Current fishing conditions from ADFG

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[size 1]Fishing reports are provided for the major fisheries throughout the state. These reports are prepared by the biologist most familiar with each area. Reports are provided throughout the busy summer season on more or less a weekly basis. During the winter and less active months the reports are updated only as conditions or regulations change. You should check this site before venturing out to fish to get the most current information[/size]
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Ketchikan Fishing Report

The marine sport fishery in the Ketchikan area continued to improve for most species in the local sport fishery. This weeks dockside surveys again encountered a substantial number of anglers during randomingly scheduled sampling periods. Anglers on average spent 239 hours per king salmon, 7 hours per halibut, 40 hours per chum salmon, 3 hours per coho salmon, 28 hours per pink salmon, 64 hours per lingcod and 5 hours per rockfish to harvest these fish during this time period. No other species of fish were reported during the dock side interviews. The upcoming fall rains should improve both salt and freshwater fishing success in the local area. Anglers are reminded to check ADF&G's main web page for any in-season regulation changes under the Emergency Order icon. Anglers interested in shoreline saltwater fishing should consider Thomas Basin ( single hook area only and no snagging), Herring Cove, Settlers Cove and the Mt. Point area where coho and pink salmon have arrived and are available for our local sport fishery. All anglers utilizing the Herring Cove shoreline fishery are reminded not to trespass across local residents property and do not litter. Inquires about sport fish regulations and any in-season changes can also be addressed by calling the Sport Fish office at (907) 225-2859 or by dropping by the office at 2030 Sea Level Drive Suite 215 Ketchikan, Alaska.
The freshwater sport fishery in Ketchikan continues to be dominated by fishing in Ward Creek and Ward Lake. Fishing has improved at these locations with increased fish activity by pink and summer run coho salmon. Anglers are reminded that all freshwater streams in the Ketchikan area are closed to king salmon fishing unless opened by emergency order. Ketchikan Creek opened by emergency order from August 24 through September 14, 2004. The bag limit for Ketchikan Creek is two king salmon under 28 inches and two over 28 inches plus two of the other salmon species in combination. Ketchikan Creek is a single hook water only and no bait is allowed year round. Anglers looking for local trout fishing should consider Carlanna, Harriet Hunt, Silvis and First Waterfall Lakes. Anglers interested in remote trout fishing should consider Eagle, Wilson, McDonald, Reflection, Orchard, Ella and Humpback Lakes just to name a few. All anglers are reminded to check their regulation booklet prior to fishing in any area as regulations differ considerably between locations.

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This is the Haines and Skagway Sport Fishing Report

It is shaping up to be another good return of coho salmon (silvers) to the Chilkat River this year. As of September 6th, 746 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is lower than caught the previous two years, but still above average (584) for this date (see graph for average daily fish wheel catches). A total of 31 coho salmon passed through the Chilkoot River weir as of September 6th, which is slightly above average for this date but still very early in the run (see graph for average daily weir counts). Anglers are allowed to keep two coho salmon per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River, and three per day and six in possession in the Chilkat River.
Fishing for king salmon was very good in Taiya Inlet last week where it took an average of 5 rod hours of effort to catch a king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. That was the last week of sampling in Skagway. Anglers are reminded that the Taiya Inlet terminal hatchery regulations expired August 1st. Regional regulations apply to Taiya Inlet. Alaska resident anglers have a bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit. Nonresident anglers have a bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; with an annual limit of three fish.

The number of sockeye salmon counted through the Chilkoot River remained high last week. Anglers are warned to be bear conscious due to recent bear incidents (see BEAR ALERT below). As of September 6th, 72,964 sockeye had been counted through the weir. This compares with the five year average of 53,725 sockeye salmon counted through the weir. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River drainage. Average daily weir counts of salmon are presented below.
The catch of sockeye salmon in the Chilkat River fish wheels has been above average. As of September 6th, 4,097 sockeye had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is compares with the average of 3,782 for this date. Good places to fish for them are in Chilkat Lake and clearwater tributaries of the river. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and twelve in possession in the Chilkat River drainage. Average daily fish wheel salmon catches are presented below.
It is another record year for pink salmon returning to the area. An all time record 101,869 had been counted through the Chilkoot River weir by September 6th. The average for this date is 42,768 pink salmon (see graph below). A total of 5,810 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels as of September 6th which is well above the average of 2,370 for this date. Anglers are allowed to keep six per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River. In the Chilkat River you are allowed six pink salmon per day and twelve in possession.
Halibut fishing has been good in the area although the weather has made it difficult to get out on the water. Dolly Varden can be caught in saltwater along the shorelines of Chilkat Inlet, Lutak Inlet, and Portage Cove, and in freshwater along the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers. The limit for Dolly Varden is 10 per day and in possession except in the Chilkoot drainage where the bag and possession limit is four Dolly Varden.
Important Announcements and Reminders:
BEAR WARNING……Anglers should be aware that there have been a number of brown bear and human interactions along the Chilkoot River in recent days. For example, a sow has been frequenting the fishing area below the weir and recently obtained fish from an angler who refused to stop fishing when the bear approached. This situation is very dangerous for both anglers and the bear. The bear learns to associate anglers with food making a dangerous situation for all anglers and will likely result in the bear having to be killed. You can help to reduce these incidents by following these guidelines: [ul] [li]Clean your fish in the river, and place fish remains in swiftly moving water. [li]Cease all fishing activity when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at a point where the bear could obtain your fish if you hooked one, whichever is greater. Immediately release your hooked fish (by cutting or breaking the fishing line) when a bear approaches to within 100 yards or at the point when it is attracted by your struggling fish, whichever is greater. If anglers are in a boat, you may move to deeper water to maintain separation between the angler and the bear. Make every effort (including releasing hooked fish) to prevent a bear from obtaining your fish. [li]Store your food, fish and garbage in your vehicle (or bear-resistant container) at all times. Never leave your food, fish or garbage unattended. We encourage you to clean your fish, to bag it immediately, and to store it in a cooler in your vehicle. [li]Do not cast at bears. [li]Do not eat along the river. [li]Avoid fishing early in the morning or late at night. This is when bears are most active. [li]Avoid fishing in areas which bears are known to frequent such as the east shore (opposite side from the road). [li]Camp only in the campground at the lake or at one of the commercial campgrounds. [li]Use the outhouses provided in the campground. [li]Leave pets in your vehicle, or have them under leash control at all times. If you must feed your pet, do so at your campsite and clean up any dropped food. [li]Do not use firearms to scare or warn bears. This could result in a wounded bear. [li]If a bear approaches, stand your ground and speak in a normal voice. Never run away from a bear. Don’t whistle, call to, or otherwise try to get a bear’s attention. [/li][/ul]
Pullen Creek opened to king salmon fishing. Effective August 4th, Pullen Pond and Pullen Creek above the pond in Skagway are open to sport fishing for king salmon. In this area, the bag and possession limit is ten king salmon of any size, and the nonresident annual limit for king salmon does not apply. This regulation will remain in effect through September 14, 2004. This additional opportunity is being provided to allow harvest of hatchery-produced king salmon released at Pullen Creek, where returning adult king salmon are expected to exceed broodstock needs.
Yukon Residents to Pay Less for Sport Fishing Fees Beginning in 2005: Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed a bill adopting reciprocal sport fishing fees for residents of the Yukon. Specifically, the bill would enable a Yukon resident to receive a nonresident sport fishing license or a king salmon tag for the same annual fee that an Alaska resident would pay.
"I am pleased to support this legislation, because it fosters good relations with our neighbors in Yukon," Murkowski said. "It will give Yukoners who come to Southeast to fish for salmon a little bit of a break, yet will still require them to comply with nonresident restrictions, such as bag limits."
Yukon residents will continue to pay nonresident fees through the remainder of this year. The reduced fees become effective January 1, 2005.
King Salmon Bag Limits: Current king salmon bag and possession limits for sport anglers fishing in the marine waters of Southeast Alaska are as follows:
Ø Alaska residents: bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; no annual limit.
Ø Nonresidents: bag and possession limit of one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; annual limit of three fish.
These regulations are based on the preseason abundance index determined by the Pacific Salmon Commission’s Chinook Technical Committee, as directed by the Southeast Alaska king salmon management plan.
For more information about the sport fisheries in Southeast Alaska, contact the nearest Southeast Alaska ADF&G office or visit: [url "http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm"]http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region1/r1home.htm[/url]
2004 Sport Fishing Licenses and King salmon tags: Remember to buy your 2004 sport fishing license and king salmon tag (if going after kings) before heading for the water.
2004 Sport Fishing Regulations Booklets: The 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary will be available by late April at Fish and Game Offices and many sporting goods stores throughout the Northern Southeast area. If you are rusty on the regulations, please pick up a regulation booklet and refresh your knowledge prior to going fishing.
The Use of Bait: The use of bait is permitted year-round in the Skagway Area and in the Chilkat and Chilkoot River drainages except as noted below. The use of bait is prohibited year-round in Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes. The inlet and outlet streams to Chilkat and Mosquito Lakes are closed to bait fishing now through September 15. This prohibition on the use of bait stems from concern over hook-and-release mortality on cutthroat trout that must be released if below the legal size for harvest.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) and Clams: Many people in Southeast Alaska like to take clams for personal consumption. Clam digging is popular but comes with some risk, primarily due to contamination of clam tissue with potentially lethal toxins accumulated during the so-called "red tides." This is a condition where small, single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates (a type of algae), increase in abundance in the marine waters during warmer times of the year, and which can turn the local waters reddish in color. The dinoflagellates produce a group of toxins that are collectively referred to as paralytic shellfish poison, or PSP.
These toxins are a natural byproduct of the algae's metabolism, and are accumulated in clams when they feed on the algae. People can get sick and even die if they eat clams contaminated with PSP. The risk goes up exponentially during the summer months when water temperatures increase and there are "blooms" of the dinoflagellate algae. Certain species of clams purge themselves relatively quickly of the toxins, others retain the toxins for considerable time, and can be hazardous to eat at any time of the year. Little neck or steamer clams are a safer target species because they tend not to concentrate the toxins as much, compared to butter clams, mussels, and even scallops. Mussels and butter clams can be very dangerous. Moreover, butter clams will retain the toxins for very long times. People should learn as much as they can about clam identification, PSP, and procedures to minimize risks of contracting paralytic shellfish poisoning, should they choose to take clams for consumption.
Fishing Guide Registration and Charter boat Logbooks: Once again, sport fishing guides and owners of guiding services businesses must register with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All businesses and guides registered in 2003 should have received renewal forms from the Department, which should be completed and returned. Individuals new to these activities can obtain registration forms from the Sport Fish Office in Haines (766-2625 or 766-3638). Additionally, the 2004 saltwater charter vessel logbooks are now available for businesses operating such vessels. Haines folks should come to the Haines Office and obtain their books. Please have your 2004 guide business registration number and your CFEC vessel license number with you. Business/vessel owners in outlying areas can call the Haines or Douglas office (465-4270) and work with a department representative for obtaining logbooks.

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PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND AREA

Chinook fishing traditionally is slow at this time of year off the west coast of POW however anglers did relatively well last week for the fourth straight week. Anglers fishing for chinook last week out of the ports of Craig and Klawock spent an average of 64 hours of effort per king salmon, when historically very few chinook are caught at this time of year. Coho salmon fishing slowed last week, as it took an average of 3 hours of effort to land a coho, slower than the five year average of 2 hours/fish. Halibut came in at 5 hours/fish, slower than the five-year average of 4 hours/fish. Anglers are still catching a few pinks. Anglers are reminded to check ADF&G 's main web page for in-season regulation changes for king salmon, lingcod and the prohibition on filleting of king, coho and lingcod until returning to port under the emergency order icon. Inquires about in-season changes can also be addressed by calling the POW office at (907) 826-2498 or dropping by the office in Craig.
Fresh water fishing on POW picked up with the rain we received at the end of last week. Streams are currently at moderate flows (September 7). The first large shot of coho entered island streams last week with the high flows brought on by the first good rain in a long time. Look for coho scattered throughout most streams. The best bet for coho is the Klawock River and anglers can also fish for these fish in salt water by fishing from the shoreline between Craig and Klawock. Hundreds of coho have been showing up at the Klawock Hatchery daily and thousands more will be showing up in the coming weeks. Anglers looking for trout fishing on Prince of Wales Island should consider Control, Klawock, Eagle, Red Bay, and No Name Lake as well as the Thorne River drainage just to name a few. Please check the regulation booklet for limits and other regulations that apply to these areas

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Gustavus area report was given as a chart.

Click this link to view chart [url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/weekly/gus.cfm"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/weekly/gus.cfm[/url]

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Petersburg/Wrangell Sport Fish Report

No new information since 8/16

older info can be viewed here
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/weekly/psg.cfm"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/weekly/psg.cfm[/url]

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Lower Cook Inlet Area
Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut fishing is slowing down somewhat throughout Cook Inlet. Numbers of large fish should be down, and fishing may be more spotty, but anglers can still be successful. Good fishing was reported last week off Point Pogibshi in 100-200 feet of water. Areas farther out and south of Point Adam should remain good when weather permits. The bag limit for halibut is 2 per day (4 in possession). [li]The 352.6 lb. halibut caught June 29 remains the Homer Halibut Derby leader. [/li][/ul]
Other Salt Water Fishing [ul] [li]Silvers are being picked up by anglers trolling in locations around Kachemak Bay. [li]The late-run silvers are in the Homer Spit Fishing Lagoon in good numbers and fishing has been good to excellent. Even though this fishery is at its peak, fishing is expected to remain good until mid-September. [li]The best bite in the Fishing Lagoon is early in the morning or on the flooding and ebbing tides. Spinners are working well inside the Lagoon, along with cut herring and cured salmon eggs below a bobber or drifted salmon eggs when the water is flooding into the Lagoon. [li]Lingcod season remains open until December 31. The minimum size limit is 35 inches, and the bag limit is 2 per day and 2 in possession. [li]Rockfish fishing is also open all year. Most rockfish are taken while targeting halibut or salmon. Rockfish caught in less than 60 feet of water generally survive release. The bag limits are 5 rockfish per day, no more than 1 of which may be a non-pelagic species. [li]Large schools of spiny dogfish are present in Cook Inlet. The bag limit for all sharks, including dogfish, is 1 fish per day and 2 per year, and they must be immediately recorded on the back of your license or harvest record card. Dogfish have the lowest urea content of any shark, and are good eating. Bleeding and gutting aren't required but are still recommended. [li]Anglers are reminded that all fish that are gaffed must be kept as part of that person's bag and possession limit. A person may not gaff a fish for which the fishing season is closed, that is not of legal size, or that is to be released. It is illegal to intentionally waste any species of sport-caught fish. [/li][/ul] Shellfish [ul] [li]The next series of clamming tides runs September 26-29. Again, a PSP warning has been issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation for Kachemak Bay. Clammers should read the "news release" information above and visit the website listed in the "Helpful Links" section of this report. [li]Dungeness, King and Tanner crab, and shrimp fisheries are closed in Cook Inlet and the Outer Gulf Coast. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters [ul] [li]Silvers are entering Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, but aren't biting readily, possibly because of the warm temperatures and very low water levels. [li]For salmon fishing cast small to medium spinners for best results. Silvers will be available through Labor Day. [li]Remember, salmon fishing is open only downstream of the forks in the Anchor River. Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River are open to salmon fishing only in the lower two miles downstream of department markers. [li]Dolly Varden continue to be caught in these three streams in fair numbers. Daily limits for Dollies is 2 per day/2 in possession. [li]Steelhead are starting to enter the rivers. Please familiarize yourself with the differences between a silver salmon and a steelhead. Rainbow/steelhead have black spots all over both lobes of the tail, while silvers have black spots only on the upper lobe of the tail. [li]Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately in these streams. [/li][/ul]

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Kenai Area
Kenai River
Salmon [ul] [li]Fishing for silver salmon on the lower Kenai River is reported to be good. Pink salmon fishing has been very good throughout the lower Kenai River. Silver and pink salmon will readily strike bright spoons, spinners, plugs, and Spin-n-Glos. [li]Multiple hooks and bait may be used from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the Upper Killey River. [li]Anglers are also reminded that after retaining a second silver salmon 16" or longer, you may not fish in the Kenai River downstream of the Upper Killey River for the remainder of that day. [/li][/ul]
Upper Kenai River and the Russian River [ul] [li]Although many late run red salmon are available in this area, most of the fish are in their spawning coloration, and anglers report only fair fishing.. [li]Anglers have been catching silver salmon in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas using fly and spinning gear. This area remains single-hook, no bait. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden has been good on the upper and lower Kenai River. Anglers are advised to check the regulations closely for retention and gear restrictions for the waters being fished. [/li][/ul] Kasilof River [ul] [li]Silver salmon fishing in the Kasilof River has been good. Anglers have also been catching a few pink salmon. [li]Bank anglers can access good fishing areas from the Crooked Creek campground off Cohoe Loop Road. Spinners in sizes 3 or 4, 1/2 ounce Pixees, and small Spin-N-Glos with salmon eggs are popular tackle choices for silvers. [/li][/ul] Swanson River [ul] [li]Although anglers continue to report catching silvers on the Swanson River in Nikiski, is likely past its peak. Dolly Varden and rainbow trout are also available in the Swanson River. [li]Try using small spinners or drifting eggs for best success. Bait and multiple hooks are allowed through September 15. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Although area lakes were last stocked in June, they don't see much fishing effort during salmon season. Now would be a great time to "take a break and fish a lake." Early mornings and late evenings are the best times. [li]Try Johnson Lake near Kasilof for rainbow trout, or Sport Lake near Soldotna for rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. [li]Floating eggs off a bobber or casting small spoons or spinners are popular methods while fishing in the lakes. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]Pike fishing should soon improve. Try early in the morning or late in the evening. [li]Stormy Lake and Arc Lake are two publicly accessible pike lakes. [li]Casting lures or flies that imitate small fish or other prey works well for northern pike. Bait fishing can also be productive. [/li][/ul]

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Anchorage Area
Salmon
Ship Creek [ul] [li]Last week's rain encouraged many new silvers to move into the creek. [li]The prime fishing time remains the flooding and ebbing tides. [li]The fishery is open 24 hours. [li]Continue to try spinners, spoons, cured eggs, and yarn flies.[/li][/ul]
Campbell Creek [ul] [li]Thanks to last week's rain, silvers can now be found from Dimond Blvd. to Piper St. [li]Silvers do not like to move during bright daylight hours, so look for them in deep holes, or look for them in the late evenings swimming upstream. [li]Bait and multiple hooks are allowed. [li]Remember, Campbell Creek is open to salmon fishing from Dimond Blvd. up to signs at Shelikof Street, then from signs just above Lake Otis Parkway to signs at the confluence of the North Fork and the South Fork. [li]It is closed to all fishing downstream of Dimond Blvd. and between Shelikof Street and Lake Otis Parkway.[/li][/ul]
Bird Creek [ul] [li]Since Bird Creek was not stocked with silvers last year, there will be little to no silvers returning this year. [li]The pink and chum run appears to be mediocre for an even year.[/li][/ul]
Other Turnagain Arm streams [ul] [li]The Twentymile River silver run has started, with anglers reporting sporadic success. [li]In Glacier Creek and Ingram Creek, anglers may find a few silvers, as well as pink salmon and small Dolly Varden. [li]There are several streams and sloughs that are closed to all fishing, and some that are closed to fishing for salmon. Please check pages 36-39 of the regulation booklet before heading out to fish.[/li][/ul] Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden and rainbow trout fishing in streams is good to excellent. [li]Egg patterns, beads, or small, dark-patterned dry flies continue to produce good catches. [li]On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street. [li]Be aware of bears if you go fishing in the Campbell Tract. See the bear safety link below for helpful information. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Cool nights are starting to drop the water temperature in local lakes. This will make the fish more active and easier to catch. [li]Delong Lake, Jewel Lake, Mirror Lake, and Sand Lake are the most recently stocked Anchorage-area lakes. Best success remains in the early morning or in the evenings, using bait under a bobber, or a small dark-patterned fly, or a size 0 spinner. [li]Maps to the lakes are available on the "Lake stocking" website below. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]Cooler water temperatures, brought on by cooler nights and rain, will make pike more active and easier to catch. Try Lower Fire Lake, Sand Lake and Cheney Lake during late evening or early morning for your best chance at success.[/li][/ul]

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Mat-Su Area
Fall fishing report for September and October
We will update this report if new information is available. Salmon
Northern Cook inlet is receiving record numbers of silver salmon in some streams. Good numbers of silvers are still entering area streams, and good silver salmon fishing is expected to continue through the end of the third week of September. Best success comes from the Talkeetna River, upper Little Susitna, and the upper Deshka River. [ul] [li]Willow Creek, Montana Creek, and the Eklutna Power Plant tailrace also usually see late silvers trickling in through mid-September. Jim Creek also has a late run of silvers through October. [li]In early September, fair to good silver fishing can be found in the tributaries and sloughs of the Yentna and Skwentna rivers. Most anglers try at Moose, Indian, Bottle, or Hewitt creeks. [li]Fair to good silver fishing should continue through mid-September in such West Cook Inlet streams as the Kustatan, Theodore, Chuit, and Lewis rivers. [li]Silver fishing is still good in Wasilla and Cottonwood creeks. These are weekend only fisheries, open only on Saturday and Sunday, and only from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm each day. [li]Silvers fishing should be fair to good in the Little Susitna River. Downstream of the Parks Highway bridge, bait is allowed through September 30.. Upstream of the bridge, the Little Su is single-hook, no bait year-round. [/li][/ul] Resident Fish [ul] [li]Rainbow trout fishing should be good to excellent until water levels drop and it's just too cold to fish. When water levels go down, look for trout in the deeper pools and side-sloughs, or in lakes. Keep in mind the single-hook, no bait restrictions are in place for many of the flowing waters. [li]Only catch-and-release fishing for rainbows and grayling is allowed year-round in Montana Creek. In Willow Creek, rainbow trout may not be retained downstream of the Parks Highway bridge. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing
With the cooler temperatures of fall approaching, lake fishing should improve. Mat-Su Valley lakes provide excellent fishing this time of year as fish become much more active, and feed in shallower water. A [url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pdfpubs/MatSuLakes.pdf"]stocked lake handout[/url] is available from Department of Fish and Game offices in Palmer and Anchorage and on the web page, to assist you in finding good angling opportunities. [ul] [li]In the Palmer/Wasilla area, Lorraine, Carpenter, Knik, Lucille, Kepler, Rocky, and Echo lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. [li]Lakes stocked with landlocked salmon are Matanuska, Finger, Beverly, Loberg and Klaire. [li]Arctic char are stocked in Benka, Finger, Irene, Long, Lynne, Marion, Matanuska, Prator, and Seventeenmile lakes. [li]Along the Glenn Highway northeast of Palmer, Lower Bonnie, Seventeenmile, Slipper, Long, Ravine, Weiner, Knob and North Knob lakes all have rainbow trout. [li]If it's Arctic grayling you're looking for, try Bruce, Canoe, Reed, Finger, Florence, Knik, Meirs, Lorraine and Kepler/Bradley lakes. [/li][/ul] Pike Fishing [ul] [li]Pike fishing success will continue to improve until freeze up. [li]For road-accessible pike fishing, try South Rolly, Tanaina, and Memory lakes. [li]For fly-in pike fishing, it's hard to beat Alexander and Trapper lakes. Pike are also to be found in Sucker, Donkey and Eightmile lakes. [li]For river fishing, try the sloughs of the Yentna and Susitna rivers.[/li][/ul]

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Prince William Sound Area Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut anglers have found fair to good luck for halibut throughout the Sound. [li]Halibut have moved into areas with salmon carcasses and can be found on underwater mounds in inlets with abundant pink salmon streams.[/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]Silver salmon are being caught in the Gold Creek area of Port Valdez. [li]Salt water silver salmon fishing has been slow near Whittier and at Flemming Spit near Cordova. [li]Silver salmon fishing has been excellent in Hinchinbrook Entrance and on the east side of Hinchinbrook Island. [/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]Mid-water fishing for pelagic rockfish has been good in the Port Etches area. [li]Pelagic rockfish will be found off the bottom above rock piles and points. [li]Mooching a red or green squid jig works best for mid-water rockfish and you may pick up a silver salmon. [li]Lingcod action has been consistently good in Hinchinbrook Entrance and near Cape Cleare.[/li][/ul]
Shellfish [ul] [li]Shrimp season will close on September 15 so get out and try for some late season shrimp. [li]Effort and success have been slow for shrimp but try inlet areas that have salmon streams nearby.[/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon [ul] [li]Rains last week brought in a large pulse of silver salmon to most streams [li]Eyak River remains a good bet for a fast limit of silvers near Cordova, as does Alaganic Slough. [li]Robe River near Valdez also has been producing silvers in the fly-fishing-only section below the Richardson Highway. [li]Northern and eastern Prince William Sound streams have also begun to show some silvers, however, most streams are still low and full of spawning pink salmon. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden char can be caught in streams with salmon runs. [li]Dollies will also begin to start looking for their own spawning streams soon and will change into spawning colors. [/li][/ul]

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Resurrection Bay Area
Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]It is that time of the year when the halibut fishing starts to slow down. The weather gets nasty and the big flat fish start to move into deeper over-wintering habitat. [li]Halibut fishing outside the bay remains good to very good with the best fishing still found to the east toward Montague Island. [li]Good halibut fishing can also be found west toward Aialik and Harris bays.[/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]Silver fishing in Resurrection Bay is good, and the head of the bay is where the best fishing is to be found. [li]The Seward beach fishery is picking up. Some, but not all, flood tides are starting to bring nice fish into the shore. These can be caught from the shore, by trolling right off the shore, or anchoring and casting spinners. [li]Try the beach off the Seward Lagoon outflow, the beach of Lowell Creek, or the South Beach off Lowell Point.[/li][/ul]Fresh Waters
Salmon -Resurrection Bay [ul] [li]There is no fresh water salmon fishing open in Resurrection Bay drainages. [/li][/ul]Northern Pike/Atlantic Salmon [ul] [li]Please report the catch of any northern pike or Atlantic salmon as soon possible to ADF&G at (907) 267-2218[/li][/ul]

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Kodiak Area
Salt Waters [ul] [li]Saltwater fishing for halibut, lingcod and rockfish was reported as good to excellent last week. [li]Trolling for silver salmon has continued to be excellent. [li]King salmon are also being taken and success was reported as good to poor last week. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Silver Salmon [ul] [li]Silver salmon on the Kodiak Road System are getting off to an early start and several returns appear to be very strong. [li]As of September 6, the silver count on the Buskin River was 6,800, which is the highest count on record and over double the average count for this time of year. Because of the large count, the entire Buskin River drainage was opened to sport fishing for salmon on Saturday, September 4. [li]Remaining Road System streams which drain into Monashka and Chiniak bays will remain closed to salmon fishing upstream of the Chiniak Highway until the normal opening date of September 16. [li]Silver abundance in the Olds has been reported to be increasing. [li]Silver abundance in the Pasagshak has been reported as high. In 2003, the Pasagshak received a record return and over 8,000 silvers were counted on one foot-survey. Both the Buskin and Pasagshak are noted for the large size of their silvers. Since the Pasagshak does not drain into Monashka or Chiniak, the entire Pasagshak is open to salmon fishing all year.[/li][/ul]
Dolly Varden [ul] [li]Large numbers of Dolly Varden continue to enter freshwater drainages along the Road System to feed and spawn. Some of the more popular places to fish for Dolly Varden include the Buskin, American, and Olds rivers and Salonie Creek.[/li][/ul]

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Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area Here is their last update. Fishing Report for August 19, 2004

Salmon opportunities during August in the Upper Copper Upper Susitina drainages continue to be slow with the continuing dry weather that we are experiencing. Sockeye salmon are available in most area streams throughout August. Coho salmon will begin arriving in Copper River tributaries downstream of the Klutina River. The bag and possession limit for salmon species other than chinook salmon is 3 per day 3 in possession.
Lake trout fishing should be good during August. Boat anglers will have the best success fishing in the deeper cooler water with lures. Water is stratified during August and fishing will be good in Lake Louise, Lake Susitna and Tyone lake also Summit near Paxson. Good choices for fly-in anglers are Crosswind, Copper and Tanada Lakes. Lake trout are vulnerable to over harvest because of their slow growth and late maturity, please respect bag limits and use proper catch and release techniques.
The stocked lakes will provide good angling opportunities through the month of August. Fishing during the morning and the evening
tends to be more productive; however, fish can be caught throughout the day. For rainbows try Van, Sculpin and Silver Lakes off the Chitina-McCarthy Road, Ryan, Buffalo and Tex Smith off the Glenn Highway, Old Road and Round off the Lake Louise Road. For grayling try the Little Nelchina and Gulkana Rivers and Meiers Lake along the Richardson Highway.

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Kuskokwim Area
There is no recent information posted. Here is the last update.

Fishing Report for August 12, 2003

The following is a briefing of recent sport fishery conditions to the Lower Kuskokwim/ Lower Yukon and Kuskokwim Bay sport fisheries. Sport fishing regulations for the lower Kuskokwim and lower Yukon rivers are published in the [url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/html/aykregs.stm"]2003 Region III Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim and Upper Copper/Upper Susitna River Regulations Summary[/url]. You can also pick up a copy of the Regulations at local license vendors, or at Fish and Game offices. [url "http://www.state.ak.us/adfg/sportf/region3/rgn3home.htm"]The Sport Fish web page[/url] is an excellent reference site to browse through sport fishing regulations and many services provided by the Department, such as purchasing a license or current fisheries information or in-season regulation changes by emergency order (EO).
Many of the fisheries in Alaska are under dual management with State and Federal agencies and the complexity of regulations can be intimidating. It is your responsibility to know the land status and regulations of your activities.
Emergency Orders and Regulation Changes
The sport fishery for chinook (king) and chum salmon in the entire Kuskokwim River drainage opens on 15 June with the daily bag and possession limit of one (1) chinook (king) OR one (1) chum salmon per day. Further details are located on the [url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/EONR/index.cfm"]EO web page[/url]
Waters subject to ANILCA Title VIII (including waters in which the United States has asserted a reserved water right) are open to fishing under state regulations but are subject to federal restrictions and closures. If you are planning on fishing in waters under federal subsistence jurisdiction, you must comply with federal regulations. To familiarize yourself with the federal regulations and how they may affect your planned activity, you should contact the federal agencies. In-season closures or temporary regulatory changes can occur at any time.

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End of Reports[url "javascript: addTag('cool')"][cool][/url]

Happy fishing!!!!
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