subscribe iconSubscribe to Notifications
subscribe iconKing Salmon Run Summary

Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

September 16, 2022

This is the last fishing report for the 2022 fishing season. This fishing report will be updated when additional information is available. For current seasonal information, please contact the Soldotna office at (907) 262-9368.

ADF&G News

  • The Soldotna ADF&G office is now offering a fishing rod loaner program and has salmon fishing gear anglers can borrow for up to three days. This is a first come, first served program and rods cannot be reserved. For more information, check out the Rod Loaner Program webpage or contact Jenny Gates at (907) 262-9368.
  • ADF&G is mobile. You can purchase and display your fishing license and king stamp, record your annual harvest (i.e., king salmon, halibut), access sport fishing regulations and locations, and so much more on your mobile device. Download the ADF&G Mobile App today.

Freshwater Fishing

Kenai River

  • Kenai River flows remain high and water clarity is poor.
  • Resident species fishing for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden is fair on the Middle and Upper Kenai River and Kenai River tributaries.
  • Coho salmon fishing on the Lower Kenai River is good and expected to be good for the next few weeks. Bait and multiple hooks are allowed up to river mile 46. Bag limit is three coho salmon per day.
  • Coho salmon fishing on the Upper Kenai River is good.

Kasilof River

  • Coho salmon fishing is fair and water conditions are high and turbid.
  • Anglers are reminded gear/tackle regulations change on September 16. Please see pages 70-71 of the 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.

Swanson River

  • Swanson River coho salmon sport fishing has been reported as good. Anglers should try and fish the incoming tide and high slack tide.

Russian River

  • Sport fishing for coho salmon on the Russian River closes by regulation on Thursday, September 30.
  • The Russian River Recreational Area is closed to all traffic and users due to road improvements. This closure includes access to Lower Russian Lake Trailhead and the campground. The Russian River Ferry Service is also closed for the season. For more information, please contact the United States Forest Service at (907) 288-3178.

Local Lakes

  • Elephant (Spirit) Lake access gate is closed at this time and will be closed through September 30.
  • Lake fishing for rainbow trout, Arctic char, Arctic grayling, and land locked salmon should be good to excellent. Try fishing with dry or wet flies such as an egg sucking leech, bead head nymph, or mosquito pattern; small spoons and spinners size #0 or #2; or small bait under a bobber.
  • Stocked lakes fishing is excellent this time of year.
  • Not familiar with all the stocked lakes in the area? Check out the ADF&G publication with locations, access, and other valuable information on Kenai Peninsula area lakes. More lake information can be found on the ADF&G Alaska Lakes Database.
  • Interested in recent stocking activities at lakes? Check out the ADF&G stocking database online.
  • For specific lake stocking information including species stocked and numbers of fish stocked, directions, bathymetric maps, and amenities, please visit the ADF&G Alaska Lakes Database.

Emergency Orders

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

Local Lakes

  • Emergency Order 2-NP-1-04-22 prohibits the retention of any species of fish in East Mackey, West Mackey, Sevena, Union, and Derks lakes for the 2022 season.
  • Emergency Order 2-DV-1-03-22 establishes a bag and possession limit of Arctic char/Dolly Varden in Stormy Lake of one fish, less than 16 inches in length for the 2022 season.

Don’t forget to purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp! Purchase your 2022 sport fishing license and king stamp through the ADF&G online store and print it off from the comfort of your own home. Also, make sure to review emergency orders, advisory announcements, and the 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the ADF&G Soldotna Area Office at (907) 262-9368.