Contact:
Robert Begich
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 262-9368

Kenai River anglers are advised that the department is implementing the following sport fishing restrictions for the beginning of the early-run king salmon fishery:

From 12:01 a.m., Thursday, May 16, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013:

• In the Kenai River drainage, from the mouth upstream to Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge, king salmon 20 inches or greater in length and less than 55 inches in length may not be possessed or retained, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately. Harvest of king salmon less than 20 inches in length or 55 inches or greater in length is still allowed.

From 12:01 a.m., Monday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2013:

• In the Kenai River drainage from ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge, king salmon 20 inches or greater in length and less than 55 inches in length may not be possessed or retained, may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Harvest of king salmon less than 20 inches in length or 55 inches or greater in length is still allowed.
• Use of bait is not allowed in the Kenai River drainage from ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge.

These restrictions are designed to achieve the optimal escapement goal (OEG) of 5,300 to 9,000 king salmon while providing sport fishing opportunity throughout the early run. The preseason outlook for early-run Kenai River king salmon is for a total run of approximately 5,300 fish. If realized the 2013 run would rank as the lowest run measured (28th out or 28 years), be similar in abundance to the 2012 run, and would be less than one-half the 1986-2012 average run of approximately 14,000 fish. Under this scenario, the early run can sustain little harvest without jeopardizing achievement of the OEG. In 2012 the total run was 5,600 fish for the early run. There is little indication to date of a change in the low Chinook production trend observed statewide. It is therefore prudent to start the early run fishery as catch-and-release until inseason data indicates that some harvest can be allowed or alternatively further restriction is necessary to meet the OEG.