Welcome to the ultimate guide for the 2024 Alaska salmon fishing season, specifically tailored for enthusiasts planning their adventure on the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers. At Kenai Fly Fish (KFF), we are dedicated to ensuring your fishing experience is both thrilling and sustainable. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable season of salmon fishing.
Overview of the 2024 Season
Alaska’s salmon fishing season is a highlight for anglers worldwide, and 2024 promises to be an exciting year. From late June through July, the marine waters of Cook Inlet, just off the mouth of the Kenai River, become a hotspot for salmon fishing. Since 2003, Alaskans have harvested between 130,000 and 540,000 sockeye salmon annually in this fishery (Alaska Fish & Game) (Kenai Fly Fish).
Fishing on the Kenai River
The Kenai River, renowned for its rich salmon runs, offers incredible opportunities for anglers. However, it’s important to stay informed about the current regulations to ensure a successful and compliant fishing trip.
Key Regulations for 2024
- Late-Run King Salmon: Designated as a Stock of Concern, the late-run king salmon on the Kenai River are under strict management to help the population recover. The goal is to achieve a recovery of 14,250 – 30,000 king salmon measuring 75 cm mid-eye to tail fork and longer. If the goal is not projected to be achieved, the river is closed to sport fishing for king salmon. Anglers must release any king salmon caught immediately without removing them from the water.
- Lure Restrictions: From July 1 through August 15, anglers may only use one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in the Kenai River downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake.
- Sockeye Salmon Limits: The bag limit for sockeye salmon has increased to six per day and 12 in possession from June 20 through August 15 (Kenai Fly Fish) (Alaska Fish & Game).
Fishing on the Kasilof River
The Kasilof River is another prime location for salmon fishing, offering abundant opportunities, especially for hatchery king salmon.
Key Regulations for 2024
- Gear Restrictions: Above the Sterling Highway bridge, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used from January 1 to August 15.
- Hatchery King Salmon: The retention of wild king salmon is closed, but the bag limit for hatchery king salmon has increased to two, with restrictions on gear to one single-hook or artificial lure, and bait is allowed.
- Youth-Only Fishery: The area open for youth-only fishing on the Ninilchik River has been extended from the mouth to the 2-mile markers located near the Garrison Ridge Road bridge (Alaska Fish & Game).
Book Your 2024 Adventure with Kenai Fly Fish
At Kenai Fly Fish, we provide guided fishing trips to help you navigate these regulations and make the most of your fishing adventure. Our experienced guides are well-versed in the latest rules and are dedicated to ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing experience for all our clients.
Why Choose Kenai Fly Fish?
- Expert Guidance: Our guides are knowledgeable and passionate about fishing in Alaska, ensuring you have the best chance of landing a prize catch.
- Top-Quality Gear: We provide all necessary fishing equipment, so you can focus on the experience.
- Sustainability: We emphasize sustainable fishing practices to protect Alaska’s pristine waters for future generations.
