Fall Fishing Report (posted September 10, 2003)

Look for periodic updates throughout the fall and winter.

Marine Waters

• Most sea-run Dollies are now in their freshwater streams and lakes to spawn and over-winter.
• Expect fair feeder king salmon action during September. Fall trolling for feeder kings is usually hampered by bad weather. It takes patience, but can be rewarding. The winter bag and possession limit is 1 per day.

Silvers Inside Resurrection Bay

• Boat anglers trolling off the Seward city beaches should continue to have fair fishing. Beach anglers are now catching some nice fish, but expect this to slow in a week or so. Silvers can be caught off the beaches through September.

Silvers Outside Resurrection Bay

• Expect slow silver fishing outside of Resurrection Bay through September.
• Trolling with cut herring on a squid lure with a flasher is always a good combination. If you prefer to use hardware, we suggest a silver flasher and green terminal tackle. Snagging is the preferred method for beach anglers.

Halibut and Other Bottomfish

• Halibut should be fair to good through September, but will slow as these large flatfish move into deep water to winter rearing areas.
• Anglers should read and understand the rockfish regulations before fishing. When the weather allowed anglers to get out of the bay and into North Gulf Coast waters, fishing has been good. Rockfish are still available during September to those anglers willing to try.
• Lingcod fishing has been good in North Gulf Coast waters, and should continue so through September. Lingcod may only be landed by hand or with a landing net, and must be 35 inches in total length. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.
• If you harvest a lingcod outside Resurrection Bay you cannot fish north of the above-mentioned line. That means, "pack up your rod" on the way back to Seward.

Fresh Waters

• During the fall Dolly Varden can be caught using beads, egg flies, flesh flies and silver spoons and spinners. You can expect good rainbow trout and Dolly fishing in fresh water drainages throughout September and into October.
• Freshwater anglers can also go to the ADF&G stocked lake web site and search the Kenai area during 2001 and 2002 to find good rainbow fishing in stocked lakes north of Seward.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area are surrounded by private land. Respect private property, and get permission from landowners before you fish.
• Don't forget that all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing.

Marine Waters

• Silver salmon fishing at the head of Resurrection Bay near Seward picked up last weekend. Poor weather hampered boats from fishing outside the bay. Silvers have hit the Seward beaches and fishing is fair to good. The beach fishery should pick up by this weekend.
• The silver salmon otolith project is still underway. Call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153, or visit the Resurrection Bay area research web pages.
• The king salmon bag and possession limit inside Resurrection Bay is now 1/day. Anglers are catching kings incidentally while targeting silvers.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are also different depending on the type of rockfish you are catching, and where you are catching them. To avoid going overlimit on kings and rockfish, be sure to know what kind of fish you are catching.
• Most pink salmon in Resurrection Bay are now in freshwater streams, where salmon fishing is illegal.
• Even though halibut fishing has started to slow in North Gulf Coast waters, some nice fish are still being landed. Poor weather has been a factor lately - few boats have been able to get out to the halibut grounds.
• Lingcod fishing is still good in North Gulf Coast waters. Last weekend's lingcod catch ranged from 20 to 50 pounds. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net, and they must be 35 inches in total length to keep. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is closed year-round.
• Another fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing.
• Freshwater resident Dolly Varden and rainbows can be found in many area streams north of Seward. With salmon spawning going strong right now, try egg patterns, beads and flesh flies.
• For some stocked lake fishing, look on our Fish Stocking Updates web pages.

Marine Waters

• Silver salmon fishing both inside and outside Resurrection Bay remains slow. Poor weather has hampered boats from fishing.
• Silvers have hit the Seward beaches and fishing here is fair to good. Anglers are using lures, herring under a bobber, and snagging.
• Most pink salmon in Resurrection Bay are now in freshwater streams, where salmon fishing is illegal.
• On September 1, king salmon bag and possession limits inside Resurrection Bay go from 2/day down to 1/day.
• The silver salmon otolith project is still underway. A technician is collecting silver salmon otoliths to determine if the fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information, call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153), or visit the Resurrection Bay research project web pages.
• It is that time of year when halibut fishing starts to slow in all North Gulf Coast waters. Poor weather has also been a factor, and few boats have been able to get out to the halibut grounds.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are different depending on the type of rockfish you are catching, and where you are fishing. A rockfish ID guide is printed on page 10 of the 2003 Southcentral regulation booklet, and regs for the North Gulf Coast salt waters on page 14.
• Some nice 20-50 lb. lingcod are still being landed in North Gulf Coast waters. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs), and fish must be at least 35 inches in total length before anglers can keep them. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is closed year-round.
• Another fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling groundfish (halibut, rockfish, and sharks) for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information, or visit the groundfish program web pages.

Fresh Waters

• Although all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing, they are open to rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing.
• Freshwater resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. With salmon spawning going strong right now, try egg patterns, beads, and flesh flies.
• Try Troop or Vagt lakes, north of Seward, for some stocked rainbow action.

Marine Waters

• Silver salmon fishing inside Resurrection Bay is slow, while outside of the Bay silver fishing remains good to fair. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby continues through noon, August 23. The $50,000 tagged fish has been landed, while the $100,000 tagged silver remains at large.
• While fishing is slow, anglers are starting to catch a few silvers off the Seward beaches. Last Sunday saw success with lures, herring under a bobber, and snagging.
• Pinks can be still be found throughout the Bay. They can be caught trolling from boats or casting from shore.
• A technician will be collecting otoliths from coho salmon throughout the summer to determine if the fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153, or visit the Resurrection Bay research project web pages.
• Halibut fishing is good to fair in North Gulf Coast waters, but has slowed in Resurrection Bay. Nice fish are still being landed, but you will have to work for them.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are different for each type of rockfish, and for different fishing areas. Species descriptions can be found on page 10, and regulations for the North Gulf Coast area on page 14 of the 2003 Southcentral Alaska regulation book. Know what you catch.
• Lingcod fishing in North Gulf Coast waters is still good. Fish have been ranging from 20 to 40 pounds. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net, and must be 35 inches in total length. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Freshwaters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Try Troop or Vagt lakes, north of Seward, for some stocked rainbow action.
• Look on our Fish Stocking Updates to see which lakes near Seward have been stocked with rainbows.

Salmon Fishing

• Silver salmon fishing has picked up inside Resurrection Bay, and remains good outside the Bay. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby continues through August 24. The $50,000 tagged fish has been landed, while the $100,000 tagged silver remains at large. 2003 is also Seward's 100th birthday.
• Pinks and kings are still occasionally caught throughout Resurrection Bay. Legal limits are different for each species, so check the salmon and trout illustrations on pages 8-9 in the regulation booklet, so you can know what's on your line before you decide to keep it.

Halibut, rockfish, lingcod

• Halibut fishing is good in North Gulf Coast waters, but has slowed inside Resurrection Bay. Nice fish are still being landed, and anglers are still catching limits, but it now takes longer.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are different for each type of rockfish, and for different areas. Rockfish illustrations are on page 10 of the regulation booklet, and regulations for the North Gulf Coast area are on page 14.
• Lingcod fishing is open outside of Resurrection Bay, and is still good, with 20 - 40-pound lingcod coming in. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs), and must be at least 35 inches long to keep. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is closed year-round.

Resident fish

• Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Try Troop or Vagt lakes for some stocked rainbow action.

North Gulf Coast Research

• The silver salmon otolith project is underway. A technician will be collecting otoliths from coho salmon from which we can determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153, or go to the Resurrection Bay research pages.
• Another technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information, or visit the ADF&G Groundfish Program pages.

Helpful links and phone numbers

• 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 2003 Stocked Lakes
• Weather and marine forecasts: The National Weather Service
• Fishing violations and enforcement: Department of Public Safety Division of Fish and Wildlife Protection hotline at (907) 428-7200, or the Anchorage Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.

Salmon Fishing

• The best silver salmon fishing has been outside Resurrection Bay. Inside the bay, silver fishing has been slow and the silvers scattered. A private boat landed an 18-pound silver last week.
• The Seward Silver Salmon Derby starts August 9, and silver fishing will pick up soon as hatchery fish start to return to the head of the bay. For more information about the derby, contact the Seward Chamber of Commerce at (907) 224-8051.
• Pink salmon and king salmon are still occasionally caught throughout the bay.
• A technician continues to collect otoliths from silver salmon to determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information, call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153.

Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod

• Halibut fishing, too, has slowed, both in Resurrection Bay and in North Gulf Coast waters. Nice fish are still being landed, and anglers are still catching limits, but it's been taking longer.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching, as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation book.
• Some lingcod continue to come in from outside Resurrection Bay. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net. Minimum size is 35 inches. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is closed year-round.
• A groundfish technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Freshwater fishing

• Even though all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden and rainbow trout.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Try Troop Lake for some stocked rainbow action.

Salt Waters

• Silver salmon fishing has slowed in Resurrection Bay. Anglers have been prospecting for silvers all over the Bay, with mixed results. Silver fishing will start to pick up very soon as hatchery fish start to return to the head of the Bay.
• A technician will be collecting otoliths from silver salmon to help determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information, call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153.
• Pink and king salmon are occasionally caught throughout the Bay.
• Sea-run Dolly Varden are also caught occasionally, especially off Seward beaches. Try casting a small shiny lure or use bait on bottom off the south side of Lowell Point.
• Halibut fishing has also slowed, both in Resurrection Bay and in North Gulf Coast waters. "Flat fish" are still landed, but the catch has slowed from the "smoking hot" action earlier in the year.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits change according to the type of rockfish you are catching, and to where you catch them. The pelagic black and dusky rockfish are often caught, and they can usually be successfully released if caught in less than 60 feet of water. Some non-pelagic rockfish may also be caught while bottom fishing for halibut, and they can also be successfully released if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
• Rockfish species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the 2003 regulation booklet. Know what you catch.
• A new rockfish brochure is available free from Alaska Sea Grant.
• Lingcod fishing is also slow, but some nice fish came in from the Chiswell Islands.
• Lingcod may only be landed by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs). They must be at least 35 inches long to keep. Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is closed year-round.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling groundfish (halibut, rockfish, sharks) for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden may be found in area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• First Lake in Seward has been stocked with rainbow trout catchables. Other lakes along the Seward Highway are stocked with rainbow trout fingerling. Check the stocking updates and the Kenai Peninsula stocked lake pages for more information.

Current Update - July 23 - 30, 2003

Salt Waters

• Pony Cove is slacking off for silvers, but anglers are having good luck from Fox Island to Day Harbor. Many anglers are still catching their limits, but they are working hard to catch them. Some of the nicest silvers of the year, over 15 pounds, are now being caught.
• The silver salmon otolith project is now underway. A technician will be collecting otoliths from coho salmon throughout the summer, to determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information, call Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153.
• Trolling has been the best bet to locate fish. Then try mooching
• Pink salmon and king salmon are being caught occasionally throughout the bay.
• Sea-run Dolly Varden are sometimes caught off Seward beaches. Try a small shiny lure off the south beach of Lowell Point.
• Halibut fishing remains very good in North Gulf Coast waters, when the weather cooperates. Halibut fishing over by Montague has slowed, but catches are still very good from Day Harbor to Elrington Island.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the regulation booklet.
• A new rockfish brochure is also available free from Alaska Sea Grant.
• Lingcod range from 22 to 58 pounds. Minimum size is 35 inches, and lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs). In North Gulf Coast waters, daily limits are 1 per day/1 in possession.
• Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing year-round.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• First Lake has been stocked with rainbow trout.
• Look on our Stocking Updates web site to see which lakes near Seward have been stocked with rainbows.

Salt Waters

• Pony Cove is slowing down for silver salmon. The best silver fishing is found inside the Bay from Caines Head to Pony Cove. Many anglers are still catching their limits, but they work harder to catch them.
• Both mooching and trolling herring has been catching fish. Hardware is also working well for silvers.
• Both pink salmon and king salmon are being caught incidentally throughout the Bay.
• Sea-run Dollies are caught occasionally off Seward beaches.
• Halibut fishing remains very good to excellent in North Gulf Coast waters, when the weather cooperates. The best fishing is still east toward Montague Island.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the regulation booklet.
• Some nice-sized lingcod are coming in from outside Resurrection Bay.
• Minimum size is 35 inches, with a bag limit of 2 per day/2 in possession. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs).
• Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• First Lake has been stocked rainbow trout.

Research Projects

• The silver salmon otolith project is now underway. A technician will be collecting otoliths from silvers throughout the summer, to determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information call Dan Bosch in Anchorage (907-267-2153).
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sample halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Marine Waters

• Pony Cove is still the place to go for silvers. Silvers have also been caught as far north as Caines' Head.
• Successful anglers are both mooching and trolling herring. Hardware is also working well for silvers.
• Pink and king salmon are occasionally caught in the bay.
• Halibut fishing remains very good to excellent in North Gulf Coast waters, when the weather cooperates.
• The best halibut fishing continues to be in North Gulf Coast waters, towards Montague Island.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching, as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the 2003 regulation book.
• Some nice-sized lingcod are now coming in from both Montague Island and the Chiswell Islands. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs), and there is a minimum size limit of 35 inches.
• Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• First Lake has been re-stocked with rainbow trout.
• Look on our web site to find more Seward-area stocked lakes.

ADF&G Research

A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer (907-235-1742) for additional information about the groundfish project. A technician is also collecting otoliths from silver salmon throughout the summer, to determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information on the silver salmon project, call Dan Bosch in Anchorage (907-267-2153).

Marine Waters

• Silver salmon fishing is picking up at Pony Cove. It is still early in the season, so these fish only average 6 to 7 pounds.
• Both mooching and trolling herring has been catching fish. Pink salmon are being caught incidentally in this area.
• King salmon fishing has been only fair, with most being caught incidentally now as anglers start to target other fish. The beach fishery for kings is very slow right now.
• The silver salmon otolith project will get underway this weekend. A technician will be collecting otoliths from silver (coho) salmon throughout the summer to determine if these fish are from hatchery or wild stocks. For more information call Dan Bosch in Anchorage (907-267-2153).
• Halibut fishing remains very good to excellent in North Gulf Coast waters, when the weather cooperates.
• The best halibut fishing continues to be in North Gulf Coast waters towards Montague Island.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching, as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the 2003 Southcentral regulation booklet.
• Lingcod fishing in North Gulf Coast waters is now open. Lingcod may be landed only by hand or with a landing net (no gaffs). There are length restrictions for keepers: check the regs on page 14!
• Lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907-235-1742) for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• First Lake was stocked this week with rainbow trout.
• Look on our web site to see which other lakes near Seward have been stocked with rainbows.

Marine Waters

• Silvers and a few pinks are starting to show at Pony Cove. Some anglers caught limits, but others were not so lucky.
• Mooching produced the best catches, but trolling herring has also worked.
• Kings fishing was only "fair," with most caught incidentally as anglers targeted other fish. The beach fishery for kings is very slow right now.
• Halibut fishing remains very good to excellent in North Gulf Coast waters, when the weather cooperates.
• The best halibut fishing continues to be in North Gulf Coast waters, towards Montague Island.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching, as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the 2003 regulation booklet.
• Lingcod fishing remains closed until July 1 throughout North Gulf Coast waters, but lingcod fishing inside Resurrection Bay is ALWAYS closed.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Look on our web site to see which lakes near Seward have been stocked with rainbow trout.
• Try Troop, and Vagt lakes this week for rainbows.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area have to be accessed across private land. Respect private property, and get permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish.

Marine Waters

• King salmon trolling inside Resurrection Bay is good to very good!
• Kings have not yet hit the beaches hard, but should any time now.
• Silvers are starting to show up with greater regularity near Pony Cove.
• Dolly Varden can be caught throughout the summer along Seward beaches. Try fishing with a slice of herring on the bottom.
• Halibut fishing remains very good to excellent in North Gulf Coast waters. The best halibut fishing continues to be in North Gulf Coast waters towards Montague Island.
• Rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to both the type of rockfish you are catching, and to the waters you're fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the reg book.
• Lingcod fishing remains closed throughout North Gulf Coast waters.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sample halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dolly Varden can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while salmon smolt imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Look on our web site to see which lakes near Seward have been stocked with rainbows. Try Troop, and Vagt lakes this week for rainbows.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area are surrounded by private property. Please respect private property as if it were your own. Get permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish.

Personal Use Fisheries

• The hooligan dip netting in Resurrection Bay fresh water drainages is now closed for the rest of the year.

Marine Waters

• King salmon fishing inside Resurrection Bay is good.
• Hatchery kings are now caught throughout the bay, and at Seward beaches at each high tide.
• Boat anglers are having better luck than the beach-bound.
• The red salmon run returning to the head of Resurrection Bay is smaller that expected this year. Some boat anglers are still taking a few.
• Dolly Varden can be caught throughout the summer along Seward beaches. Small spoons, spinners, and bait on the bottom work well for spin anglers. Fly anglers also have good luck using a smolt pattern.
• Halibut fishing has been excellent in Resurrection Bay and in North Gulf Coast waters, due to good weather.
• The best halibut fishing remains in North Gulf Coast waters, east towards Montague Island.
• Be advised that rockfish bag and possession limits are specific to the type of rockfish you are catching as well as to where you are fishing. Species descriptions can be found on page 10 of the 2003 Sport Fishing Regulation Summary.
• Lingcod fishing remains closed throughout North Gulf Coast waters.
• A fishery technician is interviewing returning anglers and sampling halibut, rockfish, and sharks for length, weight, sex, and age. Contact Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Waters

• All freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing.
• Fresh water resident Dollies can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while pink salmon fry imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day / 2 in possession from flowing waters or 5 per day / 5 in possession from lakes.
• First Lake was stocked with catchable rainbow trout on May 23. Look on our web site stocking update page to see which lakes were stocked with rainbows.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area have to be accessed across private land. Respect private property, and get permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish.

Personal Use Fisheries

• The hooligan run has arrived in the Resurrection River. Dipnetting for hooligan in salt waters is closed, so you can only dip in fresh waters. Dipnetting for hooligan closes for the year at 11:59 pm, June 15.
• ONLY ALASKAN RESIDENTS with a 2003 sport fishing license in possession can participate in this personal use dip net fishery.

Saltwater fishing

• King salmon fishing inside Resurrection Bay is now good.
• Hatchery kings are now caught throughout the bay and at Seward beaches at each high tide.
• Boat anglers have had good luck trolling. Try trolling from the Seward beaches to Caines Head.
• Beach fishing for kings is definitely picking up and starting to produce some nice catches. Try fishing an hour either side of high tide.
• Red salmon have also arrived at the head of Resurrection Bay. Beach anglers targeting kings have also caught a few reds.
• Both silvers and chum are caught incidentally this time of year by anglers trolling for kings.
• Dolly Varden can be caught throughout the summer along Seward beaches. Small spoons, spinners, and bait (on the bottom) work well for spin anglers. Fly anglers also have good luck fishing in the salt for these bright fish using a smolt pattern.
• Halibut and rockfish fishing has been good to excellent in Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast waters, depending on the weather.
• Most halibut are 20 - 30 pounds, with some 100 pounders mixed into the catch. A halibut over 200 pounds was landed last week, too.
• The best halibut fishing remains in North Gulf Coast waters, east towards Cape Junken and Cape Cleare.
• Fishing for rockfish has also been also been good in Resurrection Bay and the North Gulf Coast. Bag limits vary by species, so become familiar with rockfish by checking out page 10 in the 2003 Southcentral Alaska regulation book.
• Lingcod fishing remains closed throughout North Gulf Coast waters.

NEW Resurrection Bay/ North Gulf Coast salmon fisheries regulations for 2003:

• The king salmon bag and possession limit in North Gulf Coast waters, from Cape Puget to Gore Point, is now 1 per day, 1 in possession.
• In Resurrection Bay waters north of a line from Cape Resurrection to Cape Aialik, daily bag and possession limit for king salmon is 2 per day, 2 in possession from May 1 - August 31, and 1 per day, 1 in possession from September 1 - April 30.
• There is no annual limit, and these king salmon do not have to be recorded on your fishing license.
• Regulations for Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast salt waters can be found on page 12-14 of the 2003 Southcentral Alaska reg book. Click for an online version of these regulations

Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden in fresh waters

• Although all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden sport fishing year-round.
• Fresh water resident Dollies can be found in many area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while pink salmon fry imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• Daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day, 2 in possession from flowing waters or 5 per day, 5 in possession from lakes.
• Rainbow trout are stocked in some lakes close to Seward. First Lake was stocked with catchable sized rainbows on May 23. Look on our web site to see which lakes were stocked with rainbows.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area have to be accessed across private land. Respect private property, and get permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish.

Personal Use Fisheries

• The hooligan run has arrived in the Resurrection River. Remember, it is after May 31, and you can now only dip in fresh water. Dipnetting for hooligan in salt waters is now closed.
• ONLY ALASKAN RESIDENTS with a 2003 sport-fishing license in possession can participate in this personal use dip net fishery.

Marine Waters

• King salmon fishing inside Resurrection Bay has started to pick up.
• Hatchery kings are now being caught throughout the bay. Trolling has been the most successful method, but kings are starting to show off the Seward beaches. Beach fishing for kings is still fairly slow, but they are there. Try fishing one hour on either side of high tide.
• In Resurrection Bay the daily king salmon bag limit is 2 per day/ 2 in possession, no size limits. Snagging is a legal means and method in these saltwaters. Outside Resurrection Bay, the limit is 1 per day/1 in possession, no size limits. Scroll down for more information on new king salmon regulations in this area.
• Red (sockeye) salmon have also arrived at the head of Resurrection Bay. Try trolling a bare bright red hook, or small herring behind a flasher.
• Both silvers (coho) and chum are caught incidentally, this time of year, by anglers trolling for kings.
• Inside Resurrection Bay, anglers can have 6 salmon (other than kings) per day/6 in possession, any combination.
• Dolly Varden can be caught throughout the summer along Seward beaches. Small spoons, spinners, and bait on the bottom work well for spin anglers. Fly anglers also have good luck fishing in the salt for these bright fish using a smolt pattern.
• Halibut and rockfish fishing remain good in Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast waters.
• Inside the bay, halibut average 20 to 30 pounds, while in North Gulf Coast waters east towards Cape Junken and Cape Cleare, halibut in the 70 to 100-pound range are regularly landed.
• Fishing for rockfish has also been also been good in Resurrection Bay and the North Gulf Coast. Bag limits vary by species so become familiar with rockfish by checking out page 10 in the 2003 Southcentral Alaska regulation book.
• Lingcod fishing throughout the North Gulf Coast remains closed.

Freshwaters

• Although all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden sport fishing year-round.
• Resident Dollies can be found in most area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while pink salmon fry imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• In freshwaters, daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day/ 2 in possession from flowing waters and 5 per day/ 5 in possession from lakes.
• Rainbow trout are stocked in some lakes close to Seward. First Lake was stocked with catchable sized rainbows on May 23. Look on our web site to see which lakes were stocked with rainbows.
• Many waters in the Seward area are surrounded by private property. Please respect private property as if it were your own. Obtain permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish.

Personal use fisheries

• The hooligan run into the Resurrection River is typically later than the run into Turnagain Arm streams, so this should be picking up about now.
• ONLY ALASKAN RESIDENTS with a 2003 sport fishing license in possession can participate in this personal use dip net fishery.
• Starting June 1 you may only dip in freshwaters.

Marine Waters

Salmon and Arctic char/Dolly Varden

• King salmon fishing inside Resurrection Bay has started to pick up.
• Hatchery kings are now being caught throughout the bay, with trolling anglers having the best success.
• A few kings have been caught from shore anglers fishing from Seward beaches. Try at least 1 hour before and after high tide.
• Inside Resurrection Bay, the daily king salmon bag limit in saltwater is 2 per day, 2 in possession.
• Outside Resurrection Bay, the limit is 1 per day, 1 in possession.
• Sockeye (red) salmon have also arrived at the head of Resurrection Bay. Try trolling a bare, bright red hook, or a small herring behind a flasher.
• The first random silver salmon of the year was also caught last week just south of Eldorado Narrows. Both silvers and chum salmon are caught incidentally this time of year by anglers trolling for kings.
• Snagging is a legal method in the saltwaters of Resurrection Bay and the North Gulf Coast.
• Dolly Varden fishing off the local beaches has slowed. An occasional Dolly is caught throughout the summer along these beaches. Fly anglers sometimes catch Dollies using a smolt pattern.

Groundfish

• Halibut and rockfish fishing should be good in Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast waters this Memorial Day weekend.
• The halibut catch is now ranging from 20 - 60 pounds, and a few 100-pounders are now being landed. Although halibut anglers are catching fish right in the bay, the big ones are coming from the North Gulf Coast area between Cape Resurrection and Montague Island.
• Rockfish have special regulations, please check the regs before you head out to fish.
• Lingcod fishing remains closed.

Freshwaters

Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden Char

• Although all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden sport fishing year-round.
• Anadromous Dolly Varden have pretty much moved into salt waters now. Fresh water resident Dollies can be found in most area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while pink salmon fry imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• In fresh waters, the daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day/ 2 in possession from flowing waters and 5 per day/ 5 in possession from lakes. This limit cannot be combined with salt water limits.
• Rainbow trout are stocked in some lakes close to Seward. Look on our stocking pages to see which lakes are stocked with rainbows.
• Many fresh waters in the Seward area are surrounded by private property. Respect private property as if it were your own. Get permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish, or fish from their shores.

Personal Use Fisheries

• This weekend's tides should start to bring hooligan (smelt) into the Resurrection River near Seward.
• ONLY ALASKAN RESIDENTS with a 2003 sport-fishing license in possession can use a dipnet to catch hooligan. Only hooligan may be kept. If you catch a Dolly Varden or any other kind of fish except a hooligan, you must release it immediately.
• There is no closed season, no bag limit, and no permit is required.
• Dip netting is allowed in saltwater through May 31 and in freshwater through June 15.

This report is also recorded on an Anchorage telephone hotline at (907) 267-2501.

Marine Waters

• King salmon fishing inside Resurrection Bay started to pick up last week, as hatchery kings started to return to the Seward Lagoon outfall culverts and the Lowell Creek waterfall (their stocking locations).
• The best success has been inside the bay between Lowell Point and Cape Resurrection. Don't expect these kings to hit the Seward beaches until late May.
• Snagging is a legal means and method in Res Bay/North Gulf Coast salt waters.
• Inside Resurrection Bay, the daily king salmon bag limit in saltwater is 2 per day/ 2 in possession, no size limits. Outside Resurrection Bay, the limit is 1 per day/ 1 in possession, no size limits. There is no annual limit, so these king salmon do not have to be recorded on your fishing license or Harvest Record Card.
• Red (sockeye) salmon have not yet arrived in Resurrection Bay, but should soon. Try trolling a bare, bright red hook, or a small herring behind a flasher.
• Dolly Varden fishing off the local beaches peaked last week. There are still Dollies to be caught, but it has slowed down. Fly anglers are having good luck using fry and smolt patterns in the salt for these bright fish.
• Halibut and rockfish fishing is really starting to pick up in Resurrection Bay and North Gulf waters.
• The halibut catch is now ranging from 20 - 60 pounds, and the 100-pounders are now being landed fairly regularly. Halibut anglers are also starting to catch smaller fish right in the bay, while the big ones are coming from the Montague Island area.
• The daily limit for halibut is 2 per day/4 in possession. A fish belongs to, and counts toward the bag limit of, the person originally hooking it.
• For rockfish, the daily bag limit is 5, no more than 1 of these may be a non-pelagic species. Non-pelagic rockfish are often brightly colored (see page 10 of the Southcentral regulation booklet). The Alaska Sea Grant has also published a color guide to rockfish. Visit their website for a free copy.
• For anglers venturing east to Prince William Sound, you must keep the first two non-pelagic rockfish you catch.
• Halibut anglers are encouraged to fish with a single hook, and to avoid high-relief, rocky areas so as to minimize their rockfish catch.
• Lingcod fishing remains closed. Resurrection Bay (waters north of a line between Cape Resurrection and Aialik Cape) remains closed to lingcod fishing year-round. Lingcod fishing in all other waters does not open until July 1. All lingcod caught unintentionally must be landed by hand or with a net (no gaffs) and released immediately.
• Regulations for Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast salt waters can be found on page 14 of the 2003 Sport Fishing Regulation summary for Southcentral Alaska. An online version of these regulations can be found in the Southcentral Regulation Summary under "saltwater regulations."
• The Division of Sport Fish will again be collecting recreational harvest data in the Seward boat harbor. Contact Dan Bosch in Anchorage at (907) 267-2153 or Scott Meyer in Homer at (907) 235-1742 for additional information.

Fresh Water

• Although all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed year-round to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden sport fishing year-round.
• Anadromous Dolly Varden have pretty much moved into salt waters now. Fresh water resident Dollies can be found in most area streams. Small bright spinners and spoons remain the spin angler's best bet, while pink salmon fry imitations should work well for the fly angler.
• In fresh waters, the daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day/ 2 in possession from flowing waters and 5 per day/ 5 in possession from lakes. This limit cannot be combined with salt water limits.
• Rainbow trout are stocked in some lakes close to Seward. Look on our stocking pages to see which lakes are stocked with rainbows.
• Many fresh waters in the Seward area are surrounded by private property. Respect private property as if it were your own. Get permission from landowners before you cross their lands to fish, or fish from their shores.

Marine Waters

There are new Resurrection Bay/North Gulf Coast salmon fishing regulations for 2003.

• The king salmon bag and possession limit in North Gulf Coast waters, which are defined as waters from Cape Puget to Gore Point, is now 1 per day, 1 in possession.
• In Resurrection Bay waters, which are defined as waters north of a line from Cape Resurrection to Cape Aialik, daily bag and possession limit for king salmon is 2 per day, 2 in possession from May 1 - August 31, and 1 per day, 1 in possession from September 1 - April 30.
• There is no longer an annual limit for king salmon in this area, so they do not have to be recorded on your fishing license.
• Regulations for Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast salt waters can be found on page 14 of the 2003 Southcentral Alaska reg book.
• Snagging is legal in Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast salt waters.
• Regulation books for 2003 are now available at local vendors. Make sure you pick up a copy and read the regulations before heading out to fish.
• ADF&G technicians will be collecting biological information from your silver salmon, halibut, rockfish, and shark catches this season. For more information about the port sampling program, contact Dan Bosch in Anchorage (907) 267-2153 or Scott Meyer in Homer (907) 235-8191.
• If you need any additional information, feel free to call the Southcentral Region Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.

Salmon and Dolly Varden/Arctic char

• Anglers trolling deep near Cape Resurrection, Cape Aialik, Eldorado Narrows, and the Islands have a fair chance of catching a few king salmon.
• A 57-pound white king was caught in Resurrection Bay.
• Hatchery kings are likely to be found around the Islands or near Pony Cove. These kings will hit the Seward beaches in late May.
• There have been no catch reports of red salmon (sockeye), but they will soon arrive at the head of Resurrection Bay. To target reds in salt water, try trolling a bare red hook below a flasher, or a small herring below a flasher.
• Dolly Varden/Arctic Char were caught in the salt waters near Lowell Point. Not all sea-run Dollies have moved out of the fresh water lakes, so the salt water fishery should improve this week. Try small spinners, spoons, or cut herring.
• In salt waters of this area, the daily limit for Dollies is 5 per day/5 in possession, no size limits. This limit can not be combined with fresh water limits.

Groundfish

• Halibut and rockfish fishing was fair to good in North Gulf waters, when the weather cooperated.
• Although the halibut catch is now in the 30 - 40 pound range, they have not yet moved into Resurrection waters in very high numbers. Halibut anglers continue to head east out of Resurrection Bay, towards Montague Island.
• Anglers are responsible for knowing rockfish regulations. The daily bag limit is 5 rockfish, no more than 1 of these may be a non-pelagic species. Non-pelagic rockfish are often brightly colored (see page 10 of the regulation book).
• Anglers going east past Cape Puget must keep the first two non-pelagic rockfish they catch.
• Halibut anglers are encouraged to fish with a single hook, and to avoid high-relief, rocky areas to minimize their rockfish catch. To learn more about this fascinating species, get information about the new handout available from Alaska Sea Grant.
• Resurrection Bay north of a line between Cape Resurrection and Aialik Cape is closed to lingcod fishing year-round, and lingcod fishing in all other waters does not open until July 1. All lingcod caught unintentionally must be landed by hand or with a net and released immediately.

Fresh Waters

Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden/Arctic char

• Although all fresh waters in the Resurrection Bay area are closed to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden sport fishing year-round.
• In fresh waters, the daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day, 2 in possession from flowing waters, and 5 per day, 5 in possession from lakes. These limits can not be combined with salt water limits.
• In the flowing waters, Dolly Varden are beginning to move out of their winter homes, and are feeding on insects, as well as out-migrating pink and chum salmon fry.
• Rainbow trout are stocked in some lakes close to Seward. Look on our web site to see which lakes have been stocked with rainbows.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area have to be accessed across private land. Respect private property and get permission from landowners before you fish.

Marine Waters

NEW Resurrection Bay/ North Gulf Coast salmon fisheries regulations for 2003

1. The king salmon bag and possession limit in North Gulf Coast waters, which are defined as waters from Cape Puget to Gore Point, is now 1 per day, 1 in possession.
2. In Resurrection Bay waters, which are defined as waters north of a line from Cape Resurrection to Cape Aialik, daily bag and possession limit for king salmon is 2 per day, 2 in possession from May 1 - August 31, and 1 per day, 1 in possession from September 1 - April 30.
3. There is no annual limit for king salmon, so they do not have to be recorded on your fishing license.
4. Regulations for Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast salt waters can be found on page 14 of the 2003 Southcentral Alaska reg book.
5. Regulation books for 2003 are now available at local vendors. Make sure you pick up a copy and read the regulations before heading out to fish.
6. If you need any additional information, feel free to call the Southcentral Region Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.

Salmon and Arctic char

• Anglers trolling deep near Cape Resurrection, Cape Aialik, Eldorado Narrows, and the Islands have a fair chance of catching a few king salmon. Kings in the forty-pound range have recently been caught in those areas.
• Hatchery kings will soon start to filter into the bay on their way to the Seward Lagoon culverts, and the Lowell Creek waterfall. These kings typically hit these beaches in late May and peak sometime during June.
• Snagging is a legal means and method in Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast salt waters.
• Anglers trolling the waters of the North Gulf Coast might also catch a few chum and silver salmon. It is still very early for silvers, but that fishery will pick up in early July.
• Red salmon start to return to Resurrection Bay in the spring. Try trolling a bare bright red hook, or small herring or shrimp behind a flasher.
• Shore-based anglers can try small silver spoons and spinners for Dolly Varden in the salt waters near Lowell Point.
• An ADF&G technician will be collecting silver salmon biological information in July and August. Length will be recorded and otoliths will be collected to determine if the silvers are from wild or hatchery stocks. For more information about the port sampling program, contact Dan Bosch in Anchorage (907) 267-2153.

Groundfish

• Halibut and rockfish fishing was fair to good in Outer Gulf Coast waters, when the weather cooperated.
• The halibut are in the 20 - 25 pound range, and have not moved into Resurrection Bay waters in very good numbers. Halibut anglers are heading east out of Resurrection Bay.
• Anglers are responsible for knowing rockfish regulations. The daily bag limit is 5 rockfish, no more than 1 of these may be a non-pelagic species. Non-pelagic rockfish are often brightly colored (see page 10 of the regulation book).
• Anglers going east past Cape Puget must keep the first two non-pelagic rockfish they catch.
• Halibut anglers are encouraged to fish with a single hook, and to avoid high-relief, rocky areas to minimize their rockfish catch. To learn more about this fascinating species, get information about the new handout available from Alaska Sea Grant
• Resurrection Bay north of a line between Cape Resurrection and Aialik Cape is closed to lingcod fishing year-round, and lingcod fishing in all other waters does not open until July 1. All lingcod caught unintentionally must be landed by hand or with a net and released immediately.

Freshwater

Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden Char

• Although all freshwater drainages in Resurrection Bay are closed to salmon fishing, they are open to Dolly Varden sport fishing year-round.
• Tonsina Creek, a one-mile trail hike past Lowell Point, may be a good spot to find Dollies feeding on out-migrating pink salmon fry in early spring. The trail dips below the high tide mark, so pay attention to those tides!
• Fishing for Dollies feeding on these pink fry is best just before high tide to just after high tide. During these feeding frenzies Dollies will hit any small bright lure near the surface.
• Daily bag and possession limits for Dolly Varden are 2 per day, 2 in possession from flowing waters and 5 per day, 5 in possession from lakes.
• Rainbow trout fingerling are stocked in some lakes close to Seward. Try Troop and Vagt Lakes north of Seward for holdover stocked rainbows. Warm spring weather arrived early this year, so chances are these lakes will soon become ice-free.
• Many freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in the Seward area have to be accessed across private land. Respect private property and get permission from landowners before you fish.