Early-Run Kenai River King Fishing Will Be Catch-And-Release Only


The following press releases are courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

(Soldotna) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restrictions for the early-run king salmon in the Kenai River drainage downstream of the outlet of Skilak Lake effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2019. From May 1 through June 30, king salmon of any size may not be retained in the Kenai River from the mouth upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake. That restriction will continue July 1 through July 31, in the 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. Only one, unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used in the waters restricted to catch-and-release. King salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

However, from July 1- July 31, 2019, anglers will be able to retain king salmon in the Kenai River from the mouth upstream to the ADF&G markers 300 yards downstream from Slikok Creek. In this section, bait is allowed; however, only a single hook lure or fly may be used during this time.

“In an effort to protect our king salmon fishery resources, which are important to anglers and our fishery managers, and ensure our fishery management is consistent with the regulatory management plan, the early king salmon run on the Kenai River is restricted to non-retention in an effort to meet our 2019 early-run escapement goal,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka. “Anglers have noticed that the Kenai River king salmon and other king salmon stocks throughout Cook Inlet are experiencing an extended period of low productivity and restricting the fishery preseason is warranted.”

ADF&G staff will be closely monitoring this fishery inseason and if data assessment projects indicate further action is warranted in season actions may be taken.

The 2019 Kenai River King Salmon Early-Run Forecast can be found on the Northern Kenai Peninsula Management Area webpage under Annual Run Outlook. For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.

Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Open to Catch-and-Release

 

Kasilof River Early-Run King Salmon Restricted to Hatchery Kings

(Soldotna) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restriction for king salmon in the Kasilof River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2019. The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is one hatchery fish. Hatchery king salmon are recognizable by the healed adipose fin-clip scar. Naturally-produced king salmon may not be possessed or retained and are distinguishable by an intact adipose fin, a small fleshy fin on the back of the fish just ahead of the tail. Naturally-produced king salmon that are caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

In addition, the use of bait is prohibited and only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure may be used in the Kasilof River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge. Single-hook means a fishhook with only one point.

“To ensure a successful naturally-produced king salmon broodstock season in 2019, ADF&G has determined restrictions to the early-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kasilof River will provide the best chance to achieve these goals,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka. “Its important to our staff and anglers that we continue our efforts to protect and rebuild our wild king salmon stocks. ADF&G does anticipate an increase in angler effort on the Kasilof River due to early-run king salmon restrictions on the Kenai River and we have to manage accordingly with restrictions only allowing hatchery king salmon to be retained on the Kasilof River.”

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