THE KENAI RIVER KING SALMON FISHERY
WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE
The Kenai River has always been famous for the genetically unique king salmon that return to their glacial waters. Since the early 1980’s, the Kenai has been the holy grail of king salmon fisheries with 8 of the 10 largest sport caught kings coming from its waters. In the last decade, king salmon stocks across the entire state of Alaska have been in serious decline. The reason for this decline point to a myriad of issues mainly connected their ocean environment. The Kenai has failed to meet the minimum escapement goal for both the early and late run Kenai King runs since 2017 and has been either closed or severely restricted every year since.
At the 2024 Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fisheries meeting held in Anchorage, the late run of Kenai King Salmon was designated a stock of concern and was placed in an action plan for recovery of the stock.
THE KENAI RIVER LATE RUN ACTION PLAN INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon stock of concern action plan: 5 AAC 21.XXX. Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon stock of concern management plan. (a) The department shall manage the late run of Kenai River king salmon to achieve a recovery goal of 14,250 – 30,000 king salmon 75 cm mid eye to tail fork and longer as described in this section. Achieving the lower end of the Kenai River late-run king salmon recovery goal shall take priority over not exceeding the upper end of the escapement and in-river goal ranges for Kenai and Kasilof River sockeye salmon.
(b) The purposes of this management plan are to rebuild the Kenai River late-run king salmon stock to levels that consistently achieve management targets established by the board and provide sustainable harvest opportunity. The provisions of this management plan are in effect from June 20 through August 15, and supersede the provisions in 5 AAC 21.359 until the recovery goal is achieved or exceeded for three consecutive years, one of which is at or above 18,000 fish, which is the estimated number of spawners needed for maximum sustained yield (Smsy) and is expected to achieve the goal in future years, or is achieved four of six consecutive years, one of which is at or above 18,000 fish and is expected to achieve the goal in future years. The Kenai River late-run king salmon will remain a stock of concern until the department recommends delisting to the board at a Board of Fisheries meeting.
STILL LOOKING FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH A KING SALMON IN ALASKA?
Still looking for the opportunity to catch a king salmon in Alaska?
The early run of king salmon on the Kasilof River is largely of hatchery origin. Therefore it is not subject to the extreme restrictions and closures that many wild king salmon fisheries are currently facing. The Kasilof has remained open to retention of hatchery kings and this fishery is best in the last few days of May into the first week to ten days of June. Although bait is allowed by regulation, poor returns on the Kenai and added pressure on wild (naturally produced) Kasilof stocks has resulted in emergency orders closing the use of bait on the Kasilof in recent seasons. This decision is made in season so it is tough to plan around. Although bait does help with angler success, no bait means less pressure on the water and they do aggressively bite many artificial lures without bait.
• The limit is two hatchery king per day, per person
• The use of bait is typically not known until late winter/spring
• Anglers are allowed to continue fishing after retaining their two fish limit
• All wild Kasilof Kings must be released unharmed and may not be removed from the water
KENAI KINGS AVERAGE SIZE:
25-40 LBS. Larger Fish Exceeding 50 LBS.
Early Run: 15-25 LBS. / Late Run: 25-40 LBS. / Larger Fish Exceeding 50 LBS.
KING SALMON WORLD RECORD:
97 LBS. KENAI RIVER, MAY 17, 1985
FISHING METHODS:
Drifting / Backtrolling / Back-bouncing
FAQ’s About Kenai River King Salmon Fishing
Can you fish for king salmon on the Kenai River?
Why did Alaska ban king salmon fishing?
What is the forecast for Kenai River king salmon in 2024?
What is the Kenai River record for king salmon?
ALASKA KING SALMON CHARTERS ON THE KENAI RIVER
Two runs of wild Kenai River king salmon combine to support the largest recreational fishery for this species in Alaska. The first run of Alaskan king salmon enters the river from mid-May through June. The late run starts the first of July and ends when the season closes on July 31st. The early Kenai River run of Alaska king salmon fishing starting in May averages about 10,000 fish and the late run that begins on July 1 averages about 30,000 fish.
