EXPLORE KASILOF AND CLAM GULCH, ALASKA | RETURN HOME
Fishing and Clamming
Try some quiet fly fishing near the bridge at Kasilof, or dig for Razor Clams at Clam Gulch, two little communities
on Cook Inlet off the Sterling Highway.
Volcanoes
Across the Water
The drive down the Cook Inlet coast to Homer is stunning
on a clear day. There's a dramatic "ring
of fire" made up of active volcanoes encircling the Kenai Peninsula across the water.
From north to south, the volcanoes are:
• Mt. Spurr (across from Anchorage), which erupted last in 1992;
• Mt. Redoubt (across from the City of Kenai & Soldotna),
which erupted last in 1990;
• Mt. Iliamna (across from Ninilchik), which has been quiet for a long time;
• Mt. Augustine, which is on an island, and which last erupted in 1986;
• And to the south of Homer, Mt. Douglas, which seems to be inactive.
Like Kenai and Ninilchik, Kasilof got its start as a Russian settlement, in 1786. Now, however, it is known mostly for its fishing. And whether your fish is big or small,
one thing is undeniable: a fishing trip in Kasilof is fun for the whole family.
Halibut and Clams in Clam Gulch
Clam Gulch, Nilnilchik and Cook Inlet generally are excellent places to fish for halibut. While you're here, consider taking a charter out
to try your luck.
Clam Gulch is also, as its name suggests, an excellent place to dig for razor clams. Along with those of Ninilchik, its sandy tidal beaches
hold one of eight major concentrations of Pacific Coast clams.
For the best access points to beaches where you can dig clams, try Clam Gulch Road (Mile 117.5 Sterling Highway), which leads to the Clam
Gulch State Recreation Area, Deep Creek Wayside, and Ninilchik Village.
Kasilof | Russian stockade that became a farming area for the Kenaitze tribe.
Clam Gulch | The name says it all.
Ninilchik | Clamming, old buildings, a great river
to fish in, and the influence of Russia.
Anchor Point | Great fishing. Look for the signs pointing
to the “secret” Anchor Point fishing holes.
CLAMMING 101
Go clamming at Clam Gulch, Deep Creek and Ninilchik. You need
a sport fishing license.
Clamming
is best during a minus tide of 2 feet or more. You’ll need a bucket, a clam shovel, boots, and at least one glove to
protect against the razor clam’s sharp shell.
To dig, find a tiny “dimple” and quickly scoop a 6-inch hole. Reach down into the sand until
you find your clam. Experience will teach you not to break the shell, but even if you do, you have to keep it.
You are allowed 60 razor clams. Remember, cleaning the clams is an altogether different matter, so be moderate
in what you dig until you’ve figured that out, too
.
Clamming Techinique
Knowledgeable article by the Alaska Outdoor Journal on clamming technique on the Kenai Peninsula.
Clam Gulch State Recreation Area
State of Alaska site for the Glam Gulch State Recreation Area. Provides clamming information and contacts.
On Razor Clams
More information on the much sought after razor clam. Site brought to you by the State of Alaska.
Fishing and Clamming
Clamming
is best during a minus tide of 2 feet or more. You’ll need a bucket, a clam shovel, boots, and at least one glove to
protect against the razor clam’s sharp shell.
ALASKA 101
BEARFOOT GUIDES
DENALI 101
