KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE 48
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Kenai Lake drainages 62-63
P Kenai River tributaries a 60-61 g Upper Kenai River mainstem e 57-59 asilof and the Russian River s Lower Kenai River mainstem 49-52 and Skilak Lake k Kenai River Drainage ee r Miles C 0 2.5 5 r e v
a e B er Kenai Salamatof Riv se Lake o Seward o terling Hwy M Cooper enai Sterling J e anding Jean an . r K C a C n e t r. o d n l Lk. o S ai Hidden
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R iv e r asilof GENERAL REGULATIONS • King salmon 20 inches or longer: • There is a combined annual limit of 5 king salmon 20 inches or longer from the Inclusive waters: The mainstem Kenai River from its mouth, denoted by a line from waters of the following areas: Cook Inlet Salt Waters, West Cook Inlet, Susitna the green light tower on the north shore and an ADF&G marker on the south shore, River Drainage, Knik Arm, Anchorage Bowl, Kenai River and Kenai Peninsula . upstream to and including Skilak Lake, except within a ½-mile radius of the upper Of these 5 total king salmon no more than 2 may be taken from the Kenai River. Kenai River inlet (see page 49 for Upper Kenai River regulations) . • January 1–June 30: King salmon 20 inches or longer but less than 28 The Fishing Season for all species is open year-round unless otherwise noted below. inches in length are not included in this annual limit. KING SALMON • A king salmon 20 inches or longer that is removed from salt or fresh water must be retained and becomes part of the bag limit of the person who originally • Kenai River mouth upstream to 300 yards below Slikok Creek: hooked the fish. A person may not remove a king salmon 20 inches or longer • January 1–June 30: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 36 inches in length . from the water before releasing it . • July 1–July 31: 1 per day, 1 in possession, no size limit . • No person, after taking a king salmon 20 inches or longer from the Kenai River, • 300 yards below Slikok Creek upstream to Skilak Lake: may, on that same day, fish from a boat for any species of fish in the Kenai River • January 1–July 31: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 36 inches in downstream from Skilak Lake . length . • Anglers who keep a king salmon 20 inches or longer (except for kings measuring • Skilak Lake: 20-28 inches in length - mentioned in bold above) must immediately record that • Closed to king salmon fishing. harvest . See page 5 for recording instructions . • January 1–July 31: No person may possess a king salmon that is filleted or • King salmon less than 20 inches: disfigured to prevent measurement until the fish has been permanently offloaded • 10 per day, 10 in possession, in combination with coho (in season), sockeye, from a boat or removed from the riverbank fishing site where the fish was hooked chum, or pink salmon less than 16 inches in length (see table below) . and taken from the water .
enai pur Rd Fishing from a vessel when the anchor is dragging is prohibited. If an anchor should fail to hold the vessel in a fixed ! position, fishing must immediately stop until the anchor is pulled or reset to again hold the vessel in a fixed position. enai Moose Miles River 0 1 2 RM 10 COOK RM 2 RM 3 RM RM 12
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INLET arren mes KENAI Bridge
oop Rd oop RM 3 ake RM RM RM 0 RM 1 RM 3 RM 32 alifornsky RM 1 RM 2 Beach Morgan s R G H Hole Funny River RM RM 30 RM 1 RM 2 RM 50 Road oldotna RM 4 20 RM 22 RM RIVER Lower unny RM 2 Killey Skilak RM 2 RM terling Hwy River Lake Lower Kenai Bridge River Upper Slikok River Mainstem Creek Road Killey River KENAI RIVER - Lower Kenai River and Skilak Lake 49 KENAI RIVER - Lower Kenai River and Skilak Lake 50
COHO SALMON RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT METHODS AND MEANS • After taking a bag limit of coho (silver) salmon from • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . Landing a salmon: the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the Kenai ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN River downstream from the Soldotna Bridge on that • Salmon may be landed only with the aid of a landing same day . • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . net or by hand. No gaffs are allowed. • Fishing for coho salmon is closed November 1 - June ARCTIC GRAYLING 30 upstream of Bings Landing . • 5 per day, 5 in possession . Drift-only Mondays (downstream of Skilak Lake): • Downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake: • 16 inches or longer: LAKE TROUT • Mondays, May 1–July 31 (except Memorial Day): • A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is removed • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . from fresh water must be retained and becomes • Between the outlet of Skilak Lake and the • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day/10 in possession. part of the bag limit of the person who originally Sterling Hwy bridge in Soldotna: hooked the fish. A person may not remove a coho BURBOT • Closed to fishing from any motorized salmon 16 inches or longer from the water before • 2 per day, 2 in possession . vessel (a motorized vessel is one that has a releasing it . OTHER FINFISH motor on board) . • For seasons and limits see table below . • No limit. • Between the Sterling Hwy bridge and the • Less than 16 inches: See table below . mouth of the Kenai River: SOCKEYE AND CHUM SALMON • Closed to fishing from any motorized vessel that has on board more than one • 16 inches or longer: See table below . single motor greater than 10 hp . A motor • Less than 16 inches: See table below . Less than 16 inches: COHO, CHUM, PINK, AND 10 hp or less may be used only downstream of an ADF&G marker at Cunningham Park, PINK SALMON SOCKEYE SALMON • 16 inches or longer: 6 per day, 6 in possession . and only after fishing from the vessel has Less than 20 inches: KING SALMON stopped for the day . • Less than 16 inches: See table below . Jan . 1 - Sockeye, chum, or pink salmon less than 16 June 30 inches in length and king salmon less than 20 inches in length . COHO, CHUM, AND 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . 16 inches or longer: SOCKEYE SALMON No retention of coho salmon. Jan . 1 - Sockeye or chum salmon . July 1 - Sockeye, chum, pink, or coho salmon less than June 30 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination . July 31 16 inches in length and king salmon less than No retention of coho salmon. 20 inches in length . July 1 - Sockeye, chum, or coho salmon . 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . August 31 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination, but Aug . 1 - Sockeye, chum, pink, or coho salmon less than only 2 per day, 2 in possession may be coho Nov. 30 16 inches in length . salmon . 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . Sept . 1 - Sockeye, chum, or coho salmon . No retention of king salmon. Nov. 30 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination . Dec . 1 - Sockeye, pink, or chum salmon less than Dec . 1 - Sockeye or chum salmon . Dec . 31 16 inches in length . . Dec . 31 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination . 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . ...continued No retention of coho salmon. No retention of coho or king salmon. • From Bings Landing to an ADF&G regulatory That portion of the Kenai River between ADF&G METHODS AND MEANS marker at Skilak Lake: regulatory markers 250 yd downstream from the upper (continued) • November 1–December 31: breakwater at the Centennial Campground boat launch upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna: Gear restrictions: • Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure is allowed . • May 1-July 31: • In flowing waters, beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or C bare hooks must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook or • The Kenai River from the Upper Killey River • Closed to fishing from boats. be free sliding on the entire length of the line or leader . upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker at Skilak Lake: Soldotna Centennial Campground boat launch lagoon: The following gear restrictions are listed in upstream pro- • September 1–December 31: • July 1–August 30: D gression from the mouth of the Kenai River to Skilak Lake . • Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure is • Closed to all fishing. Selected areas near tributary streams have special tackle and allowed . king salmon regulations that override the gear restrictions Funny River confluence area: below . See Special Regulations . SPECIAL REGULATIONS • The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about • From the mouth of the Kenai River to ADF&G E 1 mile downstream of the mouth of Funny River regulatory marker at Skilak Lake: Special Regulations are listed in upstream progression upstream to ADF&G markers about 200 yd • January 1–June 30: from the mouth of the Kenai River to, and including, upstream from the mouth of the Funny River: • Only one unbaited, single-hook lure is allowed . Skilak Lake . • May 1–July 31: • From the mouth of the Kenai River to ADF&G • Closed to fishing for king salmon. regulatory markers located about 300 yd That portion of the Kenai River between ADF&G regu- • Closed to fishing from boats. downstream of the mouth of Slikok Creek: latory markers located at river mile 11 and river mile 12: • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see • July 1–July 31: • July 1–July 31: A page 92 for definition of “artificial fly”). • Bait is allowed, but anglers must still use only • Back-trolling prohibited. A person may not sport one single-hook lure . fish for any species of fish from a vessel that is • The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about making upstream progress relative to the water 300 yd downstream of the mouth of Slikok Creek with the aid of a motor . upstream to an ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake: The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about 300 yd • July 1–July 31: downstream of the mouth of Slikok Creek upstream • Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure to ADF&G markers about 300 yd upstream from the is allowed . mouth of Slikok Creek: • From the mouth of the Kenai River to an ADF&G • May 1–July 31: regulatory marker at Skilak Lake: B • Closed to fishing for king salmon. • August 1–August 31: • Closed to fishing from boats. • Bait and multiple hooks allowed . • From the mouth of the Kenai River to the Upper • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see Killey River: page 92 for definition of “artificial fly”). • September 1–October 31: • Bait and multiple hooks allowed . • From the mouth of the Kenai River to Bings Landing: • November 1–November 30: • Bait and multiple hooks allowed .
Kenai River coho salmon
KENAI RIVER - Lower Kenai River and Skilak Lake 51 KENAI RIVER - Seasonal Riverbank Closures and Public Access Points 52
enai pur Rd Fishing from a vessel when the anchor is dragging is prohibited. If an anchor should fail to hold the vessel in a fixed ! position, fishing must immediately stop until the anchor is pulled or reset to again hold the vessel in a fixed position. enai Back-trolling rohi ited Moose P! $ P! G P! River RM 10 P! P! P! P! COOK RM 2 $ RM 12 RM 3 P! easonal drift area RM A
P! P! # cout INLET arrenP! mes KENAI he illars no motor use Bridge
oop Rd oop P! P! March 15 - June 1 P! RM 3 P! P! P! ake (see page 75) P! P! P! RM P! RM RM 0 P! P! and no fishing from P! RM 1 RM 3 P! RM 32 P! an anchored vessel alifornsky RM 1 P! RM 2 nrestricted Beach P! P! $ Morgan s P! $F H ug. 1 - ec. 31 horsepower R G H Hole P! Funny River RM RM 30 P! P! P! P! RM 1 RM 2 P! RM 50 Road $ oldotna $E C P! RM P! P! P! RM P! $ 20 P! RM 22 RM 7 B ! P! P RIVERP! P! Lower unny RM 2 P! Skilak Killey $I P! RM 2 RM Lower Kenai terling Hwy P! ± River Lake Bridge P! $J River Upper Slikok Miles River Mainstem Creek Road 0 1 2 Killey River Morgan’s Hole: Lower Killey River confluence area: Skilak Lake outlet: F• The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about H• The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about J• The Kenai River from the swan sanctuary 100 yd downstream from the landing at Morgan’s ¾ mile downstream of the mouth of the Lower sign at the outlet of Skilak Lake downstream Hole (river mile 31) upstream to an ADF&G Killey River upstream to an ADF&G marker approximately 3 miles to the corresponding swan marker at the north section line of Section 28, about 1 mile upstream from the mouth of the sanctuary sign near river mile 47: T5N, R9W, Seward Meridian: Lower Killey River: • August 1–December 31: • May 1-July 31: • May 1–July 31: • Closed to fishing from an anchored • Closed to fishing from boats. • Closed to fishing for king salmon. vessel. “Anchored vessel” means using • Closed to fishing from boats. an anchor or any device other than oars, Moose River confluence area: • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see paddles or outboard motor to slow or stop • The Kenai River from ADF&G markers located page 92 for definition of “artificial fly”). a boat’s downstream drift . G approximately 100 yd downstream of the mouth of the Moose River, upstream to ADF&G markers The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about 1 Skilak Lake: located approximately 100 yd upstream of the mile upstream from the mouth of the Lower Killey • Closed to king salmon fishing. mouth of the Moose River: River upstream to Skilak Lake: • May 1-July 31: • Except that part of the lake within ½ mile of the •I May 1–June 10: upper Kenai River inlet: • Closed to fishing from boats. • Closed to all fishing. • Bait and multiple hooks allowed year-round . r e v i R
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Co e Rd River wanson ark Rd Morgan Rd cout ake Rd mi 3 F Caymas Cannery Rd Subdi ision Mackey FF ake Rd alifornsky Beach Rd S enai pur Rd Sterling wy organ s
mi 0 Run Rd 1 Ra it Murwood r anding mi ane Rd O!( isitor Center orest J *# Campground Fu K r nny oppy n est 11 e e R !( ay se mi 13 nai v ive r i 1 Funny i er r e R v Boat aunch Campground i R River ank Closed Jones O eystone y e ri e l July 1 through ug. 15 Rd l kyline r 1 14 i k Soldotna 1 South an
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Public Access Points = Riverbank Closure = J Near POACHER’S COVE West bank between river miles 17.5 and 17.6 K NORTH BANK Between river miles 18.6 and 18.8 1 Mouth of the Kenai River 8 Slikok Creek Alaska State Parks - Day-Use Picnic Area 2 Port of Kenai City of Kenai - Boat Launch L NORTH BANK Between river miles 18.9 and 20.2 3 Kenai Flats State Rec. Site Alaska State Parks - Day-Use Picnic Area City of Soldotna- Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat 9 Centennial Park Campground 4 Cunningham Park City of Kenai - Day-Use Picnic Area Launch 5 The Pillars Alaska State Parks - Boat Launch M Near SOLDOTNA VISITOR’S CENTER South bank between river miles 20.9 and 21.0 A Near CUNNINGHAM PARK North bank between river miles 6.6 and 6.8 10 Soldotna Visitor’s Center Boardwalk B EAGLE ROCK South bank between river miles 10.7 and 12.0 11 Soldotna Creek Park City of Soldotna - Day-Use Picnic Area, Boardwalk Access C STATE-OWNED ISLANDS Between river miles 11 and 15 (see lines D-H below) 12 Gilman river center Alaska State Parks - Day-Use D THE PILLARS area North bank between river miles 12.4 and 12.6 City of Soldotna- Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat 13 Swiftwater Campground E HONEYMOON COVE area South bank between river miles 12.5 and 13.0 Launch, Boardwalk Access EE HONEYMOON COVE North bank between river miles 13.0 and 13.2 North bank from the mouth of Soldotna Creek upstream N SOLDOTNA CREEK F near FALLING-IN-HOLE East bank between river miles 13.2 and 13.5 between river miles 22.0 to 22.1 FF near STEWARTS LANDING North bank between river miles 13.6 and 14.0 14 Rotary Park City of Soldotna - Day-Use G WEST BANK Between river miles 14.0 and 14.4 O Near SOLDOTNA AIRPORT South bank between river miles 22.7 and 23.5 H near BIG EDDY ROAD South bank between river miles 14.4 and 14.6 15 Moose Range Meadows Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - Day-Use 6 Ciechanski Alaska State Parks - Day-Use Picnic Area P SOUTH BANK Between river miles 23.8 and 24.2 7 Big Eddy Alaska State Parks - Day-Use Picnic Area 16 Keystone Dr. (end of road) boat launch Kenai National Wildlife Refuge - Boat Launch I STATE-OWNED ISLANDS Between river miles 17.0 and 17.3 Q SOUTH BANK /FUNNY RIVER River mile 26.4 to 30.0 KENAI RIVER - Lower Kenai River and Skilak Lake 53 KENAI RIVER - Seasonal Riverbank Closures and Public Access Points 54
17 Funny River Campground Alaska State Parks - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area Kenai National Wildlife Refuge- Campground, Day-Use 23 Hidden Lake Alaska State Parks - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Picnic Area, Boat Launch 18 Morgan’s Landing Boardwalks Kenai National Wildlife Refuge-Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat 24 Jim’s Landing North bank from river mile 27.3 (upstream edge of boat Launch ramp at the end of Keystone Drive) to the Kenai National North bank from river mile 69.7 to an ADF&G marker just R Near KEYSTONE DRIVE X Near JIM’S LANDING Wildlife Refuge boundary at river mile 28 (near the downstream of the boat launch powerline) 25 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Information Center S HANSEN RIVER RANCH South bank from river mile 31.5 to 32.5 T CAYMAS SUBDIVISION North bank, river mile 31.8 to 32.3 26 Sterling Highway Milepost 57 Pullout U NILNUNQA South bank between river miles 36.0 and 36.6 U.S. Forest Service - Foot-Traffic Ferry, Boat Launch,Day-Use Alaska State Parks - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat 27 Russian River / Sportsman’s Landing 19 Izaak Walton State Recreation Site Picnic Area Launch At the RUSSIAN RIVER FERRY/ North bank, upstream of the ferry crossing, between river Alaska State Parks - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat Y 20 Bing’s Landing SPORTSMAN’S LANDING miles 73.5 and 73.6 Launch U.S. Forest Service- Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area V Near KENAI KEYS North bank between ADF&G markers at river mile 44.6 28 Russian River Campground W THOMPSON’S HOLE North bank between river miles 45.8 and 46.3 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge- Campground, Day-Use 21 Lower Skilak Lake Picnic Area, Boat Launch Kenai National Wildlife Refuge- Campground, Day-Use 22 Upper Skilak Lake Public Access Points = Riverbank Closure = Picnic Area, Boat Launch
Moose Creek See map to page p the east on next p See mi 1 mi 0 mi mi mi See map to the westq See above q mi mi Peterson Lake terling Hwy mi mi mi 4 enai ational ildlife efuge Egumen Lake isitor s nformation Center ussion i er Ferry kilak ake Rd euding n mi 0 Kelly Lake Sportsman s anding mi Jim s Y Hidden Lake anding ussian i er 4 Campground .
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Public Access Points = Riverbank Closure =
29 Cooper Creek Campground U.S. Forest Service - Campground 30 Cooper Landing Alaska State Parks - Boat Launch South bank near river mile 82.0, from the bridge Z COOPER LANDING BOAT LAUNCH downstream about 1,000 ft to an ADF&G marker (just past the Sterling Highway bridge at the outlet of Kenai Lake) 31 U.S. Forest Service - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat Quartz Creek Campground Launch 32 Crescent Creek Campground U.S. Forest Service-Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area 33 Trail River Campground U.S. Forest Service - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area 34 Ptarmigan Creek Campground U.S. Forest Service - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area 35 Primrose Campground U.S. Forest Service - Campground, Boat Launch Doroshin Bay, Skilak Lake by Ken Marsh
KENAI RIVER 55 KENAI RIVER 56 ALASKA STATE PARKS TIPS – IF YOU PLAN TO RELEASE YOUR FISH BOATING REGULATIONS ON THE MAINSTEM KENAI RIVER Tackle • Use strong line to bring your catch in quickly. The Alaska State Legislature created the Kenai River Special Management Area • Fish caught with flies or lures survive more often than fish caught with bait. in 1984 and charged Alaska State Parks with its management. Here are their • Overly large hooks can damage mouth parts or eyes. Small hooks may be boating regulations for the Kenai River, summarized for your convenience. taken deeply by fish. • Use steel hooks that will quickly rust out; avoid using stainless steel hooks. For more information on boat motor regulations on the Kenai River, Use pliers to pinch barbs down. call the Donald E. Gilman River Center at (907) 714-2470. Landing your catch • Land your fish as carefully and quickly as possible. Avoid removing the fish from the water. PASSENGER LIMITS—no more than 6 FOUR-STROKE/DIRECT FUEL INJECTION • If you are ice-fishing, don’t lay your fish on the ice. persons are allowed on board, including MOTOR REQUIREMENTS—regardless of operator (except for guided vessels in July, time of year or motor horsepower, no one Removing the hook below the outlet of Skilak Lake, which may may operate a motorized boat on the Kenai • Remove the hook quickly and gently, keeping the fish underwater. have no more than 5 persons on board). River upstream of a DNR marker located at • Use long-nosed pliers or a hemostat to back the hook out. approximately river mile 4.2 (downstream of • When a fish is hooked deeply, cut the line near the hook. It is better to cut TYING UP—no one may tie up a boat your line rather than injure an active fish. to state land, easement, or rights-of-way the Warren Ames Bridge) unless the motor is more than 24 consecutive hours. a four-stroke motor or a direct fuel injection Reviving your catch motor. This includes boats operated on Kenai • Point your fish into a slow current or gently move it back and forth until ANCHORING—no one may anchor a boat and Skilak Lakes. its gills are working and it maintains its balance. on the Kenai River that obstructs a primary • When the fish recovers and attempts to swim out of your hands, let it go. BOAT LENGTH REQUIREMENTS—except traffic channel or drift fishing channel. • Large fish may take some time to revive. on Kenai and Skilak lakes, no one may HORSEPOWER RESTRICTIONS— no operate a motorized boat on the Kenai one may operate a boat on the Kenai River upstream of a DNR marker located (at River upstream of a DNR marker located at approximately river mile 4.0) downstream of approximately river mile 4.2 (downstream the Warren Ames bridge that exceeds overall of the Warren Ames Bridge) with outboard boat size to no more than 21 feet long and or combination of outboards having a 106 inches wide. total propshaft rating greater than 50 HP. Propshaft horsepower rating means the DRIFT AREAS, MOTOR USE PROHIBITED— boat motor’s original manufacturer rated Operating a boat by use of a motor is and labeled horsepower. Adding a jet prohibited year-round on the Kenai drive unit to a motor does not change the River, from Skilak Lake inlet upstream propshaft horsepower rating of the motor to river mile 80.7 (see map on page 65). powerhead and driveshaft configuration. These horsepower limitations do not From March 15 to June 14, operating apply to the operation of a boat on Kenai a boat by use of a motor on the Kenai Lake, on Skilak Lake, and on the Kenai River is also prohibited from river mile River between the Kenai Lake Bridge and 47 upstream to the outlet of Skilak river mile 80.7 (see map on page 65). Lake (see map on page 71). KENAI RIVER - Upper Kenai River and Russian River
GENERAL REGULATIONS Unrestricted Horsepower 5 mph maximum, no wake area Inclusive waters: The mainstem Kenai River, from waters of Skilak Lake within a ½-mile radius of the river inlet Upper Kenai River upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge at the outlet of Kenai Lake, including the Russian River drainage . The Fishing Season for all species is closed from May 1- June 10 in all flowing waters unless otherwise noted below. wed allo KING SALMON use tor • Closed to king salmon fishing. mo No a - OTHER SALMON re t A • Coho salmon: rif D • Season: July 1–October 31 . METHODS AND MEANS
• A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is
removed from fresh water must be retained and Bait restrictions:
becomes part of the bag limit of the person who • In flowing waters, beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or originally hooked the fish. A person may not Fishing from a vessel when the anchor bare hooks must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook remove a coho salmon 16 inches or longer from is dragging is prohibited. If an anchor or be free to slide on the entire length of the line or the water before releasing it . should fail to hold the vessel in a fixed ! position, fishing must immediately stop leader . See page 7 . • Pink, chum and sockeye (red) salmon: until the anchor is pulled or reset to • Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is • 16 inches or longer: again hold the vessel in a fixed position. allowed year-round . The gap between point and shank • Pink salmon: must be ⅜ inch or less. • 6 per day, 6 in possession . ARCTIC GRAYLING River bank closures: • Coho, Sockeye (red) and chum salmon: • 5 per day, 5 in possession . • There are special bank access regulations on the • 3 per day, 6 in possession, only 2 per day, LAKE TROUT Kenai River . See pages 56–58 for public access points 2 in possession may be coho salmon through on the Kenai River . August 31 . • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . • Less than 16 inches: • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day/10 in possession. Gear restrictions: • 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . OTHER FINFISH • Salmon may be landed only with the aid of a landing • No limit. net or by hand . RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT • See page 59 for motorboat restrictions . • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long. ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long.
KENAI RIVER - Upper Kenai River and Russian River 57
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KENAI RIVER - Upper Kenai River Mainstem and Russian River 58 ! SPECIAL REGULATIONS A 16 inches or longer: COHO AND SOCKEYE SALMON Russian River: June 11 - Sockeye salmon . • The Russian River from 100 yd upstream of its mouth ! Kenai River/Russian River confluence area: June 30 3 per day, 6 in possession . to an ADF&G marker 600 yd downstream of the falls: •A The Kenai River upstream of the powerline to No retention of coho salmon. • Closed to all fishing from May 1- June 10, however, from ! ADF&G markers placed just downstream of the June 11–August 20, these waters are fly-fishing-only July 1 - Sockeye or coho salmon .
ferry crossing: waters . See page 7 for a description of allowed gear . ! Aug . 20 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination, • Closed to all fishing from May 1- June 10, how- but only 1 per day, 1 in possession may be • Coho salmon:
ever, from June 11–August 20, these waters are ! coho salmon . • Season: July 1–September 30 . fly-fishing-only waters. See page 7 for a descrip- tion of allowed gear . Aug . 21 - Coho salmon . • 1 per day, 1 in possession . Oct . 31 1 per day, 1 in possession . ! • Sockeye and coho salmon 16 inches or longer • A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is removed No retention of sockeye salmon. from fresh water must be retained and becomes part
limits: See table . !
of the bag limit of the person who originally hooked the fish. A person may not remove a coho salmon 16 ! inches or longer from the water before releasing it .
• Sockeye salmon: ! -Closed to all fishing SANCTUARYS C Y AREA: • Closed to all fishing 5/01 - 6/10 • Season: June 11–August 20 . 0 - 10 $A •-Closed Closed to all tofishing all fishing$B 5/01 - 7/14 ! • 0 - 14 Open 6/11 --Open 4/30 11 - 01 • Open 7/15 - 4/30 • 3 per day, 6 in possession . -Fly-fishing-only 11- 0 -Open 1 - 01
• Fly-fishing only 6/11 - 8/20 ! A •-Fly-fishing-only Fly-fishing 1 only - 0 7/15 - 8/20 B • Upstream from an ADF&G marker about 600 yd
downstream of the falls:
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terling Hwy ! RM 73 RM 7 ccess ! # # #
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possession, only 1 may be 20 inches or longer . ! !
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! enai-Russian Russian • Dolly Varden limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1
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River erry !
RM 72 may be 20 inches or longer .
! ! Kenai • Upper Russian/Goat Creek, upstream from ADF&G !
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with gap between point and shank of 3�8” or
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less is allowed. The fly must weigh less than ¼ Kenai River upstream of the! Russian River confluence area:
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oz. Artificial flies are defined on page 92. •! The Kenai River upstream of approximately river mile • If weights are used, they must be at least 18” 80.7 to the outlet of Kenai Lake: ahead of the fly. • An angler may not sport fish from a vessel during motor ± use or after a motor has been used to propel that vessel
Miles on that same day . Upper Kenai River and 0 0.25 0.5 Russian River Confluence area 00 yards below falls ...continued • The Kenai River upstream from ADF&G markers rling H w B te y placed just downstream of the ferry crossing to ADF&G markers about 300 yd upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing Co (including the waters around the upstream end of o p the island in front of the Russian River mouth), e 00 yds r and the Russian River from its mouth upstream C about 100 yd to ADF&G markers: r e alls e k • Fishing for all species is closed from May 1-July 14, however, from July 15–August 20 these waters are fly-fishing-only waters. See page 7 for a de- scription of allowed gear . • Sockeye and coho salmon 16 inches or longer Lower Russian limits: See table below . Lake 16 inches or longer: COHO AND SOCKEYE SALMON l B i
a r July 15 - Sockeye or coho salmon .
s Aug . 20 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination, e
k
a but only 1 per day, 1 in possession may be coho salmon . n a i s Aug . 21 - Coho salmon . s u Oct . 31 1 per day, 1 in possession . R No retention of sockeye salmon.
R u s s ia n R i ver
Upper Russian Lake Miles 0 1 2 300 yds Goat Russian River Drainage Creek Upper Kenai River sockeye KENAI RIVER - Upper Kenai River Mainstem and Russian River 59 KENAI RIVER - Kenai River Tributaries 60
GENERAL REGULATIONS RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT METHODS AND MEANS • In flowing waters: Inclusive waters: Tributaries of the Kenai River between • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 Bait restrictions: the outlet of Kenai Lake and the mouth of the Kenai inches long . River (except those noted below): • In all flowing waters of the Kenai River tributaries: • In lakes and ponds: • Upper Kenai River tributaries are those that join • Beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare hooks • 2 per day, 2 in possession—only 1 fish may be 20 must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook, or be free the Kenai River between Kenai Lake and Skilak inches or longer . Lake, and DOES NOT include the Russian River, the to slide on the entire length of the line or leader . mainstem Kenai River, or Skilak Lake . • 20 inches or longer: • Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure with • There is a total annual limit of 2 rainbow/steel- a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or less • Lower Kenai River tributaries are those that join head trout 20 inches or longer taken north of the is allowed year-round . Skilak Lake and the Kenai River between Skilak Lake latitude of Point Adam, from the waters of the and Cook Inlet, and DOES NOT include the main- following areas: West Cook Inlet, Susitna River stem Kenai River or Skilak Lake . Drainage, Knik Arm, Anchorage Bowl, Kenai The Fishing Season for all species is open year-round in Lake drainages, Kenai River tributaries, and lakes and ponds unless otherwise noted below. The fish- Kenai Peninsula . ing season for all species is closed from May 1 - June 10 • Anglers who keep a rainbow/steelhead trout 20 in all flowing waters unless otherwise noted below. inches or longer must immediately record that harvest . See page 5 for recording instructions . KING SALMON LAKE TROUT • Closed to king salmon fishing. • In flowing waters: OTHER SALMON • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . • In flowing waters: • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day/10 in possession. • Closed to all salmon fishing. ARCTIC GRAYLING • In lakes and ponds: • In lakes, ponds and flowing waters: • 10 per day/10 in possession—must be less than 16 • 5 per day, 5 in possession . inches in length . BURBOT ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN • In flowing waters, lakes and ponds: • In flowing waters: • 2 per day, 2 in possession . • 1 per day, 1 in possession—must be less than 16 inches long . OTHER FINFISH • In lakes and ponds: • In flowing waters, lakes and ponds: No limit. • 2 per day, 2 in possession—only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer .
...continued KENAI RIVER - Kenai River Tributaries KENAI RIVER - Kenai River Tributaries
LOWER KENAI RIVER TRIBUTARIES UPPER KENAI RIVER TRIBUTARIES SPECIAL REGULATIONS SPECIAL REGULATIONS
Lower Kenai River tributaries are those that join Upper Kenai River tributaries are those that join the Skilak Lake and the Kenai River between Skilak Lake Kenai River between Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, and and Cook Inlet, and DOES NOT include the mainstem DOES NOT include the Russian River, the mainstem Kenai River or Skilak Lake. Kenai River, or Skilak Lake . Funny River Cooper Creek: • Closed to all fishing May 1-July 31. • Closed to all fishing May1-June 10 and September 15-October 31. Killey River: Cooper Lake: • Closed to all fishing May 1-July 31. • Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: 5 per day, 5 in Moose River drainage: possession, only 1 fish 20 inches or longer. • From its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to Hidden Lake drainage: the upstream edge of the Sterling Highway bridge: • Closed year-round to burbot fishing. • Anglers must use artificial flies in these waters May • Lake trout limits: 1 per day, 1 in possession—must 1-July 31 . See page 7 for a description of allowed gear . be less than 16 inches in length . • Closed year-round to fishing for king salmon. • Open to fishing for all other species following the Lower Kenai River Mainstem General Seasons and Limits on Pages 52-55 . • See page 55 for additional restrictions to these waters . • Remainder of drainage: • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. • Closed year-round to all salmon fishing.
Slikok Creek: • Closed to all fishing May 1-July 31.
Upper Kenai River Dolly Varden 61 KENAI RIVER - Kenai River Tributaries KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE - Kenai Lake and Kenai Lake Tributaries 62
y GENERAL REGULATIONS Inclusive waters: Kenai Lake and all other lakes of the Kenai Lake drainage, and eward Hw all flowing waters tributary to Kenai Lake. Johnson The Fishing Season for all species is open year-round in lakes and ponds Quartz Ck. Lake unless otherwise noted below. The fishing season for all speciesis closed from May 1 - June 10 in all flowing waters unless otherwise noted below. KING SALMON Trail Creek • Closed to king salmon fishing. Jerome Lake Johnson Creek Mile 0.9 Tern Lake OTHER SALMON Upper Trail Lakes • Closed to all salmon fishing. Cooper anding RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT Grant Lake • In flowing waters: Ck Crescent Carter • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . terling Hwy Lake Dry Ck. • In unstocked lakes: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer. C Crescent KENAI RIVER ooper Ck. Lake Vagt Lake • In stocked lakes (see pages 84–85 for a list of stocked lakes): 5 per day, 5 in Lower Trail Lake possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer. Kenai Lower • 20 inches or longer: Russian Ptarmigan • There is a total annual limit of 2 rainbow/steelhead trout 20 inches or Lake Lake longer taken north of the latitude of Point Adam, from the waters of the following areas: West Cook Inlet, Susitna River Drainage, Knik Arm, Cooper LakeLake Anchorage Bowl, Kenai Lake drainages, Kenai River tributaries, and Kenai Lake ParadisePeninsula . Lakes• Anglers who keep a rainbow/steelhead trout 20 inches or longer must im- Upper Victor Ck. mediately record that harvest . See page 5 for recording instructions . Ru Russian ss ia ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN n Lake R • In flowing waters: i v e Primrose Ck. r • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . Snow River • In lakes and ponds: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer.
Porcupine Ck. ARCTIC GRAYLING Kenai Lake Tributaries • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: • 5 per day, 5 in possession . Kenai Lake South Fork Snow R.
See Quartz Creek open Miles seasons page 63 0 3 ...continued KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE - Kenai Lake and Kenai Lake Tributaries KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE - Kenai Lake and Kenai Lake Tributaries
GENERAL REGULATIONS eward Hwy SPECIAL REGULATIONS (continued) Crescent Creek drainage—including Cres- LAKE TROUT cent Lake: • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . terling Hwy • Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day/2 in pos- • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . session . Quartz Creek BURBOT Kenai Lake within ¼ mile of all inlet • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: streams: • 2 per day, 2 in possession . • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. OTHER FINFISH Daves Cr Kenai Lake outlet: • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: • Kenai Lake within ¼ mile above the • No limit. uart Cr Rd Crescent Creek Sterling Highway bridge at the outlet of the lake: METHODS AND MEANS • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10.
Bait restrictions: ussian Gap Rd R Quartz Creek: • In Kenai Lake (except within ¼ mile of all inlet streams): • Upstream of the Sterling Highway • Bait and multiple hooks are allowed . bridge ( Mile 40.9): • Within ¼ mile of all inlet streams of Kenai Lake • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 and on the Kenai River from the Sterling Highway and September 15-October 15. bridge upstream approximately ¼ mile to ADF&G C • Downstream of the Sterling Highway Dry Creek r markers located at the outlet of Kenai Lake: e s bridge: c • Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure with e n • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. t a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or less La is allowed year-round . ke Snow River drainage: • In all flowing waters of the Kenai Lake drainages: • South Fork: • Beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare hooks Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook, or be free and September 15-October 31. Kenai Lake Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 to slide on the entire length of the line or leader . • Remainder of drainage: and eptem er 15-Octo er 15. • Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure with • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or less is allowed year-round .
Miles 0 1 2
63 KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE - Kenai Lake and Kenai Lake Tributaries