Ninilchik River closed to all sport fishing through July 15

The Ninilchik River will remain closed to all sport fishing through July 15, according to ADF&G's July 7 southern Kenai Peninsula fishing report. The closure covers every species; fishing reopens July 16 through October 31. ADF&G also issued an emergency order on May 23 restricting king salmon sport fishing. Gear restriction: Gear is restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure from May 23 through July 31 when fishing for any species.

Anglers have alternatives. The Anchor River and Deep Creek reopened July 1 for species other than king salmon, with gear limited to single-hook artificial lures; intertidal sections offer the best chance at Dolly Varden. Lingcod fishing also opened July 1. At the China Poot personal-use dipnet area, very strong sockeye numbers continue to build and fishing is expected to remain productive into July. Snagging at Tutka Lagoon and in front of China Poot Creek has also been productive, with good numbers of sockeye reported and similar conditions expected through the week.

Anglers that harvest a hatchery king salmon 20" or greater in length may not sport fish in the Ninilchik River for the rest of the day.

Multiple emergency orders are active simultaneously across the region, and rules on one drainage do not carry to the next.