• Emergency Orders are in effect for the following areas:
• In the Kenai River: This emergency order prohibits the retention of king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, but less than 55 inches in length, while sport fishing in waters of the Kenai River drainage downstream of Skilak Lake and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge beginning at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, May 16, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013. Harvest is allowed for king salmon less than 20 inches in length and 55 inches or greater in length.

  In addition, this emergency order prohibits the use of bait and prohibits the retention of king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, but less than 55 inches in length, while sport fishing in waters of the Kenai River drainage from an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway Bridge, beginning 12:01 a.m., Monday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 14, 2013. Harvest is allowed for king salmon less than 20 inches in length and 55 inches or greater in length.

  In the waters described above, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used. King salmon 20 inches or greater in length but less than 55 inches in length may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately.

• In the Kasilof River: This emergency order prohibits the retention of naturally-produced king salmon and reduces the bag and possession limit of hatchery-produced king salmon 20 inches or greater in length to one fish in the Kasilof River beginning 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, 2013, through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2013. Naturally-produced king salmon may not be possessed or retained; naturally-produced king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. A naturally-produced king salmon is a king salmon with an adipose fin intact.

  GENERAL INFORMATION

• The 2013 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary is available at Fish and Game offices as well as from many sport fishing license vendors. The regulations can also be viewed or downloaded from the department’s web page.
• Based on preseason outlook, the 2013 Kenai River early-run of king salmon is expected to be very low.
• For those interested in personal use fishing for smelt (Hooligan) along the shore of Cook Inlet or in the Kenai River, the regulations are located on page 13 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary Booklet.
• This Northern Kenai Peninsula Area wide sport fishing report will be updated weekly and can also be heard by calling 907 262-2737.
• Many flowing waters closed on May 2 to sport fishing by regulation. Anglers are reminded to check the regulation booklet as the water they may intend to fish may be closed to all fishing.
• Lowland area lakes are now open. Lakes at higher elevations remain completely ice-covered. Hidden Lake has opened enough for launching boats.

• The Kenai River king salmon early-run preseason outlook is for a very low run.
• The early-run of king salmon to the Kasilof River is not forecasted and part of the run is hatchery king salmon.
• Fishable numbers of king salmon are typically evident during late May to early June in both the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.
• A few king salmon have entered the Kenai River.

Resident Fish - Kenai River

Resident Fish - Kasilof River