Russian River Sanctuary opens early June 18 for sockeye season

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game opened the Russian River Sanctuary Area to sport fishing ahead of its standard July 15 regulatory start, effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, June 18 through Tuesday, July 14. The sanctuary's standard season then continues by regulation from July 15 through Aug. 20.

What the Data Shows

The data driving the decision: through June 15, 6,061 sockeye had passed the Russian River weir, and combined with Kenai River sonar counts at mile 13.7, ADF&G projects the 22,000-to-42,000 biological escapement goal will be met. By regulation, the Sanctuary Area is open July 15 through Aug. 20, but ADF&G may issue emergency orders to open it earlier when escapement goals are being met. Cook Inlet Management Coordinator Patrick Fowler said the early opening "will allow anglers more time and area to target these fish," and the department will continue monitoring the run and may take further management action as sockeye return to the Russian River.

Rules on the Water

The following sockeye salmon regulations apply for the Russian River Sanctuary Area from June 18 through Aug. 20. Fly-fishing-only rules apply throughout. The bag limit is 3 sockeye or coho salmon 16 inches or longer per day combined, 6 in possession; coho are capped at 1 per day and 1 in possession. Salmon under 16 inches carry a separate limit of 10 per day, 10 in possession. Anglers should review page 54 of the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for full Upper Kenai River and Russian River Confluence Area rules. The Russian River Sanctuary Area is Area B on the ADF&G map.

On-Site Guidance for Anglers

Anglers are reminded to remove fish carcasses from the clear waters of the Russian River. Those who intend to clean their catch at the river should take fish to the mainstem Kenai River cleaning tables, located at the confluence and the ferry crossing, to fillet and cut up sockeye salmon carcasses into small pieces and throw the pieces into the deep, flowing waters of the Kenai River. All personal belongings, including stringers of fish, should be kept closely attended. Anglers must respect habitat and cultural resource protection sites that are fenced or roped off, stay on established trails and boardwalks in the Sanctuary Area, campground, and Russian River Ferry areas, and use public restroom facilities in the campgrounds and ferry areas.