The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is easing the existing sport fishing regulations by opening the Russian River Sanctuary Area early for anglers to sport fish for sockeye salmon. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2022.
The following sockeye salmon regulations apply for the Russian River Sanctuary Area:
June 22 – July 14:
- Fly-fishing-only waters;
- Sockeye salmon
- 16 inches or greater in length; 3 per day, 6 in possession
- Less than 16 inches in length; 10 per day, 10 in possession
July 15 – August 20:
- Fly-fishing-only waters;
- Sockeye or coho salmon
- 16 inches or longer; 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination, of which only 1 per day, 1 in possession may be a coho salmon
- Less than 16 inches in length; 10 per day, 10 in possession;
Through June 19, 2022, a total of 9,157 sockeye salmon have passed the Russian River weir. Based on projections of escapement from the Kenai River mile 13.7 sonar and the Russian River weir, ADF&G now estimates that the biological escapement goal of 22,000-42,000 sockeye salmon will be met. When projections estimate the biological escapement goal will be exceeded, the bag limits may be raised.
Anglers are reminded to remove fish carcasses from the waters of the Russian River. In addition, if you intend to clean your catch at the river, take your fish to the mainstem Kenai River cleaning tables located at the confluence and ferry crossing to fillet and cut up sockeye salmon carcasses into small pieces and throw the pieces into deep, flowing waters of the Kenai River. Keep all personal belongings, including stringers of fish closely attended. ADF&G advises anglers to respect habitat and cultural resource protection sites that are fenced or roped off, stay on the established trails and boardwalks in the Sanctuary Area, campground, and Russian River Ferry areas and use public restroom facilities in the campgrounds and ferry areas.