Fishing Report for Southern Kenai and Lower Cook Inlet – May 22, 2024
Homer, Alaska – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released an updated fishing report as the season progresses. Key freshwater fishing locations are subject to closures, with the Anchor River and Deep Creek under a complete sport fishing ban until July 15, 2024. The Ninilchik River will open for hatchery king salmon fishing from May 25 to May 27, but anglers should anticipate slow fishing due to low king salmon numbers at this time.
In saltwater, halibut fishing in Kachemak Bay is starting slowly yet may improve. Anglers are advised to fish offshore or in shallow waters between Bluff Point and Anchor Point for larger catches, preferably during slack tides. Herring remains the favored bait, although octopus and jigs are also effective.
King salmon fishing has been inconsistent south of Bluff Point, with some success reported in inner Kachemak Bay. Anglers are encouraged to experiment with gear depths to improve their chances. Rockfish can be caught through jigging or trolling, but remember to utilize a deepwater release mechanism due to reduced bag limits, which now stand at three.
Razor clamming is permitted in west Cook Inlet, with popular sites including Polly Creek and Crescent River Bar. Meanwhile, surf fishing has yielded a mixed bag of groundfish catches, although regulations prohibit fishing within 200 yards of river mouths.
Those interested in local lake fishing will find success in the Homer Reservoir, particularly for Dolly Varden, which are plentiful along the shore.
For those planning to fish, it’s essential to review emergency orders and obtain a 2024 sport fishing license. For more information, contact the ADF&G Homer office at (907) 235-8191.
Source
Photo credit aksportingjournal.com
