Kenai River early run king fishery closes

• No bait allowed in Anchor, Deep Creek and Ninilchik rivers 
By Sean Pearson
Homer Tribune
The 2010 Kenai River early king salmon run is currently the lowest on record. Through Wednesday, June 2, an estimated 739 king salmon passed the Kenai River sonar station, well below the historical average of 3,114 fish through this date. Based on historic run timing models, it is expected that 3,800 early-run king salmon are to return to the Kenai River in 2010.
The department has determined that, due to this low run, the lower end of the biological escapement goal (5,300 fish) cannot be achieved with a harvest or a catch-and-release fishery. Anglers are advised that the Kenai River king salmon sport fishery will be closed as follows:
• Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the Soldotna Bridge is closed to sport fishing for all king salmon through 11:59 p.m., June 30.
• Kenai River from the Soldotna Bridge upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake is closed to sport fishing for all king salmon through 11:59 p.m., July 14.
• Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge is closed to sport fishing for all king salmon through 11:59 p.m., July 14.
In addition, the use of bait is prohibited in the Anchor, Deep Creek and Ninilchik rivers through 11:59 p.m., June 30. The saltwater closure adjacent to the Anchor River will increase from one to two miles north and south of the Anchor River mouth and one mile offshore. These restrictions are effective through 11:59 p.m., June 30.
For the week of June 7 through June 13, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game noted that the lower portion of the Anchor River will open to king salmon fishing at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 9 through midnight, June 12-14. Bait is prohibited. The lower portions of Deep Creek and Ninilchik River will open to king salmon fishing on Saturday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. through Monday June 14 until midnight. Check the department website and the Homer Sport Fishing Information Line at 235-6930 for updates on the Anchor River king salmon fishery for the weekend.
According to the weekly report, water conditions in the Ninilchik River are good, while Anchor River water levels have dropped and the clarity is continuing to improve. Deep Creek fishing conditions are also improving, but more slowly than the Anchor River. Expect poor to fair fishing conditions in all streams.
Try using a variety of lures and flies to find success. If using spinners try sizes 3 through 6.
Halibut fishing is considered fair-to-good out of Homer, Anchor Point and Deep Creek, however large flatfish landings for the month of June so far have been scarce. Halibut landed over the past week averaged 10 to 15 pounds, and the current Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby leader for June stands at only 78.8 pounds. Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads and jigs also work well.
King salmon fishing is reportedly improving at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit. Anglers have been successful fishing on the outside of the fishing hole on the incoming tide, and trolling success for feeder kings in Kachemak Bay is fair. King salmon are also starting to arrive in Seldovia Harbor, with anglers are catching fish from the bridge over the slough.
Popular trolling set-ups for king salmon include herring, hootchies, tube flies and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.
Shellfish
The next clamming tide series will start Thursday and run through June 17. Razor clams can be found on the sandy beaches from Kasilof to Homer and are exposed on any minus tides. Tides of minus 2.0 feet or lower are suggested. Expect to find many small clams on the Ninilchik beaches, but remember that all razor clams that are dug must be kept — regardless of size. Clam Gulch beaches are turning out fair-to-good numbers of medium-sized clams, while larger razor clams are showing up on Deep Creek to Whiskey Gulch beaches. Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.