Area Sport Fishing Reports
Kodiak

May 23, 2023

Freshwater Fishing

• Dollies are on the move and are being found throughout the Buskin Drainage with both the lake and river providing good fishing.
• Steelhead and rainbows are still around as well and fishing has been good in the Buskin, though many steelhead are actively spawning right now.
• There are a handful of reds that have been caught in the Buskin so far but nothing past the weir. With the high water things are off to a slow start.
• High water has prevented counting early reds in most locations on the Island so far.

Saltwater Fishing

• King salmon fishing was reported as excellent during the last weather window with fish being caught around the Fingers and in Kalsin Bay. A few anglers reported catching large kings over 30 lbs as well.
• Halibut fishing has been off to a strong, early start by most accounts with many fish being caught trolling in the Buoy 4 area and the Fingers.
• Cod are also being found in high abundance nearly everywhere folks are fishing right now. Many anglers are mentioning catching 10-15lb cod commonly.
• Rockfish bag limits have been reduced to three pelagic rockfish per day for nonresident anglers for much of the eastside of Kodiak Island and Afognak Island. Bag limits for resident anglers remain the same this season, with a total bag limit of five rockfish per day but only three per day inside Chiniak and Marmot bays. Nonpelagic limits remain at two per day with only one being a yelloweye for the whole Island and for all anglers. Please refer to the emergency orders below for more info.
• Don’t forget that lingcod season doesn’t open until July 1! There are already lots of reports of anglers catching lingcod, so plan ahead to release them unharmed.

Local Lakes

As our stocked lakes start to warm up, rainbow trout become more active and start to feed more aggressively and it’s usually a great time to fish them. With the slow start to summer we’ve had, many lakes are still pretty cold, so the lowest elevation lakes will be the best bet. Check out East Twin or Abercrombie lakes for some good, spring rainbow fishing.

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-4-17-23 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. Sunday, December 31, 2023.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-4-19-23 closed the Karluk River drainage (including the lagoon and its outlet stream) and 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. Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2023 sport fishing license and king stamp! Help maximize social distancing and purchase your 2023 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 2023 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.