📢 Alaska Department of Fish & Game Announcement
What Anglers Need to Know Before Planning Their Alaska Fishing Trip
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has officially extended the Kenai River King Salmon closures through the 2025 season due to continued low returns and conservation efforts.
This applies to:
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🟥 All king salmon fishing (catch-and-release included) on the Kenai River mainstem
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🟥 Both early-run and late-run king salmon seasons (May 20 – July 31, 2025)
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🟥 All Kenai River waters, including tributaries
👉 There will be no guided or unguided king salmon fishing allowed on the Kenai River in 2025.
🧭 Why Are Kings Closed Again?
The Kenai River King Salmon run—once known for its world-record size—is facing serious conservation challenges. Spawning escapement goals have not been met consistently for over a decade, and returns remain below sustainable levels.
ADF&G has made the difficult but necessary decision to:
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📉 Protect the remaining spawning population
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🔄 Allow future generations of fish to recover
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🌊 Prioritize long-term sustainability of the species
We support this decision 100%—Kenai-Fishing.com believes in protecting what we love.
🐟 What Can You Fish Instead?
While kings are off-limits, the rest of the river is just getting started! You can still enjoy world-class fishing for:
| Species | Timing | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Sockeye | June 11 – August 15 | Open |
| ✅ Coho | August 1 – October 30 | Open |
| ✅ Pink Salmon | August 1 – September 1 | Open (Even Years) |
| ✅ Rainbow Trout | June 11 – November 30 | Open |
| ✅ Dolly Varden | June 11 – November 30 | Open |
| 🚫 King Salmon | May 20 – July 31 | Closed |
🔥 Our private and guided trips offer incredible action targeting sockeye, coho, and trophy trout—without needing to chase kings.
🛶 Should I Still Fish the Kenai in 2025?
Absolutely.
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🐟 Sockeye runs are strong and dependable year after year
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🎣 Trophy rainbow trout action is phenomenal in mid-summer and fall
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🌄 The Kenai River remains one of the most scenic and exciting rivers in Alaska
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✅ We offer both drift boat and powerboat trips tailored to your goals
You don’t need a king salmon to have a legendary Alaska fishing trip.
💬 Message from Our Team
We know many anglers dream of catching a Kenai king—but 2025 is a year to give back to the river. At Kenai-Fishing.com, we believe in:
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✅ Ethical fishing
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✅ Long-term conservation
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✅ Sharing honest, up-to-date information
We’ll keep you posted if ADF&G opens a limited king salmon opportunity elsewhere on the Kasilof River, or in Cook Inlet tributaries. But as of now, no kings will be fishable on the Kenai River in 2025.
📅 Book a Salmon or Trout Adventure Instead
Let us guide you toward hot sockeye days, fall coho action, or a scenic trout float that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
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🗓️ Book Now for 2025 before top dates are gone