More restrictions for Kenai, Kasilof king salmon

Anglers won’t be able to keep a king salmon on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers after Wednesday.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced Monday that the two rivers would be limited to catch and release for king salmon effective Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. through July 31. The restriction comes in response to weak runs in the two rivers.

By historical run timing, the runs should be about 25 percent complete by July 17, according to the July 13 update to the inseason run summary. As of July 15, 2,898 large kings had passed the sonar. Fish and Game is not expecting to achieve the escapement goal without further harvest restrictions, according to the Monday announcement.

“(Fish and Game) staff will be closely monitoring this fishery as the season progresses and additional actions may be taken if necessary,” the announcement states.

Fishing for kings on the Kenai River remains closed between the outlet of Skilak Lake and a marker 300 yards downstream of the mouth of Slikok Creek. Anglers can still fish from that marker downstream to the mouth of the Kenai River but can only use one unbaited, single-hood, artificial lure when sportfishing in the area and king salmon have to be released immediately without being removed from the water, according to the announcement.

The restrictions on the Kasilof River, issued concurrently Monday, are to prevent additional pressure on the Kasilof kings due to the closures on the Kenai River, according to the announcement.

“King salmon fishery closures are being felt throughout Alaska. The 2018 Cook Inlet king salmon runs have consistently and significantly underperformed preseason expectations,” said Cook Inlet Management Coordinator Matt Miller in the announcement. “Regulation restrictions and closures have been issued for the Kenai River king salmon sport fishery during July. These emergency orders will likely result in an increase in the sport fishing effort and catch of king salmon in the Kasilof River during July. Therefore, to minimize the effects of conservation actions for the Kenai River, it is warranted to prohibit bait and multiple hooks on the Kasilof River to ensure adequate escapement of Kasilof River late-run king salmon.”

The restrictions on the Kenai River impact the commercial set net fishermen as well. When the Kenai River sportfishery is restricted to catch-and-release only, setnetters in the Upper Subdistrict cannot fish more than 24 hours per week and are only open when the Fish and Game commercial fishery managers issue emergency orders opening them.

Reach Elizabeth Earl at eearl@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Liz Harpold, a staff member for Sen. Donny Olson (D-Golovin)​, explains changes to a bill increasing per-student education funding and making various policy changes during a Senate Finance Committee meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Revised education bill with $700 BSA hike gets new policy measures, advances to Senate floor

Changes easing charter school rules, adding new district evaluations fall short of governor’s agenda.

Students of Sterling Elementary School carry a sign in support of their school during a special meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
District adopts budget with severe cuts, school closures

The preliminary budget assumes a $680 increase in per-student funding from the state.

A vote board shows a veto override attempt Tuesday by the Alaska Legislature on a $1,000 increase to per-student education funding falling short of the necessary two-thirds majority with a 33-27 vote. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Senate adds $700 BSA hike to school phone policy bill a day after veto override on $1,000 increase fails

Lawmakers say quick floor vote by Senate, concurrence by House may set up another override session.

The Soldotna Public Library is seen on a snowy Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna library advisory board hears update on federal funding cuts

The federal government’s dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could cause the reduction or elimination of some statewide library services as soon as July 1.

Protestors stand with an American flag and a sign that reads “DEFUND HATE” on Saturday, April 19 at WKFL Park during the “Sustained Resistence, Makes a Difference” Rally. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
More than 600 gather in Homer for ‘Sustained Resistance, Makes a Difference’ rally

It was at least the third time this year the Homer community gathered to protest the Trump administration.

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in support overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 69 at the Alaska Capitol in Juneau, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Legislature upholds governor’s veto of increased school funding

The governor last week said he vetoed House Bill 69 because it didn’t include any policy changes and because of the state’s “deteriorated” revenue outlook.

Kenai Central High School’s Kyle Foster speaks during the 35th Annual Caring for the Kenai Oral Presentations at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward freshman wins 35th Caring for the Kenai with thermal asphalt proposal

Twelve finalists were chosen in this year’s competition.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-Alaska) speaks to reporters about his decision to veto an education funding bill at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Dunleavy’s veto of education funding bill puts pressure on lawmakers during final month of session

Governor also previews new bill with $560 BSA increase, plus additional funds for policy initiatives.

Brent Johnson speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly kills resolution asking for option to cap property assessment increases

Alaska municipalities are required by state statute to assess all properties at their full and true value.

Most Read