🚫 Ninilchik River King Salmon Fishing Closed Through October 31, 2025 | Alaska Fishing

Emergency Order No. 2-KS-7-38-25

Released: July 14, 2025
Effective: 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025
📍 Ninilchik River, Lower Cook Inlet (Kenai Peninsula Area)
📞 Contact: Mike Booz, Area Manager – (907) 235-8191

Under this emergency order, the Ninilchik River is closed to all king salmon fishing from July 16 through October 31, 2025. This closure:

This action aligns with changes made at the December 2023 Board of Fisheries meeting, where the end date for king salmon sport fishing was revised from October 31 to July 15.

Key reasons for the extended closure:

✅ Yes—but not for kings.
From July 16 onward, you may still fish for Dolly Varden or other species using:

This EO replaces 5 AAC 56.122(a)(6)(D)(ii) temporarily and is authorized under AS 16.05.060.
See regulation booklet: Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations (ADF&G)

“This restriction should help ensure that we get as many of the king salmon remaining in the lower river into the escapement,”
— Mike Booz, ADF&G Area Manager

The Ninilchik River’s king run has a reasonable chance of meeting escapement if protected now. This closure supports long-term health of the run while still allowing angling for other species.