Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

Archived Sport Fishing Report

June 26, 2024

Freshwater Fishing

• Kenai lake, river, and tributaries are open to fishing for all species other than king salmon. Anglers have been reporting that sockeye catch is beginning to increase.
• The Russian river weir has passed a total of 21,606 sockeye as of June 25. Up to date counts can be found on our website. The Russian River is open to sockeye harvest, with a daily limit of three and a possession limit of six. Catch rates are beginning to increase as sockeye are entering the river. The confluence area is NOT open for fishing at this time.
• Angler reports show the Russian River catch rates continue to be slow, but there are still fish to find. The confluence area is NOT open for fishing at this time.
• Kasilof River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon. You may only retain hatchery king salmon, wild king salmon are recognizable by an intact adipose fin. You must release wild king salmon immediately.
• Kasilof River sonar has counted over 100,000 sockeye in the last four days.
• Crooked Creek weir is in place and ready to receive adult king salmon for escapement counts and broodstock collection. No fish have made it to the weir yet, but we expect to see them soon. Crooked Creek is closed to all fishing through July 31.
• Kenai River sonar at river mile 14 is counting daily, but king salmon passage remains low. We will be monitoring the counts closely as the season progresses.

Saltwater Fishing

Anglers are continuing to have success shore fishing for halibut and cod at local beaches.

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.

• NEW: Emergency Order 2-RS-1-26-24 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.
• NEW: Emergency Order 2-RS-1-27-24 order increases the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or longer, to six fish per day and twelve in possession in all portions of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-25-24 In the Kasilof River, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 21 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Tustumena Lake only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed. Single hook means a fish hook with only one point.
• 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