In March, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced the entire Kenai River king salmon run would be closed for the season. At that time, I questioned their decision. I understand closing the early run, but normally data is collected during the first month of the early run and then a decision is made on how to manage the late run. More often than not, as the early run goes, so does the late run.
In hindsight, closing down the entire season in March was clearly the right move.
Here are the dismal statistics.
The early run final sonar count was 1,365. The escapement goal was 3,900 to 6,600 king salmon larger than 34”.
The late run final sonar count was 6,630. The escapement goal was 15,000 to 30,000 king salmon larger than 34”.
I can think of just one word to describe the entire 2024 Kenai king salmon run: terrible. To give the run historical context, this was the worst run ever.
Not only did the Kenai River king runs struggle, so did all the wild runs in Southcentral Alaska. That being said, the entire peninsula was not closed to king salmon fishing. Opportunities to harvest existed in the rivers and creeks that are stocked with hatchery kings. Fishing was also allowed in the ocean where transitory Pacific Northwest king salmon are feeding before they return to their natal streams.
Success rates were mixed. The Kasilof River had a few excellent days, but it wasn’t consistent. It was similar fishing the ocean near Seward and Homer.
So, what does the 2024 season mean for king salmon opportunities in 2025? If I were a betting man, the easy money would be on the same restrictions being in place once again. We will know for sure when the forecast and management plan is released in February.
Next week’s blog topic will be a recap of the 2024 red salmon season. See you then.
Thank You’s