Anglers gather along the banks of the Kenai River near Sportsman’s Landing in Cooper Landing in September 2018. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Anglers gather along the banks of the Kenai River near Sportsman’s Landing in Cooper Landing in September 2018. (Peninsula Clarion file)

Sockeye limits increased on Upper Kenai and Russian rivers

The new limits are six per day and 12 in possession.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is increasing the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon on the Russian and Upper Kenai Rivers, effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 20.

The new limits are six per day and 12 in possession, the department said in a Monday press release.

The increased sockeye limits may also only include one coho salmon in possession for the Russian River and a section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River.

The section in the Upper Kenai is the area that extends from Skilak Lake upstream to the marker about 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing — including the sanctuary area — and the Russian River from the mouth upstream to the marker around 600 yards downstream of the Russian River Falls.

As of Sunday, ADF&G data showed a total of 51,981 sockeye had passed by the Russian River weir, which is located upstream of the falls. Because of this, the agency estimates the escapement goal of 44,000 to 85,000 sockeye will be exceeded.

For more information contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at 907-262-9368.

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

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