Recent Fishing Reports for Alaska. 7/24

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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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Summary of Juneau Hotspots 7/12- 7/18, 2004
King Salmon: Backside of Douglas Island; Pt. Retreat; Skagway
Coho Salmon: Shelter Island; North Pass; Backside of Douglas Island; Cross Sound
Halibut: Poundstone Rock; South Shelter; Pt. Retreat; Icy Strait

SALMON
King Salmon: Catch rates last week for chinook salmon at some ports remained decent, and ranged from 5 rod hours per harvested chinook salmon in Skagway and Elfin Cove to 70 rod hours in Juneau and Wrangell.
In comparison to the five-year average catch rates for chinook salmon, last week's catch rates were better at Craig, Petersburg, Sitka, Wrangell, Skagway, and Elfin Cove, while poorer than the respective five-year averages at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Gustavus.
King Salmon fishing in Juneau continued its seasonal decline. It took marine boat anglers and average of 70 rod hours to land a king salmon. This is almost twice the amount of time that it took to land a king salmon the previous week. The five-year average is 63 hours and last year during the same week, it took 50 hours to land a king. Nearly all the king salmon included in the Juneau survey were harvested from the Auke Bay/Fritz Cove terminal harvest area, the backside of Douglas Island, Point Retreat, and South Shelter Island.

As king salmon become more mature and approach spawning condition, their skin will darken. The flesh of these dark fish will eventually become less firm and less desirable for eating; however "blush" colored fish or even some darker fish may still be of good eating quality.
[left]Shoreline anglers fishing for king salmon near the mouth of Auke Creek should be aware that an emergency order (EO) has been issued that prohibits snagging in salt water at the creek mouth. The purpose of this EO is to protect the small run of sockeye salmon bound for the Auke Lake drainage. This EO prohibits all incidental snagging as well as the act of snagging, regardless of whether or not a fish has been hooked. Anglers using large, weighted treble hooks will be considered as being in violation of this EO. All fishing sport fishing regulations for this area will be strictly enforced. Sport fishing violations observed in this area will result in the area being closed to all fishing.[/left] [left]To reduce incidental snagging, anglers should avoid using lures with treble hooks and try using lures that have single, smaller hooks (one-half inch or less between the point and shank). Also, casting and retrieving whole herring or salmon roe from a bobber is a good way of catching these king salmon while reducing incidental snagging[/left] [left]The area where snagging is prohibited is in the immediate area of the mouth of Auke Creek. By definition, this area encompasses all saltwater inside of a boundary line that from the Auke Bay Laboratory's boat dock south to the buoys marking the location of the laboratory's salt water intake pipe, and finally extending to a departmental regulatory marker on the Fritz Cove Rd. shoreline [/left]

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Ketchikan Fishing Report for the week 7/12/04 to 7/18/04
The marine sport fishery in the Ketchikan area is continuing to improve for most species as more hatchery and wild stock salmon and bottom fish are showing in the local sport fishery. This weeks dockside surveys encountered a substantial number of anglers during randomingly scheduled sampling periods. Anglers on average spent 27 hours per king salmon, 4 hours per halibut,33 hours per chum salmon, 16 hours per coho salmon, 2 hours per pink salmon, 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. Anglers are reminded to check ADF&G's main web page for any in-season regulation changes under the Emergency Order icon such as the 12 fish king salmon bag limit in the Mt. Point and Neets Bay terminal harvest area which is currently in effect until the end of July. Anglers interested in shoreline saltwater fishing should consider Thomas Basin ( single hook area only), Herring Cove and the Mt. Point area where large numbers of coho and pink salmon have arrived and are available for our local sport fishery. Herring Cove still has a large number of dark king salmon present and available for harvest. All anglers utilizing the Herring Cove shoreline fishery are reminder not to trespass across local residents property, do not litter, and to only fish seaward of the green painted rocks which designates the freshwater/saltwater boundary. 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 continued to improve at these locations with increased fish activity by pink and summer run coho salm on plus the arrival of a few rain storms. Ketchikan Creek is closed to all sport fishing from May 16th through September 14 unless opened earlier by emergencey order. Anglers looking for other 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 for the week of July 12-18, 2004
Fishing for king salmon continued to be 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. This compares with the average of 30 hours per king for that week. We are expecting the first significant return of hatchery king salmon to the Skagway Area from smolt released in 2000 and 2001. As a result, look for king salmon fishing to be good in Taiya Inlet for the next several weeks. Special king salmon regulations for anglers fishing in Taiya Inlet north of the latitude of Taiya Point are in effect through Thursday July 31, 2004. During this period, the daily bag and possession limit in Taiya Inlet is two king salmon of any size, and king salmon caught in Taiya Inlet do not count toward the nonresident annual limit. In addition, the salt water area off the mouth of Pullen Creek is closed to sport fishing during this time. More information on these regulations is provided below under the Taiya Inlet Hatchery Terminal Harvest Area.
King salmon bag and possession limits for anglers fishing in Chilkat Inlet increased effective June 3rd through July 31st (see announcement below).
The number of sockeye salmon counted through the Chilkoot River picked up last week. The weir was pulled due to high water on June 19th, and was not fish tight until the afternoon of June 27th. As of July 18th, 13,557 sockeye had been counted through the weir but an unknown number passed through while the weir was open. Water levels have been high and steady for the past week. Anglers are allowed six sockeye per day and in possession in the Chilkoot River drainage.
The catch of sockeye salmon in the Chilkat River fish wheels has been slightly above average so far. As of July 18th, 1,270 sockeye had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels. This is compares with the average of 1,139 for this date. Good places to fish for them are in Chilkat Lake and clearwater tributaries of the river in coming weeks. 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 shaping up to be another record year for pink salmon returning to the area. An all time record 1,155 had been counted through the Chilkoot River weir by July 18th. The average for this date is 200 pink salmon (see graph below). A total of 914 had been caught in the Chilkat River fish wheels as of July 18th which is also a record for this date (average = 327). 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 improving in the area. There have been several reports of anglers landing 100 lb and larger fish last week. Dolly Varden are dropping out of local lakes and streams to feed in salt 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.

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Sitka area
Coho Salmon
Catch rates for coho salmon were very good last week. Anglers last week averaged 3 hours per king salmon; this is 1 hour more than the 5-year average for this second week in July.
Anglers returning to any port on the Sitka road system may not head or fillet king salmon, coho salmon, or lingcod prior to returning to port and offloading unless fish are preserved or consumed onboard. Once anglers have tied their boat to a docking facility or to existing fish cleaning stations, king salmon, coho salmon, and lingcod may be filleted and headed on board. In Sitka, cleaning stations are available in New Thomsen Harbor on float 11. This regulation does not prohibit anglers from gutting and gilling king and coho salmon before returning to port.
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=04%2F22%2F04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast"]Filleting & De-Heading News Release[/url]. Halibut
Fishing for halibut is also good; anglers last week averaged 2 hours per halibut harvested. The five-year average is 2 hours per halibut for this same week. The best fishing for halibut has been on the outside of Kruzof Island, but anglers have also had good success fishing inside waters. For more information on halibut fishing in the Sitka area vist:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/halibut.pdf"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/halibut.pdf[/url]. Lingcod
Fishing for lingcod in the Sitka area is closed from June 16 through August 15. The lingcod season will reopen August 16 and remain open until November 30. During this open period, the bag and possession limits will be one lingcod per day and two in possession for all anglers. For lingcod harvested by guided and nonresident anglers, a 30-inch minimum and 40-inch maximum size limit will be in effect. Additionally, guided and nonresident anglers may land lingcod only by hand or with a landing net. Lingcod regulations can be found on page 11 of the 2004 Southeast Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary.
Anglers returning to the port of Sitka may not head or fillet lingcod prior to returning to port and offloading unless fish are preserved or consumed onboard. Once anglers have tied their boat to a docking facility or to existing fish cleaning stations, lingcod may be filleted and headed on board.
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=4%2D27%2D04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/eonr/nr.cfm?nr=4%2D27%2D04&region=Region%201%2Dsoutheast[/url]. Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden fishing in the Sitka area will continue to improve as salmon return to their natal streams.
For more information on fishing for Dolly Varden in the Sitka area visit:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/dv.pdf"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/dv.pdf[/url]. Trout
Local streams and lakes are producing fair catches of trout.
For more information on fishing for steelhead and trout in the Sitka area visit:
[url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/trout.pdf"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/sitka_guide/pdfs/trout.pdf[/url].
All anglers are responsible for knowing the current regulations for the area that they will be fishing. Regulation handbooks and copies of the most current regulatory changes are available at the Sitka ADF&G office and on this web site. For further information, please feel free to contact Bob Chadwick, Sitka Area Management Biologist, at (907)747-5355. For more information on sport fishing in the Sitka area, please visit: [url "http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/SF_R1home.cfm"]http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region1/SF_R1home.cfm[/url].

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PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND AREA
POW rpt for 7/12-7/18
Salt-water fishing off the west coast of Prince of Wales (POW) Island was excellent again last week. For anglers fishing for chinook last week out of the ports of Craig and Klawock it took an average of 11 hours of effort per king salmon, the same as the previous week, and better than the 5-year average of 29 hours/fish. Coho salmon fishing was excellent last week, as it took an average of 3 hours of effort to land a coho, right at the five-year average. Halibut came in at 1 hour/fish, better than the 5-year average of 4 hours/fish for this same time period, and the best of any Southeast port sampled last week. Anglers are also catching a few pinks and chums. 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.
Salt-water fishing off the west coast of Prince of Wales (POW) Island was excellent again last week. For anglers fishing for chinook last week out of the ports of Craig and Klawock it took an average of 11 hours of effort per king salmon, the same as the previous week, and better than the 5-year average of 29 hours/fish. Coho salmon fishing was excellent last week, as it took an average of 3 hours of effort to land a coho, right at the five-year average. Halibut came in at 1 hour/fish, better than the 5-year average of 4 hours/fish for this same time period, and the best of any Southeast port sampled last week. Anglers are also catching a few pinks and chums. 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.

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Petersburg/Wrangell King Salmon and Halibut fishing:
The local emphasis on area saltwater fishing has changed to primarily fishing in the Wrangell Narrows for king salmon and Halibut fishing in Frederick Sound and Sumner Strait. After a spell of hot dry weather and smaller tides, fishing activity has picked up dramatically for Chinook salmon in Wrangell Narrows. Fish have also been entering Blind Slough with the rising tide, giving the shorebased anglers action at the Blind River Rapids either on the rising tide or at low water when some of the fish hold in pools downstream of the rapids. Anglers can continue to seek king salmon in areas near Petersburg such as Beacon Point and Point Frederick but the catch rates in these locations are much lower than in Wrangell Narrows where anglers are doing well to catch fish returning to Crystal Lake Hatchery. The current catch rates for chinook salmon is estimated at 7 hours per fish in the Petersburg area, between 6/21 and 6/27. Halibut fishing has continued to pick-up in Frederick Sound and Sumner Strait locations, with the most recent catch rate estimated at 5 hours per fish. For Halibut in Frederick Sound, anglers have been succeeding in about 300 feet of water, with some successes also in shallower waters. In Sumner Strait, anglers can fish in shallower waters with varied success. Try to fish the slack tides with heavy duty gear and use whole herring for bait. Coho salmon should begin to turn up in saltwater areas in greater numbers soon, and I heard of one being caught from shore along the Wrangell Narrows in Petersburg in the last week. Anglers will begin to find coho salmon returning to the Crystal Lake Hatchery in the Wrangell Narrows and catch them by trolling or spincasting with spinners or spoons. Late in July and in August, they will be entering the fresh water areas of Blind Slough. Wild coho stocks in other area streams will be a bit later in August and September.
In Wrangell, Babbler Point or right in front of town off Point Highfield can be good places to find chinook this time of year. Fish returning to Sumner Strait (near Baht Harbor) Vank Island, and Elephants Nose are also popular places to fish. Although hatchery releases of Chinook have been discontinued at Earl West Cove, some adult Chinook should be returning and available to anglers there. The hatchery release program for Chinook and other salmon has moved to Anita Bay, and adult Chinook returning there have been started producing some medium sized fish, corresponding to 3-ocean age classes returning. In any event, trolling a fresh or frozen herring , whole or cut-plug are the methods of choice among local anglers. Last weeks catch rate for chinook salmon was 10 hours per fish in the Wrangell area.
Other area fishing:
Although a bit early for coho fishing in most areas, some anglers have reported catches of coho in Sumner Strait between Pt Baker and Snow Pass, and nearing Neck Lake on the East side of Prince of Wales Island. Cutthroat trout fishing may be available in local creeks although many of the larger sea-run fish may have left the creeks by now, and stream levels are very low from our dry summer. Dolly Varden fishing in the Petersburg Harbor continues in and around the docks and cannery outfalls, but anglers are also catching them at Blind River Rapids while fishing for Chinook salmon. Herring fishing has picked up in and around the Narrows in Petersburg, and many small scrapfish are available for young anglers fishing from the docks. Schools of smelt and cod, and numbers of flounder are keeping the action up and providing for competition in the Petersburg annual Scrap Fish Derby held on the holiday weekend.

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Anchorage Area Fresh Waters
Ship Creek Salmon [ul] [li]The silvers are starting to arrive. More silvers are caught each day. [li]Your best bet right now is to fish the flood tide with spinners, or drift cured eggs.[/li][/ul]
Campbell Creek salmon: [ul] [li]Campbell Creek is currently closed to salmon fishing. One section will open to silver salmon fishing July 25.[/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 pinks and chums are starting to arrive and fishing is good.[/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden and rainbow trout fishing in locals streams is good to excellent. [li]Egg patterns and beads produce the best catches now. [li]On Campbell Creek you may keep rainbow trout only if you are downstream of the forks located by Piper Street [li]There has been brown bear activity in the Campbell Tract. Expect to see a brown bear if you fish in the Campbell Tract, so be prepared. See the bear safety link below for helpful information. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Many lakes have been recently stocked. [li]This week try Jewel Lake, Delong Lake, or Mirror Lake. [li]Lakes continue to be warm, but fly fishers are still having good catches during evening and morning hours. [li]Hike into Rabbit Lake for some good rainbow fishing. Pack your fly rod. [li]To find out if your favorite lake has been stocked go to "Lake Stocking, " below. This website is updated by Thursdays with the type and size of fish stocked. Maps to the lakes are also available on the website. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]Lower Fire Lake, Sand Lake and Cheney Lake all contain pike. [li]The best time to fish for pike is during the evening. [li]A bobber and frozen herring or a surface lure both work well. Spears and bow
and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow) are also legal methods in the Anchorage area. [li]There is no bag limit on pike: you may take as many as you will use[/li][/ul]

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Prince William Sound Area Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut angling has continued to be good out of Valdez and Whittier. [li]Whittier anglers report good luck close to the port near Pigot Point and Perry Passage. [li]Red Head has been good for boats out of Valdez. [li]The area around Cape Cleare has produced some larger halibut.[/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]Chum and pink salmon are holding off stream mouths waiting for rain. [li]Lake Bay has been excellent for chum salmon. [li]Silver salmon fishing has been fair and on the increase. [li]Silvers have been caught in Beartrap Bay and near Hinchinbrook Island. [li]Look at the mouths of streams for early silver salmon. [/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]Lingcod fishing has been excellent in the Lighthouse area of Hinchinbrook Island and down south by Cape Cleare. [li]Knowles Head and Bligh Reef have been fair for lingcod[/li][/ul]
Shellfish [ul] [li]Shrimpers have found good catches of shrimp near Whittier in Passage Canal. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon [ul] [li]Eyak River is still productive for red salmon. [li]Coghill lake and river have slowed, but limits of red salmon can still be caught up by the lake. [li]Hartney bay and creek have been excellent for pink and chum salmon. [li]Silvers are now occasionally being caught in many streams in the Sound. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Dolly Varden fishing has been excellent at Eshamy as well as in other lake systems in the Sound. [li]Cutthroat trout fishing has been spotty on the Cordova road system since low and warm water conditions have made trout hide in cool-water areas. [/li][/ul]
Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Ruth Pond and Thompson Lake have been productive for stocked rainbows. [/li][/ul]

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Mat-Su Area Fresh Waters
Personal Use [ul] [li]The Fish Creek sockeye salmon count as of July 20 was only 3,053 fish. It is not expected to reach a level that will allow the opening of the Fish Creek personal use dipnet fishery. [/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]King fishing has tapered off at the Eklutna Tailrace. A few silvers have been taken there. [li]Silver and sockeye salmon are showing up at Jim Creek. [li]Silver salmon fishing is picking up in the Little Susitna River (no bait until August 6). You will also find a few chums and sockeye. [li]Silvers and pinks can be found at the mouths of the Deshka River and Alexander Creek. Remember, in Alexander Creek if you hook a rainbow trout, Dolly Varden or Arctic grayling they must be released. In the Deshka River upstream of the forks at Moose and Kroto creeks, all rainbow trout must be released. [li]Pink salmon are expected in large numbers in the Susitna River drainage this year. Look for them in the Parks Highway streams this weekend along with a few silvers and chums. Willow Creek is closed to salmon fishing upstream of Deception Creek and Montana Creek is closed to salmon fishing upstream of a marker ½ mile above the Parks Highway crossing. [li]On the West Side of Cook Inlet, silvers are entering the Chuit and Theodore rivers. Once you take your limit of coho salmon in this area you must stop fishing for the day. [li]On the west side of Cook Inlet, silvers are starting to enter the Chuit and Theodore rivers. Once you take your limit of coho salmon in this area you must stop fishing for the day. [li]No sockeye or coho salmon have been reported at the mouth of Cottonwood Creek. This is a weekend only fishery, from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday only. [li]Wasilla Creek is open to fishing for salmon, other than king salmon, from its mouth upstream to the Alaska Railroad Bridge. This is a weekend fishery, from 6:00 am through 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday only. Motorized watercraft may not be used on Wasilla Creek on Saturday and Sundays, July 15 - August 15. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish [ul] [li]Rainbow trout and Arctic grayling fishing in Willow and Montana creeks as well as other Parks Highway streams has been good. Remember that a portion of Willow Creek and the entire Montana Creek drainage are catch-and-release. Only unbaited single hook artificial lures are allowed upstream of the Parks Highway. In Willow Creek, only unbaited single hook artificial lures are allowed upstream from a marker placed ½ mile upstream from the mouth. Be sure to check the regulation booklet for other restrictions. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Lake fishing continues to be good. Try Boot, Beverly, Canoe, Christiansen, Crystal, Farmer, Loon, Marion, Ruby, Seventeenmile, Tanaina, and South Rolly lakes for rainbow trout. [li]For Arctic grayling, · Canoe, Finger, Florence, Ida, Kepler/Bradley, Knik, Lorraine, Meirs, Mile 180, Weiner and Reed lakes are good bets. [li]Benka, Echo, Irene, Lynne, Marion, Matanuska, Memory, Prator, and Seventeenmile lakes are all stocked with Arctic char. [li]For a single lake with a wide variety of fish, try Finger Lake. It has rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Arctic char and landlocked king salmon. [/li][/ul] Northern Pike [ul] [li]Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (the arrow must be attached to the bow by a line) bait, spin, and fly-fishing. Try top water weedless lures and flies in the heavily-vegetated bays and sloughs. Herring suspended under a bobber is a sure fire bet. [li]Except in Alexander Lake, there is no closed season or bag limit for pike in this area. Remember, wanton waste laws apply, so be sure to use or donate to charity all the pike you harvest. [li]For road-accessible pike fishing, try Memory Lake, Long Lake, or lakes in the Nancy Lake canoe system. [li]Pike are also present in the lakes, ponds and sloughs of the Susitna River drainage. Boat-accessible locations for pike fishing include the side sloughs of the Deshka River, Alexander Creek, Fish Creek (Kroto Slough) and Hewitt Lake. [li]For fly-in fishing try Alexander, Trapper, Hewitt, Whiskey, Vern and Donkey lakes.[/li][/ul]

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Kodiak Area Salt Waters [ul] [li]Saltwater fishing for halibut and rockfish is good this time of year. [li]Trolling for king salmon can vary, but has been excellent the last several weeks. Trollers are also starting to pick up good numbers of silvers. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Sockeye (Red Salmon) [ul] [li]The latest timed return of sockeye on the Kodiak Road System occurs in the Saltery River. [li]The department is not operating a weir this year and, as a result, sockeye are not holding in the river as much as they have in the past , making them harder to catch. For the last three years, Department creel census information indicates that anglers average a catch rate of three Saltery River sockeye per day. Preliminary creel census information for 2004 indicates that the catch rate has dropped to less than one sockeye per day. [li]The Saltery return continues through July[/li][/ul]
Dolly Varden [ul] [li]Dolly Varden are entering freshwater drainages along the Kodiak Road System in good numbers. Some of the more popular places to fish for Dolly Varden include the Buskin, American, Olds and Saltery rivers, but many Road System streams have Dollies. [/li][/ul]
Pink Salmon [ul] [li]Pink salmon are showing up along Pillar and Chiniak beaches. [li]Look for pink salmon abundance to continue to increase over the next several weeks. [li]Ocean beaches in front of streams are good places to fish for pinks because many fish are still bright silver.[/li][/ul]

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Resurrection Bay Area Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Halibut fishing outside the bay remains very good to excellent. [li]The hottest fishing is still found in waters east toward Montague Island. [li]Halibut fishing inside the bay is good but requires patience and keeping your bait on the bottom. [/li][/ul]
Salmon [ul] [li]The silver fishing remains hot, with silvers now being caught at Pony Cove, the Islands, and even around Caines Head. [li]Anglers are having luck with just about every method: trolling, mooching, and casting spinners and spoons. [li]Pinks, chums and kings are also being caught while fishing for silvers. [li]There are different limits for salmon, especially kings. Be sure you know how to identify your catch - check pages 8 and 9 of your Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet.[/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]Rockfish fishing continues to be good, with anglers catching mostly black rockfish. [li]Rockfish in Alaska are conservatively managed. Anglers are only allowed to retain one non-pelagic rockfish (such as yelloweye, tiger, or china) between Cape Puget and Gore Point. Please check page 10 of your Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before heading out. [li]Lingcod fishing in North Gulf Coast waters (NGC) has been good. [li]Lingcod must be 35 inches in length with the head on, and the limit is one fish. [li]Because Resurrection Bay is closed year-round to lingcod fishing, if you harvest a lingcod in NGC waters, you may not stop to fish in Resurrection Bay on the way into port. [/li][/ul] Fresh Waters
Salmon -Resurrection Bay [ul] [li]There is no fresh water salmon fishing open in Resurrection Bay drainages. [/li][/ul]
Resident Fish -Resurrection Bay and North Gulf Coast [ul] [li]Resident Dolly Varden fishing in local streams is good. [li]Egg patterns work the best now. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Look at the helpful links below to find out how to find a stocked lake. The lake stocking website is updated by Thursday every week. [/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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Kenai Area Kenai River Salmon [ul] [li]Fishing for late run king salmon on the Kenai River has been good. Water clarity is about average. [li]Late run red salmon are entering the Kenai River in decent numbers with good to excellent fishing reported. [li]The Division of Sport Fish asks for your cooperation around the Kenai River king salmon sonar site. If you see an ADF&G boat ready to test net the river, please courteously allow them the space to do so. The test net information is critical to the sonar project and the management of the fishery. [/li][/ul] Kasilof River Salmon [ul] [li]Second run king salmon are available in the Kasilof River, with anglers reporting slow fishing. [li]Kasilof River red salmon fishing varies from day to day, ranging from good to slow. [/li][/ul] Upper Kenai River and the Russian River [ul] [li]Late run red salmon are currently showing in excellent numbers in the Upper Kenai and Russian River areas. [li]Anglers are reminded that both the Russian River and the waters of the Kenai River near its confluence with the Russian River are fly-fishing only waters. [/li][/ul] Kenai River Resident Fish [ul] [li]Fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is now open on the entire Kenai River. [li]These fisheries will improve as rainbows and Dollies follow the spawning salmon. [li]Review the 2004 Southcentral Alaska Regulations Summary for fishing gear and retention restrictions. [/li][/ul] Lake Fishing [ul] [li]Warm waters usually slow lake fishing, so fishing success is usually best early in the morning and late in the evening. [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]Fishing success for northern pike will typically be slow during the summer months due to warmer water temperatures. [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]Pike can also be taken using a spear or with a bow and arrow as long as the arrow is attached to the bow by a line. [/li][/ul] Personal Use [ul] [li]The Kenai and Kasilof River dip net fisheries have seen several excellent days of fishing, but are currently reported as spotty. [li]The Kasilof River is open daily for personal use dip-netting, 24 hours per day, through August 7. [li]The Kenai River is open 24 hours per day, by emergency order, for personal use dip-netting through July 31. [li]Vehicular access to the Kenai River south shore is limited to the Dunes Road location. Please note signage for restricted beach access areas. [li]Personal use fishery participation is open only to those Alaskan residents who have maintained a permanent home in Alaska for at least the previous 12 consecutive months. [li]Kenai and Kasilof River personal use fishery permits are available from Fish and Game offices as well as most local license vendors. [/li][/ul]

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Lower Cook Inlet Area Salt Waters
Halibut [ul] [li]Anglers in Lower Cook Inlet experienced good weather, mild tides and successful fishing last week. Best sites were in waters 25-30 miles west of the Homer Spit, and around the Barren Islands in waters from 100-250 feet deep. [li]Halibut fishing in general is good to excellent well into August in Lower Cook Inlet, with weather being the key factor in how anglers fare on any given day. [li]Plenty of 50 lb. halibut are being caught, as well as the occasional barn door halibut. The big fish last week was a 334-pounder, which was not quite big enough to oust the current 352-lb. derby leader caught June 29. [li]Halibut daily limits are 2 per day/4 in possession. [/li][/ul]
Marine Waters King Salmon [ul] [li]King salmon fishing in the Anchor Point to Ninilchik marine waters is excellent. Fish in the 30-50 lb. range are being caught, as well as a few weighing 60-70 lbs. The best action is in 10 - 25 feet of water. Anglers are trolling up to one mile from shore using cut herring for bait or using spinners. Try fishing one hour before high tide through two hours after high tide. [li]Bluff Point and Point Pogibshi are the popular spots for trolling for feeders. Typical size in this area has been 10 to 20 lbs. [/li][/ul]
Other salt water fishing [ul] [li]The early run silver salmon are arriving at the Homer Spit Fishing Lagoon. Fishing is good and expected to be excellent for the rest of the month and into August. Twice the usual number of early-run silvers were stocked in the Fishing Lagoon, so this return should be a whopper! [li]The daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is 6 in the Lagoon area. Outside the Lagoon area, the daily bag and possession limit is 3. [li]Best results involve drifting salmon eggs near the inlet channel of the Lagoon, on the flooding and ebbing tides. Snagging is allowed inside Kachemak Bay except for the Fishing Lagoon area, which does not open to snagging until the salmon runs stocked there go off the bite. [li]Pinks are available at Tutka Bay. Pinks bite readily on spinners and spoons [li]Lingcod season is open. They must be at least 35 inches in length to be kept. Daily limits are 2 per day/2 in possession. Note: If anglers intend to release a fish, they may not gaff it in any way. [li]Best luck for catching lingcod is fishing the Barren Islands or the Chugach Islands areas. Rarely will anglers catch a legal size lingcod within Kachemak Bay, although undersized lingcod can occasionally be caught on the south side of Kachemak Bay west of Seldovia. [li]Rockfish may occasionally be caught by anglers trolling for salmon, and can usually be successfully released if caught in waters less than 60 feet and are handled carefully. Rockfish species in Alaska are conservatively managed; please consult page 10 of the 2004 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing regulation booklet before harvesting them. [/li][/ul] Personal Use [ul] [li]The China Poot dip net fishery continues to be open to Alaskan residents until August 7. The open area is the fresh waters of China Poot Creek upstream of ADF&G markers. [li]The bag and possession limits in China Poot Creek is six sockeye salmon per person per day. Tail fins must be clipped to mark these fish as personal use. [li]Personal use fishery participation is open only to those Alaskan residents who have maintained a permanent home in Alaska for at least the previous 12 consecutive months. [/li][/ul] Shellfish [ul] [li]The next series of clamming tides runs July 29-August 4. There is a minus 4.7 tide on August 1. [li]There are bag limits for razor clams, and bag and size limits for butter clams and littleneck clams. Please check page 15 of the regulation booklet before going clamming. [li]When digging for clams in Kachemak Bay, rebury clams that aren't taken neck up otherwise they are unlikely to survive. [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]The Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River waters remain low. Fishing is improving as Dolly Varden enter the rivers in increasing numbers. [li]The Dolly Varden bag limit is 2 per day/2 in possession. [li]King salmon fishing is closed in all three streams. King salmon 20 inches or longer may not be retained or removed from the water and must be released immediately. [li]The Anchor and Ninilchik rivers and Deep Creek are open to sport fishing (except for kings) from their mouths upstream approximately two miles to ADF&G markers. [li]Pinks are currently entering these systems and a few silvers have been sighted. [li]Try fresh salmon eggs, beads and small bright spinners and spoons for best results when fishing for Dolly Varden. Best fishing is in the early morning or evening hours in the tidal areas. [li]The upper portions of the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River are closed to all fishing until August 1. [li]Retention of rainbow/steelhead trout is not allowed year-round on these streams. Rainbow/steelhead must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water. [/li][/ul]

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Upper Copper Upper Susitna Area
Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Gulkana and Klutina Rivers. The Gulkana River is warm and low from the lack of rain but reports of sockeye catches have been reported. The Klutina River king salmon fishing has dropped off dramatically and sockeye catches are fair. King salmon fishing in the all Copper River tributaries (including the Gulkana, Tonsina and Copper River mainstem) closed July 20th. The exception is the Klutina River mainstem from 19.2 mile of the Klutina Lake Road downstream to the markers at the mouth, which is open through July 31st.
The hot weather has warmed the water and insect activity should be at its peak for grayling fishing. The smaller streams have very little water and the angler should head for larger rivers and streams. Rivers to try are the Little Nelchina and the Gulkana Rivers.
Silver Lake on the McCarthy Road has been producing good catches of rainbow trout from the recent stocking. Two and Three Mile Lakes near Chitina are also experiencing good fishing and are worth stopping on the way to McCarthy. With the recent warm temperatures and lack of rain, lower than normal water levels are occurring and more growth of water vegetation has been taking place. The use of a smaller boat or belly boat is recommended for better access to the fish.
Lake trout have moved into deeper water and trolling with large spoons and plugs with downriggers should get the lure to the proper depth, generally 20 feet or deeper. Large colored jigs are also good bounced off the bottom. Paxson, Summit and Lake Louise with its connecting lakes of Susitina and Tyone have good populations of lake trout. For remote fly-in lake trout fishing try Crosswind or Copper lakes. As always check the regulations for seasons, bag limits, size and gear restrictions before fishing.

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Kuskokwim Area
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.
Lower Kuskokwim River Tributaries
Salmon Fishing: Anglers have reported outstanding coho fishing recently in the lower reaches of the Kwethluk, Kasigluk and Kisaralik Rivers. An early and strong coho run has maintained itself through the historical midpoint of the run. All indicators suggest this run strength may continue for another week and then begin to fade following historical timing in the lower Kuskokwim River. Coho salmon will continue to trickle into the lower Kuskokwim through the early September. High and murky water conditions are subsiding in the upper and middle Kuskokwim tributaries; coho fishing at tributary confluences should be improving with coho fishing peaking during the second and third week of August. With a strong and early run of coho salmon, anglers fishing in Kuskokwim waters can expect superb coho fishing opportunities during the remainder of August into early September.
Chum salmon will begin spawning in earnest during mid August. Angler should be cautious near salmon spawning aggregations at this time of year; the bears are searching for spawn out salmon. A number of bears have been destroyed recently in the Kuskokwim area, be aware of your surroundings while you are fishing and keep a clean campsite.
Resident Species Excellent to good catches of grayling, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout has been reported in area streams. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing can be exceptional while salmon are spawning. Anglers will find grayling, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout picking up drifting salmon spawn behind spawning salmon. As spawning intensifies resident fish will become more particular with the bounty of food. A wide selection of egg and flesh patterns is essential for successful fishing during the peak of salmon spawning. The hiatus between chum and coho spawning often provides the best fishing of the year because these fish have been feeding heavily and as the food availability dwindles the bite improves until coho salmon begin spawning towards the end of September. Many of the upper reaches of Kuskokwim tributaries are designated as catch and release waters for rainbow trout and sport fishing is permitted with single-hook artificial lures.
Other species such as pike and sheefish can be located near ambush locations, try shallow waters near deeper cover waters or weedy areas for pike. Weedless lures or surface plugs are a good selection for pike and a bright spoon seems to work best for sheefish. With the changing of the season, pike will begin feeding more heavily during the early stages of the whitefish migration. Fall fishing for pike is often a bonus to the prepared moose hunters. Don't over look local high elevation lakes, they can provide excellent fishing opportunities for char/lake trout and Dolly Varden. Anglers will find these fish near outlets, inlets and or points that are adjacent to deep waters during the early morning or late evening hours. Kuskokwim Bay Tributaries
Salmon Fishing: The Kanektok coho run is just beginning to pick up in the lower area of the river. Mid August is the peak timing of coho entry into the lower Kanektok and Arolik Rivers. Coho salmon in the Goodnews drainage have a slightly delayed entry timing of approximately 5-7 days later than the Kanektok stock. By late August or early September coho salmon will be distributed throughout these drainage. Anglers are reminded that flowing waters of the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers are designated as single-hook artificial lure waters to protect rainbow trout.
Chum and sockeye salmon will begin spawning in earnest during mid August. Angler should be cautious near salmon spawning aggregations at this time of year; the bears are searching for spawn out salmon. A number of bears have been destroyed recently in the Kuskokwim area, be aware of your surroundings while you are fishing and keep a clean campsite.
Resident Species Fishing: Anglers have reported good to excellent catches of Dolly Varden and rainbow trout recently. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing can be excellent just before and during salmon spawning. Anglers will find Dolly Varden and rainbow trout trailing behind spawning salmon picking up drifting salmon spawn. As spawning intensifies fish will become more particular with the bounty of salmon spawn and salmon carcasses. A wide selection of egg and flesh patterns is essential for successful fishing during the peak of salmon spawning. The hiatus between chum and coho spawning often provides exceptional fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. These fish have been feeding heavily on salmon spawn and as this food supply dwindles the bite improves until coho salmon begin spawning towards the end of September. Don't forget your camera, as we progress into fall, many of the Dolly Varden will be displaying spectacular spawning colors. Anglers are reminded that in flowing waters of the Kanektok and Goodnews Rivers only single-hook artificial lures are permitted and catch and release regulations for rainbow trout in the Kanektok River continue through October 31.
Many of the high elevation lakes will continue to offer excellent fishing opportunities for char/lake trout and Dolly Varden particularly as salmon carcasses collect nearby many of the small streams outlets along the lakes. Local Perspectives
Anglers visiting western Alaska are encourage to respect the rights of private property owners and to respect traditional perspectives. Many local residents are concerned about catch and release fishing practices. Yupik people feel these practices are disrespectful to fish and are in conflict with their traditional ethics. These ethics teach that when animals are mistreated, the natural order becomes disrupted and people risk future food shortages. If disrupted, the fish will move away and may never return to the river. It is important that visitors acknowledge and respect these traditions by respecting their catch and observing careful catch and release practices. [ul] [li]Keep the fish in the water, [li]Use single hook lures or flies, [li]When taking pictures, cradle the fish with both hands, [li]Pinch your barbs down and [li]If you can not remove the fly easily, consider cutting the line or the hook. [/li][/ul]
Enjoy these western Alaska fishing opportunities, operate boats in courteous manner, pack out your waste and only leave your footprints.
This fishing report will be updated as conditions warrant.

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