The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced new king salmon restrictions Wednesday, following weeks of slow runs in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.

The department is shutting down the early-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kenai River drainage downstream of the outlet of Skilak Lake starting Wednesday at 12:01 a.m., according to the advisory.

As of Sunday, there had been a total of 265 kings to pass through the ADF&G sonar tracker. That’s down from 913 on the same day last year, 449 in 2020, and 1,304 in 2019.

Through June 30, fishing for kings of any size, including catch and release, is closed in the Kenai River from its mouth to the outlet of Skilak Lake.

The closure will continue July 1 through July 31 from the ADF&G marker about 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek to the outlet of Skilak Lake. Additionally, king fishing will be open for catch and release only July 1 through July 31 from the mouth of the Kenai upstream to the marker around 300 yards downstream from Slikok Creek, and only one unbaited single-hook may be used.

The ADF&G also implemented restrictions in the Kasilof River.

The use of bait is prohibited from June 8 through June 30 in the Kasilof from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge, and only one single-hook artificial lure may be used.

The bag and possession limit for kings 20 inches or longer is two hatchery-produced fish, which are recognizable by a healed adipose fin clip scar. Naturally produced kings with intact adipose fins may not be retained.

For more information, call the ADF&G at 907-262-9368.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.