Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai
Archived Sport Fishing Report
June 13, 2024
Freshwater Fishing
- Kenai lake, river, and tributaries opened on June 11. Initial reports indicate that rainbow catches were good, and should continue to produce in the coming weeks.
- The Russian River is open to sockeye harvest, with a daily limit of three and a possession limit of six. Angler reports from the opener are that catch rates were slow, but there were still fish to find. The confluence area is NOT open for fishing at this time.
- The Russian River weir is installed and counting fish. They have passed a total of 1,502 sockeye as of June 11. Up to date counts can be found on our website.
- Kasilof River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon. Anglers are having some 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 released this week, then the hatchery crew will switch over to counting and collecting adult king salmon.
- Kenai River sonar at river mile 14 is active, but king salmon passage remains low. We will be monitoring the counts closely as the season progresses. Daily counts can be found on our website.
Saltwater Fishing
- Anglers are continuing to have success shore fishing for halibut and cod at local beaches.
- Personal use herring and hooligan is closed in the saltwater, and beginning to taper off in the river. A few anglers are continuing to fish in river, but harvest is low.
Local Lakes
- With the recent stocking of Island, Scout, Upper Summit, Thetis 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