(Soldotna) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon, ensuring sport fishing opportunities in the future, and keeping with the newly adopted Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Stock of Concern Management Plan, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the late-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kenai River drainage from its mouth upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 1 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024. Fishing for king salmon of any size, including catch-and-release, is prohibited. King salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. As a reminder only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures may be used.

The 2024 preseason forecast for Kenai River late-run king salmon is 13,639 large fish (fish greater than 34 inches in length). The total run forecast is less than the optimum escapement goal range of 15,000 – 30,000 fish. The 2024 forecast is well below the 20-year average run of approximately 22,270 fish and slightly higher than the recent 5-year (2019–2023) average total run of approximately 12,840 large fish. If realized, this forecast would be the 3rd highest run in the past five years but rank as the 7th lowest in the past 38 years.

“In an effort to protect Kenai River late-run king salmon and remain in compliance with the management plan, the late-run king salmon fishery is closed to sport fishing,” stated Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey.

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

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