Stay Legal, Stay Informed – Always Check Alaska Fishing Regulations & Emergency Orders

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Planning a fishing trip in Alaska?
Before you hit the river, it’s essential to check the latest fishing regulations, Emergency Orders (EOs), and in-season updates from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).

At Kenai Fly Fish, we want every angler to enjoy their time on the water safely and responsibly. That’s why we strongly encourage all clients—whether you’re a local or visiting Alaska for the first time—to review the official ADFG website before fishing.


🎣 Why It’s Important to Check the Rules

Alaska’s fisheries are dynamic and closely managed to protect future fish populations. That means:

Openings and closures can change suddenly
Bag limits may be adjusted during the season
Gear restrictions vary by species and location
Special regulations may apply in certain zones

Even if you’ve fished the Kenai River for years, things change. Don’t assume yesterday’s rules still apply.


🔥 Where to Get Official Updates

The ADFG website provides real-time updates, including:

🔗 Emergency Orders & News Releases
👉 Visit: adfg.alaska.gov/sf/EONR
This page shows all current EOs, organized by region and date.

🔗 Southcentral Sport Fish Regulations
👉 Visit: adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.sport
Select your area (Kenai Peninsula, Kasilof River, etc.) and species.

🔗 Fishing Hotline (Recorded Info)
📞 907-262-2737 – Updated regularly for the Kenai Peninsula


🗓️ When to Check

We recommend checking regs and EOs:

  • Before booking your trip

  • The night before your charter

  • The morning of your trip for any last-minute changes

Don’t worry—we monitor all updates daily to keep our guests informed and compliant.


🧭 Common Rule Areas to Watch on the Kenai & Kasilof:

  • 🐟 King salmon closures (especially on the Kenai River)

  • 🐟 Sockeye limits—often increase or decrease mid-season

  • 🐟 Gear restrictions—bait vs. single hook vs. fly-only periods

  • 🐟 Trout and steelhead regulations—some are catch-and-release only


💡 Pro Tip from Your Guide

At Kenai Fly Fish, we stay up-to-date with all regs and EOs, and we brief every client before launching. But it’s still your responsibility to hold a valid license and follow all posted rules.

🎟️ You can purchase your Alaska sport fishing license online here:
👉 adfg.alaska.gov/Store


🎣 Fish Smart, Fish Legal – Alaska’s Rivers Deserve It

Alaska offers some of the best fishing in the world—but it only stays that way when we all do our part.
Take a minute to check the regs, respect the resource, and fish with confidence.

And if you’re ever unsure—just ask your guide. We’re here to help.

 
 

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