Alaska Department of Fish & Game has issued two Emergency Orders (NRID 3915 & 3916) affecting both king salmon fishing and gear use in shoreline streams:
1️⃣ Ninilchik River – King Salmon Closed
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Emergency Order 2-KS-7-38-25
• Effective: 12:01 a.m. July 16 – 11:59 p.m. October 31, 2025
• All king salmon sport fishing is closed from the river mouth upstream ~2 miles.
• Incidental kings must be released in-water immediately.
Why: Low naturally-produced king returns in 2025 prompted this closure to meet sustainable escapement and hatchery goals.
2️⃣ Ninilchik, Anchor, Deep Creek & Stariski – Gear Restriction
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Emergency Order 2-KS-7-39-25
• Effective: 12:01 a.m. July 16 – 11:59 p.m. July 31, 2025
• Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure allowed in the lower ~2 miles of each stream.
• Aimed at minimizing incidental king salmon catch while still allowing fishing for coho, Dolly Varden, etc.
Why: Escapement counts for king salmon are below SEG targets (Ninilchik: 785 vs. 900–1,600; Anchor: 3,045 vs. 3,200–6,400). About 10–15% of runs remain in river—gear limits give them a safer passage.
🎯 Quick Summary Table
| Stream / Area | Dates | Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Ninilchik River (±2 miles) | Jul 16–Oct 31 | 🛑 No king fishing (retention or C&R); release in-water |
| *Ninilchik, Anchor, Deep Creek, Stariski** | Jul 16–Jul 31 | 🎣 One unbaited, single-hook artificial lure only |
| *Incidental king salmon release applies |
💡 What Anglers Should Do
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Focus on coho, Dolly Varden, and trout during this time.
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Use single-hook, unbaited artificial lures only in affected streams.
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Identify species carefully—misplacing a king could mean a violation.
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Release kings in-water immediately—do not remove them from the water.
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Verify boundaries: restrictions apply from each stream’s mouth, upstream ~2 miles.
🚦 Why It Matters
These combined restrictions offer a balanced conservation strategy:
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🛡️ Protect king salmon runs during a vulnerable period.
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⚖️ Maintain fishing opportunities for other species.
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🎯 Support hatchery broodstock and wild escapement goals.
✅ Your Action Plan
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Use right gear: check your tackle before launching.
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Pick your target species: switch to non-king species during these dates.
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Handle all fish responsibly, especially any encountered king salmon.
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Stay updated: follow ADF&G Emergency Orders page—plans can shift.
🔗 More Info & Trip Ideas
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🧭 Trip Options Off These Streams – suggest Kenai sockeye, Kasilof rainbow, or guided Dolly Varden floats
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📖 2025 Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Booklet – check sections 60–65 for complete gear and season rules
