Kenai River king salmon fishery closed through mid-August 2026

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has closed all king salmon fishing on the Kenai River from May 1 through Aug. 15, 2026, under emergency orders that prohibit even catch-and-release targeting of the species. For anglers who have watched this fishery decline over the past decade, the closure means another summer without a chance at the river's signature trophy fish.

The closure covers both the early-run period (May 1 to June 19) and the late-run period (June 20 to Aug. 15). The Kenai River late-run king salmon has been managed as a stock of conservation concern since 2020, when the Alaska Board of Fisheries adopted an action plan authorizing full-season closures when escapement goals are at risk. The 2025 season marked at least the third consecutive year of a full closure of the Kenai king sport fishery.

Phillip Stacey, area management biologist for ADF&G, issued the May 22, 2026, fishing report detailing the closures and current conditions.

Sport fishing for other species remains open on the Kenai River during the king closure, but only under gear restrictions intended to minimize incidental hooking of king salmon. Anglers may target sockeye salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden using one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure. Any king salmon encountered incidentally must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.

The nearby Kasilof River remains open to limited king salmon fishing under Emergency Order 2-KS-1-18-26, which allows anglers to retain one hatchery-produced king salmon (20 inches or longer) per day from May 1 to June 30. Hatchery king salmon are recognizable by a clipped adipose fin. All wild king salmon must be released.

Anglers planning trips to the Kenai Peninsula are advised to review all emergency orders and advisory announcements before heading out. Sport fishing licenses and king stamps can be purchased through the ADF&G mobile app or online store. For additional information, contact the Soldotna office at 907-262-9368.