The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is closing the early-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kenai River drainage downstream of the outlet of Skilak Lake effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2022. From June 8 through June 30, fishing for king salmon of any size, including catch-and-release, is closed in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. The closure will continue July 1 through July 31, in waters from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. King salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
In addition, it’s also in place for the Kenai River late-run of king salmon, from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2022, from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, meaning that king salmon sport fishing is restricted to catch-and-release only for king salmon of all sizes. Only one unbaited, single-hook may be used. King salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
Through June 6, 2022, an estimated 265 large king salmon have passed the RM 13.7 king salmon sonar, which is well below the preseason forecast of ~4,300 large king salmon. The inseason escapement projection ranges from approximately 929 large king salmon based on average run timing to 2,129 large king salmon based on a run timing of five days late.
In addition to the Kenai River early-run king salmon sport fishery closure, ADF&G’s Division of Sport Fish reports Kasilof River early-run king salmon use of bait is prohibited and it remains hatchery king salmon only. Click here for details.
