(Soldotna) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the sport fishing bag and possession limit for salmon, 16 inches or longer, except for king, pink, and coho salmon, in the Kenai River downstream of Skilak Lake to six per day and twelve in possession effective 12:01 a.m., Sunday, July 28 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019. This includes the flowing waters of the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to ADF&G regulatory marker located at the outlet of Skilak Lake.

The Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Management Plan allows ADF&G to increase bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon when the late-run of Kenai River sockeye salmon exceeds 2.3 million salmon. As of July 26, 2019, ADF&G projects the Kenai River sockeye salmon late-run exceeds 2.3 million fish and anticipates the escapement goal (700,000 - 1,200,000 sockeye salmon) will be achieved. Therefore, it is warranted to increase the bag and possession limit for salmon, other than king, pink, and coho salmon, to six per day and twelve in possession, of which no more than two per day and in possession may be coho salmon.

“Anglers should be advised that this action to liberalize bag and possession limits does not mean that fishing success will dramatically increase, stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka. “Fish passage into the Kenai River fluctuates on a daily basis making some day’s better fishing than others.”

Anglers are reminded to review the Kenai River riverbank closures for habitat protection regulations described on pages 55-56, as well as the fly-fishing only waters downstream of Skilak Lake described on pages 52-53, of the 2019 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet. In addition, please respect riverbank restoration projects and private property in the Kenai River corridor.

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

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