Anglers fish on the Kenai River on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Anglers fish on the Kenai River on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Low early-run king numbers prompt restrictions

The cumulative sonar estimate is 72 large king salmon through May 29

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is restricting king salmon sport fishing to catch and release only in the Kenai River, in an effort to protect kings returning to the watershed, according to a press release from the department.

Effective June 1-30, anglers may not retain any early-run king salmon of any size in the fishery in the Kenai River drainage downstream of the outlet of Skilak Lake. According to ADF&G, the restriction will continue July 1-31 as well, in the waters from the regulatory marker about 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake.

[JDHS teams sweep state soccer championships]

Additionally, only one unbaited single-hook artificial lure may be used in the waters restricted to catch and release, however, kings caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

“The 2022 run is off to a very slow start with the cumulative sonar estimate of 72 large king salmon through May 29 being the lowest estimate for this date in the large king salmon dataset,” Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka said in the release.

For more information, access the 2022 Kenai River King Salmon Early-Run Forecast on the ADF&G website or call Lipka at 907-262-9368.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Dec. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Signs at the front of the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday indicate a designated entrance for legislators and their staff, and direct members of the public to a separate door. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Security screenings for people entering Alaska State Capitol to be considered by legislators Thursday

Signs already designating separate entrance for public, bids from security providers received.

(Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
911 service out for some Verizon customers, JPD says call business line at (907) 500-0600 if necessary

Some Verizon mobile phone customers are having connectivity issues when trying to… Continue reading

Darius Heumann tries his hand at an old-fashioned steering wheel on the bridge of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Healy icebreaker during a public tour on Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
A shipload of elephants, oysters and narwhals for visitors aboard Coast Guard’s Healy icebreaker

Hundreds of locals take tours of ship with power 40,000 Formula One cars during its stop in Juneau.

A dump truck reportedly stolen by a drunk driver is ensnared in power lines on Industrial Boulevard early Saturday morning. (Photo by Jeremy Sidney)
Stolen dump truck hits power lines, knocks out electricity on Industrial Boulevard; driver arrested for DUI

Officials estimate power will be out in area for 8 to 12 hours Saturday.

Deanna and Dakota Strong have been working as a bear patrol in Klukwan. Now, they’re set to the become the new Village Public Safety Officers. (Photo courtesy of Deanna Strong)
Mother and son duo volunteering as Klukwan’s only wildlife protection now taking on VPSO role

Tlingit and Haida hires pair heading for Trooper academy as villagers begin donating their support.

A trio of humans is dwarfed by a quartet of Christmas characters in a storefront on South Franklin Street during Gallery Walk on Friday. (Mark Sabbatini)
Families, neighbors and visitors from the far north join in holiday harmony at Gallery Walk

Traditional celebration throughout downtown joined by Healy icebreaker returning from Arctic.

A line at the Ptarmigan lift gains new arrivals shortly after Eaglecrest Ski Area begins operating for the 2023-24 ski season on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. The Ptarmigan lift will be the only one operating to the top of the mountain this season due to mechanical problems with the Black Bear lift. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Eaglecrest board responsible for many of ski area’s operational, staffing woes, former GM says

Members “lack the industry knowledge needed to provide supervisory overview of the area,” report states.

Crew of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Healy icebreaker talk with Juneau residents stopping by to look at the ship on Thursday at the downtown cruise ship dock. Public tours of the vessel are being offered from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Friday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Coast Guard icebreaker Healy stops in Juneau amidst fervor about homeporting newly purchased ship here

Captain talks about homeporting experience for Healy in Seattle; public tours of ship offered Friday.

Most Read