Kenai, Russian River Sockeye Bag Limit Jumps to 6 Fish Thursday

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is raising the sockeye salmon bag limit to six fish per day and twelve in possession on the Russian River and a section of the upper Kenai mainstem, Thursday, June 25, through Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

What Triggered the Change

The trigger was weir data. As of June 22, 22,375 sockeye had passed the Russian River weir, clearing the lower bound of the biological escapement goal of 22k to 42k fish. Projections indicate the run will exceed the upper bound as well. "Fish passage at the weir has been strong and is projected to exceed the escapement goal," Cook Inlet Management Coordinator Patrick Fowler said. "Given the strength of the run, it is appropriate to increase bag and possession limits, providing additional harvest opportunity."

Where the Increased Limit Applies

The affected section of the upper Kenai mainstem runs from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman's Landing, including the Russian River Sanctuary Area. On the Russian River, the increased limit applies from the river's mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker located approximately 600 yards downstream from Russian River Falls.

Before You Go

Anglers fishing Russian River clear water must remove fish carcasses whole or gutted and gilled; filleting must happen at the mainstem Kenai cleaning tables at the confluence or ferry crossing, where carcasses should be chopped into small pieces and thrown into deep, flowing water. Anglers are also reminded to respect fenced or roped-off habitat and cultural resource protection sites, stay on established trails and boardwalks, use public restroom facilities in the campground and ferry areas, and keep personal belongings and stringers of fish closely attended.

Regulations on the Kenai Peninsula can change by emergency order, and anglers should verify current rules before fishing. For more information, contact the Soldotna ADF&G office at (907) 262-9368.