The weather may not yet be an accurate indicator of summer’s progression but strong early returns have “sockeye” on the tip of nearly every angler’s tongue, a clear sign as any that it’s now salmon season.
The confluence of the Russian and Kenai rivers is currently flooded with sockeye, with the reds returning in high numbers, washing away any pre-season count concerns.
Sockeye counts so far on the Russian River weir have been strong and are projected to exceed the Alaska Department of Fish & Game’s escapement goal, which has resulted in a series of bag limit liberalizations to allow anglers to harvest more fish.
The original limit of three sockeye was bumped to six and just recently another Emergency Order was released, rocketing the harvest limit up to nine sockeye from the Russian River and a section of the upper Kenai River until July 14. Of course, big bag limits attract a lot of attention, so the word is officially out.
If you plan to fish sockeye on the Russian or upper Kenai, be prepared to be patient in the parking lot and boat launches or get creative by carpooling, biking in or taking advantage of the midnight sun. Also, nine sockeye isn’t a light load, as I myself came to find out as I stared down the trail out of the Russian River canyon, so come prepared to pack your fish and gear out.
The Russian and Kenai confluence receives an immense amount of foot traffic during salmon season and it’s difficult to overlook the impact so many pairs of wading boots can have. You can help minimize the impact by staying on established routes and boardwalks, respecting fenced off areas and using public restrooms at campgrounds and access areas.
While sockeye are stealing the show, of course, they aren’t the only species beckoning anglers to the Kenai. After all, it’s not like those world-class rainbow trout disappeared. Word on the water is that drifted or swung black leeches and drifting flesh patterns are the ticket for getting into trout on the Kenai right now.
With ongoing and regular precipitation, Susitna River tributaries off the Parks Highway continue to flow high and throw curve balls for anglers. To find rainbow trout and Arctic Grayling in highwater, seek out slow water where fish are likely to loiter to conserve energy. Target pools, eddies, pockets along the river’s edge and behind boulders, and never overlook a side channel. There’s always another creek to hit on the Parks, so if one is high and dirty, consider trying the next one and wade cautiously.
If these options don’t pique your interest, how about an entirely new approach? Try checking out one of the nearby canoe trails. The Swan Lakes Canoe Trail outside of Sterling and the Nancy Lake Canoe Trail near Willow are two destinations that can offer an escape from the crowds, more reliable water conditions, and no shortage of fishing opportunities. No canoe? No problem. Outfitters like Tippecanoe in the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area and Alaska Canoe & Campground in Sterling make it easy. Pack your swim trunks, don’t forget the bug spray and paddle into seclusion where you’re likely to share a lake with little more than the loons.
Unfortunately, invasive Northern Pike have worked their way into much of the Mat-Su, including the Nancy Lake system, and lakes on the Kenai Peninsula, where the apex predator has decimated salmon runs and other native fish populations. ADF&G recently confirmed their suspicions that Northern Pike can utilize the ocean to invade other lakes and river systems. This escalates the concern of invasive Northern Pike and underscores why you are expected to kill any that you catch in Southcentral waters. Keep this in mind as you wet a line this summer.
Fly Pattern 6 Pack of the Week
- Morrish Mouse
- Micro Flesh (or similar small flesh fly)
- Black Dolly Llama
- Parachute Adams
- Pheasant Tail nymph
- Russian River Fly
Prep or Tip
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but clearly it’s more than just one or two people: pick up your trash! Personally, I keep a stash of bags in my fishing pack and challenge myself to fill a small bag on most of my fishing outings. It’s potentially the easiest way to give back to the rivers that gift us so much. Pack a bag, pick up trash and you’ll immediately feel good about it, that I can promise.
Closures & Regulation Reminders
- Kasilof River dipnetting is now open, Kenai River dip netting opens on July 10th.
- Bird Creek is closed until July 14th.
Review fishing regulations & Emergency Orders on the ADF&G website. If you have questions, contact the Sportfishing Information Department, a very helpful resource.
