If you’re planning a fishing trip to the Kenai Peninsula this summer, it’s important to know that King Salmon fishing will be closed on the Kenai River for the entire 2025 season. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has officially closed both the early and late runs of King Salmon on the Kenai River, and new restrictions will also apply to Kasilof River King Salmon fishing.
At Kenai Fly Fish, we’re committed to helping anglers stay informed and make the most of their trip, even with these changes. While Kings are off the table on the Kenai, there are still exciting fishing opportunities available—including limited hatchery King fishing on the Kasilof River and world-class Sockeye Salmon and Rainbow Trout fishing.
Kenai River King Salmon Fishing – Fully Closed for 2025
✅ Early Run Closure: May 1 – June 30
✅ Late Run Closure: June 20 – August 15
These closures apply to the entire length of the Kenai River, from its mouth at Cook Inlet all the way upstream to Skilak Lake.
🚫 All King Salmon fishing is prohibited—including both retention and catch-and-release.
🚫 Any King Salmon caught accidentally must be released immediately and cannot be removed from the water.
Why the Closure?
ADF&G’s 2025 forecast for Kenai River King Salmon is one of the lowest in nearly 40 years, with both the early and late runs falling well below escapement goals.
- Early Run: Expected to miss the minimum escapement goal by over 2,300 fish.
- Late Run: Projected to fall short by over 5,500 large King Salmon (34 inches or longer).
This isn’t the first time Kings have been closed on the Kenai—in fact, closures and restrictions have been common for the last five years as the stock struggles to recover.
3/4 Day Fishing Trips
What About the Kasilof River?
While the Kasilof River will remain open for King Salmon fishing, there will be significant new restrictions in place from May 1 to August 15, 2025:
🎣 Single, Unbaited Hooks Only
🎣 Artificial Lures Only (No bait allowed)
🎣 Hatchery Kings Only—Wild Kings (those with an adipose fin) must be released immediately.
Kasilof River King Salmon Limits for 2025
📆 May & June: Bag limit = 2 hatchery King Salmon per day (over 20 inches).
📆 July: Bag limit = 1 hatchery King Salmon per day (over 20 inches).
✔️ Hatchery Kings can be identified by their missing adipose fin (the small fin between the dorsal fin and the tail).
🚫 Wild Kings must be released immediately.
What This Means for Your 2025 Fishing Trip
At Kenai Fly Fish, we’re already adjusting our guided trip offerings to focus on the species that are thriving and the areas that remain open. While Kings are off the table on the Kenai, there’s still outstanding fishing available, including:
✅ World-Class Sockeye Salmon Fishing (June – August)
✅ Trophy Rainbow Trout Fishing (June – October)
✅ Dolly Varden Fishing (All Season)
✅ Limited Hatchery King Salmon Trips on the Kasilof River (May – July)
Why We Support These Closures & Restrictions
As lifelong Alaskans and professional guides, we understand that protecting the future of King Salmon on the Kenai Peninsula is critical—not just for the fish, but for our community, our guests, and future generations of anglers. By respecting these closures and shifting focus to other abundant species, we’re helping ensure the long-term health of the river we love.
What to Expect on Kasilof River King Trips with Kenai Fly Fish
If you join us for a Kasilof River King trip, you’ll experience:
🚤 Drift Boat-Only Fishing – The Kasilof is a motor-free river, offering a quiet, scenic experience.
✅ Targeting Hatchery Kings – Your guide will teach you how to identify and release wild fish properly.
✅ Fly or Spin Gear Options – Customized to your preferred style.
✅ Expert Guidance on Single Hook & Lure Techniques – Perfected for Kasilof Kings under these new rules.
Focus on Sockeye & Trophy Trout in 2025
With King Salmon off the menu on the Kenai, this is a great year to focus on:
🔥 Sockeye Salmon – Red Hot Action!
- First run: Late June – Early July
- Second run: Mid-July – Early August
- Limit: 3-6 fish per day (depending on in-season updates)
🏆 Trophy Rainbow Trout
- June – October
- Targeted with fly rods, beads, and streamers
- Catch-and-release only
Book Your 2025 Alaska Fishing Trip with Kenai Fly Fish
Even with King closures on the Kenai, there’s still plenty of world-class fishing to experience—and we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.
📍 Limited dates remain for prime Sockeye and Trout fishing—don’t wait to reserve your spot!
👉 Book Now: Kenai Fly Fish
