Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

September 18, 2025

Freshwater Fishing

• Kenai River Rainbow fishing is beginning to pick up. Anglers are having success fishing beads and streamers below Skilak Lake. Try fishing areas downstream of staging sockeye salmon.
• Quartz creek is a popular destination to pick up resident Dolly Varden. Anglers are reporting beads and flesh patterns are the trick.
• The Kenai River continues to produce coho; the run should continue through September. Anglers are reminded that any king salmon incidentally caught must be released immediately and must not be removed from the water.
• Kenai River late-run sockeye fishing is still going strong, however fish are in full spawning colors. Anglers are having success fishing between the Moose River and Skilak Lake.
• Kasilof River coho salmon fishing is doing well. Anglers have been having success pulling plugs and casting spinners. Anglers are reminded that bait and multiple hooks are prohibited as of September 16, 2025

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut and cod fishing from local beaches has been picking up as the fall season progresses.

Local Lakes

Local lakes continue to fish well. Try Scout and Sport Lakes for rainbow trout, and Arctic char.

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-47-25 increases the bag and possession limits for salmon, other than king salmon, 16 inches or longer, from three per day and six in possession, to six per day and twelve in possession, in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker located at the outlet of Skilak Lake.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-26-25 increases the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or longer, to six fish per day and twelve in possession in all waters of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing.

Don't forget to purchase your 2025 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e. king salmon), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and so much more on your mobile device. Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. You can also purchase licenses through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2025 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Soldotna Office at 907-262-9368