Kenai & Kasilof rivers

It’s early yet for good king salmon fishing in the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.

Anglers fishing last week for king salmon experienced slow fishing in both rivers. Historically the numbers of early run king salmon moving into the rivers increases as the month of May progresses. So anglers can expect fishing to improve.

Water levels in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers are low. Boaters are advised to use caution when navigating in shallow sections of the rivers.

Kenai River

The early run of king (chinook) salmon has begun.  While fishing is slow, things are on par with previous years.  There have been recent reports of fish being taken from the waters of the Kenai River over the last week, though the fishing effort, as would be expected, was very low.  The sonar counter is active and is estimating 145 kings since May 16 with the counts increasing daily.  The count for May 18 was 60 fish.  I am expecting the numbers to continue to rise along with the water level with a peak of the early run occuring somewhere around the middle of June.

Kasilof River

• Bait is allowed in the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge.

• The Departments early run king salmon creel survey program began last week. Fishing was reported to be slow as only a few king salmon were caught. 

Like the Kenai, the numbers should continue to rise as the month progresses with the peak of the early run somewhere around the 10th of June.  The reports have indicated a strong native fish return.  The only days that are open for retention of native king salmon on the Kasilof River, however are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Lake Fishing

• Numerous Kenai Peninsula Lakes provide great fishing opportunity while flowing waters are closed to fishing. Many Kenai Peninsula Area lakes are now open and free of ice. Anglers are reminded of the new regulation for Hidden Lake, the lake trout bag and possession limit is one lake trout. The other lakes are producing great for hungry rainbow trout and dolly varden.  This is the time to be out on the float tube before the higher water temperatures of summer drive the fish to the cooler deeper waters.

Northern Pike

• Stormy Lake has good numbers of northern pike and the lake has good public access. Anglers who are interested in fishing for northern pike on the Kenai Peninsula should try Stormy Lake for spring northern pike fishing.

• Many other area lakes have northern pike, but public access is limited. Private property owners may allow access, but get permission first.

• Pike can be taken using spears, bow and arrow (with arrow attached by a line), bait, spin, and fly-fishing gear. Try fish-shaped and fish-colored lures and flies.

• There is no closed season for pike and the bag limit is unlimited. Wanton waste laws apply so be sure to use, or donate to charity, all the pike you harvest.