Welcome back, gang. It's time for lies, fishing tips and more lies.

There are those that are claiming that the kings have already returned to The Hole. Yeah, I believe that. The last time I saw so much action was when the ice slabs shifted in December. Give me a break.

I'm going to start this year's column off by being very straight. In fact, I'll probably bore the hell out of you. So be it. Here's what the state is saying about the area's fishing scene; next week I'll tell you the rest of the story.

Regulation reminders

Remember to purchase a 2009 fishing license and check the 2009 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary before going fishing. The regulations pertaining to the Early-Run King Salmon Special Harvest Area will be in effect through June 30. Marine markers are posted signifying the closed areas north and south of the river mouths.

Fresh water: salmon

The lower portions of the Deep Creek, Anchor and Ninilchik rivers will open to king salmon fishing Memorial Day weekend. In addition, the Anchor River will be open to fishing on Wednesdays through June 17.

River levels are low and clear and fishing should be fair. Try using bait, such as cured salmon roe and herring.

Also try fishing near the mouths of these streams during high tide to target newly arriving fish.

Remember hooked steelhead trout must not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

Salt water: halibut

Halibut fishing is slow in Kachemak Bay and fair off Anchor Point and Ninilchik. This fishery will improve as more fish move from deep over-wintering waters back into shallow summer feeding areas. Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads and various jigs also work well.

Salmon

Early-run king salmon are available this time of year in the near-shore salt waters of Anchor Point, Whiskey Gulch and Deep Creek. Anglers targeting early-run kings usually concentrate their fishing efforts in a corridor area one mile from shore between Anchor Point and Deep Creek.

Trolling success is fair in Lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay and fair to good off Bluff Point. Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction.

Expect king salmon to start arriving anytime at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon. The run is anticipated to be average with about 3,000 kings returning.

Stocked early-run king salmon should be appearing in Halibut Cove Lagoon and Seldovia. Expect fair returns of king salmon to these locations this summer.

Shellfish

Good clamming tides begin Friday and run through May 29.

Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island.

Razor clams can be found on the northern beaches of Cohoe, Clam Gulch, and Oil Pad Access, razor clam beds are exposed on any minus tides. Tides of minus-2.0 feet or lower are suggested.

A crab survey will occur in May to estimate crab abundance. Survey results will be available mid-June; check with the department at that time for fishing information.

Nick C. Varney is a freelance writer and fishing fanatic who prowls the shores and high seas in search of semi truthful tales, tips and facts associated with anything that includes bait and a pole. He can be reached at ncvarney@gmail.com.

Fishing regulations: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/reghome.cfm

Fish identification: www.adfg.state.ak.us/special/as/docs/id_ chart.pdf

Rockfish identification: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Static/Statewide/regulations/PDFs/rockfishID.pdf

Weir counts and sonar estimates: www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/Escapement/HTML/query.cfm

River levels: http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/

Lake stocking: http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/hatchery/index.cfm/FA/stocking.search

Warning

There are those that are claiming that the kings have already returned to The Hole. Yeah, I believe that. The last time I saw so much action was when the ice slabs shifted in December. Give me a break.