ADFG Summarizes Kenai, Kasilof Rivers King Salmon Season Regulations

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

(Soldotna) – The 2022 Kenai River early-run king salmon preseason projection is for approximately 4,300 large (> 34 inches) king salmon. This projection falls within the optimal escapement goal (OEG) of 3,900 to 6,600 large king salmon. As directed by 5 AAC 57.160 Kenai River and Kasilof River Early-run King Salmon Management Plan, if the Kenai River early-run king salmon preseason projection falls within or above the OEG, the sport fishery may start under general regulations (5 AAC 57.120) until an inseason projection is available. Please see pages 50-65 of the 2022 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for additional information when it is issued in March/April 2022.

Kenai River king salmon sport fishing general regulations for January 1 through June 30, in Kenai River waters downstream of Skilak Lake are as follows:

• Bait is prohibited, and only one single-hook, artificial lure may be used.
• The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is one king salmon. Only king salmon less than 34 inches in length may be retained. King salmon 34 inches in length and greater may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
• There is a combined annual limit of five king salmon over 20 inches from all Cook Inlet Drainage waters, which includes only two fish per year over 20 inches from the Kenai River, except fish under 28 inches in length caught in the Kenai River prior to July 1 do not count towards the annual limit. All harvested fish that count towards an annual limit must be recorded on a harvest record card or your license.
• The bag and possession limit for king salmon less than 20 inches (jack king salmon), is 10 fish per day, 10 in possession, in combination with coho, sockeye, chum, or pink salmon less than 16 inches in length.

The 2022 preseason outlook for Kenai River king salmon early-run can be found here. The 2022 preseason outlook for the Kenai River king salmon late-run can be found here.

Kasilof River Early-Run (May 1 – June 30)

The 2022 Kasilof River early-run king salmon sport fishery will begin limited to hatchery fish only harvest and anglers may only use one single hook or single-hook artificial lure, baited or unbaited. The bag limit is two hatchery fish per day and in possession. All naturally-produced king salmon must be released immediately. Review the Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order in their entirety here.

Kenai River Late-Run (July 1 – July 31)

The 2022 Kenai River late-run king salmon sport fishery will begin under catch-and-release regulations. Anglers will be limited to one unbaited, single hook or unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. King salmon of all sizes must be released immediately. Review the Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order in their entirety here.

Kasilof River Late-Run (July 1 – July 31)

The Kasilof River late-run king salmon sport fishery will begin limited to hatchery fish harvest only. Anglers may only use one unbaited, single hook, or unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. The bag limit is one hatchery fish per day and in possession. All naturally-produced fish must be released immediately. Review the Advisory Announcement and Emergency Order in their entirety here.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.