HOT NEWS FLASH

Alaska Fish and Game has announced Anchor River will be closed to sport fishing beginning 12:01 a.m. Saturday, through 11:59 p.m. June 30, to protect king salmon returning to the river. In addition, the closed area in adjacent salt waters will increase to two miles north of the Anchor River and two miles south of the Anchor River, and extends one mile out from shore.

I knew things had been so slow you could get more action dropping a line into your freezer and snagging a fillet, but I had no idea it had reached sucksville status. So I took a look at the weir's Web site and was stunned at the trickle of kings so far. I've seen more fish in a city aquarium. Check it out yourself at www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/Region2/Escapement/HTML/query.cfm. If you are 'puter challenged give the local office of the Alaska Fish and Game a call at 235-8191 and they'll update you. They also have recorded info at 235-6930. Somebody know a good fish dance?

Now that is off my chest I must turn to clams. Mostly because of a message I received from a cool information officer of the Alaska State Troopers who was concerned about the proliferation of mollusk infractions. It went like this. "Nick, next time, you might want to mention the regulations when it comes to shellfish. Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited numerous people in Anchor Point for having undersized clams. Plus there's a limit on the number of razor clams of 60 per day and 120 in possession. I scanned two sections of the fishing regulations that address clams and attached them for you."

I thought that was nice of her and noted that butter clams must be a minimum of 2.5 inches across at their widest point while little necks require 1.5 inches. Undersized clams must be returned to the beach and should be reburied on their side or neck up.

Are you getting this, guy and guyettes? Save yourself some serious coin and follow the rules. Best bet? Get a copy of them. They even have pictures of clams for proper I.D. purposes. Ever see a clam smile?

There should be no excuse now for getting busted during the upcoming low tides this month unless you have an I.Q. lower than the clam you're hunting.

One more thing for those of you who are wondering how to figure out the width measurement of a mollusk when you're chin deep in gook. Try marking your digging gear, rubber gloves or part of your bod with 2.5 or 1.5 inch measurements. They are a quick reference. Fanatics can use tattoos, I suppose.

OK let's look at some more updates:

Emergency Orders and Regulation Reminders

Except for the Anchor River closure, there are no other Emergency Orders. 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.

Special Alert: Youth-only Fisheries

A portion of the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon will be open to fishing only by youth 15 years of age and younger on Saturday, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The youth-only fishing area will be posted. The remainder of the Fishing Lagoon will be open to fishing for anglers of any age. Department personnel will be available from noon-2 p.m. to assist youth in the fishing activity. This is a great way to teach the yung'uns fishing techniques and a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. (See related story, page 14.)

Fresh Waters: Salmon

The lower portions of the Ninilchik River and Deep Creek, as defined by Fish and Game markers, will again open to king salmon fishing this weekend for the three-day fishery, starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

As stated previously fishing has been very slow. Try using bait, such as cured salmon roe and herring although the way things are going you may want to keep the herring for dinner.

Steelhead trout must not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

Salt Waters: Halibut

Halibut fishing success around Kachemak Bay is fair. Most halibut fishing has been near Point Pogibshi and 10-15 miles west of the Homer Spit at depths of 100-200 feet. The kelp beds have started producing some bigger fish too, but that's a secret right now.

Herring is the most popular bait, but octopus, squid, salmon heads, and various jigs also work well. I'd love to use a salmon head. Anybody know where I can catch one?

Salt Waters: Salmon

King salmon trolling success is fair in Lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay and poor from Stariski Creek north. Popular trolling set-ups include herring, hootchies, tube flies and spoons. Try using dodgers or flashers for extra attraction. If you are really desperate try them all at once.

King salmon fishing at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon has been slow to totally dead. One gentleman nailed one by letting his salmon eggs lie on the bottom. That's cool but you catch some really ugly critters too. Herring and blue Vibrax spinners are good bets if anything shows up. Try the incoming tides and the outflow stream when it ebbs.

Kings are slow in Seldovia and Halibut Cove. Trolling herring and lures works well early in the run.

Shellfish

Razor clams can be found on the sandy beaches north of Anchor Point to Cohoe Loop Road; razor clam beds are exposed on any minus tide. Tides of minus -2.0 feet or lower are suggested.

Remember: You may not return razor clams to the sand once you have removed them -- they are delicate and handling damages them increasing their chances of dying.

The next series of good clamming tides run from Friday through June 10 then June 20-27.

Littleneck (steamer) and butter clams can be found in gravel beaches on the south side of Kachemak Bay from Seldovia to Chugachik Island. Littlenecks are more often found on the muddier beaches, while butter clams are more often found on the sandier beaches.

Once again, don't be brain dead. Check your Southcentral Regulation Summary Booklet for clam limits. Have fun out there instead of spending the summer in court.

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