Kings sport fishing closed on Kenai River, limited on Kasilof River. Kenai River king salmon sport fishing general regulations for January 1 through June 30, 2020, in Kenai River waters downstream of Skilak Lake are as follows: For more information, please see the Dept. Through July 21, 2020, approximately 4,520 large king salmon have passed the river mile 13.7 king salmon sonar, the midpoint of the late run is historically around July 26. The Kenai River is host to four species of spawning Pacific Salmon with 7 distinct runs: Chinook (King), Sockeye (Red), Coho (Silver), and Pink (Humpy).Native Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden (Char family) also abound. If you plan on fishing the Kenai River while visiting Soldotna, Alaska be sure to check the fish runs prior to your trip. KENAI, Alaska - Subsistence rod-and-reel fishing in Alaska’s Kenai River will be closed due to low numbers from the early king salmon run, The U.S. Kenai River. … The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is one king salmon. Only king salmon 34 inches or less in length may be retained. Kenai AK. SOLDOTNA, AK 99669 The 2020 forecasted total run of large fish is within the … She wanted to see her project come to fruition. Alaska officials have forecast poor returns for Kenai River king salmon in the upcoming spring and summer fishing season. Kenai and Deshka kings. Although below average, this forecast falls within the optimum escapement goal of 3,900 to 6,000 fish. ADFG released the 2020 outlooks for the king salmon runs on the two rivers on Jan. 27, in advance of the Upper Cook Inlet Board of Fisheries meeting beginning Feb. 7. Just imaging, last summer on July 17th, 230,643 sockeye, that’s nearly a quarter of a million fish, entered the river … Through July 21, 2020, approximately 4,520 large king salmon have passed the river mile 13.7 king salmon sonar, the midpoint of the late run is historically around July 26. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released the 2020 Kenai River early-run king salmon preseason projection, estimating a return of approximately 4,800 large king salmon. King Chinook Salmon Early run: mid May to early July. FOR 2020 VIRTUAL & I DID NOT RUN RACES INFO AND REGISTRATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE. I suggest taking binoculars so you can spot the Mountain goats on the high range just to the west of the Kenai River. The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) believes that management of salmon fisheries in Alaska should be developed by the Alaska Board … 35093 KENAI SPUR HIGHWAY Welcome to the Kenai River Marathon! 5-10min after leaving the dock, we were fishing for King Salmon (middle of July). Seasons and run timing varies throughout this 80 mile river system flowing from the headwaters of Kenai Lake in Cooper Landing to Cook Inlet in the town of Kenai. This estimate is within the sustainable escapement goal of … Late run: late June through mid August. The proceeds from the race help support the Festival and the eonmental programs of the Kenai Watershed Forum. Super easy to get to, right in the town of Kenai. King Salmon (Chinook) — First Run: Mid May to July; Second Run: Mid July to July 31 (last day of season) Red Salmon (Sockeye) — First Run: Late May to Early June; Second Run: Mid July to Early August Silver Salmon (Coho) — Late July to November 1 Kenai Fishing Season Report for 2020 Kenai/Kasilof King Salmon Run: The Kenai is home to the world’s largest salmon with the record weighing in at 97.4 lbs. There is NO race day registration! Soldotna, Alaska 58 contributions 5 helpful votes +1. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - More than 100,000 sockeye salmon passed through the Lower Kenai River over three days in the past week according to the Department of Fish and Game, but some river users believe that the department’s fish counts are inflating the number of sockeye salmon by inaccurately counting pink salmon as sockeye.. Joe Hanes has been on the river since 1969 and has … Run for the River is part of the annual Kenai River Festival, a free family event geared towards fun and inspiration. Red Sockeye Salmon Mid July to early August. By Associated Press, Wire Service Content Jan. 30, 2020… Earning 2nd Place was not enough for Allie. The run usually starts the first of August. King salmon greater than 34 inches in length may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Kenai Drift Anglers wrote a review Apr 2020. Alaska Salmon run at different times depending on the location and the species of salmon. MIDDLE KENAI RIVER REPORT - Coho Salmon action on the Middle Kenai River has been slow to decent depending on who you ask. Fish and Wildlife Service said. The 2020 Kenai River late-run chinook escapement of an estimated 11,499 large chinook meant the stock failed to reach the lower end of its escapement goal for the second straight year despite season-long restrictions to both the sport and the eastside setnet commercial fisheries. The early-run king salmon sport fishery will open under General Regulations until an inseason projection is available. All harvested fish that count towards an annual limit must be recorded on a harvest record card or your license. August 1, 2020 – EO-2-KS-1-43-20 prohibited the use of bait and multiple hooks until August 15. Salmon Run. K. enai River Silver salmon fishing run is considered the “residents choice” and is known for its fighting spirit.. Our guided Silver Salmon trips offer you premium access to the Kenai’s Silver Salmon, which average from 10-13 lbs. In a normal year, it attracts tourists from around the world. 907.262.8588. There is a five fish annual limit for king salmon over 20 inches from all Cook Inlet Drainage waters in combination, which includes only two fish per year over 20 inches from the Kenai River, except fish under 28 inches in length caught in the Kenai River prior to July 1 do not count towards the annual limit. RACE DAY - September 27, 2020 We will be using the 2017 route for this year's race. of Fish and Game press release, here. The primary inseason management target for late-run Kenai River sockeye salmon is the … If realized, the 2020 run will be slightly larger (577 fish) than the preliminary estimate of the 2019 total run of 4,216 large fish. July 1, 2020 – EO 2-KS-1-22-20 prohibited the use of bait and the retention of king salmon that are 34 inches and longer in length downstream of Slikok Creek to begin the late-run fishery. ... We made reservation to fish for King Salmon on the Kenai river with Alaskafishon! Email Us, Board of Fisheries and Game: Actions & Activities, Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (ARLIS), Western Alaska Salmon Stock Identification Program (WASSIP), Online General Season & Registration Permits, Subsistence and Personal Use Fishing Permits, CSIS – Community Subsistence Information System, The Technical Papers and Special Publications Series, Current Inriver Chinook Assessment Information, ESSN Large Chinook Harvests (all stocks) Based on Inseason Length Data, Percentage Large Chinook in ESSN Sample Thru, Min, mean, and max of Large ESSN Chinook that were of Kenai origin (2010-2018 data). The 2020 opening of the Kenai and Russian Rivers gave anglers a unique opportunity to catch the first sockeye of the early run, but slow fishing greeted those on the river at midnight. Among locals, July is notorious for the fill the freezer fishing frenzy that accompanies the return of the Kenai River wild and crazy sockeye salmon fishery. The cumulative total for Kenai River late-run Sockeye Salmon escapement for the 2020 fishing season is … Things look better for the late run of Kenai River king salmon in 2020, but the early run on the Kenai and the run on the Deshka look less than rosy again. The state charges a hefty $12 just to park for a couple of hours. “The 2020 Kenai River king salmon late-run is not currently projecting to achieve the escapement goal and it is warranted to restrict the use of bait and multiple hooks in order to reduce the mortality of incidentally caught king salmon,” area management biologist Colton Lipka said in the release. If accurate, the 2020 early run will be the eighth lowest in 35 years. March 19, 2020 The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released the 2020 Kenai River early-run king salmon preseason projection, estimating a return of approximately 4,800 large king salmon. The walk is a very pleasant 3/4 mile walk from the Salmon lot down to the confluence of the Kenai / Russian Rivers. Everyone on the boat caught our limit of King Salmon. Kenai Salmon Fishing in July. July 15, 2020 – EO 2-KS-1-34-20 prohibited the retention of king salmon of all sizes. KENAI RIVER LATE-RUN KING SALMON FINAL 2020 INSEASON SUMMARY. The outlook for the late run of Kenai River king salmon in 2020 is a forecast of 22,707 large fish. Pink Humpback Salmon Mid July to Mid September In February 2020, the Board will meet in Anchorage to revisit regulations for Upper Cook Inlet – including the Kasilof River, the Kenai River, and Mat-Su valley rivers and streams. This projection falls within the optimal escapement goal of 3,900-6,600 large king salmon. The Russian River is a gorgeous place to visit. This projection falls within the optimal escapement goal of 3,900-6,600 large king salmon. Salmon Run Series Virtual in 2020 The Salmon Run Series was created by Allie Ostrander as an idea for the 2012 Caring for the Kenai contest. Alaska officials have forecast poor returns for Kenai River king salmon in the upcoming spring and summer fishing season. The king salmon fishery on the Kenai River is one of the most iconic in Alaska. July 24, 2020 – EO 2-KS-1-41-20 closed the king salmon sport fishery. Silver Coho Salmon Late July through September. The late king salmon run, which occurs from early July to season closure on the Kenai River, has a forecast of 22,707 large fish. On August 7, 2020, 26,737 Kenai River late-run Sockeye Salmon were counted. Taylor was an excellent fishing guide, taking us to beaver hole, right near the launch site. Estimated inriver run (includes spawning & harvet below sonar), Estimated Escapement (includes spawners below sonar), Estimated Sport Harvest Above Sonar RM 14 to Skilak Lake, Estimated Sport Harvest Below Sonar RM 14, * Retention of king salmon is prohibited in personal use fisheries for 2020. The optimal escapement goal (OEG) for late-run king salmon is 15,000 to 30,000 large king salmon (75 cm mid eye to tail fork and longer). These are without a doubt our guides’ favorite trips, and 2020 certainly didn’t disappoint in this department! The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has released the 2020 Kenai River king salmon forecast. 2020 Salmon Fishing Season Our Alaska fishing season kicks off in May each year and we’re always excited to make the trip north. 1st Run Chinook (King Salmon) on the Kenai River: 15,303 2nd Run Chinook on the Kenai River: 42,059. We love the escape to a place that’s wilder than home, where we create a new routine filled with outdoor adventures all summer. A typical September/October trip on the Kenai River includes reeling in some silver salmon for the freezer during the early morning hours, and then catching and releasing rainbow trout and dolly varden for the remainder of the trip. We caught our first King within 15 minutes after staring. King … The optimal escapement goal (OEG) for late-run king salmon is 15,000 to 30,000 large king salmon (75 cm mid eye to tail fork and longer). 5k Fun Run Start Time at 10:15 am from Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center. July 23, 2020 A Chinook salmon in Southcentral Alaska (Ryan Hagerty/USFWS) The Kenai River drainage will officially close to king salmon fishing Friday due to low numbers. SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 - LOWER KENAI RIVER REPORT - (NO CHANGE) Action has been relatively decent for Coho Salmon on the Lower Kenai River as second run fish are making their way up the river. KENAI RIVER SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION SPORT FISHERIES OFFER COVID-19 GUIDELINES ... 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