
• Bank anglers usually do well by casting or flipping flies or by drifting small to medium Spin-n-Glos with yarn or eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer, or back bounce. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers.
• Good numbers of red salmon have been entering the Kasilof. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.

Personal Use Fishery

• Reports of success have varied from poor to excellent. Remember, you can keep only salmon. If you catch a flounder (or anything other than a salmon), you have to release it immediately.
• The mouth of the Kasilof River is open for personal use dipnetting through August 7. The Kasilof fishery is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. No king salmon may be retained in the Kasilof fishery.
• The mouth of the Kenai River is open for personal use dipnetting through July 31. The Kenai fishery is now open 24 hours per day by Emergency Order.
• Kenai and Kasilof River personal use fishery permits are available from the Soldotna Fish and Game office as well as most major local license vendors.

Stocked Lakes & Northern Pike

• Scroll down to previous weeks' reports for lake and pike information.

Help Us Help the River

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered to anyone providing information which leads to the conviction of boat operators providing guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance. To report suspicious activity, call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377 or Alaska State Parks in Soldotna at (907) 262-5581.

An Emergency Order has been issued to restrict fishing times in the Russian River/Kenai River area. From July 16 - July 21, the waters of the Russian River from its mouth upstream to the falls, and the waters of the Kenai River from the power line crossing on the Kenai River upstream to the Russian River are closed to sport fishing from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

The Russian River and a small portion of the Kenai River will be closed temporarily to night fishing, beginning late Wednesday, to address conservation concerns for Kenai brown bears. Click on the following links to view web pages on living with bears and traveling safely in bear country.

Kenai/Russian River area

• Red salmon fishing reports for this area have ranged from poor to fair. Expect slow fishing conditions until second run of reds start to show in the area, which should be at any time.
• The Russian River/Kenai River area has many special fishing regulations, including fly-fishing only. Please consult pages 30 and 31 of the 2003 Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before fishing.

Kenai River

• On the Kenai River, anglers after late run king salmon reported good catches last week. Water conditions have been rather murky.
• Although anglers must use a single-pointed hook (with or without barb), bait is allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to Skilak Lake, except in the Moose River fly-fishing-only area.
• Even though any size king salmon may now be retained from the waters open to king salmon fishing, any Kenai River king salmon 55 inches or longer must be sealed by Fish and Game personnel in the Soldotna office within 3 days of harvest.
• King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.
• Popular lure choices include large Spin-n-Glo's with eggs, and spinners and spoons rigged with a single hook. Boat anglers also do well with K-16 Kwikfish and Magnum Wiggle Warts rigged with a single hook.
• The second run of sockeye salmon is returning to the Kenai River in good numbers. Anglers have reported fair to excellent fishing. Typically, this run peaks sometime around the third week in July.
• The limit for salmon (other than king salmon) is 3 per day/3 in possession, only 2 per day/2 in possession may be silver salmon.

Kasilof River

• Kasilof River king salmon fishing has been fair, as this run is past its peak. King salmon fishing on the Kasilof is open only downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge.
• Multiple hooks and bait are allowed in the Kasilof at this time.
• Bank anglers usually do well by casting or flipping flies or by drifting small to medium Spin-n-Glo's with yarn or eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer or by back bouncing. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers.
• Good numbers of red salmon have been entering the river at this time. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.

Personal Use Fishery

• The mouth of the Kasilof River is now open for personal use dipnetting through August 7. The Kasilof fishery is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. No king salmon may be retained in the Kasilof fishery.
• The Kenai River opened for personal use dipnetting at 6 a.m., July 10. The Kenai fishery will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week through July 31.
• Reports of dipnetting success have ranged from good to slow.
• More information about these fisheries, including where to pick up your free permit, is posted on our Cook Inlet Dip Net web pages.
• For Commercial Fisheries announcements, including changes to the regular Mondays and Thursdays schedule, visit the Commercial Fisheries Upper Cook Inlet website or call their telephone hotline in Soldotna at (907) 262-9611.

Stocked Lakes

• Stocked lakes are an excellent opportunity, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
• There are many stocked lakes on the Kenai Peninsula. Visit our Kenai Peninsula stocked lake web pages for information about the fish and the access.

Northern Pike

• Keep heading out to Arc Lake or Stormy Lake.

Clams

• Check our Homer/Lower Cook Inlet report for a clam update.

An Emergency Order remains in effect opening the Russian River Sanctuary Area to fishing. Bag and possession limit remains at three salmon (other than king salmon) per person.

Fish weir counts and sonar estimates are posted on-line and updated on a Soldotna telephone hotline at (907) 262-9097.

Kenai River

• Kenai river anglers reported good fishing conditions for late run king salmon last week.
• Popular lure choices include large Spin-n-Glo's with eggs, and spinners and spoons rigged with a single hook. Boat anglers also do well with K-16 sized Kwikfish and Magnum Wigl Warts rigged with a single hook.

• July 1 marked the start of the late run king salmon fishery and several regulation changes:

• Non-resident anglers may now fish for king salmon from a boat at any time.
• Bait is now allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to Skilak Lake (except in fly-fishing-only areas). Anglers are still restricted to only one, single-pointed hook throughout the Kenai River.
• Downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, to the Kenai River mouth, any size king salmon may now be retained, through July 31.
• Upstream of the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, to Skilak Lake, the slot limit is still in effect through July 14. Only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or greater than 55 inches in length are legal for harvest. All king salmon from 44 inches to 55 inches in length must be released.
• King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.

• The second run of Kenai River reds has started. This run is just getting underway, so fishing is expected to be slow until the run builds. Typically, the peak of the second run hits the third week of July.

Kenai/Russian River

• Red salmon fishing reports on the Upper Kenai River and the Russian River have ranged from poor to fair. Expect slow fishing until second run of reds starts to show in the area in late July.
• The Russian River and the waters of the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River are "fly-fishing only" waters, and many other special regulations apply. Please consult pages 30 and 31 of the regulation booklet.

Kasilof River

• The Kasilof River king salmon run is past its peak, and fishing has been reported as slow to fair.
• The Kasilof River also has a few regulation changes as of July 1:

• King salmon fishing is open only downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge over the Kasilof.
• Multiple hooks may now be used, and bait is still allowed.
• Any king salmon caught on the Kasilof River may be retained, not just hatchery fish.

• Bank anglers targeting kings usually do well by casting or "flipping flies," or by drifting small to medium Spin-n-Glo's with yarn or eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer, or by back bouncing. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers targeting kings.
• Good numbers of red salmon have been entering the river. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.

Personal Use Dipnet Fishery

• The mouth of the Kasilof River is now open for personal use dipnetting through August 7. The Kasilof fishery is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. No king salmon may be retained in the Kasilof fishery.
• The Kenai River opened for personal use dipnetting at 6 a.m., July 10. The Kenai fishery will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week through July 31.
• No reports have come in about the success of Kenai River or Kasilof River dipnetters.
• More information about these fisheries, including where to pick up your free permit, is posted on our Cook Inlet Dip Net pages.
• For Commercial Fisheries announcements, including changes to the regular Mondays and Thursdays schedule, visit the Commercial Fisheries Upper Cook Inlet website. or call their telephone hotline in Soldotna at (907) 262-9611.

Stocked Lakes

• Take a break, fish a lake! Fishing in the area lakes is good, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
• Spin and casting anglers should try light tackle with small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito patterns.
• More information about the area's stocked lakes can be found on our lakes pages.

Northern Pike

• Keep trying Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Scroll down to previous reports for tackle suggestions.

Clams

• Visit the Lower Cook Inlet fishing report for a clam update.

Help us help the river

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is offered to anyone providing information that leads to the conviction of boat operators providing guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance. To report suspicious activity, call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377, or Alaska State Parks in Soldotna at (907) 262-5581.

An Emergency Order remains in effect opening the Russian River Sanctuary Area to fishing. Bag and possession limit remains at three salmon (other than king salmon) per person.

Kenai River

• Non-resident anglers may now fish for king salmon from a boat at any time.
• Bait is now allowed on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to Skilak Lake (except in fly-fishing-only areas). Anglers are still restricted to only one, single-pointed hook throughout the Kenai River.
• Downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, to the Kenai River mouth, any size king salmon may now be retained, through July 31.
• Upstream of the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, to Skilak Lake, the slot limit is still in effect through July 14. Only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or greater than 55 inches in length are legal for harvest. All king salmon from 44 inches to 55 inches in length must be released.
• King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.

• Anglers have recently reported good fishing conditions for king salmon.
• Popular lure choices include large Spin-n-Glo's with eggs, and spinners and spoons rigged with a single hook. Boat anglers also do well with K-16 sized Kwikfish and Magnum Wigl Warts rigged with a single hook.
• King salmon sonar estimates can be found on-line
• A few red salmon have gone through the Commercial Fisheries sonar at River Mile 19. These sonar estimates can also be found on-line.

Kenai/Russian River

• Red salmon fishing reports on the Upper Kenai River and the Russian River have ranged from poor to good.
• Catch success has been sporadic. If you're there when a school of fish is moving through, fishing can be good, otherwise, expect slower fishing conditions.
• The Russian River and the waters of the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River are "fly-fishing only" waters, and many other special regulations apply. Please consult pages 30 and 31 of the regulation booklet.
• Russian River weir counts can be found on-line.

Kasilof River

• King salmon anglers on the Kasilof River have reported slowing fishing conditions, as this run is past its peak.
• The Kasilof River also has a few regulation changes as of July 1:

• King salmon fishing is open only downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge over the Kasilof.
• Multiple hooks may now be used, and bait is still allowed.
• Any king salmon caught on the Kasilof River may be retained, not just hatchery fish.

• Bank anglers targeting kings usually do well by casting or "flipping flies," or by drifting small to medium Spin-n-Glo's with yarn or eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer, or by back bouncing. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers targeting kings.
• Good numbers of red salmon have been entering the river. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success. Sonar estimates are posted on a Commercial Fisheries website.

Kenai/Kasilof Personal Use Dipnetting

• No reports have come in about the Kasilof River personal use dipnet fishery.
• The Kenai River personal use dipnet fishery is scheduled to open July 10.
• More information about these fisheries, including where to pick up your free permit, is posted on our Cook Inlet Dip Net pages.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the area lakes is likely to be good, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
• Spin and casting anglers should try light tackle with small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito patterns.
• More information about the area's stocked lakes can be found on our lakes pages.

Northern Pike

• Keep trying Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Scroll down to previous reports for tackle suggestions.

An Emergency Order opening the Russian River Sanctuary Area to fishing remains in effect. Bag limit remains three.

Kenai River

• Early run king salmon fishing was fair to good last week. Water flow is currently higher than average, while water clarity is poorer than average. The Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center runs an excellent water level website.
• Through 11:59 pm, June 30, non-resident anglers may not fish from a boat FOR KING SALMON in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Non-resident anglers may only fish for king salmon from shore during this time.
• Through June 30 below the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or greater than 55 inches in length are legal for harvest. All king salmon from 44 inches to 55 inches in length must be released.
• Starting July 1 below the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, king salmon of any size may be retained.
• Above the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, the slot limit remains in effect through 11:59 pm, July 14. Above the bridge, all king salmon from 44 inches to 55 inches in length must continue to be released until July 14.
• King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.
• Only one, unbaited, single hook artificial lure may be used throughout the Kenai River.

Kenai/Russian River

• Red salmon fishing reports on the Upper Kenai and Russian rivers have been "poor" to "good." If you're there when a school of fish is moves through, success can be quite good. Otherwise, expect slow fishing conditions.
• An Emergency Order opened the Russian River Sanctuary area to sockeye salmon fishing, starting 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 21. Bag and possession limit remains three per day/three in possession.
• The Russian River and the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River are fly-fishing-only waters, and many other special regulations apply. Please consult pages 30 and 31 of the regulation booklet for a detailed description of these areas and regulations.

Kasilof River

• King salmon anglers on the Kasilof River reported slowing fishing success, so this run is past its peak. Only king salmon with a healed adipose fin clip scar may be retained.
• Bait is currently allowed on the Kasilof, but only one single-pointed lure may be used.
• Bank anglers usually do well by casting or "flipping" flies, or by drifting small to medium Spin-n-Glos with yarn or eggs.
• Boat anglers fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer, or back bounce. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers.
• Recent sonar estimates have shown a good number of red salmon entering the river at this time. Anglers should try flipping flies from shore for best success.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the area's stocked lakes is likely to be good at this time.
• Spin and casting anglers should try using light tackle with small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber. Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito patterns.
• A free pamphlet with maps and directions for the Peninsulas stocked lakes is available at Fish and Game offices and on our web site.

Northern Pike

• Pike lakes with public access include Arc Lake and Stormy Lake.
• Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have illegally-introduced pike, but public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access to these lakes, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spin, fly-fishing gear, and by bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line.
• Pike readily take bait or any type of lure or fly that imitates small fish or other prey.

Clams

• See the Lower Cook Inlet Report.

UPDATE 6/20/03 - The Russian River Sanctuary Area will be open to sockeye salmon fishing, effective 12:01 am, Saturday, June 21. Limits remain three salmon per person and three in possession. A fish is out of possession once its preserved. This area is fly fishing only.

Kenai River

• Early run king salmon fishing slowed last week. Rain and glacial melt reduced water clarity to poor. Water flow is currently higher than average.
• From May 1 through June 30, non-resident anglers are prohibited from fishing from a boat FOR KING SALMON in the Kenai River during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Non-resident anglers may only fish for king salmon from shore during this time.
• Rainbow trout fishing opened June 15 on the lower Kenai River and in Skilak Lake.
• Hooligan fishing in the Kenai River closed June 15.
• Only one, unbaited, single hook artificial lure may be used throughout the Kenai River.
• Except for the Sanctuary Area at the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers, the Upper Kenai River is open to fishing for salmon (except king salmon), rainbow trout (catch-and-release only), and Dolly Varden. The Sanctuary Area does not open by regulation until July 15.

Russian River

• Early run red salmon are showing in the Russian River, with anglers reporting spotty catch rates. Some, but not all, anglers have been catching their three-fish limit.
• The Russian River and the waters of the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River are fly-fishing only waters, and many other special regulations apply.

Kasilof River

• Fair to good fishing for king salmon reported from the Kasilof. Only king salmon with a healed adipose fin clip scar may be retained.
• Anglers may also start to see a few early red salmon in the system.
• Bait is currently allowed on the Kasilof, but only one single pointed hook may be used.
• Bank anglers usually do well by casting or "flipping" flies or small to medium Spin-n-Glos sweetened various colored yarn, or with salmon eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the area lakes is likely to be good at this time -- few crowds and lots of fish.
• Try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as the mosquito.
• Northern Pike
• Scroll down to previous reports for pike information.

Clams

• Visit our Lower Cook Inlet reports for clamming info.

Miscellaneous

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered to anyone providing information that leads to the conviction of boat operators who provide guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance.
• To report suspicious activity call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377 or Alaska State Parks in Soldotna at (907) 262-5581.

Kenai River and Skilak Lake

• Early run king salmon fishing has been good, with a decent number of fish in the system. Water clarity is poor due to recent rains, and may slow fishing.
• May 1 - June 30, non-resident anglers may not fish from a boat FOR KING SALMON in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Non-resident anglers may only fish for kings from shore during this time.
• The upper Kenai River opened to fishing June 11. Although the early red (sockeye) salmon run has started in the upper Kenai and in the Russian River, opening day fishing downstream of the ferry crossing was slow.
• Rainbow trout fishing will open at 12:01 am, June 15 on the lower Kenai River and in Skilak Lake.
• Only one, unbaited, single hook artificial lure may be used throughout the Kenai River. A single hook has only 1 point, with or without barb.

Russian River

• The Russian River upstream of the "sanctuary area" will open 12:01 am, June 15. The sanctuary area at the confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers, as marked by ADF&G, does not open until July 15.
• Anglers are reminded that the Russian River and parts of the Kenai River are "fly-fishing only." Fly-fishing only regulations can be found on the bottom right corner of page 31 in the 2003 regulation book.

Kenai River Hooligan (smelt)

• Dipnetters have reported large schools of hooligan in the lower river. If you can find a section of river with one of these schools, dipnetting can be very good.
• Only Alaskan residents may use a dipnet to catch hooligan. No permit is required, but you must have your 2003 fishing license with you.
• There is no bag or possession limit.
• Only dipnets may be used, since the gillnet fishery closed May 31. The dipnet fishery closes for the year at 11:59 pm, Sunday, June 15.

Kasilof River

• Anglers have reported good king salmon fishing. Only king salmon with a healed adipose fin clip scar may be retained.
• There may also be a few early red (sockeye) salmon in the system.
• Bait is allowed on the Kasilof, but only 1 single hook artificial lure may be used. A single hook has only 1 point, with or without barb.
• Bank anglers usually do well by casting or flipping flies or small to medium Spin-n-Glos with yarn or eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo with eggs behind a planer, or back bounce the same setup through the holes. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers.
• Review page 24 of the 2003 reg book for detailed Kasilof River regulations.

Stocked Lakes

• Looking for few crowds and lots of fish? Try one of the Kenai Peninsula's stocked lakes.
• Anglers with spinning gear should try light line with small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns or dry flies such as mosquito patterns.

Northern Pike

• Northern pike anglers should try Arc Lake and Stormy Lake.
• Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula have also had pike illegally introduced to them, but public access to these lakes is very limited. Private property owners may allow access to these lakes, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spin, fly-fishing gear, and by bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line.
• Pike readily take bait or any type of lure or fly that imitates small fish or other prey.

Kenai River

• Early run king salmon fishing has been fair to good. There's a decent number of fish in the system.
• Motorboat operators on the Kenai River should be careful, since waters are low. The Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center maintains an excellent river level website.
• Rainbow trout fishing remains closed until June 11 on the upper Kenai River (above Skilak Lake) and until June 15 on the lower Kenai River (Skilak Lake and below).
• Dolly Varden fishing is open throughout most of the river.
• Only one, unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used throughout the Kenai River.
• From May 1 through June 30, non-resident anglers are prohibited from fishing from a boat for king salmon in the Kenai River, downstream from Skilak Lake during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Non-resident anglers may only fish for kings from shore during this time period.
• Review pages 28 - 30 in the 2003 Southcentral regulation booklet for detailed rules and information about fishing the mainstem Kenai River.
• Hooligan (smelt) fishing in the Kenai River is good, with dipnetters reporting large schools of fish in the lower river below the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna.
• Only dipnets may now be used to harvest hooligan in the Kenai River. The hooligan dipnetting season closes June 15. The hooligan gillnet season closed May 31. Only Alaskan residents with a 2003 fishing license may use a dipnet to catch hooligan. No permit is required, and there is no bag or possession limit.

Kasilof River

• Anglers on the Kasilof River have reported good fishing for king salmon.
• Bait is allowed on the Kasilof, but only one, single-pointed, artificial lure may be used.
• Only king salmon with a healed adipose fin clip scar may be retained.
• Bank anglers usually do well by casting or flipping flies or small to medium single-hook Spin-n-Glos sweetened with orange/red yarn or preserved salmon eggs.
• Boat anglers often fish a medium Spin-n-Glo loaded with a glob of preserved salmon eggs behind a planer, or by back bouncing the same setup through holes. Kwikfish with a sardine wrap is another popular choice for boat anglers.
• Review page 24 of the reg book for detailed rules and information about the Kasilof River sport fishery.

Russian River

• The flowing waters of the Russian River remain closed to all fishing until June 15. Lakes and ponds in the Russian River drainage are closed to rainbow trout fishing until June 15.

Stocked Lakes

• Stocked lakes present an excellent year-round opportunity for rainbow trout, and holdover landlocked salmon.
• Try light tackle, small spoons or spinners, or floating salmon eggs off a bobber.
• Fly anglers may want to try nymph patterns, or dry flies such as mosquitoes.
• A free handout describing the Kenai Peninsula stocked lakes, including access maps, is available at Fish and Game offices and on our website.
• Also on our lake map pages, you can check stocking status, and find maps of the contours of the lakebeds of not only our stocked lakes, but also some unstocked lakes as well.

Clams

• Check the Lower Cook Inlet weekly report for information about razor clams south of the Kasilof River.

Northern Pike

• Although northern pike have found their way into many Kenai Peninsula lakes, many lakes are surrounded by private property. Arc Lake near Kasilof has public access, as does Stormy Lake in Nikiski.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spinning gear, fly-fishing gear, and even bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line.

Kenai River

• Kenai River early run king salmon fishing has improved, more fish have moved into the system. Boaters must use caution, because of low water.
• Scroll down to previous reports for a summary of the regulation changes in effect for the 2003 king salmon fishery on the Kenai River.
• Rainbow trout fishing remains closed until June 11 on the upper Kenai River and until June 15 on the lower Kenai River.
• Fishing for Dolly Varden is open throughout most of the river. Only one, unbaited, single hook artificial lure may be used throughout the Kenai River.
• Hooligan (smelt) fishing in the Kenai River is good, with dipnetters reporting decent catches. Dipnets may be used to harvest hooligan throughout the Kenai River through June 15.
• Only Alaskan residents with a 2003 fishing license in their possession may use a dipnet to catch hooligan.

Kasilof River

• Boat and shore anglers on the Kasilof River have been catching a few king salmon. Small to medium Spin-n-Glo's^TM with yarn or eggs are popular. Bait is allowed, but only one single-pointed artificial lure may be used.
• Scroll down to previous reports for a summary of the regulation changes in effect for the 2003 Kasilof River king salmon fishery.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the areas stocked lakes is likely to be very good at this time. For catchable-sized rainbows, try Johnson Lake in Kasilof or Sport Lake in Soldotna.
• 15 other lakes have been stocked for years with rainbow trout fingerling, which grow quickly to catchable size in Kenai Peninsula lakes. Check the stocking database on-line.

Clams

• Check the Lower Cook Inlet fishing report for information about razor clams south of Kasilof.

Northern Pike

• Although pike have found their way into many Kenai Peninsula lakes, many lakes are surrounded by private property. Arc Lake near Kasilof has public access, as does Stormy Lake in Nikiski.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spinning, and fly-fishing gear. You can also extend your archery season by taking pike with bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line.

$5,000.00 reward

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered to anyone providing information that leads to the conviction of boat operators providing guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance.
• To report suspicious activity call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377, or the Department of Natural Resources - State Parks in Soldotna at (907) 262-5581.

Kenai River King Salmon

• A few early king salmon have been caught in the lower Kenai River. Boaters should exercise extreme caution because of the low water. Water levels can be found at the Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center's website.
• Fishing for Dolly Varden is open throughout most of the river.
• Only one, unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used throughout the Kenai River. A single hook has only 1 point.
• The Kenai River early run king salmon fishery has four major regulations changes this year:

1. From its mouth upstream to the Sterling Hwy. bridge in Soldotna, only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. King salmon are measured for total length, from the end of the snout to the tip of the tail.
2. Upstream from the Sterling Hwy. bridge in Soldotna to the ADF&G markers at the outlet of Skilak Lake, only king salmon less than 44 inches or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest from January 1 through July 14.
3. From May 1 through June 30, non-resident anglers are prohibited from fishing from a boat in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Non-resident anglers may only fish from shore during this time period.
4. From January 1 through July 31 any Kenai River king salmon harvested that are 55 inches in length or greater must be sealed by ADF&G or Fish and Wildlife Protection (FWP) personnel in Soldotna within 3 days of harvest.

• Daily limits for king salmon 20 inches or longer remain 1 per day/1 in possession, under the slot limit guidelines above, and annual limit remains 5 per year from Cook Inlet fisheries, and only 2 of those 5 can come from the Kenai River.

Kenai River Hooligan (Smelt)

• Hooligan fishing in the Kenai River is starting to pick up, with dipnetters reporting decent catches.
• Dip nets may be used to harvest Hooligan throughout the Kenai River through June 15.
• Until May 31, small hand-held gillnets may also be used to catch hooligan in the Kenai River, from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker just below Cunningham Park in Kenai. Gillnets may not exceed 20 ft. in length, 4 ft. in depth, and 1and one-half inches in mesh size.
• Only Alaskan residents with a 2003 fishing license (or senior license or Disabled Veteran's license) may use a dipnet or gillnet to catch hooligan. Only hooligan may be kept. If any other fish are caught, they must be released immediately.

Kasilof River

• Boat and shore anglers on the Kasilof River have also been catching a few king salmon.
• Small to medium-sized Spin-n-Glo's with yarn or eggs are a popular and productive lure on the Kasilof. Bait is currently allowed on the Kasilof, but only one single-pointed hook may be used.
• The Kasilof River king salmon fishery has five major regulations changes for this year:

1. From the mouth of the Kasilof River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, only one single-hook, artificial lure may be used until June 30. Bait is now allowed. A single hook has only 1 point.
2. Only king salmon of hatchery origin (with an adipose fin-clip scar) may be retained from January 1 through June 30 in the Kasilof River. Any king salmon harvested may not be cleaned, filleted or preserved in such a manner that the fin-clip scar cannot be identified before leaving the fishery
3. Once anglers have retained a king salmon 20 inches or larger, they may not continue to fish for king salmon in any waters open to king salmon fishing for the remainder of the day.
4. Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used in the Kasilof River downstream of Trujillo's Landing to the mouth, after all sport fishing from the boat has ceased for the day. Anglers may not fish again from a boat that day after the motor has been used.
5. Anglers may not fish from an anchored boat or a boat using any device, except oars or paddles, which slows or stops a vessel in that area of the Kasilof River known as the "People's Hole," which is from ADF&G markers upstream of the confluence of Crooked Creek downstream to ADF&G markers adjacent to the island and the bluff area.

Stocked Lakes

• Fishing in the area's stocked lakes is likely to be very good.
• Johnson Lake in Kasilof was stocked May 6 with 5,000 catchable rainbow trout. Sport Lake in Soldotna was also stocked with the rainbows "left over" from the Soldotna Sports Show trout pond, including Walter, the 20-inch rainbow that enticed the kids all weekend.
• Stocking information, including maps to the stocked lakes, and bathymetric contour maps, is available from our website.

Razor Clams

• A regulation change for the 2003 season increased the razor clam daily bag limit to the first 60 clams dug and also increased the possession limit to 120 razor clams.
• The next favorable series of clam tides runs May 30 - June 3. For best success on Clam Gulch beaches look for a minus-2 foot or lower tide. On Deep Creek and Ninilchik beaches, look for a minus-3 to minus-4 foot tide.

Northern Pike

• Lakes with good public access include Arc Lake and Stormy Lake. Although many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula also have pike, public access is very limited.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bait, spin, fly-fishing gear, and by bow and arrow, as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line. There is no closed season or bag limit for pike, but wanton waste laws do apply, so be sure to use or donate to charity all the pike you harvest.

$5,000 reward

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is being offered to anyone providing information that leads to the conviction of boat operators who provide guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance.
• To report suspicious activity call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377 or the Soldotna Office of Alaska State Parks at (907) 262-5581.

This report is also recorded on telephone hotlines: (907) 267-2502 Anchorage and (907) 262-2737 Soldotna.

Kenai River fishing

• A few early king salmon have reportedly been caught in the Eagle Rock area.
• Boaters need to be cautious with the current low water conditions. Water levels are available from the National Weather Service's Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center.
• Other than king salmon, fishing opportunities in the Kenai River are very limited, due to seasonal closures to protect spawning rainbow trout. Fishing for Dolly Varden is open throughout most of the river, but check your regulation book carefully, since there are some areas closed to all fishing.
• In areas open to fishing, only one, unbaited, single-hook lure may be used throughout the Kenai River. A single hook has only one point.

Kasilof River rainbow/steelhead trout and king salmon

• Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof River is slow to fair. Anglers putting in 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 released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
• Only one unbaited, single-hook lure may be used in this section of the Kasilof through 11:59 pm May 15. On 12:01 am, May 16, bait is allowed, but anglers are still restricted to one single hook.
• Anglers may also find a few early king salmon in the Kasilof River. Typically, Kasilof River king salmon show up in catchable numbers by late May.

Personal use hooligan dipnet/gillnet fishery

• Hooligan fishing in the Kenai River is starting to pick up. Dippers are reporting decent catches from last weekend.
• Typically, large schools of hooligan show up the third week of May.
• Dip nets may be used to harvest hooligan throughout the Kenai River through June 15. Small hand-held gillnets may also be used, but only from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to an ADF&G marker just below Cunningham Park (off Beaver Loop Road in Kenai) through May 31. Gillnets may not exceed 20 ft. in length, 4 ft. in depth, and 1 1/2 inches in mesh size.
• Only Alaskan residents with a resident fishing license in their possession may use a dipnet or a gillnet to harvest hooligan.

Stocked lakes

• Now is a great time to go fishing in the area's stocked lakes. Most lakes are now free of ice, and a few have already been stocked this spring.
• Johnson Lake in Kasilof was stocked May 6 with 5,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout. Sport Lake in Soldotna was also stocked with the rainbows "left over" from the Sports Show trout pond, including Walter, the 20 inch rainbow that enticed the kids all weekend.
• Maps to the public access, maps of the lake contours, and dates of stocking can be found on-line.

Razor clams

• Another regulation change for the 2003 season increases the razor clam daily bag limit from the tip of the Homer Spit north to the mouth of the Kenai River. In this area, the daily limit is the first 60 clams dug, and the possession limit is now 120 clams.
• No permit is required, but clammers must have their fishing license with them on the beach.
• The next favorable series of clam tides is May 14 - 20. For best success on Clam Gulch beaches, look for a minus-2 foot or lower tide. On Deep Creek and Ninilchik beaches, look for a minus-3 to minus-4 foot tide.

Northern pike

• Pike lakes with public access include Arc Lake and Stormy Lake.
• Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula also have pike in them, but public access is limited or non-existent. Private property owners may allow access, but be sure to get permission from the eland owners in advance.
• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line), bait, spinning, and fly-fishing gear. Pike readily take bait or any type of lure or fly that imitates small fish or other prey.
• There is no closed season or bag limit for pike in this area. "Wanton waste" laws do apply, so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.
• For more information about northern pike in our area, visit our Pike Pages.

$5,000 reward

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is offered to anyone providing information leading to the conviction of boat operators who provide guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance.
• To report suspicious activity call, Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377, or Alaska State Parks at Soldotna Office at (907) 262-5581.

Kenai River early-run king salmon reg changes

During their March 2003 meeting, the Alaska Board of Fisheries approved the following actions on the Kenai River early run king salmon fishery:

1. The Kenai River early run king salmon season remains January 1 through June 30, with a daily bag limit for fish 20" or longer of one fish, and a seasonal limit of 2 king salmon 20" or longer per year.
2. From January 1 through June 30, in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. No bait, single hook.
3. From January 1 through July 14, from the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna upstream to the ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake, only king salmon less than 44 inches or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. No bait until July 1, still single hook.
4. From January 1 through July 31, any Kenai River king salmon harvested that are 55 inches in length or greater must be sealed within 3 days of harvest either by ADF&G personnel in the Soldotna Office at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, or by Alaska State Troopers Fish and Wildlife Protection (FWP) officers in the field, or in their Soldotna office at 45245 Kalifornsky Beach Road.
5. From May 1 through June 30, non-resident anglers are prohibited from fishing from a boat in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Non-resident anglers may only fish from shore during this time period.

Kasilof River early-run king salmon reg changes

Also during the March meeting, the Board of Fisheries approved the following actions for the Kasilof River:

1. New tackle restrictions from the mouth of the Kasilof River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge:
   a) From May 16 through June 30, single hook, bait allowed.
   b) From July 1 through August 30, bait and multiple hooks allowed.
   c) From September 1 through May 15, single hook, no bait.
2. From its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, from January 1 through June 30, only fish with a hatchery-clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept.
3. From July 1 through July 31, from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, all king salmon may be kept, regardless of origin.
4. Any king salmon 20 inches or larger that are harvested may not be cleaned, filleted or preserved in such a manner that the fin-clip scar cannot be identified before permanently off-loading from the boat or permanently removed from the bank fishing site.
5. Once anglers have retained a king salmon 20 inches or larger, they may not continue to fish for king salmon in any waters open to king salmon fishing for the remainder of the day.
6. There is an annual limit of 3 king salmon 20" or longer taken from the Kasilof River. King salmon 20" or longer harvested from the Kasilof River must be recorded immediately on the back of the fishing license or on the harvest record card.
7. Sport fishing from a motorized boat in the Kasilof River downstream from the Sterling Highway bridge is not allowed during king salmon season. Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used in the Kasilof River downstream of Trujillo's Landing to the mouth after all sport fishing from the boat has ceased for the day. Anglers may not fish again from a boat that day after the motor has been used. Sport fishing from a boat upstream of the Sterling Highway bridge is still allowed.
8. In that section of the Kasilof River from ADF&G markers at the mouth of Crooked Creek downstream to ADF&G markers near Cutbank Slough under the bluff (known as the People's Hole), fishing from an anchored boat is not allowed January 1 through June 30. Anchoring means using an anchor or other device (except oars or paddles) to fix or impede a vessel's downstream drift.

This report is also recorded on telephone hotlines: (907) 267-2502 Anchorage and (907) 262-2737 Soldotna.

Kenai River fishing

• Fishing opportunities in the Kenai River area are very limited, due to seasonal closures to protect spawning rainbow trout. Kenai Lake upstream 1/4 mile of the Cooper Landing bridge, Hidden Lake, Swanson River lakes and ponds, and the Kasilof River are about the only places anglers can fish for rainbows.
• Although it is early for king salmon fishing success on the Kenai River, there may be a few fish present.
• Fishing for Dolly Varden is open throughout most of the river, but check your regulation book carefully, since there are some areas closed to all fishing.
• In areas open to fishing, only one unbaited, single-hook lure may be used throughout the Kenai River. A single hook has only one point.

Kenai River early-run king salmon reg changes

1. The Kenai River early run king salmon season remains January 1 through June 30, with a daily bag limit for fish 20" or longer of one fish, and a seasonal limit of 2 king salmon 20" or longer per year.
2. From January 1 through June 30, in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. No bait, single hook.
3. From July 1 through July 31, from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, no slot limit applies. Bait allowed, still single hook.
4. From January 1 through July 14, from the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna upstream to the ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake, only king salmon less than 44 inches or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. No bait until July 1, still single hook.
5. From July 15 through July 31, from the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna upstream to the ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake, no slot limit applies. Bait allowed, still single hook.
6. From January 1 through July 31, any Kenai River king salmon harvested that are 55 inches in length or greater must be sealed within 3 days of harvest either by ADF&G personnel in the Soldotna Office at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, or by Alaska State Troopers Fish and Wildlife Protection (FWP) officers in the field, or in their Soldotna office at 45245 Kalifornsky Beach Road.
7. From May 1 through June 30, non-resident anglers are prohibited from fishing from a boat in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Non-resident anglers may only fish from shore during this time period.

Kasilof River rainbow/steelhead trout and king salmon

• Kasilof River steelhead fishing is slow. Anglers putting in 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 released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
• Only one unbaited, single-hook lure may be used in this section of the Kasilof through 11:59 p.m. May 15.
• Anglers may also find a few early king salmon in the Kasilof.

Kasilof River early-run king salmon reg changes

Also during the March meeting, the Board of Fisheries approved the following actions for the Kasilof River:

1. New tackle restrictions from the mouth of the Kasilof River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge:
   a) From May 16 through June 30, single hook, bait allowed.
   b) From July 1 through August 30, bait and multiple hooks allowed.
   c) From September 1 through May 15, single hook, no bait.
2. From its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, from January 1 through June 30, only fish with a hatchery-clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept.
3. From July 1 through July 31, from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, all king salmon may be kept, regardless of origin.
4. Any king salmon 20 inches or larger that are harvested may not be cleaned, filleted or preserved in such a manner that the fin-clip scar cannot be identified before permanently off-loading from the boat or permanently removed from the bank fishing site.
5. Once anglers have retained a king salmon 20 inches or larger, they may not continue to fish for king salmon in any waters open to king salmon fishing for the remainder of the day.
6. There is an annual limit of 3 king salmon 20" or longer taken from the Kasilof River. King salmon 20" or longer harvested from the Kasilof River must be recorded immediately on the back of the fishing license or on the harvest record card.
7. Sport fishing from a motorized boat in the Kasilof River downstream from the Sterling Highway bridge is not allowed during king salmon season. Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used in the Kasilof River downstream of Trujillo's Landing to the mouth after all sport fishing from the boat has ceased for the day. Anglers may not fish again from a boat that day after the motor has been used. Sport fishing from a boat upstream of the Sterling Highway bridge is still allowed.
8. In that section of the Kasilof River from ADF&G markers at the mouth of Crooked Creek downstream to ADF&G markers near Cutbank Slough under the bluff (known as the People's Hole), fishing from an anchored boat is not allowed January 1 through June 30. Anchoring means using an anchor or other device (except oars or paddles) to fix or impede a vessel's downstream drift.

Razor clams

• Another regulation change for the 2003 season increases the razor clam daily bag limit from the tip of the Homer Spit north to the mouth of the Kenai River. In this area, the daily limit is the first 60 clams dug, and the possession limit is 120 clams.
• The next favorable series of clam tides are May 14 - 20. For the best success on Clam Gulch beaches, look for a minus-2 foot or lower tide. On Deep Creek and Ninilchik beaches, look for a minus-3 to minus-4 foot tide.

Personal use hooligan dipnet/gillnet fishery

• Only Alaskan residents with a 2003 fishing license (or senior license or Disabled Veteran's license) may use a dipnet or a gillnet to harvest hooligan.
• Hooligan fishing in the Kenai River is starting to pick up. Dippers reported decent catches last weekend.
• Typically, large schools of hooligan show up the third week of May.
• Dip nets may be used to harvest hooligan throughout the Kenai River through June 15. Small, hand-held gillnets may also be used from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to an ADF&G marker just below Cunningham Park (off Beaver Loop Road in Kenai) through May 31.

Northern pike

• Northern pike were illegally introduced into some Kenai Peninsula lakes. Lakes that have good public access points include Arc Lake and Stormy Lake.
• Many other lakes on the Kenai Peninsula also have pike, but public access is limited or non-existent. Private property owners may allow access, but be sure to get permission from the landowners in advance.
• On the Kenai Peninsula, pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line), bait fishing, spin fishing, and fly-fishing gear.
• There is no closed season or bag limit for pike in this area. "Wanton waste" laws do apply, so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.
• For more information about northern pike in the Southcentral area, visit our Pike Pages.

Stocked lakes

• Now is a great time to go fishing in the area's stocked lakes. Most lakes are now free of ice, and a few have already been stocked this spring.
• Johnson Lake in Kasilof was stocked May 6 with 5,000 catchable rainbow trout. Sport Lake in Soldotna was stocked with the rainbows left over from the Sports Show trout pond, including "Walter," the 20 inch rainbow that enticed the kids all weekend.
• Maps to the public access, maps of the lake contours, and dates of stocking can be found on line.

$5,000 reward

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is offered to anyone providing information leading to the conviction of boat operators who provide guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance.
• To report suspicious activity, call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377, or Alaska State Parks Soldotna Office at (907) 262-5581.

Fishing in the flowing waters of the entire Kenai Peninsula is limited because of seasonal closures to protect spawning rainbow trout.

This regulatory update is not intended to be a full description of all fishing and boating regulations for the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Please check your regulation booklet before heading out to fish.

Call the Anchorage Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218 or the ADF&G Division of Sport Fish Soldotna Office at (907) 262-9368 for more information.

For 24-hour fishing information, fishing reports and Emergency Orders for the Upper Kenai Peninsula area are also recorded on two telephone hotlines: (907) 262-2737 Soldotna and (907) 267-2502 Anchorage.

Waters closed to all fishing

• The entire Crescent Creek drainage, including Crescent Lake is currently closed to all fishing. This drainage does not open until July 1.
  
  
• That portion of Kenai Lake within 1/4 mile above the Sterling Highway bridge near Cooper Landing is currently closed to all fishing. This section of Kenai Lake does not open until June 11.
  
  
• The entire Quartz Creek drainage is currently closed to all fishing. On June 11, that part of Quartz Creek that is downstream from the Sterling Highway bridge will open again to fishing.
  
  
• The Upper Kenai River, from the Sterling Highway bridge near Cooper Landing downstream to the Milepost 53 bridge near Schooner Bend is currently closed to all fishing. This section of the upper Kenai does not open to fishing until June 11.
  
  
• The flowing waters of the Russian River drainage are currently closed to all fishing. Flowing waters open June 15.
  
  
• The mainstem Kenai River from ADF&G markers 1 mile downstream from the mouth of the Funny River upstream to markers 200 yards upstream of the mouth of the Funny is currently closed to all fishing. This section of the Kenai River does not open to fishing until July 15.
  
  
• The mainstem Kenai River from the mouth of the Upper Killey River upstream to the ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake is currently closed to all fishing. This section of the Kenai River does not open until June 15.
  
  
• For a full listing of waters closed to all fishing, consult your regulations.
  
  

Waters closed to fishing for rainbow trout

• Upper and Lower Russian lakes are currently closed to rainbow trout fishing. The lakes open to rainbow trout fishing June 15.
  
  
• The Kenai River from its mouth upstream to Skilak Lake is currently closed to rainbow trout fishing. This portion of the Kenai River will not open to trout fishing until June 15.
  
  
• Skilak Lake is currently closed to rainbow trout fishing. It will not open to trout fishing until June 15.
  
  
• Again, these are partial listings. Please check your regulation booklet or the regulations posted on-line for a full summary of closures.
  
  

Dolly Varden

• Fishing for Dolly Varden is open throughout most of the mainstem Kenai River, except in those areas defined in the regulations as currently closed to all fishing.
  
  
• From its mouth upstream to the Upper Killey River, those sections of the Kenai River that are open to fishing are currently open to the retention of 2 Dolly Varden per day/2 in possession, no size limits. No bait, single hook.
  
  
• In the mainstem Upper Kenai River, from the Sterling Highway Milepost 53 bridge downstream to the Skilak Lake inlet, anglers may fish for Dolly Varden and keep 1 per day/1 in possession, and it must be less than 18 inches long. No bait, single hook.
  
  
• This section of the Upper Kenai closes to all fishing, including Dolly Varden fishing, on midnight, May 1.
  
  

Catch-and-release rainbow/steelhead trout fishing

• The mainstem Upper Kenai River, from the Sterling Highway Milepost 53 bridge downstream to Skilak Lake is currently open to catch-and-release only fishing for rainbow trout. This section closes to trout fishing at midnight, May 1. Only one unbaited, single hook artificial lure may be used.
  
  
• Kasilof River steelhead fishing has been spotty. A few anglers have reported decent catch-and-release fishing, but most anglers find slow fishing.
  
  
• On the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge, no retention of rainbow/steelhead trout is allowed year-round.
  
  
• Rainbow/steelhead trout caught downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water prior to release. Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used.
  
  

Kenai River king salmon regulation updates

• The first Kenai River king salmon are not usually caught until mid- to late May. Only those portions of the Kenai River open to fishing are currently open to king salmon fishing. Single hook, no bait until July 1.
  
  
• During their March 2003 meeting, the Alaska Board of Fisheries approved the following actions on the Kenai River early run king salmon fishery:
  
  

1. The Kenai River early run king salmon season remains January 1 through June 30, with a daily bag limit for fish 20" or longer of one fish, and a seasonal limit of 2 king salmon 20" or longer per year.
   
   
2. From January 1 through June 30, in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, only king salmon less than 44 inches in length or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. No bait, single hook.
   
   
3. From July 1 through July 31, from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna, no slot limit applies. Bait allowed, still single hook.
   
   
4. From January 1 through July 14, from the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna upstream to the ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake, only king salmon less than 44 inches or 55 inches in length or greater are legal for harvest. No bait until July 1, still single hook.
   
   
5. From July 15 through July 31, from the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna upstream to the ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake, no slot limit applies. Bait allowed, still single hook.
   
   
6. From January 1 through July 31, any Kenai River king salmon harvested that are 55 inches in length or greater must be sealed within 3 days of harvest either by ADF&G personnel in the Soldotna Office at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, or by Alaska State Troopers Fish and Wildlife Protection (FWP) officers in the field, or in their Soldotna office at 45245 Kalifornsky Beach Road.
   
   
7. From May 1 through June 30, non-resident anglers are prohibited from fishing from a boat in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Non-resident anglers may only fish from shore during this time period.
   
   

Kasilof River king salmon regulation updates

• The first Kasilof River king salmon are not usually caught until late May.
  
  
• Also during the March meeting, the Board of Fisheries approved the following actions for the Kasilof River:
  
  

1. New tackle restrictions from the mouth of the Kasilof River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge:
   a) From May 16 through June 30, single hook, bait allowed.
   b) From July 1 through August 30, bait and multiple hooks allowed.
   c) From September 1 through May 15, single hook, no bait.
   
   
2. From its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, from January 1 through June 30, only fish with a hatchery-clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept.
   
   
3. From July 1 through July 31, from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, all king salmon may be kept regardless of origin.
   
   
4. Any king salmon 20 inches or larger that are harvested may not be cleaned, filleted or preserved in such a manner that the fin-clip scar cannot be identified before permanently off-loading from the boat or removed from the bank fishing site.
   
   
5. Once anglers have retained a king salmon 20 inches or larger, they may not continue to fish for king salmon in any waters open to king salmon fishing for the remainder of the day.
   
   
6. There is an annual limit of 3 king salmon 20" or longer taken from the Kasilof River. King salmon 20" or longer harvested from the Kasilof River must be recorded immediately on the back of the fishing license or on the harvest record card.
   
   
7. Sport fishing from a motorized boat in the Kasilof River downstream from the Sterling Highway bridge is not allowed during king salmon season. Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used in the Kasilof River downstream of Trujillo's Landing to the mouth after all sport fishing from the boat has ceased for the day. Anglers may not fish again from a boat that day after the motor has been used. Sport fishing from a boat upstream of the Sterling Highway bridge is still allowed.
   
   
8. In that section of the Kasilof River from ADF&G markers at the mouth of Crooked Creek downstream to ADF&G markers near Cutbank Slough under the bluff (known as the People's Hole), fishing from an anchored boat is not allowed January 1 through June 30. Anchoring means using an anchor or other device (such as oars) to fix or impede a vessel's downstream drift.
   
   

Stocked lakes

• Stocked lakes present a year-round rainbow trout and landlocked salmon fishing opportunity.
  
  
• Maps to the stocked lakes are posted on-line.
  
  
• Lake ice is going fast on the smaller lakes. Fish are hungry and bite well on flies and small silvery lures. Try casting near the edge of the ice and have your lure or fly imitate food melting out of the ice.
  
  
• Elephant Lake and Johnson Lake are both scheduled to receive rainbow trout catchables this year.
  
  
• Twenty-five more lakes have received rainbow trout fingerling in prior years. Fingerling grow quickly in the peninsula's nutrient-rich waters.
  
  
• Check the stocking schedule on-line.
  
  

Safeguarding your fisheries resources

• A reward of up to $5,000.00 is offered to anyone providing information leading to the conviction of boat operators who provide guide services without the required licenses, permits, and insurance.
  
  
• To report suspicious activity, call Fish & Wildlife Safeguard at 1-800-478-3377, or Alaska State Parks Soldotna Office at (907) 262-5581.