The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is increasing sockeye limits in the Russian River and Upper Kenai River starting Saturday, according to a press release from the department.

Sport anglers are permitted a bag limit of six sockeye salmon per day and 12 in possession for the Russian River and a section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday through 11:59 p.m. July 14. The section of the Upper Kenai includes the area that extends upstream from Skilak Lake to the Fish and Game regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the Sportsman’s Landing boat launch, and the Russian River from the mouth upstream to the marker around 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls.

In the release, the department said it wanted to remind anglers that they may only possess the limit allowed for the waters they are actively fishing. For example, if an angler has more than six sockeye in possession then they may not fish in waters with a possession limit of six.

More than 17,000 sockeye had passed the Russian River weir upstream from the falls as of Wednesday, according to Fish and Game. Anglers are also reminded to properly dispose of fish by removing whole or gutted carcasses from the river and cleaning fish at the proper tables. Carcasses can also be chopped into smaller pieces and thrown into deep, flowing waters.

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