🚨 2025 Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Sport Fishery Closed
📅 Closure Dates: May 1 – June 30, 2025
📍 Location: Kenai River, Northern Kenai
🔴 New Regulation: No fishing for early-run king salmon, including catch-and-release
🔗 Official ADF&G Emergency Order: Click here for full details
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has officially closed the early-run king salmon sport fishery on the Kenai River for the 2025 season. This decision aims to protect declining salmon populations and ensure the sustainability of future runs.
This emergency order applies to all anglers, including those practicing catch-and-release fishing. Any king salmon caught while targeting other species must remain in the water and be released immediately.
⛔ What This Closure Means for Anglers
- No fishing for king salmon of any size.
- Applies from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake.
- Catch-and-release is not allowed.
- Any king salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species must be immediately released.
📌 Always check for the latest regulations directly from ADF&G:
🔗 ADF&G Emergency Orders
📉 Why Is the Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Fishery Closed?
The 2025 preseason forecast predicts only 1,531 large king salmon (greater than 34 inches) returning to the Kenai River early-run. This is far below the escapement goal of 3,900–6,600 fish, making it one of the lowest runs in the past 38 years.
Without these conservation efforts, the early-run king salmon population may not recover, potentially leading to even stricter fishing regulations in the future.
ADF&G’s goal is to:
✔ Protect the long-term health of Kenai River king salmon.
✔ Prevent overfishing and allow for natural population recovery.
✔ Ensure sustainable sport fishing opportunities in the future.
🎣 Where Can You Still Fish for King Salmon in 2025?
Even with the Kenai River closure, there are still fantastic king salmon fishing opportunities available nearby!
✅ Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing
- The Kasilof River remains open for king salmon fishing (with some restrictions).
- Drift boat-only fishing experience, providing a quieter, more remote setting.
- Strong king salmon runs expected in 2025.
✅ Saltwater King Salmon Fishing in Cook Inlet
- While some saltwater restrictions apply, there are still king salmon fishing opportunities available in Homer and Seward.
- Charter boats provide access to king salmon further offshore where restrictions may not apply.
📝 How to Prepare for Your 2025 Alaska Fishing Trip
Even with the Kenai River early-run closure, Alaska still offers some of the best fishing in the world. If you’re planning a trip:
✔ Check the latest fishing regulations before heading out.
✔ Consider booking a guided trip on the Kasilof River for a trophy king salmon experience.
✔ Explore other fishing options, such as halibut or rockfish charters in Homer and Seward.
🔥 Want to fish for king salmon this season? Book a Kasilof River guided trip with Kenai Fly Fish today!
📅 Reserve Your 2025 Fishing Adventure Now!
📞 Have Questions? Contact ADF&G for More Information
📍 Anchorage Office: 333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, AK 99518
📍 Juneau Headquarters: P.O. Box 115526, Juneau, AK 99811-5526
📞 Phill Stacey – Area Management Biologist (907) 260-2920
🔗 Official ADF&G Emergency Order: Click here for full details
📌 Stay updated on the latest regulations at:
🔗 ADF&G Emergency Orders
🔹 Fish for the Future – Protecting Alaska’s Salmon Runs
At Kenai Fly Fish, we understand the importance of conservation. These closures are necessary to ensure that future generations can experience the same incredible Alaska fishing opportunities.
We fish responsibly because we fish for the future. 🎣
📅 Book Your Kasilof River Fishing Trip Today!
🔥 Secure your guided king salmon adventure now!
