Kasilof River Closed to King Salmon Fishing: What KFF Clients Need to Know

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Emergency Order: July 15 – July 31, 2024

(Soldotna) – To protect returning king salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced the closure of the king salmon fishery on the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge. This closure is in effect from 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 15 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Additionally, during this period, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used from the river mouth to the outlet of Tustumena Lake.

Important Information for KFF Clients:

  • Closure Details: All sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release, is prohibited. King salmon cannot be retained or possessed. Any king salmon caught while fishing for other species must be immediately released without being removed from the water.
  • Crooked Creek: Remains closed to all sport fishing until August 1.
  • Upstream of Sterling Highway Bridge: Closed to king salmon sport fishing as of July 1 by regulation.

Why This Closure Matters

King salmon runs across the Kenai Peninsula are significantly below both preseason and in-season expectations. Due to this, regulatory restrictions and closures have been necessary across peninsula king salmon sport fisheries. Closing the king salmon fishing on the Kasilof River is essential to ensure the escapement goal for Crooked Creek wild king salmon is met and to protect the late-run king salmon in the Kasilof River.

King Salmon Fishing

Plan Your Trip with KFF

While king salmon fishing on the Kasilof River is currently closed, there are still plenty of incredible fishing opportunities available with Kenai Fly Fish (KFF). Our experienced guides are ready to help you explore other prime fishing locations and target different species.

Book Your Adventure

Spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to secure your next fishing adventure with KFF today! Experience the best fishing in Alaska, with our expert guides ensuring you have an unforgettable trip. If we don’t have a spot available, we can recommend other trusted guides in the area.

Stay Informed

For the latest fishing regulations and emergency orders, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.


This emergency order highlights the importance of sustainable fishing practices and protecting vulnerable king salmon populations. By following these regulations, we contribute to the conservation of these vital fish species, ensuring their presence for future generations.

For further information and the original announcement, please refer to the ADF&G press release and the official PDF document.

 
 

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