King Salmon fishing on the Kenai River has closed, but the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is looking to further protect the fish by banning the use of baits and multiple hooks on the Kenai River until 11:50 p.m. on Aug. 15 from the mouth of the Kenai River to the outlet of Skilak Lake.
“King salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately,” according to a release from Fish and Game. “Anglers should avoid fishing for coho salmon in areas of the river where king salmon are concentrated and to cut leaders or lines to avoid stressing incidentally hooked king salmon.”
Based on early-run timing of the inriver returns, the sustainable escapement goal is not expected to be achieved. As of Aug. 3, the sonal cumulative estimate of king salmon passage through the Kenai River is 9,586 kings, according to the release.
Coho, or silver, salmon fishing on the Lower Kenai River is slow so far.
Sockeye fishing in the Upper Kenai River, Russian River and Russian River Sanctuary is fair.
