Emergency Order No. 2-KS-7-38-25
Released: July 14, 2025
Effective: 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 16 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025
📍 Ninilchik River, Lower Cook Inlet (Kenai Peninsula Area)
📞 Contact: Mike Booz, Area Manager – (907) 235-8191
🛑 What’s Closed?
Under this emergency order, the Ninilchik River is closed to all king salmon fishing from July 16 through October 31, 2025. This closure:
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❌ Supersedes 5 AAC 56.122(a)(6)(D)(ii), which would have reopened the fishery
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❌ Prohibits retention or catch-and-release of king salmon
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❌ Applies from the river mouth upstream to ADF&G markers ~2 miles upstream
⚠️ Why the Closure?
This action aligns with changes made at the December 2023 Board of Fisheries meeting, where the end date for king salmon sport fishing was revised from October 31 to July 15.
Key reasons for the extended closure:
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📉 Low escapement of naturally-produced king salmon in 2025
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🧬 Needed to meet Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG) and broodstock collection for the hatchery
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🛑 Incidental king salmon catch must be released immediately without removing from the water
🎣 Can I Still Fish the Ninilchik River?
✅ Yes—but not for kings.
From July 16 onward, you may still fish for Dolly Varden or other species using:
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🎣 One unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure only
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❗ No bait allowed
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🐟 All incidentally hooked king salmon must be released in-water, unharmed
📅 Summary Table
| Species | July 16 – October 31, 2025 |
|---|---|
| King Salmon | ❌ Closed (no retention or catch & release) |
| Other Species | ✅ Open with restricted gear |
| Allowed Gear | Single-hook, unbaited, artificial lure only |
📖 Regulation Notes
This EO replaces 5 AAC 56.122(a)(6)(D)(ii) temporarily and is authorized under AS 16.05.060.
See regulation booklet: Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations (ADF&G)
🐟 Fish for the Future
“This restriction should help ensure that we get as many of the king salmon remaining in the lower river into the escapement,”
— Mike Booz, ADF&G Area Manager
The Ninilchik River’s king run has a reasonable chance of meeting escapement if protected now. This closure supports long-term health of the run while still allowing angling for other species.
