The Memorial Day weekend was primo if you were into mucking around the beaches for assorted clam-type life forms and enjoyed broiling your snow colored carcass into a glow-in-the-dark sunburn. 

The tides were so low that the hordes from the north had the option to walk across to the peninsula rather than take the long way around by vehicle. From what I hear trekking would have been faster than some of the slug-crawl traffic oozing along parts of the highway.

As for the fishing, it depends on who you talk to and if they remembered anything after the first camp party on Friday night.

Anglers who took to the smooth seas trolling for kings and followed birds diving on bait balls did much better than the gangs at the Anchor River who couldn’t decide whether to wet a line or go high water kayaking.  

If you were out at the Spit’s Fishing Hole, snagging bottom and taking a nap were considered highlights of the experience although there were rumors of a few kings being caught along with Dolly Varden outside the entrance. Caution: Breath tests were not administered to those starting that buzz. 

A little better action was found at the end of the Spit where some of the fisherpersonages were determined to keep any creature they hauled on shore.

Along with walleye pollock, Pacific cod and various flatfish, people were stuffing critters into coolers that would have given Freddy Kruger nightmares. One guy had a burlap bag that had something thrashing around in it that acted like it would require a shotgun to stop if it broke loose. Even his family wouldn’t fish near the guy.

Now let’s take a look at some of this week’s state fishing report.

The following emergency orders have been issued that restrict the king salmon fisheries on the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River and the marine fishery south of the Ninilchik River mouth to Bluff Point. These restrictions are in effect through Sunday, June 30, 2013, except where otherwise noted.

The Anchor River is closed to sport fishing on Wednesdays and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulatory marker is relocated approximately 1,000 feet downstream of the North and South fork junction. 

Once they roll in, the combined annual limit is two king salmon 20 inches or greater in length for fish harvested from now until June 30 in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River and all marine waters south of the latitude of the mouth of the Ninilchik River to the latitude of Bluff Point. As of this writing, you’d have better luck fishing offshore from a paddle board. 

After harvesting a king 20 inches or greater from either the Anchor River, Deep Creek or the Ninilchik River, anglers are required to lay off fishing for any species in these streams for the rest of the day. 

Anglers may only use one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure on the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River. This is a painless way to pass the time and pretend that you actually have a chance to nail something.

The Ninilchik River king salmon bag and possession limit  is one naturally produced or hatchery-produced fish during regulatory weekend openings in May and June. 

Beginning July 1, bag and possession is limited to one hatchery-produced king salmon.

On Saturday, June 1, the first Youth Fishing Day will be held at The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. Part of the lagoon will be open to youth 15 years of age or younger from 12:01 a.m. until midnight. 

Fish and Game staff will be present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to help young anglers fish, tie egg loops and fishing knots. The kids can then teach their parents the right way to gear up the next time they go fishing.

Razor Clams

Don’t forget that the razor clam bag and possession limit has been decreased, in a major way, to the first 25 clams dug. Ya just can’t pick and choose the best ones folks. This regulation is effective through Dec. 31, 2013. 

Clam slammers are reminded that “possession limit” refers to the number of unpreserved clams a person may have in their possession. Since you are going to ask, “Preserved” is defined on page 5 of your regulation summary booklet. I’d tell you but since I had to look it up, so do you.

Salt Water: Halibut

Fishing for flats is still very slow and most fish are just big enough not to require daycare. Really, what else can you say when, as of May 28, the Homer halibut derby was being led by a 10-pound fish?

Salt Water: Salmon

Feeder kings continue to hit off Bluff Point and Point Pogibshi.

Some truly fine chinooks have been taken out of the near-shore salt waters off Anchor Point, Deep Creek and Whiskey Gulch. One of the hotter areas is in the shallow salt south of Deep Creek to north of the Anchor River.

Other Saltwater Fishing

Lingcod may not be harvested until July 1.

Fresh Waters

The Ninilchik and Anchor rivers along with Deep Creek, as defined by the ADF&G markers will open to fishing at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 1, through midnight, Monday, June 3.

The water conditions on Deep Creek and the Anchor River this weekend will probably define the term “pathetic” as the run off remains high mixed with enough mud that a fish couldn’t find an un-baited hook if it hit it between the eyes. The Ninilchik may have better visibility but a few kings would be nice too.

Note: The mouths of the streams where the fish stack up during a tide build up offer a better chance for hooking up.

Shellfish 

All shrimp and crab fisheries in Kachemak Bay are currently closed.

Nick can be reached at ncvarney@gmail.com if you have some tips, stories or semi-white lies to share.