KASILOF — In response to low king salmon returns across the Kenai Peninsula, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing all sport fishing for king salmon—including catch-and-release—on the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge.
The closure takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 10, and will remain in place through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Anglers targeting other species are advised that any king salmon caught must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
In addition, from the mouth of the Kasilof River to the outlet of Tustumena Lake, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure will be permitted through August 15.
Crooked Creek, which feeds into the Kasilof River, remains closed to all sport fishing until August 1. The section of the Kasilof upstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge was already closed to king salmon fishing by regulation on July 1.
“King salmon runs across the Kenai Peninsula are significantly below desired levels,” said Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey. “In an effort to achieve the escapement goal and broodstock collection goals for Crooked Creek king salmon, it is warranted to close king salmon fishing in the Kasilof River.”
For more information, contact Phill Stacey at (907) 260-2920.