• Emergency Orders are in effect for the following areas:
• In the Kenai River: This emergency order prohibits the retention of king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, but less than 55 inches in length, while sport fishing in waters of the Kenai River drainage downstream of Skilak Lake and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge beginning at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, May 16, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013. Harvest is allowed for king salmon less than 20 inches in length and 55 inches or greater in length.

  In addition, this emergency order prohibits the use of bait and prohibits the retention of king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, but less than 55 inches in length, while sport fishing in waters of the Kenai River drainage from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway Bridge, beginning 12:01 a.m., Monday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2013. Harvest is allowed for king salmon less than 20 inches in length and 55 inches or greater in length.

  In the waters described above, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used. King salmon 20 inches or greater in length but less than 55 inches in length may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately.

• In the Kasilof River: This emergency order prohibits the retention of naturally-produced king salmon and reduces the bag and possession limit of hatchery-produced king salmon 20 inches or greater in length to one fish in the Kasilof River beginning 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2013, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013. Naturally-produced king salmon may not be possessed or retained; naturally-produced king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. A naturally-produced king salmon is a king salmon with an adipose fin intact.

  GENERAL INFORMATION

• Based on preseason outlook, the 2013 Kenai River early-run of king salmon is expected to be very low.
• Sockeye salmon counts from the Russian River weir are available on the department’s fish count web page. Information is also available by calling the fish count hotline at 262-9097.
• The Russian River sanctuary is CLOSED to all fishing. Please review the regulations on pages 50 and 51 for the Upper Kenai – Russian rivers area that opened to fishing on June 11.
• For those interested in personal use fishing for smelt (Hooligan) along the shore of Cook Inlet or in the Kenai River, the regulations are located on page 13 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary Booklet. Large numbers of hooligan are present in the Kenai River.
• This Northern Kenai Peninsula Area wide sport fishing report will be updated weekly and can also be heard by calling 907 262-2737.
• Many flowing waters opened to sport fishing by regulation on Tuesday, June 11. Anglers are reminded to check the regulation booklet as the water they may intend to fish may be closed to all fishing.

• The Kenai River king salmon early-run preseason outlook is for a very low run.
• The early-run of king salmon to the Kasilof River is not forecasted and part of the run is hatchery king salmon.
• King salmon are present in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.
• The numbers of king salmon entering the Kenai River have increased recently; few anglers are fishing the Kenai River.
• Water level is above average in the Kenai River and the water conditions are improving.
• At the Kasilof River, fishing success for king salmon has improved with more king salmon entering the river.

Resident Fish - Kenai River

Russian River - Sockeye Salmon