(Soldotna) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and increasing fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the king salmon fishery on the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 21 through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used when sport fishing in these waters.

Anglers are advised this closure prohibits all sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. King salmon may not be retained or possessed; king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Anglers are also reminded that bait/scent and multiple hooks are prohibited downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge.

“King salmon runs across the Kenai Peninsula are significantly below preseason expectations,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka. “Regulatory restrictions and closures have been issued for the Kenai River king salmon sport fishery during July. These emergency orders would likely result in an increase in the sport fishing effort and catch of king salmon in the Kasilof River. Therefore, to minimize the effects of conservation actions for the Kenai River, it is warranted to close king salmon fishing on the Kasilof River to ensure adequate escapement of Kasilof River late-run king salmon.”

In conjunction with this restriction, an emergency order was issued closing king salmon sport fishing on the Kenai River. Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used when sport fishing for other species in the Kenai River. In addition, an emergency order was issued closing sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release, in all Cook Inlet saltwaters north of the latitude of Bluff Point (59° 40.00' N. lat.)

For additional information, please contact Colton Lipka, Area Management Biologist (907) 262-9368 or Cook Inlet Management Coordinator Matt Miller at (907) 262-9368.

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