As the sockeye salmon season on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers begins to wrap up, anglers can target pink salmon when looking for success.
Pinks
The pink salmon runs the lower Kenai are coming through very early, Pawluk said. So far their numbers are very good this year.
Right now pink salmon are a great fishery for those who still want to put some fish in the freezer, Pawluk said.
For young anglers to learn how to fish, as they are in high abundance, and they strike at most any lure.
Sockeye
Sockeye salmon are coming in low numbers right now on both Kenai and Kasilof rivers, said assistant area management biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Jason Pawluk in an email. Right now the fishing is very slow on both tributaries.
The waters higher up in the Kenai and Kasilof river drainages are currently providing the most success for anglers, Pawluk.
Coho
Fishing on both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers has been very slow, Pawluk said. However, it is still early in the season, which has been open since July 1, and conditions may improve.
Resident species
Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden are still good in the entire Kenai drainage and fishing will only improve as salmon begin spawning, Pawluk said.
Today is the last day for the personal use salmon dip net fishery on the Kenai river, Pawluk said. Kasilof’s last day is August 7.
Kelly Sullivan can be reached at kelly.sullivan@peninsulaclarion.com