Attention KFF Alaska Clients: Kenai River Personal Use Dip Net Fishery Now Open 24 Hours Per Day
Great news for our Alaska resident clients! The Kenai River personal use dip net fishery is now open 24 hours per day, starting at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, and running until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. This extended access period is an excellent opportunity for our KFF community to take advantage of the plentiful late-run sockeye salmon.
Key Information for Dipnetters
Open Area:
The designated area for personal use dipnetting on the Kenai River remains unchanged. Please review page 81 of the 2024 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for detailed information on the dipnetting area, harvest limits, and permit requirements.
King Salmon Restrictions:
Please note that retaining king salmon is prohibited. Any king salmon caught must be immediately released back into the water to help sustain their populations.
Eligibility and Permits:
To participate in the Upper Cook Inlet personal use salmon fisheries, you must:
- Be an Alaska resident.
- Hold a current sport fishing license.
- Have an Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use Salmon permit.
Nonresidents are not permitted to participate in personal use fisheries.
Management Plan and Projections
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has extended the dipnetting hours because the projected run size exceeds 2.3 million late-run Kenai River sockeye salmon. The escapement goal of 750,000 to 1,300,000 sockeye salmon is expected to be met, allowing for 24-hour dipnetting.
Reporting Requirements
All permit holders must report their harvest and participation online by August 31 through the ADF&G harvest reporting webpage or the ADF&G Mobile App. Failure to report will result in a denial of an Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use Salmon permit for 2025 and a $200 fine. Reporting is mandatory even if no fish were caught or the permit was not used. Returning permits by mail or hand-delivery is no longer accepted.
Respecting Private Property
Please respect all private property adjacent to public beaches and follow applicable rules and regulations when on lands owned by the City of Kenai. Your cooperation ensures continued access for all anglers.
Plan Your Dipnetting Adventure Today!
This is a unique opportunity to dipnet for sockeye salmon on the Kenai River with 24-hour access. Plan your trip to fit your schedule and make the most of this abundant salmon run. Ensure your equipment is ready, review the regulations, and prepare for an exciting and productive fishing experience on the Kenai River.
Original ADF&G Advisory Announcement
