This news was followed up with a slew of emergency orders for king salmon fishing in South Central Alaska.*

Right now, the early run management plan for king salmon sport fishing on the Kenai River has not changed. It allows an angler to retain one king salmon under 34” per day, 2 for the year. 

What has changed is the late run Kenai River king salmon management plan. From July 1st to July 31st, there will be no retention of king salmon. The sport fishery will be catch and release only.

What this means for my July guests is we’ll be fishing for king salmon for fun, and chasing red salmon for the freezer (and for fun). If the red salmon run is anything like last year, well, I hope your arms are in good shape before you get here.

I know there are people in my industry that aren’t happy with ADFG making this decision before the season gets underway. After all, the forecast is within the goal range, and there won’t be new data until the sonar counter goes in mid May.

For me, I’m alright with the decision to put the fish first. In the short term, it’s not fantastic for my business, but in the long term, it’s what is needed to protect the iconic Kenai River king salmon runs. I want the world famous to keep on being the world famous well into the future.

Catch. Photo. Release. Long live the kings!

*Kenai River Emergency Order

Kasilof River Emergency Order

Anchor River, Deep Creek Emergency Order

Ninilchik River Emergency Order

Cook Inlet Saltwater Emergency Order

Little Susitna Emergency Order

Susitna Emergency Order

The post 2022 Kenai River King Salmon Emergency Order appeared first on Beaver Creek Cabins.

The early run (May/June) forecast is 4,794. Although below average, this forecast falls within the optimum escapement goal of 3,900 to 6,000 fish.

The late run (July) forecast is 22,707. This estimate is within the sustainable escapement goal of 13,500-27,000 fish. If the run is realized, it will be more than last year, and be comparable to the recent five year average.

If I were to forecast the fishing outlook, I would say the early run could start out catch and release with a mid June adjustment based on strength of run. The second run will start out as usual and adjustments to means/methods/retention will be made by the third week of July. For those who follow Kenai River fishery management, I’m telling you nothing that is new.

If you would like to read the press release from ADFG, click here.

The post 2020 Kenai River King Salmon Forecast appeared first on Beaver Creek Cabins.