Released: July 8, 2025
Effective: 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 10 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025
Extended Gear Restrictions Through: August 15, 2025
📍 Location: Kasilof River, Alaska (Southcentral, Region 2)
📞 Contact: Phill Stacey, ADF&G Area Management Biologist – (907) 260-2920
🛑 What’s Closed?
Effective July 10 through July 31, 2025, the Kasilof River is closed to all king salmon sport fishing, including catch-and-release. This applies to all waters downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge.
In addition:
-
Any king salmon caught incidentally must be released immediately without removal from the water.
-
From the river mouth to Tustumena Lake, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed from July 10 through August 15.
🧭 Kasilof River Fishing Changes – At a Glance
| Regulation Area | July 10–31 | August 1–15 |
|---|---|---|
| Kasilof River (below Sterling Bridge) | ❌ No king salmon fishing (no C&R) | 🎣 King fishing reopens by regulation |
| Kasilof River (mouth to Tustumena) | ⚙️ Single-hook, unbaited artificial only | ⚙️ Gear restriction continues |
| Crooked Creek | ❌ Closed to all sport fishing | ✅ Reopens August 1 |
⚠️ Why Is This Happening?
“King salmon runs across the Kenai Peninsula are significantly below desired levels,” said ADF&G Area Biologist Phill Stacey.
This closure is aimed at achieving two critical goals:
-
✅ Meeting escapement targets for wild king salmon
-
✅ Ensuring broodstock collection success at Crooked Creek Hatchery
These actions reflect a growing trend of in-season management to conserve struggling king salmon stocks on both the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers.
🎣 What You Can Do Instead
Although king salmon are off-limits:
-
🐟 Sockeye salmon fishing is still open and heating up.
-
🐟 Trout and Dolly Varden fishing remains productive and accessible.
-
🧭 Plan trips focused on upper river trout or lower river sockeye schools, using single-hook, artificial setups.
Check our trip listings for up-to-date availability.
📌 Know Before You Go
If you’re fishing the Kasilof River between July 10 and August 15:
-
✅ Use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure
-
❌ Do not target or catch-and-release king salmon
-
❗ Be aware of regulatory boundaries (Sterling Highway Bridge, Crooked Creek)
-
🗓️ Crooked Creek reopens August 1
For detailed trip planning, see our Kasilof River fishing guide page.
📚 More Information
🐟 Fish Responsibly – Fish for the Future
These protective measures are part of a long-term effort to rebuild king salmon runs on the Kenai Peninsula. By respecting these closures and adjusting tactics, anglers can still enjoy productive trips while supporting the recovery of Alaska’s most iconic species.
