As sockeye salmon continue to push up the Kenai River and into the Russian River — Alaska Department of Fish and Game managers acted Monday to slow the escapement of the early run — which reached 26,000 by noon.

Two emergency regulations liberalize the bag and possession limits for the Russian River Tuesday and open the Russian River sanctuary area to fishing.

Anglers may now keep six fish per day and have 12 in possession near the area of the Kenai River upstream from Skilak Lake to the Fish and Game regulatory marker about 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing and in the Russian River from its mouth upstream to a Fish and Game marker about 600 yards from the Russian River Falls; the order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

At 8 a.m. today, the Russian River Sanctuary Area will be opened to fishing.

Both orders will remain in effect until Monday July 14.

The biological escapement goal range for the early run of sockeye salmon on the Russian River is 22,000-42,000 fish and Fish and Game biologist have projected that the range could be exceeded before the season ends, according to a department news release.

-Staff report