Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

May 28, 2026

Freshwater Fishing

• King salmon have started to arrive in Kasilof River. Kasilof River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon from May 1 – June 30. Anglers may retain one hatchery-produced king salmon, 20 inches or longer while wild origin king salmon must be release immediately. Hatchery king salmon are recognizable by having a clipped adipose fin (See image at bottom of report). Anglers are reminded that new regulations are in place this year including a closed area near the confluence of Crooked Creek (see map below) and anglers must stop sport fishing for all species downstream of the sterling highway bridge once they have harvested their hatchery king salmon for the day.
• Kenai River king salmon sonar at river mile 14 is up and running. Daily counts can be found on our website.
• The Old Kasilof Landing SRS Site development is complete and open to the public. Creel surveys are occurring at the drift boat takeout by ADF&G staff, please assist our samplers by answering a few short questions about your fishing day.

Saltwater Fishing

Shoreline fishing opportunity from local beaches has been variable, but with generally good reports of halibut catches.

Local Lakes

• Our Rod Loaner program is available to those who are in need. We have about 11 rods setup for river fishing. Rods are loaned out on a first come first serve basis. Stop by our Soldotna office to check out the gear to get on the water fishing.
• Local lakes are now ice free, allowing for more fishing opportunities. Scout Lake anglers are reporting good harvest of Rainbow Trout.

Emergency Orders

Please review the emergency orders and advisory announcements below in their entirety before heading out on your next fishing trip.

• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-18-26 Kasilof River king salmon regulations are in effect May 1–August 15, 2026, including single-hook artificial lure requirements, limited hatchery king salmon harvest through June 30, mandatory release of wild fish, and seasonal area closures to help protect returning king salmon.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-8-26 To protect returning king salmon and support future fishing opportunities, the Kenai River early-run king salmon sport fishery will close May 1–June 19, 2026, with no king salmon fishing (including catch-and-release) allowed; fishing for other species remains open under gear restrictions.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-7-26 To protect returning king salmon and support future fishing opportunities, the Kenai River late-run king salmon sport fishery will close June 20–August 15, 2026, with no king salmon fishing (including catch-and-release) allowed; fishing for other species remains open under gear restrictions.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-9-26 To protect Kasilof River king salmon, the personal use set gillnet fishery at the mouth of the Kasilof River will operate under restricted dates (June 20–24, 2026) and regular fishing hours as managers work to meet king salmon escapement goals.

Don't forget to purchase your 2026 sport fishing license and king stamp! You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e. king salmon), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and so much more on your mobile device. Download the ADF&G Mobile App today. You can also purchase licenses through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home.

Make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Soldotna Office at 907-262-9368