Alaska Fishing Reports: Homer area

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 14-21, 2006  




Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

By Emergency Order the Ninilchik River will re-open to fishing for hatchery king salmon beginning Wednesday, June 14, at 12:01 a.m., through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2006. Wild king salmon may not be retained or possessed. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar. Bait is allowed, but only one, single hook may be used while fishing for king salmon.
By Emergency Order, all waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict are closed to sport fishing for sockeye salmon through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2006.
The lower portions of Deep Creek are closed to fishing for king salmon for the rest of the year, and closed to fishing for all other fish until July 1.
Lingcod fishing is closed until July 1.
Fresh waters

Salmon

The Anchor River will open for a final weekend at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, June 17, through midnight, Monday, June 19. Bait and treble hooks are allowed.
Water level in the Anchor River has risen with recent rains but remains fishable.
Salmon eggs, small cut herring, spinners and large streamer flies are working best. Preferred fishing time is during the early morning hours and around the flood tide. Try fishing Sunday and Monday for less crowded conditions.
The cumulative sonar estimate of king salmon on the Anchor River is 5,511. The floating weir was installed on Tuesday.
Salt waters

Halibut

Weather is keeping anglers closer to Kachemak Bay, fishing primarily near Flat Island and along the Homer Bluffs.
Flat Island halibut are ranging from 15-25 lbs. and were pulled from waters 100-150 feet deep.
Some larger fish are being caught in the "North Kelp" area near the Homer Bluffs, in water less than 100 feet deep.
Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.
Salmon

The marine fishery would be rated as fair. Catches are reported from the Glacier Spit area, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to Stariski Creek. Cut or whole herring or plastic hootchies fished with flashers or dodgers at varying depths work well in this fishery.
Great fishing continues at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. This run is near its peak and will end in early July.
Salmon eggs or herring are working well, but on the incoming tide the blue Vibrax spinners seem to be winners. The Fishing Lagoon will not open to snagging until sometime in late June.
King salmon are also available in Seldovia. Try Pixees from shore along Seldovia Slough or at the Fish Creek culvert at low tide. Whole herring fished from the bridge at higher tide stages has been productive.
Halibut Cove Lagoon is producing good catches on salmon roe fished under a bobber, or try a #4 or #5 Mepps.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available by surf casting off the beach at Whiskey Gulch. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Anglers trolling for king salmon may catch rockfish incidentally, and these fish can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

Good clamming tides continue through June 16 then June 23-28.
Diggers are reporting many small young clams and few large clams south within several miles of the Clam Gulch access. Go further south or north for adult-sized clams in this area.
Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Dungeness, King and Tanner crab and shrimp fisheries are currently closed year-round in Cook Inlet and the North Gulf Coast.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=8

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 20-27, 2006



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

By Emergency Order, the Ninilchik River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2006. Wild king salmon may not be retained or possessed. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar. Bait is allowed, but only one, single hook may be used while fishing for king salmon.
By Emergency Order, all waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict are closed to sport fishing for red salmon through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2006.
The lower portions of the Anchor River and Deep Creek are closed to fishing for king salmon for the rest of the year, and closed to fishing for all other fish until July 1.
Lingcod fishing is closed until July 1.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Look for hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River in the early morning hours and around the flood tides. Try fishing in the lagoon for new arrivals.
The cumulative sonar and weir estimate of king salmon on the Anchor River is 6,262.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut anglers are enjoying good weather and excellent halibut fishing.
Many anglers are venturing out to the fishing grounds near Flat Island and finding success in 300 ft. of water. Others tried their luck in the middle of Lower Cook Inlet about 25- 30 miles west of the Homer Spit in waters 150-200 feet deep.
The fishing grounds near the Homer Bluffs continue to be productive. Average size harvested remains 15-20 pounds.
Anglers say there are plenty of halibut around but they have had to release many small fish before finding a keeper.
Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.
Salmon

The marine fishery would be rated as fair; the catch mostly consists of feeders. Catches are reported from the Glacier Spit area, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to Stariski Creek. Cut or whole herring or plastic hootchies fished with flashers or dodgers at varying depths work well in this fishery.
Bright fish are still available in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Pixees, Rooster Tails and Vibrax spinners in sizes 4-5 are working well.
The Fishing Lagoon will not open to snagging until sometime in late June.
King fishing in Seldovia continues to be good. Try Pixees from shore along Seldovia Slough or at the Fish Creek culvert at low tide. Whole herring fished from the bridge at higher tide stages is also working well.
Halibut Cove Lagoon king fishing continues to do well on salmon roe fished under a bobber, or try a #4 or #5 Mepps.
Daily bag limit is 2 king salmon in Cook Inlet salt waters south of Bluff Point.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available by surf casting off the beach at Whiskey Gulch beach. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Anglers trolling for king salmon may catch rockfish incidentally, and these fish can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

Good clamming tides runs June 23-28.
Diggers are reporting many small young clams and few large clams south within several miles of the Clam Gulch access. Go further south or north for adult-sized clams in this area.
Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Dungeness, King and Tanner crab and shrimp fisheries are currently closed year-round in Cook Inlet and the North Gulf Coast.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=8

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 27-July 4


Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Snagging is allowed by regulation in Kachemak Bay east of a line from Anchor Point to Point Pogibshi from June 24-December 31. This regulation does not include the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, which must open to snagging by Emergency Order.
By Emergency Order, the Ninilchik River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2006. Wild king salmon may not be retained or possessed. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar. Bait is allowed, but only one, single hook may be used while fishing for king salmon.
By Emergency Order, all waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict are closed to sport fishing for red salmon through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2006.
The lower portions of Deep Creek and the Anchor River re-open to fishing for all species except king salmon on July 1.
Lingcod opens July 1.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Look for hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River in the early morning hours and around the flood tides. Try fishing in the lagoon for new arrivals.
When the Anchor River and Deep Creek re-open to fishing, Dolly Varden will be available, and later in the month, silvers and pinks will enter these streams.
The cumulative sonar and weir estimate of king salmon on the Anchor River is 7,322.
Salt waters

Halibut

Calmer weather is allowing anglers to travel to farther reaches, including the Barren Islands, East Chugach, and the middle of Lower Cook Inlet about 25-30 miles west of the Homer Spit, all with good results. Fishing near Flat Island also remains productive.
Best fishing in these areas occurred in waters 100-200 feet deep with an average weight of harvested halibut between 20-25 pounds. However, a 286 lb. halibut was brought across the Homer dock.
Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.
Salmon

The marine fishery for king salmon would be rated as fair; the catch mostly consists of feeders. Catches are reported from the Glacier Spit area, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to Stariski Creek. Cut or whole herring or plastic hootchies fished with flashers or dodgers at varying depths work well in this fishery.
Fishing at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon has slowed. Lures are producing the best results.
The date to open the Fishing Lagoon to snagging has not been announced. It will occur some time in early July.
The king salmon runs in Seldovia and Halibut Cove Lagoon are at their end for the season.
Daily bag limit is 2 king salmon in Cook Inlet salt waters south of Bluff Point.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available by surf casting off the beach at Whiskey Gulch. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Personal Use

The personal use dipnet fishery in China Poot Creek upstream of ADF&G markers opens July 1 and is open through August 7. No permit is required, but you must have a 2006 Alaska resident sport fishing license, or a ADF&G senior license, or a ADF&G Disabled Veteran's license while taking or transporting the fish.
The personal use bag and possession limit in China Poot Creek is six sockeye salmon per person per day. Only sockeye salmon may be kept and only dipnets may be used.
A new personal use shrimp fishery will open July 1. The open area is from Gore Point east to Aialik Cape. A free permit is required, as is a resident sport fishing license. Pot construction and pot limits are the same as for Prince William Sound, which can be found on page 63 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides runs July 10-15. Good minus 4.1 tides are available during this series. Remember, the best time is one hour before to two hours after low tide. No permit is required, just a sport fishing license.
Diggers are reporting many small young clams and few large clams south within several miles of the Clam Gulch access. Go further south or north for adult-sized clams in this area.
Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Dungeness, King and Tanner crab and shrimp fisheries are currently closed year-round in Cook Inlet.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=8

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for July 03-10, 2006






Issued July 3, 2006

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

By Emergency Order, in order to help anglers harvest the remainder of the hatchery-produced king salmon, snagging will be permitted in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon area on the Homer Spit beginning at noon on Thursday, July 6, until midnight, Sunday, July 9.
By Emergency Order, the Ninilchik River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2006. Wild king salmon may not be retained or possessed. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar. Bait is allowed, but only one, single hook may be used while fishing for king salmon.
By Emergency Order, all waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict are closed to sport fishing for red salmon through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2006.
Salmon

On the Anchor River and Deep Creek, anglers can expect good catches of Dolly Varden during the month of July. Bag limits are 2 per day/2 in possession.
Use small (size 6 or smaller) spinners and spoons. Flies or beads that imitate salmon eggs are also recommended.
Remember that the Ninilchik River is single hook only through July 14.
The cumulative sonar and weir estimate of king salmon on the Anchor River is 7,544.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing continues to be productive near Flat Island and 30-35 miles west of the Homer Spit. Anglers are catching halibut in waters 150 to 250 feet deep.
Calmer weather allowed some anglers to venture out to the Barren Islands which produced excellent fishing in waters 100-150 feet deep with fish harvested in the 50 pound range.
Daily bag limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.
Salmon

Trolling for king salmon in the salt waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay continues to be fair for feeder kings. Catches are reported from locations along the south shore of Kachemak Bay, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to Anchor River. Cut or whole herring, plastic hootchies fished with flashers, or dodgers at varying depths work well in this fishery.
As stated above, the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon will open to snagging from noon July 6 through midnight July 9.
Daily bag limit for king salmon is 1 in Cook Inlet salt waters north of Bluff Point and 2 south of Bluff Point.
Silvers will be showing up at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon around the middle of July.
Lingcod season opened July 1. Anglers who made it out to the Chugach Islands and vicinity were successful this past weekend. There is a size limit of 35 inches, and a bag limit of 2 per day/2 in possession.
Personal Use

The personal use dipnet fishery in China Poot Creek upstream of ADF&G markers is open through August 7. No permit is required, but you must have a 2006 Alaska resident sport fishing license, or a ADF&G senior license, or a ADF&G Disabled Veteran's license while taking or transporting the fish. The personal use bag and possession limit in China Poot Creek is six sockeye salmon per person per day. Only sockeye salmon may be kept and only dipnets may be used.
A new personal use shrimp fishery opened July 1. The open area is from Gore Point east to Aialik Cape. A free personal use permit is required, as is a resident sport fishing license. One permit per person is required. The regulations for the new personal use area can be found on the back of the shrimp permit.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides runs July10-15. Good minus 4.1 tides are available during this series. Remember, the best time is one hour before to two hours after low tide. No permit is required, just a sport fishing license.
Diggers are reporting many small young clams and few large clams, south, within several miles of the Clam Gulch access. Go further south or north for adult-sized clams in this area.
Refill the holes you dig in the beach and rebury, neck up, the steamer (littleneck) and butter clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Dungeness, King and Tanner crab and shrimp fisheries are currently closed year-round in Cook Inlet.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=8

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  9/2
REGION:  Kenai Peninsula
WATER:  Homer Lagoon
SPECIES:  Silvers

REPORT: What AF&G says is Fair to Good for silvers equates to Dismal to Poor in reality. I fished the lagoon sporadically over the Labor Day weekend using both slacker water droppers and pixies and did not get a single fish on in about five hours of fishing. In fact, I only saw two fish caught the entire weekend and those were from a couple of kids chasing the school of twenty or so silvers around the lagoon.

My guess is that about five to ten fish are coming in on each tide right now which are being slowly picked up throughout the day. I don't know if the fish are late, have aready been there, or if this is normal. Oh well.

My next trip will be for bows and dollies on the Kenai. Fish On!!!

Thanks to AOJ for that report
http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/Reports/Fishreport/anglerreport.html

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for September 12, 2006




Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

There are currently no emergency orders in effect for sport fisheries in Lower Cook Inlet.
In all flowing waters of the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed through December 31.
Starting September 16 most of the rest of the flowing waters of the Kenai Peninsula are restricted to unbaited artificial lures, but there are exceptions, so please read the regulations carefully.
The upstream areas of the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River remain open to fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow/steelhead trout. Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be retained or taken out of the water and must be released immediately. Salmon may not be fished for, including catch-and-release in these upstream areas.
Fresh waters

Fishing for silvers in the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River is winding down for the season.
Fishing for Dolly Varden has been fair in the upper reaches of these rivers. Remember these streams are now single-hook, no bait.
Steelhead are entering the rivers, and the runs are not very large, so all rainbow/steelhead are catch-and-release only. Please familiarize yourself with the differences between a silver salmon and a steelhead, and one of the best ways is to look at the tail fin. Rainbow/steelhead have black spots over the entire tail fin, while silvers have black spots only on the upper lobe of the tail fin. When water conditions improve more fish will move into the system.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing is slowing down throughout Cook Inlet. Anglers report finding the best fishing in waters 125-200 feet deep and have been finding fish around Flat Island, Point Pogibshi, and in waters 25-30 miles west of the Homer Spit. Most fishing charters have closed for the season.
Launching from the beaches of Deep Creek and Anchor Point is also slowing down, mostly due to weather.
Daily bag limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.
Salmon

Fishing is slow at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. It seems that the late-run silver salmon return is weak. Snagging will not be permitted in the lagoon this year, due to the weak run.
Saltwater silver salmon fishing has slowed. Some fish are still available in the Kachemak Bay area.
Fishing for feeder king salmon continues to be fair around Bluff Point, Point Pogibshi, and other nearshore locations in Kachemak Bay. Anglers are using whole herring for bait, as well as flies or hootchies in 20 to 60 feet of water.
Daily bag limit for king salmon is 1 in Cook Inlet salt waters north of Bluff Point and 2 south of Bluff Point.
Other salt water fishing

Lingcod season will remain open through December 31. There is a minimum size limit of 35 inches, and a bag limit of 2 per day/2 in possession. Anglers targeting lingcod are primarily fishing near the Barren islands or the Chugach islands. Access to these areas is highly dependent on weather and sea conditions.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides runs October 6-12. The best time is one hour before to two hours after low tide. No permit is required, just a sport fishing license.
Diggers are reporting many small young clams and few large clams within several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. Go further south, or head north for adult-sized clams in this area.
There are minimum size limits for Kachemak Bay clams. Clams under the size limit should be reburied with the neck up- they can't rebury themselves and will die otherwise. Check the area sport fishing regulations for more detail.
Every razor clam you dig (up to the limit) must be retained- there is no minimum size limit for razor clams.
Dungeness, King and Tanner crab, and shrimp fisheries are currently closed year-round in Cook Inlet.

Thanks to ADF&G for that report
http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/weekly/update.cfm?area_key=8

[silversalmon]

Well everyone,
   The salmon season has come to an end for another year.  It was a great season though, as the Coho's were in early and thick. They were also much larger this year than last.  The Chinook run was smaller this year than in the past, but there was a decent amount of them.  What can we say about the sockeye?  Wow, were they messed up this year or what, someone forgot to give them there alarm clock this year and they did not show up on the Kenai for the second run until the Coho were in.  The Klutina on the other hand had a great run of them from the 2nd week in June until the last week in July.  The pinks, well, it was an odd year so we all knew they were going to be thick on the streams.  The chum had a great year with record numbers reported on some rivers,  and the rest they were very thick on.  On that note, good luck to all the "snow king" anglers as you are our only hope until the next salmon run continues.  Until then, keep an eye out for the trout/pike fishing reports.  May your lines stay tight this ice fishing season.................

[Lipripper]

Yours to silver and thanks for all the reports 

[silversalmon]

http://alaskaoutdoorjournal.com/References/Tides/tides.html

Tide tables for AK 2007

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  4/27
REGION:  Kenai Peninsula
WATER:  Homer/Seldovia
SPECIES:  Halibut

REPORT: Good News for the Halibut Fishermen ----- THEY'RE HERE!

A friend took three others out towards Seldovia on Friday to fish the midday slack. About 5 or 6 other boats out there. Fishing was slow on hallies, LOTS of cod though. After filleting out some fresh cod bait the bite was on. Landed 7 fish, largest was 42 pounds. Pulled anchor and tried drifting before heading in. Double hook up. First one to the boat got bonked, then brought in the next and had to toss back a 25 pounder. As cold as the water is running for this time of the year it is surprising to see good size fish already within small boat range.

Hundreds of sea otters everywhere. Indicates plenty of bait in the water which in turn draws the flatfish. SUMMER IS HERE!

Good luck and good fishin'. -KK-

P.S. I just acquired a personal use herring net (20 foot max. allowable) and will be sampling the KP beaches occasionally to try and hit the run as it heads up the Inlet. Will post any good news in case anyone else is interested in this very little used fishery. April 1 to May 31, see Herring Personal Use Fishery on the ADFG website for details.

P.P.S. KP lowland lakes are getting very soggy and wet ice along with shoreline open water starting to show. Fishable waters may be next week on most lakes. No word on Hidden yet. Tustumena still has lake ice but melting out in the outlet bay.

thanks to AOJ for that report

[silversalmon]

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

At this time, there are no Emergency Orders for this area.
The Anchor River downstream of the confluence of the North and South forks will be open for five 3-day weekends, beginning May 19.
Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River will open Memorial Day weekend for three 3-day weekends.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Local streams along the Sterling Highway are currently closed to all fishing.
Salt waters

Halibut

Anglers targeting halibut have had a slow start this season due to poor fishing weather. Fishing will soon steadily improve and anglers should have success in the usual locations offshore and in the waters beyond Flat Island.
Salmon

Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been sporadic. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm up.
Popular trolling set ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
Expect king salmon to start arriving by mid-May at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Lingcod remains closed until July 1.
Anglers trolling for king salmon may catch rockfish incidentally, and these fish can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides will begin May 15-20.
Diggers are reporting many small, young clams and few large clams for several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. For larger, adult-sized clams, head even further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

thanks to ADF&G for that report

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 09, 2007




Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

An Emergency Order has been issued to open the Ninilchik River continuously to fishing for hatchery king salmon from Saturday, May 26, 12:01 a.m. (Memorial Day weekend) through Sunday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m. Bait will be allowed until September 1, but anglers can use only one single-pointed hook through July 15. The use of double or treble hooks may resume July 16 and continue until September 1.
The Anchor River downstream of the confluence of the North and South forks will be open for five 3-day weekends beginning May 19.
Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River will open Memorial Day weekend for three 3-day weekends.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Local streams along the Sterling Highway are currently closed to all fishing.
Salt waters

Halibut

With the warm weather raising the water temperature, bait fish are showing up in the Kachemak Bay area, and halibut will not be far behind. Anglers have not seen many flatfish while trolling for king salmon, but that is likely to change soon. Those anglers specifically targeting halibut had to look harder and more persistently than usual for this time of year, but have managed to find fish. Look for halibut in the same general areas where you found them before, but expect action to be somewhat slower than usual for this time of year.
Salmon

Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been sporadic. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm.
Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
Expect king salmon to start arriving by mid-May at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. The run is expected to be average with about 3,000 kings returning.
Early-run king salmon return to Halibut Cove Lagoon and Seldovia in mid-May. These runs are also expected to be average with a return of approximately 1,500 kings to each location.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Lingcod remains closed until July 1.
Anglers trolling for king salmon may incidentally catch rockfish, which can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides will run May 15-20.
Diggers are reporting many small, young clams and few large clams for several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. For larger, adult-sized clams, head even further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations. Razor clamming is reported as good north of Clam Gulch.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.
In Kachemak Bay, adult Tanner crab numbers are rebounding but stocks are not large enough yet to support a harvest. Catches of juvenile Tanner crab in Department surveys outside of Kachemak Bay in 2001 to 2006 present a hopeful sign for the future.
Survey catches of Dungeness crabs in 2006 were higher than average but more years of high catches are needed before a fishery can be opened.

thanks to adf&g for that report

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 15, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

An Emergency Order has been issued to open the Ninilchik River continuously to fishing for hatchery king salmon from Saturday, May 26, 12:01 a.m. (Memorial Day weekend) through Sunday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m. Bait will be allowed until September 1, but anglers can use only one single-pointed hook through July 15. The use of double or treble hooks may resume July 16 and continue until September 1.
Also as a reminder to sport fishing guides, guides may not fish for any species of fish, including catch-and-release, in fresh waters that are open to fishing for king salmon, by regulation. In salt waters, guides may sport fish, but they may not keep any fish, per an Emergency Order. Fresh waters

Salmon

The Anchor River downstream of the confluence of the north and south forks opens this weekend, May 19-21, for the first of five 3-day weekends. The water is currently muddy and high. The sonar, located just above the bridge, started operation this week.
The lower portions of Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River will open May 26, Memorial Day weekend, for three three-day weekends.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing success around Kachemak Bay is fair. Anglers have been trying numerous areas in their search for fish and have had to be persistent.
Some anglers found success in the Chugach Islands and Flat Island areas, and some anglers reported catching halibut in offshore waters about 200 feet deep between Homer and Deep Creek. Fishing success should improve considerably by the end of May.
Salmon

Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been fair. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm.
Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
King salmon are starting to arrive at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Fishing has been slow but should improve as the run builds. Herring is the preferred bait. The run is expected to be average, with about 3,000 kings returning.
Kings are also returning to Seldovia and Halibut Cove. Trolling herring and lures works well early in the run. These runs are also expected to be average with a return of approximately 1,500 kings to each location.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Lingcod remains closed until July 1.
Anglers trolling for king salmon may incidentally catch rockfish, which can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

Good clamming tides run through May 21 then May 30 through June 13.
Diggers are reporting many small, young clams and few large clams for several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. For larger, adult-sized clams, head even further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations. Razor clamming is reported as good north of Clam Gulch.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.
In Kachemak Bay, adult Tanner crab numbers are rebounding but stocks are not large enough yet to support a harvest. Catches of juvenile Tanner crab in Department surveys outside of Kachemak Bay in 2001 to 2006 present a hopeful sign for the future.
Survey catches of Dungeness crabs in 2006 were higher than average, but more years of high catches are needed before a fishery can be opened.

thanks to ADF&G for that report

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 22, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

An Emergency Order has been issued to open the Ninilchik River continuously to fishing for hatchery king salmon from Saturday, May 26, 12:01 a.m. (Memorial Day weekend) through Sunday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m. Bait will be allowed until September 1, but anglers can use only one single-pointed hook through July 15. The use of double or treble hooks may resume July 16 and continue until September 1.
Also as a reminder to sport fishing guides, guides may not fish for any species of fish, including catch-and-release, in fresh waters that are open to fishing for king salmon. In salt waters, guides may sport fish, but they may not keep any fish and the number of lines fished cannot exceed the number of paying clients.
Fresh waters

Salmon

The lower portions, as defined by ADF&G markers, of the Anchor River, Ninilchik River and Deep Creek open to king salmon fishing this weekend, starting at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, May 26, through midnight, Monday, May 28. Bait and treble hooks are allowed on the Anchor River and Deep Creek; only single hooks may be used on the Ninilchik River.
The Anchor River and Deep Creek are high and muddy and likely to remain so through Memorial Day. The cumulative sonar estimate of king salmon on the Anchor River is 756 as of this date and stream temperatures are ranging from 3 to 8 degrees C. Salmon eggs and small plug-cut herring will work the best. Also try spinners, spoons and Spin-N-Glos. The limit for king salmon 20 inches or longer is 1 per day/1 in possession.
The Ninilchik River has more fishable water conditions than the Anchor River and Deep Creek. Daily bag and possession limits for Ninilchik River king salmon 20 inches or longer during the three day openers are 2 per day and 2 in possession, only 1 of which may be a wild king salmon.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing success around Kachemak Bay is fair. Anglers have had to be persistent and try numerous areas in their search for fish.
Some anglers found more success and larger fish in waters from Point. Adams to Elizabeth Island. Other anglers reported catching halibut 15 to 20 miles offshore from Homer up to Deep Creek. Fishing success is gradually improving, but still appears to be somewhat lower than average for this time of year.
Salmon

Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been fair. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm.
Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
King salmon are arriving at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Fishing has been slow but should improve as the run builds. The run is expected to be average, with about 3,000 kings returning. Salmon eggs, herring and blue Vibrax spinners in sizes 5-6 are working well. Try fishing the around the incoming tide.
Kings are also returning to Seldovia and Halibut Cove. Trolling herring and lures works well early in the run. These runs are also expected to be average with a return of approximately 1,500 kings to each location.
Other salt water fishing

Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.
Lingcod remains closed until July 1.
Anglers trolling for king salmon may incidentally catch rockfish, which can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

Good clamming tides run May 30 through June 13.
Diggers are reporting many small, young clams and few large clams for several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. For larger, adult-sized clams, head even further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations. Razor clamming is reported as good north of Clam Gulch.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.
In Kachemak Bay, adult Tanner crab numbers are rebounding but stocks are not large enough yet to support a harvest. Catches of juvenile Tanner crab in Department surveys outside of Kachemak Bay in 2001 to 2006 present a hopeful sign for the future.
Survey catches of Dungeness crabs in 2006 were higher than average but more years of high catches are needed before a fishery can be opened.

thanks to ADF&G for that report

[silversalmon]

TRIP DATE:  5/25
REGION:  Kenai Peninsula
WATER:  Homer Spit
SPECIES:  Kings

REPORT: Just got back from the long weekend and decided to plop down a report for everyone that is avoiding the crowds... the fishing in Homer pretty much stinks for Kings right now; I caught one in 4 flood tides and bupkus the rest of the time. The harbor seals are out in force and making the kings really skiddish; they come into the lagoon just under the sound barrier and seal isn't far behind. My 3 year old caught her first fish off the end of the spit; a 3# dolly varden and boy was she stoked! Pics to come later. The halibut are pretty easy pickings, tons of chickens and a surprising amount of fish in the 70-100 pound range... saw them being cleaned at the tables on the south end of the lagoon. Hope this helps you guys and gals out; hit the spit in about a week or so.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 19, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07
2-RS-7-11-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Although the Ninilchik River is now closed for the rest of the year to fishing for WILD king salmon, by Emergency Order the Ninilchik River continues to be open to fishing HATCHERY king salmon, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 15. Wild king salmon may not be retained or possessed. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar. Bait is allowed, but only one, single-pointed hook may be used while fishing for king salmon.
By Emergency Order, all waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict are closed to sport fishing for red salmon through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 31, 2007.
The lower portions of the Anchor River and Deep Creek are closed to fishing for king salmon for the rest of the year, and closed to fishing for all other fish until July 1.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Look for hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River in the early morning hours and around the incoming tides. Try fishing in the lagoon for new arrivals. A lot of kings entered the river during the recent high tides.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing success has been improving around Kachemak Bay. Anglers are finding fish from the usual locations, including Flat and Elizabeth islands, those waters 15 to 20 miles west of the Homer Spit, and off the bluffs. Circle hooks with herring are the preferred bait and most anglers are finding fish in 100 to 250 feet of water. Most halibut are in the 20-pound range, with the occasional 50- to 75- pound fish.
Fishing out of Deep Creek and Anchor Point has been fair to good. Many boats have been fishing in waters between 80 and 130 feet deep, and usually 10 miles or more offshore.
Salmon

Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been fair.
Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
Bright fish are still available in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. This run of king salmon will end in early July. Salmon eggs, herring and blue Vibrax spinners in sizes 3-6 are the preferred set-ups. Try fishing around the incoming tide. The Fishing Lagoon will not open to snagging until sometime in late June.
King salmon are also available in Seldovia. Try using Pixees from shore along Seldovia Slough or at the Fish Creek culvert at low tide. Whole herring fished from the bridge at higher tide stages has been productive.
Halibut Cove Lagoon is producing fair catches on salmon roe fished under a bobber, or try a #4 or #5 Mepps.
Other salt water fishing

Anglers trolling for king salmon may incidentally catch rockfish, which can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Lingcod fishing is closed until July 1.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides runs June 30-July 5.
Diggers are reporting many small, young clams and few large clams for several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. For larger, adult-sized clams, head even further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations. Razor clamming is reported as good north of Clam Gulch.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. Be aware that there are size limits for hardshell clams, and only those hardshell clams of a certain size may be kept. No permit is required, just your fishing license. Please read page 15 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before digging clams. Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.
In Kachemak Bay, adult Tanner crab numbers are rebounding but stocks are not large enough yet to support a harvest. Catches of juvenile Tanner crab in Department surveys outside of Kachemak Bay in 2001 to 2006 present a hopeful sign for the future.
Survey catches of Dungeness crabs in 2006 were higher than average but more years of high catches are needed before a fishery can be opened.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for June 26, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07
2-RS-7-18-07
2-RS-7-11-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

Although the Ninilchik River is now closed for the rest of the year to fishing for WILD king salmon, by Emergency Order the Ninilchik River continues to be open to fishing HATCHERY king salmon, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 15. Wild king salmon may not be retained or possessed. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar. Bait is allowed, but only one, single-pointed hook may be used while fishing for king salmon.
By Emergency Order, the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict reopened to sport fishing for sockeye (red) salmon today, Tuesday, June 26.
Snagging is now allowed in Kachemak Bay, except in the area of the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon.
Daily bag limit is 2 king salmon in Cook Inlet salt waters south of Bluff Point.
The China Poot personal use dipnet fishery is scheduled to open at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, July 1. Complete regulations are found on pages 16 – 17 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet. There is also a wealth of information on our Cook Inlet Personal Use web site.
Lingcod fishing opens at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, July 1.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Look for hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River in the early morning hours and around the incoming tides. Try fishing in the lagoon for new arrivals.
The lower portions of the Anchor River and Deep Creek are currently closed to all fishing, and closed to fishing for king salmon for the rest of the year. The lower portions of Anchor River and Deep Creek re-open to fishing July 1 for fish (other than kings). When these streams re-open, anglers usually fish for Dolly Varden, and, later in the summer, pink salmon and silver salmon. Try salmon eggs, medium-sized Pixees, or streamer flies in sizes 2 to 4 for Dolly Varden and pink salmon.
Remember, you may not keep rainbow/steelhead trout from the Anchor River, Deep Creek, or Ninilchik River, and rainbow/steelhead may not be removed from the water before release.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut anglers in Lower Cook Inlet report good luck as they target the flatfish some 15 to 20 miles west of the Homer Spit. Most reached their bag limits, with fish ranging from 15 to 20 lbs. Other anglers are finding plenty of halibut near Flat, Elizabeth, and East Chugach islands in waters 100 to 250 feet deep.
Fishing out of Deep Creek and Anchor Point has been good. Many boats have been fishing in waters between 80 and 130 feet deep, and usually 10 miles or more offshore.
Salmon

Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been fair.
Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
Bright fish are still available in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. This run of king salmon will end in early July. Salmon eggs, herring and blue Vibrax spinners in sizes 3-6 are the preferred set-ups. Try fishing around the incoming tide. The Fishing Lagoon will not open to snagging until announced by the Department.
King fishing in Seldovia continues to be good. Try using Pixees from shore along Seldovia Slough or at the Fish Creek culvert at low tide. Whole herring fished from the bridge at higher tide stages is also working well.
Halibut Cove Lagoon king fishing continues to do well on salmon roe fished under a bobber, or try a #4 or #5 Mepps.
Other salt water fishing

Anglers trolling for king salmon may incidentally catch rockfish, which can usually be released successfully if caught in less than 60 feet of water.
Shellfish

The next series of good clamming tides runs June 30-July 5.
Diggers are reporting many small, young clams and few large clams for several miles south of the Clam Gulch access. For larger, adult-sized clams, head even further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations. Razor clamming is reported as good north of Clam Gulch.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. Be aware that there are size limits for hardshell clams, and only those hardshell clams of a certain size may be kept. No permit is required, just your fishing license. Please read page 15 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before digging clams. Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.
In Kachemak Bay, adult Tanner crab numbers are rebounding but stocks are not large enough yet to support a harvest. Catches of juvenile Tanner crab in Department surveys outside of Kachemak Bay in 2001 to 2006 present a hopeful sign for the future.
Survey catches of Dungeness crabs in 2006 were higher than average but more years of high catches are needed before a fishery can be opened.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 07, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07
2-RS-7-18-07
2-KS-7-23-07
2-RS-7-11-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.
The waters upstream of ADF&G markers on the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River are open to fishing only for Dolly Varden and rainbow/steelhead trout. Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be kept, and must be released immediately, without taking them out of the water before release. These upstream waters are closed to all salmon fishing, including catch-and-release.
Fresh waters

Salmon

On the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, anglers can expect fair to good catches of Dolly Varden and pink salmon. Salmon eggs, small clumps of roe, and small spinners are working well for spin fishing anglers. Fly fishing anglers are having good success with egg patterns, beads and muddler minnow patterns.
Anglers fishing the lower sections of the Anchor River and Deep Creek report fair catches of silver salmon, especially around high tide. Silver fishing should improve in mid-August and be available through Labor Day.
The limits on these streams for Dolly Varden is 2 per day and 2 in possession. The limits for salmon are 3 per day and 3 in possession, only 2 of which can be silver salmon.
Pink salmon are returning to streams on the west side of Kachemak Bay and fishing is expected to be good.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing in Lower Cook Inlet continues to be good. Best fishing has been 20 to 25 miles west of Homer in waters 100 to 250 feet deep. Fishing is also good near the East Chugach and Barren islands. Although most halibut are in the 15- to 25-pound range, many anglers are catching much larger fish.
Fishing for halibut out of Deep Creek and Anchor Point has been very good as well. Most boats have been fishing 7 to 20 miles offshore in waters 80 to 130 feet deep.
Salmon

At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, fishing for the early silver run is hot. The best bite is on the flooding tide. Cured salmon eggs are working well on the incoming tide, but herring also works. In slack water in the Lagoon, fish eggs and herring below a bobber. Silvers harvested in the Lagoon are in the 5- to 8- lb. range.
The late run of silvers is expected to start arriving this week and, because three times the usual amount were stocked, fish are expected to be plentiful into September.
The daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is six in the Lagoon area. Snagging is not permitted in the Lagoon area, except by Emergency Order.
Trolling for feeder king salmon in the salt waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay remains slow. Catches are reported from locations along the south shore of Kachemak Bay, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to the Anchor River. Try cut or whole herring, plastic hootchies fished with flashers, or dodgers at varying depths.
Anglers are catching silver salmon in Cook Inlet way offshore, while targeting halibut, but fishing is slow in Kachemak Bay and along the central Cook Inlet coastline.
Look for silver salmon in Seldovia by mid-August. Approximately 8,000 silvers are expected to return.
Other salt water fishing

Anglers targeting lingcod, rockfish and other bottomfish have been doing well. Most anglers are fishing 30 to 100 feet deep near the Elizabeth and East Chugach islands.
Spiny dogfish are beginning to make their annual appearance. Anglers have reported catching the sharks near East Chugach Island, Point Pogibshi, and in the middle of Cook Inlet.
Personal Use

The China Poot personal use dipnet fishery closes August 7 at midnight for the rest of the year.
The Kachemak Bay coho salmon gillnet fishery opens August 16. Permits are available for Alaskan residents at the Homer ADF&G.
Shellfish

For the latest warnings about PSP and red tides, Check the DEC website prior to clamming.
Good clamming tides begin August 11-15. Remember, the best time is one hour before low tide to two hours after low tide.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. Be aware that there are size limits for hardshell clams, and only those hardshell clams of a certain size may be kept. No permit is required, just your fishing license. Please read page 15 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before digging clams. Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 14, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07
2-RS-7-18-07
2-KS-7-23-07
2-RS-7-11-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.
A portion of the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon will be open to fishing only by youths 15 years of age and younger on Saturday, August 18 from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The youth-only fishing area will be posted. The remainder of the fishing lagoon will be open to fishing to all anglers of any age. ADF&G staff will be on hand to assist youth from 3 -5 p.m.
The waters upstream of ADF&G markers on the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River are open to fishing only for Dolly Varden and rainbow/steelhead trout.
Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be removed from the water or kept, and must be released immediately. These upstream waters are closed to all salmon fishing, including catch-and-release.
Fresh waters

Salmon

On the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River, anglers can expect fair catches of Dolly Varden and pink salmon. Salmon eggs, small clumps of roe, and small spinners are working well for spin fishing anglers. Fly fishing anglers are having success with egg patterns, beads and muddler minnow patterns.
Anglers fishing the lower sections of the Anchor River and Deep Creek report fair catches of silver salmon, especially around high tide. Silver salmon are just beginning to enter rivers and fishing should improve. Silvers should be available through Labor Day.
The limits on these streams for Dolly Varden is 2 per day and 2 in possession. The limits for salmon are 3 per day and 3 in possession, only 2 of which can be silver salmon.
Pink salmon are returning to streams on the west side of Kachemak Bay.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing in Lower Cook Inlet continues to be very good. Best fishing has been 15 to 25 miles west of Homer, or several miles offshore from Seldovia or Point Pogibshi, or in the vicinity of Flat Island. Average size for the typical sport caught halibut is around 20 lbs., with herring on circle hooks the standard gear.
Fishing for halibut out of Deep Creek and Anchor Point has been very good as well, although the weather kept many boats on shore last week. Most fishing is taking place 10 to 20 miles offshore.
At this point in the season, halibut are starting to make their way back out to deeper waters of the Gulf, and as August winds down they will be more difficult to catch near port. Meanwhile, spiny dogfish are making their annual appearance and some boats are hooking and releasing a substantial number of them while fishing for halibut.
Salmon

At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, fishing for the early silver run is hot. The best bite is on the flooding tide. Cured salmon eggs are working well on the incoming tide, but herring also works. For slack water fishing in the Lagoon, try fish eggs or herring below a bobber. Silvers harvested in the Lagoon are in the 5- to 8- lb. range.
The late run of silvers is expected to start arriving this week. Fish are expected to be plentiful into September because three times the usual amount were stocked.
The daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is six in the Lagoon area.
Snagging is not permitted in the Lagoon area, except by Emergency Order.
Trolling for feeder king salmon in the salt waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay remains slow. Catches are reported from locations along the south shore of Kachemak Bay, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to the Anchor River. Try cut or whole herring, plastic hootchies fished with flashers, or dodgers at varying depths.
Anglers are catching silver salmon in remote Cook Inlet offshore waters, while targeting halibut, but fishing is slow in Kachemak Bay and along the central Cook Inlet coastline.
Look for silver salmon in Seldovia. Approximately 8,000 silvers are expected to return.
Other salt water fishing

Anglers targeting lingcod, rockfish and other bottomfish have been doing well. Most anglers are fishing 30 to 100 feet deep near the Elizabeth and East Chugach islands.
Spiny dogfish are beginning to make their annual appearance. Anglers have reported catching the sharks near East Chugach Island, Point Pogibshi, and in the middle of Cook Inlet.
Personal Use

The Kachemak Bay coho salmon gillnet fishery opens August 16. Permits are available for Alaskan residents at the Homer ADF&G office.
Shellfish

For the latest warnings about PSP and red tides, check the DEC website at www.dec.state.ak.us/press_releases/index.htm prior to clamming.
Good clamming tides begin August 27- September 1. Remember, the best time is one hour before low tide to two hours after low tide.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. Be aware that there are size limits for hardshell clams, and only those hardshell clams of a certain size may be kept. No permit is required, just your fishing license. Please read page 15 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before digging clams. Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for August 21, 2007 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-KS-7-06-07
2-RS-7-18-07
2-KS-7-23-07
2-RS-7-11-07



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

At this time, there are no Emergency Orders in effect for this area.
The waters upstream of ADF&G markers on the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River are open to fishing only for Dolly Varden and rainbow/steelhead trout. Rainbow/steelhead trout may not be removed from the water or kept, and must be released immediately. These upstream waters are closed to all salmon fishing, including catch-and-release.
Waters adjacent to the Anchor River weir are closed to fishing, and indicated by downstream markers nearthe Old Sterling Highway bridge, and upstream markers near the north fork and south fork confluence.
Fresh waters

Salmon

Anglers fishing the lower sections of the Anchor River and Deep Creek report good catches of silver salmon, especially around high tide at the mouth of the streams. Silvers should be available through Labor Day.
For best results while salmon fishing, drift eggs, or cast small to medium spinners. Bait and treble hooks may be used until September 1.
The limits on these streams for Dolly Varden are 2 per day and 2 in possession. The limits for salmon are 3 per day and 3 in possession, only 2 of which can be silver salmon.
Pink salmon are returning to streams on the west side of Kachemak Bay.
Salt waters

Halibut

Halibut fishing in Lower Cook Inlet continues to be very good. Best fishing has been 15 to 25 miles west of Homer, or several miles offshore from Seldovia or Point Pogibshi, or in the vicinity of Flat Island. Average size for the typical sport caught halibut is around 20 lbs., with herring on circle hooks the standard gear.
Fishing for halibut out of Deep Creek and Anchor Point has been very good as well, although the weather kept many boats on shore last week. Most fishing is taking place 10 to 20 miles offshore.
At this point in the season, halibut are starting to return to the deeper waters of the Gulf, and as August winds down they will be more difficult to catch near port.
Salmon

At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon, fishing for late run silvers is good. The best bite is on the flooding tide. Cured salmon eggs are working best on the incoming tide, but herring also works. For slack water fishing in the Lagoon, try fish eggs or herring below a bobber.
Fish are expected to be plentiful into September because three times the usual amount were stocked.
The daily bag and possession limit for silver salmon is six in the Lagoon area.
Snagging is not permitted in the Lagoon area, except by Emergency Order.
Silver salmon are starting to make a solid appearance in Lower Cook Inlet as well as along the Homer Bluffs.
Trolling for feeder king salmon in the salt waters of Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay remains slow. Catches are reported from locations along the south shore of Kachemak Bay, and from the marine waters from Bluff Point north to the Anchor River. Try cut or whole herring, plastic hootchies fished with flashers, or dodgers at varying depths.
Look for silver salmon in Seldovia. Approximately 8,000 silvers are expected to return.
Other salt water fishing

Anglers targeting lingcod, rockfish and other bottomfish have been doing well. Most anglers are fishing 30 to 100 feet deep near the Elizabeth and East Chugach islands.
Spiny dogfish are beginning to make their annual appearance. Anglers have reported catching the sharks near East Chugach Island, Point Pogibshi, and in the middle of Cook Inlet. Some boats are hooking and releasing a substantial number of them while fishing for halibut.
Personal Use

The Kachemak Bay coho salmon gillnet fishery opened August 16. Permits are available for Alaskan residents at the Homer ADF&G office.
Shellfish

For the latest warnings about PSP and red tides, check the DEC website prior to clamming.
Good clamming tides begin August 27- September 1. Remember, the best time is one hour before low tide to two hours after low tide.
Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay, from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. Be aware that there are size limits for hardshell clams, and only those hardshell clams of a certain size may be kept. No permit is required, just your fishing license. Please read page 15 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet before digging clams. Please re-bury, neck up, the clams that you don't take as you refill the holes you dug.
Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and Tanner crab, as well as for shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 06, 2008 

Homer area

Week of May 6 to May 12

Issued May 6, 2008

Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders for this area.

• In the Anchor River, downstream of the north and south forks, Wednesdays were added to the days anglers may fish for king salmon. The Anchor River will be open to fishing for five weekends, Saturday through Monday, and the Wednesday following those weekends, starting Saturday May 17, 2008, and ending Wednesday June 18, 2008.

• Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River will open Memorial Day weekend for three 3-day weekends.

• The marine waters closed from April 1 to June 30 at the mouth of the Anchor River was reduced from 2 miles north and south of the river, to 1 mile north and south of the river mouth. The offshore boundary remains at 1 mile from shore.

• The annual limit of the king salmon that may be taken from the Anchor River was increased to five per year in combination with most other Cook Inlet tributaries. The annual limit for king salmon from Deep Creek remains 2 per year.

• At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit, anglers may no longer fish with weights or bobbers beyond the hook or hooks. The hook or hooks must be the last piece of tackle on the line.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Local streams along the Sterling Highway are currently closed to all fishing.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing has been slow but will steadily improve and anglers should find success in the usual locations offshore and in the waters beyond Flat Island. • Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.

Salmon

• Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been sporadic. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm up. Strong winds and large seas have kept boats from fishing many days so far this spring.

• Popular trolling set ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.

• Expect king salmon to start arriving by mid-May at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Other salt water fishing • Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.

Shellfish

• The next series of good clamming tides will begin May 3-10.

• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

• Diggers are reporting an abundance of small razor clams and few large clams from the Clam Gulch access area. For larger clams, head further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations.

• Razor clamming is reported as good in all other locations.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 13, 2008 

Homer area

Week of May 13 to May 19

Issued May 13, 2008



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders for this area.

• In the Anchor River, downstream of the north and south forks, Wednesdays were added to the days anglers may fish for king salmon. The Anchor River will be open to fishing for five weekends, Saturday through Monday, and the Wednesday following those weekends, starting Saturday May 17, 2008, and ending Wednesday June 18, 2008.

• Deep Creek and the Ninilchik River will open Memorial Day weekend for three 3-day weekends. • The marine waters closed from April 1 to June 30 at the mouth of the Anchor River was reduced from 2 miles north and south of the river, to 1 mile north and south of the river mouth. The offshore boundary remains at 1 mile from shore.

• The annual limit of the king salmon that may be taken from the Anchor River was increased to five per year in combination with most other Cook Inlet tributaries. The annual limit for king salmon from Deep Creek remains 2 per year.

• At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit, anglers may no longer fish with weights or bobbers beyond the hook or hooks. The hook or hooks must be the last piece of tackle on the line.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Local streams along the Sterling Highway are currently closed to all fishing.

• The Anchor River downstream of the confluence of the north and south forks opens this weekend, May 17-19 then Wed. May 21. The water is currently high and muddy. Expect poor fishing conditions. Try using bait such as eggs and herring.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Early season halibut fishing has been sporadic and most fish are small. This fishery will improve as more fish move from deep over-wintering waters back into shallow summer feeding areas.

• Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.

Salmon

• Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been sporadic. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm up. Strong winds and large seas have kept boats from fishing many days so far this spring.

• Popular trolling set ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.

• Expect king salmon to start arriving by mid-May at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. The run is expected to be average with about 3,000 kings returning.

• Early-run king salmon return to Halibut Cove Lagoon and Seldovia in mid-May. Expect fair returns of king salmon to these locations.

Other salt water fishing

• Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.

Shellfish

• The next series of clamming tides will begin May 18-23.

• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

• Diggers are reporting an abundance of small razor clams and few large clams from the Clam Gulch access area. For larger clams, head further south, to the Ninilchik or Whiskey Gulch access locations.

• Razor clamming is reported as good in all other locations.

• Subsistence, personal use, and sport fisheries for Tanner crab will open July 15 in the waters of Kachemak Bay. A permit is required prior to harvesting, permits are free and should be available by mid-June at ADF&G offices in Anchorage, Soldotna and Homer.

• Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 20, 2008 

Homer area

Week of May 20 to May 26

Issued May 20, 2008



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders for this area.

• The marine waters closed from April 1 to June 30 at the mouth of the Anchor River were reduced from 2 miles north and south of the river, to 1 mile north and south of the river mouth. The offshore boundary remains at 1 mile from shore.

• The annual limit of the king salmon that may be taken from the Anchor River was increased to five per year in combination with most other Cook Inlet tributaries. The annual limit for king salmon from Deep Creek remains 2 per year.

• At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit, anglers may no longer fish with weights or bobbers beyond the hook or hooks. The hook or hooks must be the last piece of tackle on the line.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• Deep Creek, Anchor and Ninilchik Rivers will open to king salmon fishing Memorial Day weekend 3-day fishery. In addition, the Anchor River will be open to fishing on Wednesdays through June 18.

• The water remains high and muddy with low water temperatures and likely to remain so through Memorial Day in the Anchor River and Deep Creek. The Ninilchik River is high but less muddy.

• Try using bait such as eggs and herring.

• The sonar is in operation on the Anchor River located just below the confluence of the north and south forks. Daily and cumulative counts are available on the Sport Fish web site or calling the Homer ADF&G office.

• Expect large crowds and high water on the Ninilchik River.

• Try fishing near the mouths of these streams during high tide to target newly arriving fish.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing success around Kachemak Bay is fair. Anglers have had to be persistent and try numerous areas in their search for fish.

• Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.

Salmon

• Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been sporadic. Expect more feeder and spawner kings to be available as water temperatures warm up.

• Popular trolling set ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.

• Expect king salmon to start arriving at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon any time. The run is anticipated to be average with about 3,000 kings returning.

• Stocked early-run king salmon should be appearing in Halibut Cove Lagoon and Seldovia. Expect fair returns of king salmon to these locations this summer.

Other salt water fishing

• Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.

Shellfish

• The next series of clamming tides will begin May 18-23.

• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

• Diggers are reporting an abundance of small razor clams and few large clams within 10 miles of the Clam Gulch access road. For larger clams, head further north or south.

• Subsistence, personal use, and sport fisheries for Tanner crab will open July 15 in the waters of Kachemak Bay. A permit is required prior to harvesting; permits are free and should be available by mid-June at ADF&G offices in Anchorage, Soldotna and Homer.

• Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for May 27, 2008 

Homer area

Week of May 27 to June 2

Issued May 27, 2008



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• At this time, there are no Emergency Orders for this area.

• The marine waters closed from April 1 to June 30 at the mouth of the Anchor River were reduced from 2 miles north and south of the river, to 1 mile north and south of the river mouth. The offshore boundary remains at 1 mile from shore.

• The annual limit of the king salmon that may be taken from the Anchor River was increased to five per year in combination with most other Cook Inlet tributaries. The annual limit for king salmon from Deep Creek remains 2 per year.

• At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit, anglers may no longer fish with weights or bobbers beyond the hook or hooks. The hook or hooks must be the last piece of tackle on the line.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• The lower portions, as defined by ADF&G markers, of the Anchor River, Ninilchik River and Deep Creek will again open to king salmon fishing this weekend for the three day fishery, starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 31. In addition, the Anchor River will be open to fishing on Wednesdays through June 18.

• Currently, water conditions are improving on Ninilchik and Anchor Rivers and Deep Creek. Most of the snow has melted from the headwaters of these streams and conditions should be conducive to fishing this week. Conditions may change quickly with local area rains.

• Bait such as eggs and herring are the best bet for catching fish. Other gear to try would be spinners, spin-n-glo's with yarn, and large weighted streamers.

• The sonar is in operation on the Anchor River located just below the confluence of the north and south forks. Daily and cumulative counts are available on the Sport Fish web site or calling the Homer ADF&G office.

• Try fishing near the mouths of these streams during high tide to target newly arriving fish.

• King salmon 20 inches or longer bag and possession limits for the Anchor River and Deep Creek is 1 per day/1 in possession. The bag and possession limit for Ninilchik River king salmon 20 inches or longer is 2 per day /2 in possession, only 1 of which may be a wild king salmon. Wild king salmon can be recognized by the presence of an adipose fin.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing success around Kachemak Bay is fair. Most halibut fishing has been near Point Pogibshi and 10-15 miles west of the Homer spit at depths 100-200 feet.

• Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4. Herring is the preferred bait.

Salmon

• Trolling success for feeder kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point, and north to Ninilchik has been fair.

• Popular trolling set ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.

• King salmon fishing at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon has been slow, but should improve as the run builds. This year's run is expected to be average, with about 3,000 kings returning. Salmon eggs, herring and blue Vibrax spinners in sizes 5-6 are working well. Try fishing around the incoming tide.

• Kings are also returning to Seldovia and Halibut Cove. Trolling herring and lures works well early in the run. These runs are also expected to be average with a return of approximately 1,500 kings to each location.

Other salt water fishing

• Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.

• Lingcod remains closed until July 1.

Shellfish

• The next series of good clamming tides will begin June 1-8 with a couple of -5 tides.

• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

• Diggers are reporting an abundance of small razor clams and few large clams within 10 miles of the Clam Gulch access road. For larger clams, head further north or south.

• Subsistence, personal use, and sport fisheries for Tanner crab will open July 15 in the waters of Kachemak Bay. A permit is required prior to harvesting; permits are free and should be available by mid-June at ADF&G offices in Anchorage, Soldotna and Homer.

• Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed

[silversalmon]

Fishing Report for July 01, 2008 Lower Cook Inlet Area EOs
2-RS-7-06-08
2-RS-7-15-08



Homer Area

Week of July 1 to July 7

Issued July 1, 2008



Emergency Orders and regulation reminders

• By Emergency order effective 12:01 p.m., Tuesday, July 1, all waters of the English Bay River drainage and Port Graham Subdistrict have reopened to sport fishing for sockeye salmon.

• At the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit, anglers may no longer fish with weights or bobbers beyond the hook or hooks. The hook or hooks must be the last piece of tackle on the line.

• The marine waters of Kachemak Bay are open to snagging except in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon area.

• Daily bag limit is 2 king salmon of any size in Cook Inlet salt waters south of Bluff Point.

Fresh waters

Salmon

• The Ninilchik River re-opened to fishing for all species except for wild king salmon from the mouth of the river to department markers located approximately 2 miles upstream. The daily bag and possession limit for hatchery king salmon is 2 per day/2 in possession with an annual limit of five 20 inches or longer. Hatchery fish can be recognized by their missing adipose fin and healed fin clip scar.

• The lower portions of the Anchor River and Deep Creek re-opened to fishing July 1 for fish other than king salmon. Anglers usually fish for Dolly Varden in these rivers, and later in the summer for pink salmon and silver salmon.

• The bag limit for Dolly Varden is 2 per day/2 in possession. Use small (size 6 or smaller) spinners and spoons. Flies or beads that imitate salmon eggs are also recommended.

• Remember, you may not keep rainbow/steelhead trout from the Anchor River, Deep Creek, or Ninilchik River, and rainbow/steelhead may not be removed from the water.

Salt waters

Halibut

• Halibut fishing is good as larger fish have begun to move into the area. Anglers have found success fishing near Flat Island, Point Pogibshi, and 15-25 miles straight west of Homer Spit. Several fish in the 50-100 pound range crossed the Homer dock, although the majority of halibut harvested continue to be in the 15-20 pound range.

• Circle hooks with herring are the preferred bait and most anglers are finding fish in 100-250 feet of water.

• Fishing out of Deep Creek and Anchor Point has been good. Many boats are fishing in waters between 80 and 130 feet deep, and usually 10 miles or more offshore. Most charters and private boats are bringing back their limits.

• Daily limit is 2 halibut, possession limit of 4.

Salmon

• Trolling success for kings off the south side of Kachemak Bay, Bluff Point and north to Ninilchik has been fair.

• Popular trolling set ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies, and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.

• Bright fish are still available in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Salmon eggs, herring and blue Vibrax spinners in sizes 5-6 and fishing around the incoming tide is recommended.

• There are still a few kings in the Fishing Lagoon. They are hitting on spinners and herring drifted beneath bobbers.

• Kings are also returning to Seldovia in good numbers. Try using Pixees from shore along Seldovia Slough or at the Fish Creek culvert at low tide. Whole herring fished from the bridge at higher tide stages has been productive.

• Halibut Cove Lagoon is producing fair catches on salmon roe fished under a bobber or try a #4 or #5 Mepps.

• Silvers will be showing up at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon around the middle of July.

Other salt water fishing

• Dolly Varden are available off the end of the Homer Spit. Try fishing small silvery or orange spinners for best results.

• Lingcod season opened July 1. There is a minimum size limit of 35 inches and a bag limit of 2 perday/2 in possession. Any fish intended for release must not be gaffed. Best fishing success is in the vicinity of the Chugach Islands and beyond.

Personal Use

• The China Poot personal use dipnet fishery is open through August 7. Complete regulations are found on pages 17 of the Southcentral Alaska regulation booklet. There is also a wealth of information on our Cook Inlet Personal Use web site.

Shellfish

• A series of good clamming tides run through July 7.

• Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

• Diggers are reporting an abundance of small razor clams and few large clams within 10 miles of the Clam Gulch access road. For larger clams, head further north or south.

• Subsistence, personal use, and sport fisheries for Tanner crab will open July 15- March 15 in the waters of Cook Inlet and the North Gulf Coast. A permit is required prior to harvesting; permits are free and available at ADF&G offices in Anchorage, Soldotna and Homer.

• Fisheries for king crab, Dungeness crab and shrimp in Cook Inlet remain closed.