ADF&G Emergency Orders
Alaska Peninsula sport and personal-use fisheries are managed dynamically in-season. Area biologists issue Emergency Orders (EOs) to modify bag limits, methods, and season dates based on live sonar passage data.
Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Sport Fishing Closed
Effective Dates: May 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
To address severe wild stock shortfalls, sport fishing for King salmon (including catch-and-release) is closed in the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to the outlet of Kenai Lake. Biologists manage the early run under the Optimal Escapement Goal (OEG) of 3,900 – 6,600 large King salmon (75 cm / 34 inches or longer).
Targeting or retaining King salmon is strictly prohibited during this closure.
Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Sport Fishing Closed
Effective Dates: July 1, 2026 – August 15, 2026
Sport fishing for King salmon of all sizes is closed in the Kenai River. Due to stock-of-concern status, this closure is implemented to maximize escapement toward the Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG) of 14,250 – 30,000 large King salmon, and the Optimal Escapement Goal (OEG) of 15,000 – 30,000 large King salmon (75 cm / 34 inches or longer).
No targeting or retention of Kings is permitted in the sport or personal-use fisheries.
Kasilof River King Salmon Gear Restrictions & Hatchery Retention Only
Effective Dates: May 1, 2026 – August 15, 2026
Tackle is restricted to single-hook unbaited artificial lures only (no bait allowed) from May 1 through August 15 in the Kasilof River. From May 1 to June 30, retention is restricted to adipose fin-clipped hatchery King salmon only (limit 1/day, 2 in possession); naturally-produced wild King salmon (with intact adipose fin) must be released immediately without leaving the water. From July 1 to August 15, sport fishing for King salmon of all sizes is closed.
Single-hook unbaited lure rule enforced May 1 – August 15.
Russian River Sanctuary Area Opened Early for Sockeye
Effective Dates: June 18, 2026 – July 14, 2026
With early-run sockeye passage counts at the Russian River weir exceeding biological escapement goals, ADF&G opened the Russian River Sanctuary area early to sport fishing on June 18. Anglers may fish for sockeye using unbaited single-hook artificial flies.
Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Sport Limit Increased
Effective Dates: June 24, 2026 – December 31, 2026
With sockeye passage counts at the River Mile 8 sonar station exceeding goals, ADF&G has increased the sport fishing daily bag limit for sockeye salmon in the Kasilof River to 6 fish per day, and 12 in possession.
Kasilof River Personal Use Dipnetting Expanded
Effective Dates: June 25, 2026 – August 7, 2026
To facilitate harvest of Kasilof sockeye, ADF&G has expanded the personal-use dipnetting area. Alaska residents may dipnet from the shore upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge, and from boats upstream to ADF&G markers at River Mile 3.
No retention of King salmon, wild trout, or Dolly Varden is allowed in the dipnet fishery.
For the official and most up-to-date Emergency Orders, please visit the State of Alaska's Department of Fish & Game website.
Visit ADF&G Official EO Page