Area Sport Fishing Reports
Northern Kenai

May 22, 2026

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 10.
• Kasilof River is open to fishing for hatchery king salmon from May 1 – June 30. Anglers may retain one hatchery-produced king salmon, 20 inches or longer. King salmon fishing is closed outside of these dates by Emergency Orders (EO’s). Hatchery king salmon are recognizable by having a clipped adipose fin. See image at bottom of report.
• Kenai River sonar at river mile 14 is up and running. Daily counts can be found on our website.

Saltwater Fishing

• Shore fishing on local beaches is picking up. Anglers are reporting good harvest of halibut, sharks, and cod. Use of drones and rc-boats for distributing bait are becoming more popular as well.
• Personal use herring and hooligan is still producing fish and may continue to do so for the following week.

Local Lakes

Johnson Lake was recently stocked with catchable rainbow trout. Lake stocking has been delayed due to a late spring and ice still being present. Ice is beginning to pull away from shore, allowing for more open water for fishing opportunities.

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-1-18-26 Kasilof River king salmon regulations are in effect May 1–August 15, 2026, including single-hook artificial lure requirements, limited hatchery king salmon harvest through June 30, mandatory release of wild fish, and seasonal area closures to help protect returning king salmon.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-8-26 To protect returning king salmon and support future fishing opportunities, the Kenai River early-run king salmon sport fishery will close May 1–June 19, 2026, with no king salmon fishing (including catch-and-release) allowed; fishing for other species remains open under gear restrictions.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-7-26 To protect returning king salmon and support future fishing opportunities, the Kenai River late-run king salmon sport fishery will close June 20–August 15, 2026, with no king salmon fishing (including catch-and-release) allowed; fishing for other species remains open under gear restrictions.
• Emergency Order 2-KS-1-9-26 To protect Kasilof River king salmon, the personal use set gillnet fishery at the mouth of the Kasilof River will operate under restricted dates (June 20–24, 2026) and regular fishing hours as managers work to meet king salmon escapement goals.

Don't forget to purchase your 2025 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 2025 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for the area you are fishing before you head out.

For additional information, please contact the Soldotna Office at 907-262-9368