Released: June 25, 2024 – Expires: August 07, 2024
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has recently announced exciting news for all fishing enthusiasts: the Kasilof River personal use dipnetting area has been expanded! This expansion provides more opportunities for dipnetters to harvest their household limits of sockeye salmon. This is excellent news for those planning their summer fishing trips with Kenai Fly Fish (KFF).
Expanded Fishing Areas
The new regulations allow for dipnetting from the shore and boats in the following areas:
- Shore Dipnetting: From ADF&G markers on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge on the Kasilof River.
- Boat Dipnetting: From ADF&G markers on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to ADF&G markers at approximately river mile 4 of the Kasilof River.
This expansion is effective from 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 26 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Requirements and Regulations
Before heading out, ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and follow the regulations:
- Permits and Licenses: An Upper Cook Inlet personal use permit and a 2024 resident sport fishing license are required.
- Timing: Dipnetting on the Kasilof River is allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Eligibility: Only Alaska residents may participate.
- Species Restrictions: King salmon or nonsalmon species may not be kept. Any king salmon, Dolly Varden, or rainbow/steelhead trout caught must be released immediately and may not be removed from the water.
Biological Escapement Goals
Phill Stacey, Area Management Biologist, stated:
“Current sockeye salmon passage into the Kasilof River is looking strong and we’re on track to exceed the biological escapement goal. To provide more opportunity to Alaska residents, the personal use dipnetting area for boat and shore anglers will be expanded. The Department would also like to remind dipnetters that king salmon of any size may not be kept while dipnetting and king salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.”
The biological escapement goal for the Kasilof River is between 140,000 and 320,000 sockeye salmon. As of June 24, 99,348 sockeye salmon have already passed the Kasilof River sonar site, indicating a promising season ahead.
Book Your Trip with Kenai Fly Fish
For those looking to make the most of this expanded dipnetting area, Kenai Fly Fish offers guided fishing trips that cater to all your needs. Whether you’re targeting trophy-sized Salmon on the Kenai River or enjoying a relaxing day of Trout fishing on the Kasilof River, KFF ensures an unforgettable adventure.
Why Choose Kenai Fly Fish?
- Experienced Guides: Our guides are well-versed in the local waters and regulations, ensuring a safe and successful trip.
- All-Inclusive Gear: We provide all the necessary fishing gear and equipment.
- Diverse Fishing Options: From shore and boat dipnetting on the Kasilof River to prime ocean fishing targeting species like Halibut, Rockfish, and Lingcod.
Important Information
Arrival: Please arrive early at the designated boat ramp; look for Ian McDonald with the boat ready in the water.
Provisions: Don’t forget to pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Upon request, we can prepare breakfast burritos and cold sandwiches.
Licensing: Ensure you have the appropriate fishing license for your group. Alaska residents under 18 and non-residents under 16 are exempt. Remember to fill out a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card if required.
More Info from AF&G: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR/index.cfm?ADFG=region.NR&Year=2024&NRID=3706
Original EO PDF: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/Static-sf/EONR/PDFs/2024/R2/EO%202-RS-1-26-24%20Kasilof%20PU%20Area%20Expanded_Final.pdf
