(Homer) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Ninilchik River to sport fishing for all species from June 23 through July 15. This restriction is required to achieve the Ninilchik River king salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 900-1,600 and the broodstock collection goals for stocking the Ninilchik River and the Kachemak Bay terminal fisheries in 2026. This management action is consistent with the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River king salmon sport fishery management plan.

As of June 17, a total of 417 wild (naturally-produced) king salmon have been counted through the weir and the run is not projected to achieve the SEG. The Ninilchik River SEG was not achieved in the last three consecutive years. An additional 100 naturally-produced fish are needed to achieve the broodstock collection goal for stocking the Ninilchik River. Only naturally-produced fish are used for broodstock in the Ninilchik River. Approximately 150 hatchery-produced female king salmon are also needed for broodstock for stocking the Kachemak Bay terminal fisheries. Despite having over 600 hatchery-produced king salmon in the escapement, only 40 of those fish are female king salmon. Approximately, 60% of the hatchery-produced fish counted are less than 20” in length. All remaining large hatchery-produced king salmon will be needed for broodstock collection.

“Although there are good numbers of hatchery king salmon in the Ninilchik River, the numbers of wild fish and large hatchery fish aren’t good enough,” stated Area Management Biologist Mike Booz. “Closing the sport fishery will provide the best chance at making the goals”.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Mike Booz or Assistant Area Management Biologist Holly Dickson at (907) 235-8191.

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