🐟 ADF&G Personal Use Compliance Notice
Personal use dipnetting is restricted strictly to Alaska residents holding a valid Sport Fishing License (residents 18+) and an official ADF&G Personal Use Salmon Permit. Standing dates and daily hours (6am–11pm Kenai, 24h Kasilof) are subject to in-season ADF&G emergency orders.
Alaska Personal Use Dipnetting Guide
The Kenai and Kasilof River personal use dipnet fisheries allow Alaska residents to harvest salmon for household consumption under standing ADF&G regulations.
Official ADF&G Standing Regulations & Emergency Orders
ADF&G may issue Emergency Orders at any time altering hours, limits, or open boundaries. Always verify official emergency orders on the ADF&G Portal before fishing. King salmon retention is strictly PROHIBITED in both Kenai and Kasilof personal-use dipnet fisheries under current 2024–2027 regulations.
Fishery Rules At-a-Glance
Kenai River vs. Kasilof River Regulations
Kenai River Personal Use Fishery
- 📅 Standing Dates: July 10 through July 31.
- ⏰ Standing Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. (24-hour dipping occurs ONLY if ADF&G issues an Emergency Order extending hours).
- 📍 Shore Boundary: From ADF&G markers on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Warren Ames Bridge.
- 🚤 Boat Boundary: From ADF&G markers at the river mouth upstream to ADF&G markers near River Mile 5 (near Cunningham Park).
- 🚫 King Salmon: Retention is strictly PROHIBITED. Must be released unharmed immediately.
- 📋 Permit: Requires resident sport fishing license + Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use Salmon Permit.
Kasilof River Personal Use Fishery
- 📅 Standing Dates: June 25 through August 7.
- ⏰ Standing Hours: Open 24 hours a day.
- 📍 Boundaries: Shore dipnetting is allowed from ADF&G markers at the mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge. Boat dipnetting is allowed from the mouth upstream to ADF&G markers near River Mile 3.
- 🚗 Access: Beach access near river mouth. 4WD vehicle strongly recommended.
- 🚫 Retention: Strictly sockeye salmon. Retention of King salmon, wild trout, and Dolly Varden is strictly prohibited.
- 📋 Eligibility: Qualified Alaska residents only (Sport Fishing License + UCI Permit required).
- 📊 Household Limits: 25 salmon for head of household + 10 for each dependent. Limit is a combined annual total across all Upper Cook Inlet personal use fisheries.