Anchorage woman cited for dip netting on Kenai River two days before opener

An Anchorage woman was cited Wednesday morning after Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report of dip netting at the mouth of the Kenai River. An investigation found she was fishing during a closed period, two days before the July 10 opener.

Troopers received the report at about 10 a.m. on July 8. The woman, identified as Genevieve Mahoney, 41, of Anchorage, was found to have been dip netting during a closed period. A bailable citation was filed at the Kenai Courthouse under case number AK26065191. Charges are accusations; she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The Kenai River personal use dip net fishery is open only to Alaska residents, who must hold a valid resident sport fishing license and any required personal use permit. The fishery draws thousands of Anchorage and Mat-Su residents to Kenai each July. The City of Kenai says it significantly affects local services, public safety, and beach management during the season.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game advises fishers to verify regulations and any emergency orders before entering the water, as orders can change previously published seasons on short notice. "Before going fishing, be sure to check current sport and personal use fishing regulations and any emergency orders that may affect the area and species you plan to fish," the department said.