Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kodiak
Archived Sport Fishing Report
June 13, 2022
Freshwater Fishing
- Counts at the Buskin Weir remain fairly slow with sport, subsistence, and commercial fishing closing this weekend. Counts are well behind average at this point and few fish seem to be holding in the river.
- Counts are below average at Litnik as well, but more fish seem to be building in the lagoon and bay and there are reports of good sport and subsistence fishing this week.
- Dolly Varden is still being caught in Buskin Lake and River, but also is being seen in near-shore saltwaters. Dollies are becoming more available along local beaches.
Saltwater Fishing
- King salmon fishing continues to pick up with pretty good fishing reported around Buoy 4 this weekend.
- Halibut fishing has picked up this week with quite a few fish crossing the docks. Fish are reportedly entering shallower waters this week.
- Rockfish are being caught in most areas of Chiniak Bay still, with many of the favorite spots being near Chiniak, behind Long Island and Kodiak Rocks. New regulations are in effect for nonresidents targeting rockfish in the Kodiak area. See the emergency order below for more info.
- Check your 2022 Southwest Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for species identification information.
- The use of a deepwater release mechanism is required on all sportfishing vessels in Alaska and they must be used to release rockfish back down to a depth of capture or 100 feet, whichever is shallower. Ever heard of the deepwater release? Check out our webpage for more info.
- Don’t forget that lingcod season doesn’t open until July 1! Most anglers report catching lots of smaller lingcod, so plan ahead to release them unharmed.
Local Lakes
- Most stocked lakes seem to be warming up quickly with the recently warm weather. Reports from all the local lakes seem to be on the increase as people begin camping and getting out the road. With the sunshine this week, some of the more shaded lakes should offer good fishing. Lake Gertrude in Ft. Abercrombie should be a good bet for rainbow fishing. The lake should be warming up but will have lots of shaded cover for fish to stay out of the direct sunlight.
Emergency Orders
Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.
- Emergency Order 2-RF-4-27-22 closed the Buskin River drainage to sport fishing for sockeye salmon. This emergency order is in effect through11:59 pm Saturday, December 31, 2022.
- Emergency Order 2-RF-4-16-22 reduced the nonresident rockfish bag and possession limits on the eastside of Afognak and Kodiak islands from Big Fort Island near Shuyak Island to Dangerous Cape on Kodiak Island. This emergency order is in effect through 11:59 pm. Saturday, December 31, 2022.
- Emergency Order 2-KS-4-15-22 closed the Ayakulik River drainage to king salmon fishing and restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022.
- Emergency Order 2-KS-4-14-22 closed the Karluk River drainage including the lagoon and its outlet stream to king salmon fishing and restricted fishing gear to only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022.
Don’t forget to purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp! Purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2022 Southwest Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing in before you head out.
For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Kodiak Area Office at (907) 486-1880.