Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

July 15, 2025

Freshwater Fishing

• Russian River weir was installed on June 2, and the total escapement count for the Early-run, June 1 through July 15, is 37,153 sockeye. The Russian River sanctuary opened to fishing on July 1, please see the emergency order below for all the details.
• Sockeye fishing on the Russian River has started to pick up as the Late-run fish are beginning to show up.
• Kasilof River Sockeye salmon fishing has been good the last few weeks, with roughly 20,000-30,000 sockeye entering the river each day. The Sockeye salmon bag and possession limit was increased on June 25. Please see the emergency order below for all the details.
• Kasilof River king salmon fishing has been closed by emergency order, including catch and release.
• Kenai River late-run sockeye fishing has been picking up as the season progresses. Current total escapement is 313,388 through July 14.
• Anglers are having success on the Kenai River fishing for resident rainbow trout and Dolly Varden with flesh flies and bead patterns.

Saltwater Fishing

Halibut and cod fishing from local beaches have been picking up as the summer season progresses

Local Lakes

Local stocked lakes continue to be fishing well. Johnson Lake in Kasilof is a great spot to catch some hungry rainbows on dry flies.

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

• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-1-25 closes king salmon sport fishing (including catch-and-release) in the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge to the river mouth from 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 10 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025. Additionally, gear is restricted to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure or fly through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-29-25 opens the Russian River Sanctuary Area to sport fishing for sockeye salmon.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-26-25 increases the bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or longer, to six fish per day and twelve in possession in all waters of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing.
• Emergency Order 2-RS-1-25-25 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. Salmon may be harvested from a boat from ADF&G markers located on Cook Inlet beaches outside the terminus of the river upstream to ADF&G markers placed at approximately river mile 4
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-1-25 Prohibits the use of bait on the Kasilof River effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 15, only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly may be used This emergency order also prohibits the retention of naturally-produced king salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 31.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-2-25 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. Thursday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2025.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-3-25 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. Friday, June 20 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025.

Don't forget to purchase your 2025 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 2025 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