(Soldotna) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation liberalization by increasing the limits of sockeye salmon to six per day and twelve in possession, of which only one per day and one in possession may be a coho salmon, for the Russian River and a section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 11 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 20, 2021.

The section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River with the increased sockeye salmon limits includes the area that extends from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing (this includes the Russian River Sanctuary Area) 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 sockeye salmon.

As of Sunday, August 8, 2021, a total of 51,981 sockeye salmon have passed the Russian River weir, located upstream of the falls. ADF&G estimates that the escapement will exceed the late-run Russian River sockeye salmon biological escapement goal of 44,000-85,000 sockeye salmon.

“In-season projections of escapement from the Russian River weir counts are indicating the escapement goal is likely to be exceeded; therefore, increasing the bag and possession limits will allow anglers the opportunity to bring home more fish,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka.

Anglers are reminded to remove fish carcasses whole or gutted/gilled from the Russian River clear water. If you want to clean your catch at the river, please take your 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 Russian River Sanctuary Area, campground areas, and Russian River ferry area.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.

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