The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced another year of closures for Kenai River king salmon fishing, marking the third consecutive year of restrictions. With forecasted returns at near-record lows, ADF&G is taking action to protect dwindling king salmon stocks across Cook Inlet.
🚨 King salmon fishing on the Kenai River is completely closed for 2025, including catch-and-release. 🚨
📢 2025 King Salmon Fishing Restrictions & Closures
ADF&G released a series of new fishing regulations aimed at protecting Cook Inlet’s struggling king salmon population.
✔️ Kenai River – No king salmon fishing (including catch-and-release) for both the early and late runs.
✔️ Cook Inlet Saltwater (North of Bluff Point) – Closed from May 1 to August 15.
✔️ Kasilof & Ninilchik Rivers – Bait & gear restrictions in effect.
✔️ Anchor River & Deep Creek – Completely closed for recreational king fishing.
These closures reflect the second-worst king salmon return in 38 years, with forecasts predicting only 8,742 large late-run kings—far below the minimum escapement goal of 14,250.
📉 Why Are King Salmon Closures Happening?
King salmon runs have been steadily declining, and 2025 forecasts paint a bleak picture:
🔴 Early Run Projection: Only 1,531 large kings (escapement goal: 3,900 – 6,600 fish).
🔴 Late Run Projection: Only 8,742 large kings (escapement goal: 14,250 – 30,000 fish).
🔴 Stock of Management Concern: Kenai River king salmon were officially classified as “at risk” in 2023.
ADF&G biologist Samantha Oslund stated,
“King salmon runs in Cook Inlet are anticipated to be especially poor in 2025. Major king salmon fisheries in this area of Cook Inlet have been closed in regulation since 2011.”
With numbers failing to rebound, Kenai king salmon fishing remains closed indefinitely until recovery goals are met.
💰 Economic Impact & Disaster Declarations
🔹 The king salmon crisis has devastated Alaska’s fishing industry.
🔹 The east side set net fishery has been closed entirely for the past two years.
🔹 Multiple disaster declarations have been issued for Upper Cook Inlet salmon fisheries (2018, 2020, 2021, 2023).
🔹 Local leaders are pushing for a new federal disaster declaration for 2024.
King salmon closures continue to have massive economic consequences for both commercial and recreational fishing industries in the region.
🔥 The Good News – Sockeye Salmon Runs Are Strong!
While king salmon closures dominate headlines, sockeye salmon numbers are expected to be excellent:
✔️ Kenai River: Forecasted 3.4 million sockeye salmon return
✔️ Kasilof River: Estimated 1.1 million sockeye salmon return
These strong sockeye runs provide exciting opportunities for anglers looking for an action-packed fishing experience this summer.
🚀 Looking to book a guided trip? Focus on sockeye salmon, silver salmon, and trophy trout for an unforgettable adventure.
🎣 What This Means for Anglers – Book Your Trip Now!
With king salmon fishing off the table, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for sockeye, silvers, and trophy trout.
✅ Peak Sockeye Season: July – Thousands of fish entering the rivers daily
✅ Silver Salmon Run: August & September – Hard-fighting, aggressive coho salmon
✅ Trophy Rainbow Trout: All summer long – Big trout feeding heavily
🔥 Kenai Fly Fish is now booking for the 2025 season – Secure your spot before trips fill up!
📅 Book Your 2025 Alaska Fishing Adventure Today!
With king salmon closures in place, the Kenai & Kasilof Rivers still offer world-class fishing for sockeye, silvers, and trout. Don’t miss your chance to fish Alaska’s most productive rivers this summer!
🔗 Reserve Your Trip Now: KenaiFlyFish.com
📍 Fishing Locations: Kenai & Kasilof Rivers
📞 Call or Text Ian: (907) 301-6957
🚀 Spots are limited – Don’t wait, book now!
