ADF&G opens youth-only king salmon fisheries on Kenai Peninsula

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is opening two youth-only king salmon fisheries on the lower Kenai Peninsula this week, offering limited opportunities for anglers 15 and under at a time when broader Kenai Peninsula king salmon fishing remains heavily restricted.

The Ninilchik River fishery runs June 3 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m., from the mouth of the river upstream 2 miles to markers approximately 300 yards upstream of the Garrison Ridge Road bridge. The fishery is limited to hatchery king salmon identified by a missing adipose fin. The bag and possession limit is one fish of any size. Adults 16 and older may not fish but may assist younger anglers. ADF&G staff will be present from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot immediately north of the Ninilchik River Sterling Highway bridge, with loaner fishing rods available.

The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon on the Homer Spit opens all day June 6 in the posted youth-only sport fishing area across from the entrance to the lagoon. The bag and possession limit is two fish of any size. ADF&G staff will be present at the lagoon from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to assist youth anglers, with loaner fishing rods available.

Recent emergency orders have closed Kenai River king fishing through mid-August, and Upper Cook Inlet marine waters north of Bluff Point are closed to king salmon sport fishing for the full May 1 to August 15 season. Youth-only fisheries on select systems like Ninilchik River and terminal hatchery sites such as Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon are managed to protect wild king salmon stocks while providing fishing opportunities for young anglers.

For additional information, contact Area Management Biologist Mike Booz or Assistant Area Management Biologist Holly Dickson at (907) 235-8191.