After several years of falling short of minimum escapement objectives, the 2025 late run of Kenai River king salmon narrowly met the recovery threshold of 14,250 large kings (greater than 34 inches). By the final day of counting, the cumulative sonar estimate stood at 15,015 fish. This benchmark was established under the Kenai River Late Run Action Plan, adopted by the Alaska Board of Fisheries at the 2024 Upper Cook Inlet meeting.

Future Access to the Fishery

Under the Kenai River Late Run Action Plan, sport and commercial (East Side Set Net) access to the king salmon fishery can only resume if minimum escapement goals are achieved for three consecutive years or for four out of six years, with at least one of those years reaching or exceeding 18,000 large kings.