Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai
Archived Sport Fishing Report
May 29, 2024
Freshwater Fishing
- Kenai lake, river, and tributaries are closed to fishing to protect rainbow trout spawning from Kenai Lake, downstream to the Lower Killey River, until June 11.
- Kasilof River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon. Anglers are beginning to have success as the run develops. You may only retain hatchery king salmon, wild king salmon are recognizable by an intact adipose fin. You must release wild king salmon immediately.
- Crooked Creek weir is in place and king smolt will be stocked in the coming weeks. No sign of adult kings to the weir yet, but it is still early.
- Kenai River sonar at river mile 14 is up and running. We are starting to see kings moving into the river more frequently. Daily counts can be found on our website.
- Russian River weir is set to be installed next week, with escapement counts will be posted soon.
Saltwater Fishing
- Anglers are having success shore fishing for halibut and cod at local beaches.
- Personal use herring and hooligan is beginning to taper off in the saltwater, as the saltwater season comes to a close on May 31.
Local Lakes
- With the recent stocking of John Hedberg, Longmere, and Sport Lake, fishing on 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.
- 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