Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

July 24, 2024

Freshwater Fishing

• Kenai lake, river, and tributaries are open to fishing for all species other than king salmon. Anglers have been reporting good sockeye catches as fish continue to move into the river. Sockeye bag limits from the mouth upstream to Skilak Lake are 6 per day, 12 in possession.
  • The Kenai River Personal Use dip net fishery is open for one more weekend and closes July 31. It is open 24 hours a day. Don’t forget to return your permit by August 31 or you will not be able to get a permit next year.
• The Russian River sanctuary area is open with Late-run sockeye salmon showing up. The bag and possession limits are 3 per day, 6 in possession for the sanctuary and Russian River.
• Kasilof River is closed to fishing for king salmon. Kasilof River sockeye salmon just keep coming.

Saltwater Fishing

Anglers are continuing to have success shore fishing for halibut and cod at local beaches.

Local Lakes

With the recent stocking of Island, Scout, Upper Summit, Thetis Lake, fishing at local stocked lakes has been good.

Emergency Orders

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

• NEW: Emergency Order 2-RS-1-42-24 opens the Kenai River Personal Use Dipnet Fishery to 24 hours per day.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-32-24 opens the Russian River Sanctuary Area to sport fishing for sockeye salmon.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-26-24 expands the personal use salmon dipnet fishing area on the Kasilof River. Salmon may be harvested from the shore from ADF&G markers located on Cook Inlet beaches outside the terminus of the river upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-27-24 order increases the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or longer, to six fish per day and twelve in possession in all portions of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-25-24 In the Kasilof River, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 21 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Tustumena Lake only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed. Single hook means a fish hook with only one point.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-18-24 Prohibits the retention of naturally produced king salmon and reduces the gear to one single hook, artificial lure or fly, with the allowance of bait, on the Kasilof River.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-08-24 closes the Kenai River to sport fishing for king salmon and prohibits the use of bait and multiple hooks in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers located at the outlet of Skilak Lake from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2024.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-09-24 closes the Kenai River to fishing for king salmon and prohibits the use of bait and multiple hooks in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers located at the outlet of Skilak Lake from 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 1 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Don't forget to purchase your 2024 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 2024 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

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