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[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 09, 2007 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

For full details of any Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.
As of May 1, salt water sport fishing charter guides and crew are prohibited from retaining any fish species while paying clients are on board the vessel.
At their March 2007 statewide finfish meeting, the Alaska Board of Fisheries adopted the new regulations on the sport, personal use, and subsistence proxy fishing program, which are expected to become effective in June 2007. For more information, contact your local ADF&G office, or visit the Southcentral news release web site.
Fresh waters

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden are still in their over-wintering locations, such as Buskin Lake, but should shortly begin their annual seaward migration. Right now, look for Dollies in the shoal waters along the north end of Buskin Lake and also near the Buskin River outlet. Anglers may also find Dollies near outlet streams at most other large Kodiak lakes.
Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout are now available in the Kodiak Road Zone, primarily in the Buskin River, but also in the Saltery and Miam rivers. Anglers are reminded that Road Zone streams are catch-and-release only for rainbow/steelhead trout.
The best steelhead fishing in Kodiak’s Remote Zone can be found in the Karluk and Ayakulik rivers, although there are also fishable populations of steelhead in other drainages, including the Afognak, Malina and Portage rivers on Afognak Island, as well as the Dog Salmon, Sturgeon and Uganik rivers on Kodiak.
Lake Fishing

May can be one of best months to fish rainbow trout in the stocked lakes along the Kodiak road zone, as after ice-out the fish travel shoal areas in search of food. Visit the lower elevation lakes for open water fishing, since many of the higher elevation lakes may still be frozen. Although ADF&G currently stocks only sterile juvenile trout, some lakes with a stocking history dating to the 1950s may also contain spawning populations of adult fish. Rainbows typically spawn during the month of May. Anglers wishing to avoid catching these fish should target their effort away from flowing waters into or out of the lakes.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing in the Kodiak area typically is poor to fair in the early part of May, but reportedly improved last week. Right now, Chiniak Bay is the frequently-targeted area for halibut. At this time of year halibut are usually found in waters deeper than 30 fathoms.
Salmon

In recent years trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiak’s marine waters has become very popular. Chinook salmon can be fished successfully year-round, with typically excellent fishing success during May. Some of the best-known fishing spots along the road system are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4 and the deeper waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak Chinook salmon average 20 pounds, but fish up to 70 pounds are occasionally caught.
The first annual Kodiak King Salmon Derby will be held May 14 - 27, with proceeds from the tournament dedicated to enhancement of the local Chinook salmon fishery. Contact Kevin Brennan of the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association (486-6555, kraa@gci.net), Judi Kidder of the Kodiak Lions Club (487-2421), or visit the web address: www.kodiakcombos.com/kodiakkingsalmonrules.doc for additional information about the tournament. Other salt water fishing
Rockfish fishing is good throughout the month of May. The rockfish daily bag limit in Kodiak area waters is 10 fish of any species and 20 in possession. Pelagic species (black and dusky rockfish) are frequently caught and typically weigh between 3 and 4 pounds. Look for these two species in relatively shallow waters around rock pinnacles and outcrops, as well as prominent underwater rock structures. Occasionally, the more brightly-colored yellow-eye rockfish are caught in deep water and average 9 pounds. There are no size restrictions for harvesting rockfish. Anglers targeting rockfish are encouraged to fish for black or dusky rockfish in waters less than 10 fathoms (60 feet) to minimize mortality of released fish.
Lingcod fishing does not open until July 1.
Sharks are occasionally taken in the Kodiak area. The daily bag limit for sharks is one fish of any species, with an annual limit of two sharks of any species. Edible species include spiny dogfish and salmon sharks. All harvested sharks must be recorded immediately upon capture on your license or harvest record card. Please do not cut off the head or tail until after the fish is brought ashore to ensure that ADF&G port samplers have an opportunity to obtain measurements.
Beginning in late May, the Division of Sport Fish collects data from the recreational marine waters fishery in the Kodiak area. A department technician interviews returning anglers and samples halibut, rockfish, lingcod, and sharks for length, weight, "woops", and age, and also records individual catches of salmon. You can help the success of this program by agreeing to be interviewed and waiting to fillet or cut up any harvested fish until they can be sampled at the harbor by Department technicians. Information collected by this project is used to monitor the health of the fishery, advise halibut management agencies, and help the Board of Fisheries formulate regulations that protect fish stocks and provide sustainable fishing opportunities. For more information about the groundfish research program, contact Charlie Stock in the Homer ADF&G Office at (907) 235-1742.
Shellfish

May can be spotty for catching Tanner crabs due to their spring molting and mating cycle.
Dungeness crab will move to shallower waters in late May and June, and the females bury themselves in substrate, but on occasion legal-sized male crabs can be caught with dip nets in shallow waters off sandy beach fronts. Popular areas to catch Dungeness crabs include the Buskin and Pasagshak beaches.

thanks to ADF&G for that report

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 18, 2007 Kodiak Area EOs
2-RS-4-14-07
2-KS-4-08-07
2-KS-4-10-07
2-RS-4-16-07
 
 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.
As of June 1, the bag limit for king salmon in the Karluk and Ayakulik rivers has been lowered to one king per day, regardless of size.
During June and July, king salmon fishing is permitted in lower Pillar Creek, upstream to a department marker located approximately 300 yards from the ocean beach.
The bag limit for sockeye (red) salmon in the Buskin River has been increased from 2 to 5 per day, effective through July 15.
The bag limit for Karluk River drainage sockeye may be increased from 5 per day 10 in possession to 10 per day and 20 in possession.
Fresh waters

King Salmon

King salmon returns in the Karluk and Ayakulik have been below average. As of June 17 the weir count in the Karluk was 778 king salmon and 1,702 in the Ayakulik. The king salmon bag limit was lowered in these two rivers preseason, in anticipation of a poor return.
It appears that many salmon returns in the area many be late, and the strength of the Karluk and Ayakulik is still under evaluation. If weir counts do not improve shortly, it is likely that the king salmon sport fisheries will be further restricted.
Sockeye Salmon

The Buskin River sockeye salmon return is strong, and on Friday, June 15, the bag limit was increased from 2 to 5 fish per day. The weir count as of June 17 was 8,868. The return is typically 60% complete by this date.
The next sockeye to show up in the Road Zone are at the Pasagshak River. Fish start showing up in late June and the return is usually well underway by the Fourth of July weekend.
The Karluk is experiencing a very strong sockeye return and the weir count of 178,000 on June 17 projects a run in excess of the upper end of the escapement goal range of 100,000 – 210,000.
Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden have left the fresh waters. The best places to catch Dollies now are along ocean beaches. Pillar and Mission beaches are some favorite spots. Dollies will be entering most road systems streams again in early July
Lake Fishing

June is a good month to fish rainbow trout in the stocked lakes along the Kodiak Road Zone, as after ice-out the fish travel shoal areas in search of food. Visit the lower-elevation lakes for open water fishing, since many of the higher-elevation lakes may still be frozen.
Although ADF&G currently stocks only sterile juvenile trout, some lakes with a stocking history dating to the 1950s may also contain spawning populations of adult fish.
Salt waters

Halibut

June is usually a good month to fish for halibut in the Kodiak area.
Salmon

In recent years trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiak’s marine waters has become very popular. Chinook salmon can be fished successfully year-round, but success can vary from week to week.
Some of the best-known fishing spots along the Road Zone are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4 and the deeper waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak Chinook salmon average 20 pounds, but fish up to 70 pounds are occasionally caught.
Other salt water fishing

Rockfish fishing is good throughout the month of June.
Lingcod fishing does not open until July 1.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 25, 2007 Kodiak Area EOs
2-RS-4-14-07
2-KS-4-17-07
2-KS/RS-4-19
2-KS-4-08-07
2-KS-4-10-07
2-RS-4-16-07
 
 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.
The Ayakulik River will close to fishing for sockeye and king salmon on June 26. Bait in the entire drainage will also be prohibited through July 31.
The Karluk River drainage has been closed to fishing for king salmon for the remainder of the year. Bait has also been prohibited from the Karluk Lake outlet to the ocean. Any king salmon hooked accidentally while fishing for other species must not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
During June and July, king salmon fishing is permitted in Lower Pillar Creek from its mouth upstream to a Department marker located approximately 300 yards from the ocean beach.
The bag limit for sockeye (red) salmon in the Buskin River has been increased from 2 to 5 per day, effective through July 15.
The bag limit for Karluk River drainage sockeye has been increased from 5 per day and 10 in possession to 10 per day and 20 in possession, effective through July 15.
Fresh waters

King Salmon

King salmon returns in the Karluk and Ayakulik have been below average. As of June 24 the weir count in the Karluk was 1,245 king salmon; 2,482 in the Ayakulik. The Karluk closed to king salmon fishing on June 24 and the Ayakulik will close soon.
Sockeye Salmon

The Buskin River sockeye salmon return is strong, and the bag limit was increased from 2 to 5 fish per day. The weir count as of June 24 was 10,595. The return is typically 75% complete by this date.
Sockeye are starting to show at the Pasagshak River. Anglers have been catching fish for several weeks now and the return usually peaks around the Fourth of July weekend.
The latest Road Zone sockeye return is at Saltery Cove. This is also the largest return, averaging 40,000 fish. The return peaks in mid-July. An ATV or 4-wheeler is necessary to access the river by road.
The Karluk is experiencing a very strong sockeye return. The weir count of 238,000 on June 24 projects a run in excess of the upper end of the escapement goal range of 100,000 – 210,000.
Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden have left the fresh waters. The best places to catch Dollies now are along ocean beaches. Pillar and Mission beaches are some favorite spots. Dollies will be entering most Road Zone streams again in early July.
Salt waters

Halibut

June is usually a good month to fish for halibut in the Kodiak area.
Salmon

In recent years trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiak’s marine waters has become very popular. Chinook salmon can be fished successfully year-round, but success can vary from week to week.
Some of the best-known fishing spots along the Road Zone are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4 and the deeper waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak Chinook salmon average 20 pounds, but fish up to 70 pounds are occasionally caught.
Other salt water fishing

Rockfish fishing is good throughout the month of June. Lingcod fishing does not open until July 1.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 06, 2007 Kodiak Area EOs
2-RS-4-14-07
2-KS-4-17-07
2-KS/RS-4-19
2-RS-4-21-07
2-KS-4-22-07
2-KS-4-08-07
2-KS-4-10-07
2-RS-4-16-07
2-KS-4-28-07
2-SS-4-29-07
2-RS-4-32-07
2-RS-4-33-07
 
 

Emergency Orders and regulation remindersFor full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.
There are four Emergency Orders in effect for the Kodiak area:
The Afognak River and adjacent bay waters have been re-opened to fishing for sockeye (red) salmon.
The Ayakulik River has also been re-opened to sport fishing for sockeye.
All of the Buskin River drainage, including the waters upstream of Bridge #1, will remain open to salmon fishing for the remainder of the year. This Emergency Order applies only to the Buskin River. The waters upstream of the highway on those streams that drain into Chiniak and Monashka bay remain closed by regulation to salmon fishing from August 1 through September 15. Kalsin Pond is not a stream, so it remains open to salmon fishing.
The limits for Chignik River drainage king salmon have been reduced to 1 per day and 1 in possession, and the annual limit has been reduced to 2 king salmon per year.
Fresh waters

Dolly Varden

Fishing for Dollies in most Road Zone streams is good. Fish will remain available into October.
Pink Salmon

Pink salmon have showed up in the salt waters in front of Road Zone streams and are also starting to enter the streams. Fish are bright and bite aggressively. Pink salmon fishing along the Road Zone this time of year is good and provides high quality fishing and fish. Some of the good spots to fish for early pinks are Roslyn, Myrtle and Pillar beaches.
On Saturday, August 11, from noon to 3:00 p.m., the Kodiak Kiwanis are sponsoring a pink salmon derby for kids 15 and younger at the Buskin River Park. There will be free hats, lures, prizes and a picnic lunch.
Coho (silver) Salmon

Coho will soon be showing up in the salt waters of Afognak Island. Some of the biggest returns occur at the Afognak / Litnik River and Paul’s Bay. Coho on the Road Zone usually start returning in mid-August and peak by mid-September.
Salt waters

Halibut

August is an excellent month to fish for halibut in the Kodiak area.
Salmon

Trolling for king salmon can be spotty but has been excellent for the last several weeks. Trolling for coho salmon is starting to improve and should pick up this week.
Other salt water fishing

Rockfish and lingcod fishing is good throughout the month of August.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 21, 2007 Kodiak Area EOs
2-RS-4-14-07
2-KS-4-17-07
2-KS/RS-4-19
2-RS-4-21-07
2-KS-4-22-07
2-KS-4-08-07
2-KS-4-10-07
2-RS-4-16-07
2-KS-4-28-07
2-SS-4-29-07
2-RS-4-32-07
2-RS-4-33-07
 
 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.
Emergency Order 2-SS-4-29-07 keeps the Buskin River drainage upstream of Bridge #1 open to salmon fishing for the remainder of the year. Anglers are reminded that for streams draining into Chiniak and Monashka bays, waters upstream of the highway are closed to salmon fishing from August 1 through September 15.
Kalsin Pond is not a stream, so it remains open to salmon fishing. Fresh waters Coho (silver)
Fresh Waters

Salmon

Coho will be showing up in the salt waters of Afognak Island. Some of the biggest returns occur at the Afognak River (Litnik) and at Paul’s Bay. Coho on the Kodiak Road Zone usually don’t start up the rivers until mid-August and peak by mid-September.
Dolly Varden

Fishing for Dollies in most Road Zone streams is good. Fish will remain available into October.
Pink Salmon

The pink salmon return has peaked and most fish have moved into streams. However, bright fish can still be taken in the salt waters in front of most streams.
Salt waters

Halibut

August is an excellent month to fish for halibut in the Kodiak area.
Salmon

Trolling for king salmon can be spotty but has been excellent for the last several weeks. Trolling for coho salmon is starting to improve and should pick up this week.
Other salt water fishing

Rockfish and lingcod fishing is good throughout the month of August.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 20, 2008 Kodiak Area EOs
2-ks-4-01-08
2-ks-4-02-08
 
 

Kodiak Area

Week of May 19 to May 25

Issued May 20, 2008

 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.

• Beginning June 1, in the Ayakulik River drainage the limit for king salmon 20” or greater in length has been lowered to one per day and two per year.

• Beginning June 1, in the Karluk River drainage, king salmon may not be retained or possessed and king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake.

Fresh waters

Salmon King Salmon

• The department counting weirs on the Karluk and Ayakulik are being installed this week and counts will be available by next week. The 2007 king escapement into the Karluk River of 1,750 fish was one of the lowest counts on record and below the escapment goal of 3,600 – 7,300. In anticipation of a poor return in 2008, king salmon may not be retained in the Karluk River beginning June 1. In addition bait is prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake. The Ayakulik River has also been experiencing below average returns. Beginning June 1, the bag and annual limit for king salmon 20” or greater in length has been lowered to one per day and two per year. Sockeye Salmon

• The Buskin River weir is currently being installed and counts will be available by next week. The return usually peaks in mid June and averages about 15,000 fish. 

Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden are leaving fresh water and are usually out to sea by late May. The best places to catch Dollies now is in Buskin River and along ocean beaches. Pillar and Mission beaches are some favorite spots. Dollies will be entering most road systems streams again in early July.

 Lake Fishing

• Late May and June is a good time to fish rainbow trout in the stocked lakes along the Kodiak road zone, as after ice-out the fish travel shoal areas in search of food. Visit the lower elevation lakes for open water fishing, since many of the higher elevation lakes may still be frozen. Although ADF&G currently stocks only sterile juvenile trout, some lakes with a stocking history dating to the 1950s may also contain spawning populations of adult fish. Rainbows typically spawn during the month of May. Anglers wishing to avoid catching these fish should target their effort away from flowing waters into or out of the lakes. Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut are available in late May and fishing gets better in June.

Salmon

• In recent years trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiak’s marine waters has become very popular. Chinook salmon can be fished successfully year-round. Fishing for kings tends to be spotty and difficult to predict. Fishing can be excellent or poor from week to week. Some of the best-known fishing spots along the road system are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4 and the deeper waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak Chinook salmon average 20 pounds, but fish up to 70 pounds are occasionally caught.

Other salt water fishing

• Anglers are reminded that the lingcod season does not open until July 1.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 27, 2008 Kodiak Area EOs
2-ks-4-01-08
2-ks-4-02-08
 
 

Kodiak Area

Week of May 27 to June 1

Issued May 27, 2008

 

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.

• Beginning June 1, in the Ayakulik River drainage the limit for king salmon 20” or greater in length has been lowered to one per day and two per year.

• Beginning June 1, in the Karluk River drainage, king salmon may not be retained or possessed and king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, the use of bait is prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake.

Fresh waters

Salmon

King Salmon

• The department counting weir on the Karluk was installed on May 23rd and Ayakulik was installed on May 25th. Almost no fish have been counted so far. The 2007 king escapement into the Karluk River of 1,750 fish was one of the lowest counts on record and below the escapment goal of 3,600 – 7,300. In anticipation of a poor return in 2008, king salmon may not be retained in the Karluk River beginning June 1. In addition bait is prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake. The Ayakulik River has also been experiencing below average returns. Beginning June 1, the bag and annual limit for king salmon 20” or greater in length has been lowered to one per day and two per year.

Sockeye Salmon

• The Buskin River weir was installed on May 20 and as of May 26, no sockeye salmon have been counted. The return usually peaks in mid June and averages about 15,000 fish. The return appears to be a little late in getting started this year.

Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden are leaving fresh water and are usually out to sea by late May. The best places to catch Dollies now is in Buskin River and along ocean beaches. Pillar and Mission beaches are some favorite spots. Dollies will be entering most road systems streams again in early July Lake Fishing

• Late May and June is a good time to fish rainbow trout in the stocked lakes along the Kodiak road zone, as after ice-out the fish travel shoal areas in search of food. Visit the lower elevation lakes for open water fishing, since many of the higher elevation lakes may still be frozen. Although ADF&G currently stocks only sterile juvenile trout, some lakes with a stocking history dating to the 1950s may also contain spawning populations of adult fish. Rainbows typically spawn during the month of May. Anglers wishing to avoid catching these fish should target their effort away from flowing waters into or out of the lakes.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut are available in late May and fishing gets better in June.

Salmon

• In recent years trolling for Chinook (king) salmon in Kodiak’s marine waters has become very popular. Chinook salmon can be fished successfully year-round. Fishing for kings tends to be spotty and difficult to predict. Fishing can be excellent or poor from week to week. Some of the best-known fishing spots along the road system are Cape Chiniak, Buoy #4 and the deeper waters on both sides of Long Island. Kodiak Chinook salmon average 20 pounds, but fish up to 70 pounds are occasionally caught.

Other salt water fishing

• Anglers are reminded that the lingcod season does not open until July 1.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 30, 2008 Kodiak Area EOs
2-ks-4-01-08
2-ks-4-02-08
2-KS-4-14-08
2-RS-4-09-08
2-RS-4-10-08
2-KS-4-11-08
 
 

Kodiak Area

Week of June 30 to July 6

Issued June 30, 2008

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• For full details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year, click on the links in the "Kodiak Area EOs" box, above.

• In the Ayakulik River drainage king salmon may not be retained or possessed and king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. The use of bait is also prohibited in the river. This Emergency Order will be effective from Thursday, June 19 through Friday, July 25.

• In the Karluk River drainage, fishing for king salmon is closed by Emergency Order. The use of bait has been prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake. Sockeye salmon may not be retained or possessed and sockeye salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

• Fishing for sockeye salmon is closed in the Buskin River drainage.

Fresh waters

Salmon weir counts in most systems on Kodiak Island for sockeye and king salmon continue to be the lowest on record.

King Salmon

• As of June 27, the Karluk weir count is 453 king salmon; the lowest on record and significantly below the escapement goal. The Ayakulik weir count is 1,653 king salmon; the lowest on record.

Sockeye Salmon

• The Buskin River weir count as of June 27 is 2,800 sockeye, which is the lowest count on record.

• The Pasagshak sockeye return is underway and although the department does not have a weir, fishermen are reporting that the run is strong. This return usually peaks around July 4.

• For the first time in 4 years, a weir will be operated at Saltery Cove, which has the biggest return of sockeye salmon on the road system. The bag limit for Saltery River is higher than the two sockeye bag limit on the road system. The bag limit for the Saltery River is 5 sockeye per day and 5 in possession. The Saltery River return peaks in mid-July and a four-wheeler is needed to access this area.

Trout, Dolly Varden, and Grayling

Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden are beginning to enter local streams and are present along the entire road system.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is good during July.

Salmon

• Sport harvest of king salmon in saltwater has averaged around 10,000 over the past 2 years. Trolling for king salmon varies from week to week. Reported angler success was fair last week.

 • Anglers fishing from the beaches along the road system are already reporting pink salmon catches, which appears to be early. Some of the best spots to fish for early pink salmon are Chiniak, Twin and Roslyn creeks, as well as Pillar and Monashka beaches.

Other salt water fishing

• Anglers are reminded that the lingcod season opens on July 1.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for July 14, 2008 Kodiak Area EOs
2-ks-4-01-08
2-ks-4-02-08
2-KS-4-14-08
2-RS-4-19-08
2-KS-4-16-08
2-KS-4-18-08
2-RS-4-17-08
2-RS-4-09-08
2-RS-4-10-08
2-KS-4-11-08
 
 

Weekly Fishing Report

Kodiak Area

Week of July 14 to July 20

Issued July 14, 2008

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• Details of all Emergency Orders that have been issued this year can be found online at the “2008 Regulation Changes” link below.

• The Ayakulik River drainage is closed to fishing for king salmon and the use of bait is prohibited. The bag limit for sockeye salmon has also been lowered to 2 per day with 4 in possession.

• In the Karluk River drainage fishing for king salmon is closed. The use of bait has been prohibited downstream of Karluk Lake. Fishing for sockeye salmon will reopen on July 16 for the remainder of the year.

• Fishing for sockeye salmon is closed in the Buskin River drainage.

Fresh waters

Sockeye Salmon

• The Buskin River weir count as of July 12 was 4,500 sockeye, which is the lowest count on record.

• The Pasagshak sockeye salmon return will be winding down this week. The run was reported to be very strong this year.

• For the first time in 4 years a weir is being operated at Saltery Cove, which has the largest return of sockeye salmon on the road system. The bag limit for the Saltery River is 5 sockeye per day, 5 in possession. The Saltery River return peaks in mid-July and a four-wheeler is needed to access the area. The Saltery weir count as of July 12 was 19,000 sockeye salmon, which is already within the escapement goal range of 15,000 – 30,000. Bag limit increases for this system are being considered so check for recent emergency announcements.

Trout, Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden are beginning to enter local streams and are present along the entire road system. Dolly Varden take spinners and flies this time of year.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is good during July. Some good spots for halibut are buoy 4 and Cape Chiniak. Herring, salmon heads, and jigs work well for halibut.

Salmon

• Trolling for king salmon varies weekly. Reported angler success was fair last week. King salmon are most commonly found in areas with abundant bait fish.

• Anglers fishing from the beaches along the road system are already reporting pink salmon catches, which appears to be early. Some of the best spots to fish for early pink salmon are Chiniak, Twin and Roslyn creeks, as well as Pillar and Monashka beaches. Pink salmon are great on light tackle; try casting to them using a number 3 spinner

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 19, 2008
   
Kodiak Area EOs
2-ks-4-01-08
2-ks-4-02-08
2-KS-4-14-08
2-RS-4-19-08
2-KS-4-16-08
2-KS-4-18-08
2-RS-4-17-08
2-RS-4-09-08
2-RS-4-10-08
2-KS-4-11-08

Week of August 18 through August 24

Issued August 18, 2008

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• Details of all emergency orders that have been issued this year can be found online at the “2008 Regulation Changes” link below.

• Fishing for sockeye salmon is closed in the Buskin River drainage.

• Anglers are reminded that from August 1 – September 15, for streams draining into Monashka and Chiniak bays, waters above the highway are closed to salmon fishing. This upriver closure does not apply to the Buskin River or Kalsin Pond, which are open to salmon fishing all year.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Pink salmon are entering road system streams and the return should peak this week. Pink salmon fishing in the lower Buskin River has been reported as good and the weir count as of August 18 was 32,000 pink salmon.

• Coho salmon are starting to show up in road system streams. The weir count in the Buskin River on August 17 was 500 coho, which is the highest on record for this date over the last 10 years. The coho return peaks in mid-September and weir counts in the Buskin have been averaging more than 10,000 fish. Other spots to fish for coho include Pasagshak, Saltery, American and Olds rivers, to name a few.

• Coho arrive in early August around Afognak and Shuyak islands. Afognak, Pauls, and Shuyak bays offer good coho fishing in early August with returns peaking during the last week of August.

Trout, Dolly Varden

• Dolly Varden are present in most road system streams and fishing has been excellent during the past week.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is good during August.

Salmon

• Trolling for king salmon was very good last week and remains good. Coho catches are picking up, but are not as good as the last several years.