Kenai River king salmon fishing is officially closed for the 2025 season to protect declining salmon populations and ensure future sport fishing opportunities. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced the following emergency orders affecting both the early-run and late-run king salmon fisheries on the Kenai River.
At Kenai Fly Fish, we respect these conservation efforts because we fish for the future—our goal is always to leave Alaska’s fisheries better for the next generation. Here’s what this means for anglers in 2025 and where you can still find epic Alaska king salmon fishing.
🚨 2025 Kenai River King Salmon Closures
⛔ Early-Run King Salmon Closure
📅 May 1 – June 30, 2025
- No fishing for king salmon of any size, including catch-and-release.
- Kenai River is closed from its mouth to Skilak Lake.
- King salmon accidentally caught while fishing for other species must be released immediately and cannot be removed from the water.
📉 2025 Forecast:
- Expected 1,531 large king salmon (>34 inches)
- Well below the 3,900–6,600 escapement goal.
- Second lowest early run in the past 38 years.
⛔ Late-Run King Salmon Closure
📅 June 20 – August 15, 2025
- No sport fishing for king salmon on the Kenai River.
- Same restrictions apply as the early-run closure.
📉 2025 Forecast:
- Expected 8,742 large king salmon (>34 inches)
- 27% lower than the 5-year average.
- Second lowest late run in the past 38 years.
🛑 Why is this happening?
The Kenai River king salmon stock is at critical levels and falls below the escapement goal of 14,250–30,000 fish. To protect the population, these closures are necessary to help the fishery recover.
🎣 Where Can You Still Fish for King Salmon in 2025?
While the Kenai River is closed, king salmon fishing is still open on the Kasilof River! This glacier-fed river offers a wild and remote fishing experience, just 15 miles south of Soldotna. It’s an incredible alternative to the Kenai with less pressure, fewer crowds, and an epic king salmon run.
🚀 Why Fish the Kasilof River?
✅ Still open for king salmon fishing (with some restrictions)
✅ Drift boat-only river—no motorboats, for a peaceful experience
✅ Glacier-fed waters with strong salmon runs
✅ Close to ocean fishing hotspots like Homer & Seward
⚠️ 2025 Kasilof River Restrictions
📅 May 1 – August 15, 2025
- No bait allowed—single, unbaited hooks only.
- Personal use gillnet fishery season has been reduced.
🎣 Plan Your 2025 Alaska Fishing Adventure with Kenai Fly Fish
Even with these closures, Alaska offers world-class fishing opportunities—especially on the Kasilof River. Whether you’re targeting king salmon, sockeye, or even booking a trip to Homer or Seward for ocean fishing, we’ve got you covered.
🔥 Book your guided Kasilof River king salmon trip today!
📍 Kenai Fly Fish – Your Alaska Fishing Experts
📅 Limited Availability for 2025
Let’s fish responsibly—because we fish for the future. 🎣✨
