Hopefully, as you read this piece you are doing so without a dramatic new body piercing in an ultra-sensitive orifice or a Russian River ear stud compliments of some maniac flogging for the surging reds.

When I spotted a notice that the bag limit for sockeyes had increased up north, I figured the rush would be on, so my wife and I decided to take a ride just to watch the party.

I was tempted to take my antique rod, Thrasher, along in case I lost control of my primal instinct for survival and basic common sense in order to join the crowd if the fishing was on fire. But, when Jane promised to flex cuff me to the steering wheel if my eyes started to glaze over, I left it behind.

Not only that, my current hellish back issues would have made me look like a quintessential dork trying to cast.

No big deal because I’ve never been pumped enough to elbow-fish in conditions so tight that if I turned the wrong way I could end up with a paternity suit. Plus, the parking opportunities sucked so bad that it would have been easier to charter a chopper and rappel onto an open shoreline slot.

Traffic in the area was another matter. It resembled a NASCAR pitstop under a green light so, rather than continue to navigate the potential demolition derby we smoked back home to grab a primo fishing lagoon observation spot. The incoming tide was headed our way so we could restart our game of “Spot the violations” as the silvers rolled in. Great entertainment and new high scores.

Time now to take a look at the fishing report for the week of July 22.

Freshwater fishing

Although the lower Kenai Peninsula roadside streams are open to sport fishing, expect sluggish action for Dolly Varden and pinks. Best bet is to fish the intertidal of these streams for newly arriving fish.

China Poot personal use dipnet fishery has remained fine but easing off with both good and bummer days. There should still be plenty of opportunity to harvest some sockeye for the smoker, canner or freezer.

Saltwater fishing

Kachemak Bay/Cook Inlet

Groundfish

Last week was another great time for halibut fishing. But, the marine forecast for the coming week is not favorable for getting to offshore locations. The compass rose area has been producing fine catches for those anglers chilling closer to the harbors.

Both lingcod and yelloweye seasons are open and those anglers fishing the outer coast are doing fine. Fishing should continue to be productive on favorable weather days.

Surf fishing has remained a popular option for those anglers who prefer hunting halibut without the need for Dramamine. Whiskey Gulch and Deep Creek are great locations to launch lines for ‘buts.

Fishing off the tip of the Homer Spit is pumping out an assortment of bottom fish such as flats, flounders, cute sculpins, annoying skates, lost sharks, succulent Pacific cod along with occasional critters that can turn your hair white.

King salmon

King fishing was pitiable to fair over the week. There are mobs of brain-dead pinks at Point Pogibshi which can get in your way if you are after Chinooks but it’s still likely the best place to land one within Cook Inlet now.

Give a shot at fishing deeper to avoid the obnoxious dickweeds.

To discover kings at any location, try setting the gear at different depths including mid-water column and 10 feet off the bottom.

Sockeye salmon

There should be a plethora (means, “big bunch of” for those who floss-snag at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon) of sockeye around Tutka Lagoon and in front of China Poot Creek. Most anglers haul these fish via weighted treble hooks. Anglers also had fun snagging sockeye from the Homer Spit the last week. Watch for jumpers!

Coho salmon

The coho run continues to build in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon and real anglers are experiencing good success while the floss-snaggers continue to annoy. Try eggs, slices of mackerel, or plug-cut herring under a bobber. Also look for jumpers along the east side of the Homer Spit. High tide in mud bay is a great time to catch the high flyers from shore and there are reds in the mix.

There are scattered reports of silvers from anglers trolling in the outer portions of Kachemak Bay. Expect meager results over the next week until the runs start firing on all cylinders.

Emergency Orders

Lower Kenai Peninsula Roadside Streams Gear Limited to Single Hook Artificial Lures

Ninilchik River Closed to King Salmon Fishing

Sport Fishing for King Salmon Closed in Upper Cook Inlet Salt Waters

King Salmon Bag Limit Reduced from 2 to 1 in Lower Cook Inlet Salt Waters

Rockfish bag limit reduction: 2 pelagic, 1 non-pelagic.

For additional information, please contact the Homer ADF&G Office at 907-235-8191.

Nick can be reached at ncvarney@gmail.com if you have any tips, tales, or rationale for defending an arrowtooth flounder as a main course dinner item.