(Soldotna) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is liberalizing sport fishing regulations by increasing the limits of sockeye salmon to six per day and twelve in possession for the Russian River and a section of the mainstem Middle Kenai River. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 31 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

The section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River with the increased sockeye salmon limits includes the area that extends from Skilak Lake upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge at the outlet of Kenai Lake, and the Russian River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker located approximately 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls.

As of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a total of 15,063 sockeye salmon have passed the Russian River weir, located upstream of the falls. The current escapement projection of 74,709 falls within the sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 44,000 – 85,000. Additionally, with the passage of over 2.5 million sockeye salmon into the Kenai River, ADF&G estimates that the Russian River late-run sockeye salmon will exceed the SEG. Based on this information, it is appropriate to liberalize the fishery to allow anglers additional opportunity to harvest sockeye salmon.

Anglers are reminded to remove fish carcasses whole or gutted/gilled from the Russian River. 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 respect habitat and cultural resource protection sites that are fenced or roped off, stay on the established trails and boardwalks, and use public restroom facilities in the campgrounds and ferry areas. Please keep all personal belongings, including stringers of fish closely attended.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey at (907) 260-2920.

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