🚨 2025 Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Sport Fishery Closed
📅 Closure Dates: June 20 – August 15, 2025
📍 Location: Kenai River, Northern Kenai
🔴 New Regulation: No fishing for late-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 late-run king salmon sport fishery on the Kenai River for 2025 due to low projected returns. This means no fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release, from June 20 through August 15.
This emergency order is designed to protect the struggling king salmon population and help achieve the Kenai River late-run escapement goal, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy world-class king salmon fishing in Alaska.
⛔ What This Closure Means for Anglers
- No sport 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 while fishing for other species must be released immediately and cannot be removed from the water.
📌 Always check for the latest updates directly from ADF&G:
🔗 ADF&G Emergency Orders
📉 Why Is the Kenai River Late-Run King Salmon Fishery Closed?
The 2025 preseason forecast estimates only 8,742 large king salmon (greater than 34 inches) returning to the Kenai River late-run, which is far below the required escapement goal of 14,250–30,000 fish.
This forecast is 27% lower than the five-year average (2020–2024) and marks the second-lowest return in the past 38 years. With these historically low numbers, the closure is necessary to prevent overfishing and allow the king salmon population to recover.
ADF&G’s goal is to:
✔ Protect the long-term sustainability of Kenai River king salmon
✔ Ensure the population meets escapement goals
✔ Preserve future sport fishing opportunities
🎣 Where Can You Still Fish for King Salmon in 2025?
Even though the Kenai River is closed, there are still great alternatives for king salmon fishing nearby:
✅ Kasilof River King Salmon Fishing
- The Kasilof River remains open for king salmon fishing (with some restrictions).
- Drift boat-only fishing, making for a quieter, more remote experience.
- Strong king salmon runs expected in 2025.
✅ Saltwater King Salmon Fishing in Cook Inlet
- While some restrictions apply, offshore fishing in Homer and Seward may still offer king salmon opportunities.
- Chartered fishing trips provide access to kings in areas where regulations allow.
📝 How to Prepare for Your 2025 Alaska Fishing Trip
If you’re planning a Kenai Peninsula fishing trip in 2025:
✔ Check the latest regulations before heading out.
✔ Consider fishing on the Kasilof River, where king salmon are still available.
✔ Explore other fishing opportunities, such as halibut and rockfish charters in Homer and Seward.
🔥 Looking to catch king salmon this season? Book a Kasilof River guided trip with Kenai Fly Fish today!
📅 Secure 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 recognize the importance of sustainable fishing. These closures help protect the Kenai River’s legendary king salmon runs so future generations can experience Alaska’s world-class sport fishing.
We fish responsibly because we fish for the future. 🎣
📅 Book Your Kasilof River Fishing Trip Today!
🔥 Reserve your guided king salmon adventure now!
