ADF&G closes Kenai River king salmon sport fishing for the 2026 runs

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game closed sport fishing for Kenai River king salmon of any size for both the early run (May 1–June 19) and the late run (June 20–Aug. 15). That includes catch-and-release. Kings hooked while fishing other species may not come out of the water and must go back immediately.

Emergency orders 2-KS-1-8-26 and 2-KS-1-7-26, issued Feb. 9 in Soldotna, also keep the river on unbaited single-hook artificials from the mouth up to the Skilak Lake markers. Sockeye and other species stay open under those gear rules. ADF&G said the move is to protect the return and stay inside the king salmon management plan.

The late-run forecast was below the recovery goal for large kings. Printed regulation booklets do not override an emergency order. Check ADF&G’s current EOs before every trip — they change in season.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Kenai River Early-Run King Salmon Sport Fishery is Closed (EO 2-KS-1-8-26) and Emergency Order 2-KS-1-7-26 (PDF), Feb. 9, 2026.