(Soldotna) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restrictions for the Kasilof River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, August 24 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2024. From its mouth upstream to the downstream side of the Sterling Highway Bridge fishing is allowed with one baited, single hook or single-hook, artificial lure. Anglers are reminded that upstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge to ADF&G markers located at the outlet of Tustumena lake it remains open to fishing with one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. Additionally, in response to reports of poor coho salmon returns throughout Cook Inlet, the department is issuing an emergency order (EO 2-SS-1-57-24) to reduce the bag and possession limit to one coho salmon in Kenai Peninsula streams, including the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers.

Although assessment and reports of coho salmon throughout Cook Inlet indicate weak runs, abundance on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers seem to be comparable to recent years and able to sustain some harvest. To manage conservatively and consistently with other Kenai Peninsula coho salmon fisheries the department is reducing the bag limit for coho salmon 16 inches or greater in length to a bag and possession of one coho salmon.

“Although we’re seeing poor runs of coho salmon around Cook Inlet, so far the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers look comparable to recent years,” stated Biologist Matt Miller. “We’d like to allow anglers to efficiently harvest coho salmon but reduce the bag limit as we watch how this run shapes up.”

For additional information, please contact John Wagoner (907) 260-2920.

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