Kenai River anglers are advised that, in an effort to continue protection of late-run king salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is prohibiting the use of bait and multiple hooks in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, August 1, through 11:59 p.m., August 15.
Anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in these waters. “Single-hook” means a fishhook with only one point.
Anglers are reminded that king salmon fishing is closed starting August 1, including catch-and-release fishing. Incidentally caught king salmon may not be retained or possessed; king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Anglers should exercise good angling practices by avoiding fishing for coho salmon in areas of the river where king salmon are concentrated and to cut leaders or lines to avoid stressing incidentally hooked king salmon.
Through July 27, approximately 6,019 long king salmon have passed the river mile 13.7 king salmon sonar. In-season projections indicate the run would have to be more than four days late to achieve the escapement goal. Therefore, these measures are warranted to continue to conserve late-run Kenai River king salmon needed for escapement.
Restrictive actions to reduce harvest of Kenai River king salmon are being taken in the commercial fishery as well.