Contact:
Jason Pawluk
Assistant Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-262-9368

The Russian River Sanctuary area will be open to sockeye salmon sport fishing beginning at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23rd. There is a map of the area on page 66 of the 2015 Southcentral regulation booklet.

Also, beginning at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, the bag limit will increase to six (6) sockeye salmon and the possession limit will increase to twelve (12) sockeye salmon in the Russian River and a section of the Upper Kenai River mainstem.  This area extends from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing and the Russian River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker located approximately 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls.  Anglers are reminded that they may possess only the limit allowed for the waters they are actively fishing. If a Russian River angler has more than six sockeye salmon in possession, then that angler may not fish in waters with a possession limit of six.

Through noon on Monday, June 22, over 26,000 sockeye salmon have passed the Russian River weir. The department has determined that the early-run sockeye salmon biological escapement goal (BEG) of 22,000 – 42,000 sockeye salmon will be exceeded.

Sport fishing for sockeye salmon in the Russian River area will likely remain good to excellent for the next several days. Anglers are reminded to remove fish carcasses whole or gutted/gilled from the Russian River clear water.  If you clean your catch, take fish to the mainstem Kenai River cleaning tables located at the confluence and ferry crossing to fillet and chop-up sockeye salmon carcasses into small pieces and throw the pieces into deep, flowing waters. Please keep all personal belongings, including stringers of fish closely attended. Please respect the riverbank restoration projects and stay on the established pathways in the Sanctuary, campground, and Russian River ferry areas.