Contact:
George Pappas
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 262-9368

Seasonal riverbank closures and a special closure also in effect.

The Emergency Order that raised the bag limit for red salmon at the Russian River / Kenai River fly-fishing-only area expires at 11:59 p.m., Friday, July 14. Beginning Saturday, July 15, the bag limit returns to three per day, three in possession in this area, which is described on page 31 of the Southcentral Alaska fishing regulations. 

Also, to lessen angler impact on the Kenai River, 25 selected areas are closed to fishing from shore through August 15. The areas are described on pages 32 and 33 of the regulation booklet.

Bears continue to be very active in the Russian River ferry and campground area, and appear to be attracted to food in backpacks and coolers as well as fish carcasses.  Once a bear learns that filleted carcasses, coolers, stringers and backpacks are an easy food source, this may lead to dangerous conflicts. Never let bears associate people with food.

In order to reduce encounters and minimize the risk of harm between people and bears, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has closed the wooded area just east of the ferry parking lot. Also, the shoreline between river miles 73.5 and 73.6, is now also closed to fishing from shore, by state regulation.

If you cannot process your fish at home, take a few extra seconds to “Stop, Chop, and Throw” — cut the carcass into small pieces, and throw the pieces into deep, fast-moving water. Never allow bears to take any food items from you. Backpacks should be worn while fishing, and coolers and stringers kept on the bank nearest your fishing spot. Always be willing to throw stringers into fast moving water as a last resort.

For more information, a radio station at AM 1600 has been installed at the Russian River campground and ferry area, to provide round-the-clock updates. Anglers can also call the Soldotna ADF&G office at (907) 262-9368, or the Anchorage Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.