(Soldotna) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restrictions for king salmon in the Kasilof River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 1, through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026:

• Gear restrictions: From May 1 through August 15, from its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Tustumena Lake, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed. Single hook means a hook with only one point.
• Limits: From May 1 through July 31, the bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is one hatchery-produced fish. Once an angler retains a hatchery-produced king salmon over 20 inches in length, they are not allowed to fish for any species that same day in the waters of the Kasilof River drainage downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge. Hatchery-produced king salmon are recognizable by a healed adipose fin-clip scar. Naturally-produced king salmon of any size may not be possessed or retained and are distinguishable by an intact adipose fin, a small fleshy fin on the back of the fish just ahead of the tail. Naturally-produced king salmon that are caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. A harvested hatchery-produced fish 20 inches or greater in length applies toward the Cook Inlet regional king salmon annual limit of 5 fish. A harvest record is required.
• Closed waters: The portion of the Kasilof River directly downstream of the confluence of Crooked Creek, behind the mid channel island, is closed to all fishing from May 1 through July 31, to protect king salmon as they stage to enter Crooked Creek. (see map below).

ADF&G manages the Kasilof River king salmon sport fishery to achieve a sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 700–1,400 naturally-produced king salmon as monitored through a weir at as ADF&G facility located on Crooked Creek. From 2018–2025, restrictions were necessary to ensure the SEG for naturally-produced king salmon and the broodstock goal for hatchery king salmon were achieved. In 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the SEG and broodstock goals for naturally-produced king salmon were not met despite management action.

“These restrictions will improve the chances of achieving an escapement within the current SEG and provide for collection of king salmon broodstock, while still providing opportunity for anglers targeting Kasilof River hatchery-produced king salmon returning to Crooked Creek. Additionally, the removal of bait, the closure of the king salmon staging area below the mouth of Crooked Creek, and prohibiting fishing for any species downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge for the remainder of the day for an angler that harvests their limit of one hatchery-produced king salmon over 20 inches in length, will reduce the catch-and-release mortality of naturally-produced king salmon,” stated Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey.

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

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