Two Youth-Only King Salmon Fisheries Set For Kenai Peninsula Over The Next Week

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

Youth-Only King Salmon Fisheries on the Lower Kenai Peninsula

(Homer) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is announcing two upcoming youth-only king salmon fisheries on the lower Kenai Peninsula for anglers 15 years and younger.

June 3 in the Ninilchik River

The youth-only fishery in the Ninilchik River will occur on June 3, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m., from the mouth of the river, including the harbor, upstream 2 miles to markers approximately 300 yards upstream of the Garrison Ridge Road bridge. Anglers 16 years and older may not fish during this opening but may assist youth anglers under 16 years old. Gear is restricted to one single-hook artificial lure. The bag and possession limits are one hatchery king salmon of any size. Hatchery king salmon are identified by the missing adipose fin. All wild king salmon and steelhead must be released unharmed and may not be removed from the water. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) staff will be present from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot immediately north of the Ninilchik River Sterling Highway bridge. Loaner fishing rods will be available to check out and use on a first come first serve basis.

June 6 in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit

The youth-only fishery in the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon will occur all day on June 6, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., in the posted youth-only sport fishing area across from the entrance to the lagoon. Anglers 16 years and older may not fish in this area but the remainder of the lagoon will remain open to all anglers. All other sport fishing regulations remain in effect for the fishing lagoon and are found on page 68 of the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet. The king salmon bag and possession limit is two fish of any size. ADF&G staff will be present at the lagoon from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to assist youth anglers. Loaner fishing rods will be available to check out and use on a first come first serve basis.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Mike Booz or Assistant Area Management Biologist Holly Dickson at (907) 235-8191.