Sanctuaries & Closures

Kenai River Sanctuary Areas & Confluence Closures (2026)

To protect spawning salmon and staging stocks, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) implements sanctuary zones and confluence closures. Fishing from boats or targeting specific species within these zones can result in severe fines. Here is the official 2026 guide to sanctuary locations and dates.

1. Russian River Sanctuary Area

The Russian River confluence is the most critical sanctuary zone on the Kenai River. The sanctuary includes the waters from an ADF&G marker located downstream of the Kenai-Russian Ferry crossing upstream to about 300 yards above the Sportsman's Landing boat launch, plus the first 100 yards of the Russian River.

• May 1 – July 14 Standard Season: Closed to all sport fishing unless liberalized by Emergency Order. (Note: In 2026, ADF&G Emergency Order 2-RS-1-24-26 opened the sanctuary early on June 18, 2026 due to strong early-run sockeye passage counts).
• July 15 – August 20: Open to sockeye and coho salmon fishing. Artificial flies only.
• August 21 – July 14: Closed to sockeye salmon fishing.
• August 21 – October 31: Open to coho salmon fishing (limit 1 per day).

2. Lower Kenai Confluence Boat Closures (May 1 – July 31)

Stage-one Chinook and sockeye congregate at cold water creek mouths. To prevent boat disruption, these confluences are closed to sport fishing from boats and restricted to **artificial flies only** from May 1 to July 31:

3. Skilak Lake Outlet (Swan Sanctuary)

The first 3 miles of the Kenai River outlet of Skilak Lake (from the swan sanctuary sign downstream to river mile 47) is closed to fishing from an **anchored vessel** from August 1 to December 31. This protects migrating waterfowl (swans) and salmon staging in the lake outlet channel.