Sockeye Sonar & Regulations 2026
Lower River Sockeye Regulations (2026)
From June 20 through August 15, the lower Kenai River mainstem sockeye limit (16 inches or longer) is 6 per day and 12 in possession. From August 16 through June 19, the lower river limit returns to 3 per day / 6 in possession.
2026 Kenai River Sockeye Passage
ADF&G estimates late-run Kenai River sockeye passage using DIDSON sonar at River Mile 19 near Soldotna (below the Sterling Highway Bridge). Counting for the late run began July 1. Through July 19, 2026, ADF&G estimated 193,524 sockeye had passed the site, including 23,584 on July 19. The 2026 Kenai River sockeye forecast is approximately 4.45 million fish, with ADF&G managing toward an inriver goal of 1.1–1.4 million fish.
Official ADF&G Data & Regulatory Sources
Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Current-season counts are preliminary and subject to inseason revision.
Management Objectives & River Sections
Sonar passage estimates are one source of information ADF&G uses to manage the fishery. Counts do not automatically trigger regulation changes. A legal change occurs only through an official emergency order.
2026 Late-Run Management Goals
- 2026 Total Run Forecast: ~4.45 Million Kenai sockeye
- Inriver Goal: 1.1M – 1.4M (primary inseason management target)
- Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG): 750,000 – 1,300,000
- King Salmon Protection: King salmon retention prohibited on Kenai River in 2026
River Section Regulations
- Lower Kenai Mainstem: 6/day, 12 in possession (June 20–Aug 15)
- Middle & Upper Kenai: 3/day, 6 in possession (check section gear rules)
- Russian River & Sanctuary: 3/day, 6 in possession; fly-only rules & seasonal sanctuary closures apply
- Personal-Use Dipnet: Alaska residents only with permit (July dates)
Historical RM 19 Late-Run Sonar Passage
These figures represent cumulative sonar passage estimates at River Mile 19 near Soldotna, not complete Kenai River total-run estimates. (For example, 2025 total run was estimated at ~8.04M fish with ~4.29M sonar passage).
| Year | Final RM 19 Late-Run Passage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,567,750 | Official RM 19 sonar passage |
| 2023 | 2,351,020 | Official RM 19 sonar passage |
| 2024 | 1,926,350 | Official RM 19 sonar passage |
| 2025 | 4,286,091 | Official RM 19 sonar passage (total run ~8.04M) |
| 2026 | 193,524 | Through July 19, 2026 (counting began July 1) |
Kenai Peninsula Sockeye Run Timing
| Fishery / Run | Season Window | Typical Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Kenai River Sockeye (Late Run) | Early July – Mid/Late August | Late July |
| Russian River Early Run | Mid-June – Mid-July | Late June |
| Russian River Late Run | Mid-July – Mid-August | Late July / Early Aug |
| Kasilof River Sockeye | June – August | Early–Mid July |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kenai sockeye sonar located?
What is the 2026 lower Kenai sockeye bag limit?
Does the Soldotna USGS gauge measure water clarity?
What are the 2026 Kenai late-run sockeye management targets?
Plan Your Guided Sockeye Trip
Your guide will explain current fishing regulations, legal fishing boundaries, permitted gear, and applicable emergency orders. Anglers should also review official ADF&G regulations before fishing.
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