Web posted Friday, September 9, 2005

For a good time, head south
From Deep Creek to the Homer Spit, fall fish can be found in abundance

By MATT TUNSETH
Peninsula Clarion

In summer, when the kings are running big and strong and the reds jumping into the boat, the Kenai River is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Kenai Peninsula fishing. And with its reputation growing as a silver salmon and rainbow trout destination, the Kenai is certainly no slouch in the fall.

But when it comes to overall fishing variety and quality, the south peninsula is the place to be come Autumn.

There are three major streams worth anglers’ attention on the south peninsula, and all provide fishermen with good access, plenty of action and a genuine wilderness experience.

Heading south from Kasilof, the first stream anglers will come across is the Ninilchik River. No discussion of this stream can be complete without also mentioning Deep Creek, which flows just to the south of the Ninilchik and is essentially a twin stream.

Both the Ninilchik and Deep Creek are small, fast streams with numerous pools and eddies where fish can hide out. Water clarity can be an issue as either stream can get muddy fast if it rains, so pay attention to weather forecasts.

Although these rivers do support silver salmon runs, they truly shine when it comes to steelhead and Dolly Varden fishing. With their clear waters, the two rivers are perfect for stalking skittish steelhead. Fishing with flies or beads works great for both species, and guarantees nonstop action from ravenous Dollies.

There are ample campgrounds along both streams where anglers can park their vehicles and walk up or downstream to find secluded fishing holes. In addition, the Ninilchik flows directly through the old village, giving fishermen a unique look at one of the peninsula’s most historic town sites.

On both the Ninilchik and Deep Creek, salmon fishing is only allowed downstream from ADFG markers located approximately two miles from the river mouths.

Moving further south will take you to the Anchor River, which flows past Anchor Point on its way to the ocean. In addition to its dynamite silver salmon fishing, the Anchor also supports steelhead and Dolly Varden runs, meaning salmon anglers can easily switch their gear over if silvers aren’t present.

Finding a spot to fish the Anchor isn’t hard. There are a number of State Parks campgrounds that charge a small daily fee for parking. And although salmon fishing is only allowed downstream from the confluence of the north and south forks of the river, there are numerous spots along the highway where anglers can pull off and find a nice spot to look for Dollies, rainbow trout and steelhead.

On all three streams steelhead and rainbows cannot be removed from the water and must be released.

A discussion of south peninsula fisheries would not be complete without mentioning the Homer Spit. There is no place on earth quite like the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon — in fact, there’s probably nothing even close.

First off, fly fishermen and angling purists should avoid this popular fishing hole. Salmon fishing doesn’t get much more down and dirty than what goes on at the lagoon. The best way to pull out a silver salmon is to use a technique that involves placing a bobber at the end of your line and attaching a hook a few inches above. By doing this, you can get your hook and line to lay just below the surface. When schools of fish swim by — which they do like clockwork as the fish circle aimlessly about the lagoon — the idea is to get your hook in the middle of the school. Doing so gives you a great chance to snag a passing fish — hopefully in the mouth.

While this form of fishing certainly isn’t for the traditionalist, its an interesting and action-packed way to spend an afternoon.

An added benefit of fishing the lagoon is the wildlife. At any given time, there’s likely to be four or five seals prowling the small fishing hole, giving anglers an up-close view of their hunting techniques. Sometimes seals will chase fish right to shore, leaving breathless fishermen a closer look at the giant predators than they might like.

Fishing on the south peninsula should be decent for silvers this weekend, and the steelhead and Dolly fisheries are picking up every day. Central peninsula anglers wanting to stay closer to home can try the Kenai or Kasilof rivers — which have been hit-and-miss for silvers but great for rainbows — or the Swanson River, where the silver run continues to build.

As always, remember to check all fishing regulations before hitting the water.