Lower Kenai Peninsula youth got a chance to cast their lines for king salmon without competing against adult anglers last week in two youth-only fisheries held by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The first fishery took place on Saturday, June 1 at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit. The second was held on the Ninilchik River on Wednesday, June 5.
Kids aged 15 years and younger had the whole day to try their hand at catching up to two hatchery king salmon, identified by their missing adipose fin, during both events. ADF&G staff were present for a time at both the lagoon and Ninilchik River to provide loaner gear and assist youth anglers with fishing for king salmon.
Area Management Biologist Mike Booz said the turnout at both locations was “pretty good.”
“There was definitely room for more kids at both places while we were there,” he said. “The fishing was pretty slow at the lagoon — it was just a little too early in the run. But the fishing at the Ninilchik (River) was really good. There were lots of kids catching king salmon.”
The June 5 fishery on the Ninilchik River was the only youth event scheduled for the year, but there will be a second youth-only fishery for coho salmon at the Nick Dudiak lagoon on the first Saturday in August, Booz said.
Booz also noted the benefits from ADF&G holding these fisheries specifically geared toward younger anglers.
“The youth-only fisheries provide opportunities for kids to go fishing without competing with adults,” he said. “Both the Dudiak lagoon and the Ninilchik River can be crowded at times that make it more difficult for kids.”
He also said that the fisheries provide an opportunity for parents to focus on taking their kids fishing.
“It also gives kids an opportunity to fish with their peers. It’s just overall a really good vibe that the kids have at these events, even if they’re not catching.”
Hannah Hooker (front) poses with a king salmon she caught during the youth-only fishery held by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game on the Ninilchik River on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Ninilchik, Alaska. Photo provided by Mike Booz
