This the final fishing report produced by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for the 2022 season.
Freshwater fishing
Kenai River
ADF&G is reporting high water and low clarity in the Kenai River as a result of the high quantity of rain in recent weeks.
Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing in the middle and upper Kenai River is reportedly fair.
Coho salmon fishing on the upper and lower Kenai River is good and expected to remain good for the next few weeks. Bait and multiple hooks are now allowed up to Mile 46.
ADF&G reminds anglers that the bag and possession limit for coho salmon is three per day.
Any king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be retained or possessed and must be immediately released. Anglers should avoid fishing for coho salmon in areas of the river where king salmon are concentrated.
Kasilof River
Coho salmon fishing is fair.
ADF&G reminds anglers that as of Friday, regulations are changing to only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly from the mouth of the river to the Sterling Highway Bridge, and only unaited, artificial lures or flies from the bridge upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Tustumena Lake. This regulation will remain in effect until Dec. 31.
Other
Swanson River coho salmon sport fishing is also being reported as good. ADF&G recommends anglers try to fish the incoming and high slack tides.
Coho salmon fishing in the Russian River closes by regulation on Thursday, Sept. 30. Last week, ADF&G reported that fishing was good.
Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden fishing is good in the Russian River.
Local Lakes
Elephant (Spirit) Lake’s access gate has been closed, and will remain closed through the end of the month. Fishing in stocked lakes should be excellent. Fishing for rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling and landlocked salmon “should be good to excellent.” It is suggested by the Division of Sport Fish that anglers try fishing with dry or wet flies, like an egg sucking leech, bead head nymph or mosquito pattern. Small spoons and spinners size #0 or #2 as well as small bait under a bobber, are recommended.
Emergency Orders
Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.
Local Lakes
Emergency Order 2-NP-1-04-22 prohibits the retention of any species of fish in East Mackey, West Mackey, Sevena, Union, and Derks lakes for the 2022 season.
Emergency Order 2-DV-1-03-22 establishes a bag and possession limit of Arctic char/Dolly Varden in Stormy Lake of one fish, less than 16 inches in length for the 2022 season.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
