In an effort to conserve Sockeye Salmon in the Kenai River, Federal subsistence fisheries for Sockeye Salmon in the Kenai River downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake will be closed beginning 12:01 a.m., Thursday, August 9, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, September 30, 2018. This closure prohibits all subsistence fishing for Sockeye Salmon downstream of Skilak Lake. Sockeye Salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately unharmed.
The State of Alaska’s 5 AAC 21.360 Kenai River Late-Run Sockeye Salmon Management Plan identifies a sustainable escapement goal (SEG) range of 700,000 to 1,200,000 Kenai River late-run Sockeye Salmon. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Department) estimates 606,113 Sockeye Salmon have passed their sonar site at river mile 19 on the Kenai River through August 6 and is projecting that the lower end of the SEG may not be met. As such, it is warranted to close Federal subsistence fisheries for Sockeye Salmon in the Kenai River downstream of Skilak Lake to conserve late-run Kenai River Sockeye Salmon.
The Department has previously restricted commercial fisheries in Cook Inlet and closed personal use and sport fisheries targeting late-run Sockeye Salmon in the Kenai River downstream of Skilak Lake. Collectively, the State and Federal fishery management actions will provide the opportunity for late-run Sockeye Salmon in the Kenai River to reach their spawning grounds.