(Soldotna) - To protect king salmon bound for the Kasilof River, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following personal use fishing regulations for the Kasilof River set gillnet fishery for the 2026 season. The fishery will be open from 6:00 a.m. Saturday, June 20 through 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The daily fishing hours in the personal use set gillnet fishery at the mouth of the Kasilof River will remain, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

ADF&G manages Kasilof River early-run king salmon to achieve a sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 700-1,400 naturally-produced king salmon, counted at the Crooked Creek Facility weir. King salmon runs across Cook Inlet are at record low levels and are not showing signs of improvement. Without further reductions in potential harvest, it is more likely the escapement goal will not be achieved.

This gillnet fishery is managed in conjunction with the Upper Cook Inlet personal use fisheries on the Kenai, Kasilof, and Susitna Rivers, and Fish Creek and the total salmon household limit applies to a combination from all four fisheries. A 2026 Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use permit and a resident sport fishing license are required and must be in your possession while participating in the fishery. Only Alaska residents may participate in this fishery.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey at (907) 267-2324, or (907) 260-2920.

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