(Homer) - To protect returning king salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Ninilchik River to king salmon fishing for the remainder of the season from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025. The intention of this restriction is to reduce the incidental catch of king salmon for the remainder of the run in an attempt to achieve the sustainable escapement goal (SEG) for the Ninilchik River. The Ninilchik River has been closed to sport fishing since June 23 due to low numbers of naturally-produced king salmon but due to an error in regulation was scheduled to open on July 16. The Ninilchik River will open to fishing for species other than king salmon on July 16 and gear will be restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. With this king salmon closure, king salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. For all other sport fishing regulations for these streams, please review pages 60-65 in the Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation summary booklet.

“The Ninilchik River king salmon run has a reasonable opportunity to meet the SEG with the later part of the run,” stated Area Management Biologist Mike Booz. “Due to low water conditions, there is a buildup of king salmon in the lower section of the river. This restriction should help ensure that we get as many of the king salmon remaining in the lower river into the escapement while still allowing anglers to fish for Dolly Varden and other salmon.”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Mike Booz or Assistant Area Management Biologist Holly Dickson at (907) 235-8191.

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