Federal Subsistence Rod and Reel Fishery for Early-Run Kenai River Chinook Salmon is Closed

In an effort to conserve Chinook Salmon in the Kenai River, the Federal subsistence rod and reel fishery for early-run Chinook Salmon in the Kenai River downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake will be closed beginning 12:01 a.m., Friday, June 22, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 15, 2018. This closure prohibits all subsistence rod and reel fishing for Chinook Salmon. Chinook Salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately unharmed.

06/21/2018
Last edited 01/25/2022
Contact Information

Jeffry Anderson
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Cook Inlet Area Inseason Manager
(907) 260-0132
jeffry_anderson@fws.gov

The State of Alaska’s 5 AAC 57.160 Kenai River and Kasilof River Early-run King Salmon Management Plan identifies an optimal escapement goal of 3,900 to 6,600 Chinook Salmon 75 cm mid eye to tail fork length and longer. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (Department) estimated only 2,116 large Chinook Salmon had passed their sonar site through June 16 and is projecting an inriver run of 3,609 large Chinook Salmon. The Department has previously closed the sport fishery for Chinook Salmon in the Kenai River downstream of Skilak Lake through June 30th and through July 31st for the Kenai River upstream from the Department’s Slikok Creek regulatory marker. Collectively, the State and Federal fishery management actions will provide the opportunity for early-run Chinook Salmon in the Kenai River to reach their spawning grounds.

For additional information, contact Federal in-season Manager Jeffry Anderson at (907) 260- 0132. Additional information on the Federal Subsistence Management Program may be found on the Web at http://www.doi.gov/subsistence / or by visiting www.facebook.com/subsistencealaska

Missing out on the latest Federal subsistence issues? If you’d like to receive emails and notifications on the Federal Subsistence Management Program you may subscribe for regular updates by emailing fws-fsb-subsistence-request@lists.fws.gov.

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