ADF&G - Sport Fishing Southcentral Alaska

06/18/2026

Looking to fight back against Southcentral Alaska's most damaging invasive fish? Check out the ADFG Northern Pike Waters map to find waterbodies with known pike infestations!

There are no bag limits on northern pike in Southcentral Alaska, and catching them helps save our native fish. Cannibalism rates for northern pike are very low- large fish produce far more young pike than they eat. All pike captured must be killed, never return live pike to the water in Southcentral!

Pike are fun to catch on any gear- whether it's topwater, jigging through the ice, or stripping a huge streamer. Check out our pike mapper in the comments for known pike waters:

06/18/2026

Youth Anglers, 15 and younger-
The Ship Creek and Eklutna Tailrace Youth Days are this Saturday, June 20th! These fisheries are open in specific areas to youth ages 15 and younger only for the day, no adults may fish in the youth area on June 20th. Information below:

• Ship Creek Youth Area: From 6:00am-11:00pm. Between the upstream side of the C Street Bridge and the downstream side of the Bridge Restaurant.

• Eklutna Tailrace Youth Area: From 6:00am-6:00pm. Both sides of the Eklutna Tailrace from the mouth upstream to the walking bridge.

Youth will need a Harvest Record Card to record any king salmon caught. You can print your harvest card online or get a card at a local office. See comments for more info!

06/16/2026

It’s Invasive Species Week-

Did you know Northern Pike are highly invasive in southcentral Alaska? These swimming minnow-traps devour everything in local waters, from salmon fry to frogs. Illegally introduced and stocked, invasive pike have been found in over 100 water bodies across the Mat-Su, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula.

Rapid response is critical to containing invasive species. You can help!
If you catch a pike a new/unconfirmed area- Take a photo, note the location, and report it to 1-877-INVASIV or the online species reporter here:
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=invasivespeciesreporter.main
See comments for a link to the invasive pike mapper.

06/16/2026

Check out the June issue of Reel Times:
• Yakutat Lingcod – Jason Pawluk shares stories and techniques for landing these monsters
• Kodiak Rockfish – Brianna Woolever covers the Kodiak menagerie of species and methods to catch your own
• Announcing “The Fish Count” podcast

And more, including gear maintenance, recipes, and upcoming events in the Southcentral area!

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=FishingSportFishAK.reelTimes&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

06/10/2026

Homer is known for halibut, but don't sleep on the local “Fishing Hole!”

The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon – locally known as "The Fishing Hole" - has come a long way from its days as an unused barge lagoon. Since the 1980s, king and coho salmon stocking has created a thriving recreational fishery and is now one of the Kenai Peninsula's most popular and accessible fisheries.

A major upgrade by the ADF&G Boating and Angler Access Program in 1999 transformed the Fishing Hole into a modern, welcoming access point for anglers of all abilities. Improvements include:
• ADA-compliant ramps
• Paved parking
• Improved trails
• Hardened banks

A great example of community partners working together to improve outdoor recreation in Homer. The site is operated and maintained by the City of Homer.

Are you a tide-watcher or a cast-and-hope angler at the Fishing Hole?

Questions about fishing and king salmon restrictions in the Homer area? Check the comments.

06/06/2026

Prince William Sound Shrimpers:
shrimp season closes at 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2026. All gear must be removed from the water by the end of the day on June 8.

Harvest reports are important for management and are mandatory; please report online no later than June 22nd:
https://harvest.adfg.alaska.gov

You can also ADF&G Mobile app, here:
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=home.mobile_app

06/03/2026

Check out the new classes available!

Want to learn how to fish, build your skills, or try something new on the water?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is expanding our Sport Fishing Class offerings with new classes added each month in Southcentral Alaska. Whether you're just getting started or looking to gain confidence and improve your fishing knowledge, our classes are designed to help you develop the skills needed to get out and fish on your own.

Class topics vary throughout the year and may include fishing basics, tackle and gear, knot tying, fish processing, pike fishing and hands-on fishing opportunities. Classes will have a hands-on component and will be located in the Southcentral Area.

Visit our Sport Fishing Classes page to see upcoming classes and register for an open class.

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=FishingSportClasses.main

06/03/2026

Dredging at the Talkeetna Boat launch is done - happy fishing!-

Attention Talkeetna Boat Launch Users!

Great news - the boat launch and channel dredging are now complete!

The water is up, the channel is clear, and it’s officially time to get back out there.

Grab your gear, launch your boat, and enjoy the start of a smooth, safe season on the river!

05/29/2026

We're working to make the Talkeetna boat launch more accessible, see more here:

Attention Talkeetna River Boat Launch Users!

Boat launch and channel dredging activities will begin this Friday, May 29, 2026, and will continue through Sunday, May 31.

Please be advised heavy equipment will be working within the channel or along the riverbanks from the boat launch to the confluence of the mainstem of the Talkeetna River.

Questions: Please reach out to [email protected].

05/22/2026

It's been a cold spring, and a slow start to Hooligan season. If you decide to venture out, please be mindful of parking and right-of-ways. Stay safe and happy dipping!

🚗🐟 Hooligan Fishing Access Update – Turnagain Arm
DOT&PF has improved access for the personal use hooligan fishery along Turnagain Arm. Three designated parking areas are now available between MP 80–83 on the Seward Highway, connected by a new multi-use pathway to help you reach popular fishing spots safely.

With these upgrades in place, highway parking is no longer allowed in this area.

Please remember:
• Park in designated lots only
• Follow posted signs and traffic control
• Use the pathway to access fishing areas

These improvements are designed to make travel safer for everyone - both on the road and along the shoreline.

📍 See the infographic for parking locations and details
🎣 For fishery questions, contact Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Official