(Soldotna)- The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restriction for the Kenai River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 1 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2026:

• The bag and possession limit for coho salmon, 16 inches or greater in length is two coho salmon.

The coho salmon bag and possession limit on the Kenai River increases to three fish by regulation beginning on September 1. This action maintains the current two fish bag and possession limit for the remainder of the coho salmon fishing season.

Anglers are reminded, fishing for Kenai River coho salmon is allowed from its mouth upstream to Bing’s Landing through November 30 (Southcentral Regulation Summary, Kenai River Lower Section page 45). Coho salmon season is allowed upstream of Bing’s Landing to the outlet of Kenai Lake through October 31 (Southcentral Regulation Summary, Kenai River Middle Section page 53). In the Russian River, fishing for coho salmon is allowed through September 30.

Due to continued indications of below average coho salmon abundance in Cook Inlet, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will reduce the sport fishing bag limit for coho salmon in the Kenai River to help ensure adequate escapement and long term sustainability. Escapement monitoring for Kenai Peninsula coho salmon remains limited, adding uncertainty to expectations for the 2026 return. Recent catch rates point to a weak overall return to Cook Inlet, and several major Northern Cook Inlet coho producing systems appear to be experiencing weak returns, even as smaller systems such as Jim Creek, Ship Creek, Fish Creek and Anchor River are experiencing stronger returns. Given the uncertainty surrounding coho salmon productivity and the recent pattern of weak returns, this precautionary reduction in the bag limit is warranted to ensure adequate escapement.

For additional information, please contact the Soldotna Fish and Game office at (907) 260-9368.

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