Emergency Orders for Southcentral Alaska Fishing – What You Need to Know Before You Go

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Fishing in Southcentral Alaska?
From the mighty Kenai River to the peaceful Kasilof, fishing conditions and regulations can change quickly. That’s why it’s critical to check Emergency Orders (EOs) issued by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG) before every trip.

At Kenai Fly Fish, we monitor EOs daily to keep our clients legal, safe, and prepared. Whether you’re planning a trip for sockeye, silver, trout, or kings, this post will show you how to stay current with the latest fishing updates in the Southcentral region.


📍 What Are Emergency Orders?

Emergency Orders (EOs) are in-season changes to Alaska’s fishing regulations. These updates are issued by ADFG based on run timing, escapement data, and real-time fish counts.

They can affect:

  • 🎣 Opening and closing dates

  • 🐟 Daily bag and possession limits

  • 🧰 Gear restrictions (bait bans, single hook, fly-only)

  • 🚫 Catch-and-release or no-fishing zones


🗺️ Where EOs Matter Most – Southcentral Alaska Regions

The Southcentral region includes:

Kenai River (Upper, Middle, and Lower)
Kasilof River
Anchor River & Deep Creek
Russian River
Cook Inlet Tributaries
Resurrection Bay & Seward area

Each fishery has its own regulations, and EOs often differ by river section and species—so make sure you’re looking at the right spot!


🔍 How to Check EOs for Southcentral Alaska

🔗 Official ADFG EO Search Tool:

👉 adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/

  • Select “Sport Fishing

  • Region: Southcentral

  • Sort by most recent or search by waterbody (e.g., Kenai River)

📞 Recorded Hotline for Kenai Peninsula:

📱 (907) 262-2737

  • Updated regularly for in-season changes


📆 When Should You Check?

The day you book your trip
A week before your trip
The night before your trip
The morning of your trip (EOs can drop overnight!)

At Kenai Fly Fish, we’ll always give you the latest information and explain what’s legal, what’s not, and how to fish within the rules.


⚠️ Example EOs You Might See

  • King Salmon Closure (like on the Kenai in 2025)

  • Sockeye Limit Increase (often issued mid-July)

  • Gear Restrictions (no bait, single hook, fly-only)

  • Silver Salmon Closures in low-run years

Just because a species is in season doesn’t mean it’s open to harvest. Always check the EOs.


🧭 Fish Smart. Fish Legal.

We want every angler to enjoy their trip without surprises or fines.
So before your next cast, take 2 minutes to check for Southcentral Alaska EOs:

📍 Bookmark: adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/
📞 Hotline: (907) 262-2737
📧 Questions? Ask your guide or email us at [email protected]


✅ Know Before You Go – Southcentral Alaska Fishing EOs Save Your Trip

Fishing Alaska is a privilege—and protecting it starts with knowing the rules.
Checking Emergency Orders ensures your trip is fun, legal, and sustainable.
Let Kenai Fly Fish be your local guide to great fishing and up-to-date regulations.

 
 

Kenai River Fish Species

Rainbow Trout

Kenai River rainbows can be well over 30 inches and up to 20lbs!

Dolly Varden Char

Dollies range of all sizes and can reach up to about 12 lbs.

Steelhead

Steelhead are very uniform in shape and average around 28 inches. These amazing, acrobatic fish are often a fly fisherman’s favorite to target.

King Salmon

The Kenai River is open to motorized boats, allowing us chase the bite, and stay on the fish!

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon (also called red salmon) are the most popular salmon to catch on the Kenai Peninsula.

Coho Salmon

Ranging anywhere from 5-20lbs, coho are acrobatic and are probably the most aggressive salmon out there.

Pink Salmon

Pinks are completely underrated, they are extremely aggressive to catch and come in by the millions!

Halibut

Guided ocean fishing on the world-famous Kenai Peninsula