Last weekend brought great numbers of sockeye into the Kenai and Russian rivers. Fishing was great early in the week, but the numbers and concentration of sockeyes between Skilak Lake and the Russian River Ferry declined over the past two days. In the Russian, fish are stacking up and anglers are hooking up left and right.

Trout fishing is improving slightly with more food in the water. The water is still low and clear, so the trout remain spooky on the Kenai and require extra effort. Flesh flies have been working well.

Dry flies have produced a few good fish with the massive bug hatches prompted by the recent sunshine. The Russian is producing more trout on nymphs and dries as well.

From 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla:

Fishing on the Parks Highway for kings last weekend was fair to very good. The mouth of Willow Creek was fair, with a good number of bright fish. Montana and Sheep creeks both reported fair to good fishing. Parks streams are now weekend-only for kings, so fishing closed at 11 p.m. Monday and will re-open Saturday at 6 a.m. Clear Creek and other Talkeetna River tributaries did well this weekend and are open to fishing throughout the week. Deshka River remains very good, with anglers limiting out throughout the day but doing the best in the mornings.

Lake fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, grayling and northern pike remains very good. Target lily pads and submerged weedbeds for all species. Fly fishermen are using lake dragons, leeches, adult damselflies, chironomid nymphs and caddis and mosquito dry flies. If you're fishing with spinning gear, try trolling with cow bells or other lake trolls, followed by a flatfish, FST spoon, or fly. Tipping the fly with a piece of night crawler is very effective.

For a change of pace, take a canoe to the Nancy Lake State Recreation area. Pike fishing is red-hot in many of the lakes in the canoe trail system, and you'll see very few people. Check out the park service cabins for rent on the various lakes, and make a weekend of it. Tippecanoe Rentals rents canoes in the Nancy Lake Rec area.

From Mountain View Sports Center in Anchorage:

Ship Creek has really taken off this week for kings. The popular urban fishery is a good bet for a bright fish. Try No. 5 and No. 6 Vibrax spinners, or cured roe.

The Deshka River king count spiked earlier this week so there is good fishing to be had up north. Try a Kwikfish K15. Early morning is still the best fishing.

If you want to catch some fresh sockeye for the grill or smoker try the Russian River. Another solid option for reds is the Resurrection River near Seward. Fish and Game recently raised the limit to six fish per day in the river, and 12 in the ocean.

Big 'bows are being caught all over the Kenai River. Smolt patterns, articulated sculpins, and black leeches are the best options for fly-fishers. These fish can get over 30 inches and are routinely caught above 20 inches.

If you're looking for a nice afternoon outing around Anchorage, there are a few lakes and creeks to consider. Campbell Point Lake offers good dry fly action for trout along the shoreline. Campbell and Chester creeks also have rainbows. Nymphs and smaller sculpins work well in the local waters.

Woods closed near Russian River ferry:

Because of the regular presence of a sow grizzly with two cubs, federal wildlife officials have closed the woods downstream from the Russian River ferry on the north (highway side) of the Kenai River. The closure affects 29 acres of woods from near the ferry and parking areas down to the "guardrail hole." Riverbanks remain open from the water's edge to 25 feet. The ferry and parking area are operating as usual.

People caught walking through the closed area could be cited by a ranger, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials said. There are no added restrictions for anglers.

The Daily News fishing report is published each Thursday. For the latest and most comprehensive information every day, check the links on adn.com/outdoors/sportfishing. In addition to reports from Department of Fish and Game biologists across the state, you will find lots of photos in the Nice Catch galleries, links to current weather, river and stream flows, tide charts, fish counts, salmon run timing, fishing derbies across the state and how-to videos. You can also buy a fishing license online, check the regulations, read a blog with the latest fishery closures and emergency orders, and sign up for our fishing newsletter email.