Lower Kenai River Mainstem

KENAI RIVER DRAINAGE 50 Lower Kenai River Mainstem

Fishing from a vessel on the Kenai River 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. !

General Regulations - Lower Kenai River • 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 59 for Upper Kenai River regulations . • January 1–June 30: King salmon 20 inches or longer but less than 28 inches in length are not included in this annual limit . Fishing for all species is open year-round unless otherwise noted below. • A king salmon 20 inches or longer that is removed from the water must be KING SALMON retained and becomes part of the bag limit of the person who originally hooked • Kenai River—from its mouth upstream to 300 yards below Slikok Creek: the fish. You must not remove a king salmon 20 inches or longer from the water • January 1–June 30: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 36 inches in length . before releasing it . • July 1–July 31: 1 per day, 1 in possession, no size limit . • If you retain a king salmon 20 inches or longer from the Kenai River, you may • 300 yards below Slikok Creek upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake: not fish from a boat for any species of fish in the Kenai River downstream from Skilak Lake . • January 1–July 31: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 36 inches in length . • If you retain a king salmon 20 inches or longer (except for kings measuring • January 1–July 31: You may not possess a king salmon that is filleted or 20-28 inches in length), you must immediately record that harvest . See page 5 for disfigured to prevent measurement until the fish has been permanently fof loaded recording instructions . from a boat or removed from the riverbank fishing site where the fish was hooked and taken from the water . • King salmon less than 20 inches: • There is a combined annual limit of 5 king salmon 20 inches or longer from the • 10 per day, 10 in possession, in combination with coho (in season), sockeye, waters of the following areas: Cook Inlet Salt Waters, West Cook Inlet, Susitna chum, or pink salmon less than 16 inches in length . River Drainage, Knik Arm, Anchorage Bowl, Kenai River and Kenai Peninsula . SOCKEYE AND CHUM SALMON Of these 5 total king salmon no more than 2 may be taken from the Kenai River. • Fishing for sockeye and chum salmon is open the entire year unless otherwise noted below . • January 1–June 30: King salmon 20 inches or longer but less than 28 inches • 16 inches or longer: 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination . in length are not included in this annual limit . • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . COHO SALMON Methods and Means - Lower Kenai • No retention of coho December 1–June 30. • 16 inches or longer: Landing a salmon: • July 1–August 31: • Salmon may be landed only with the aid of a landing net or by • 2 per day, 2 in possession . The limits for coho are in combination with sockeye or chum salmon . hand . No gaffs are allowed . For example, you may have 1 sockeye or chum and 2 coho per day (or 2 sockeye or chum and 1 coho) - not 3 sockeye or chum and 2 coho per day . Fishing from an anchored vessel: • September 1–November 30: • Fishing from a vessel on the Kenai River when the anchor is • 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination (all 3 may be coho) . dragging is prohibited . If an anchor should fail to hold the vessel • November 1–June 30: Fishing for coho salmon is closed upstream of Bings Landing . in a fixed position, fishing must immediately stop until the • A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is removed from the water must be retained and becomes part anchor is pulled or reset to hold the vessel in a fixed position. of the bag limit of the person who originally hooked the fish. You must not remove a coho salmon 16 inches or longer from the water before releasing it . Drift-only Mondays (downstream of Skilak Lake): • If you retain a bag limit of coho (silver) salmon from the Kenai River, you may not fish in the Kenai • Downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake: River downstream from the Soldotna Bridge on that same day . • Mondays, May 1–July 31 (except Memorial Day): • Less than 16 inches: • Between the outlet of Skilak Lake and the Sterling • July 1–November 30: 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . Highway bridge in Soldotna: • November 1–June 30: Fishing for coho salmon is closed upstream of Bings Landing . • Closed to fishing from any motorized vessel PINK SALMON (a motorized vessel is one that has a motor on board) . • Fishing for pink salmon is open the entire year unless otherwise noted below . Motors may be used to transport anglers to shore • 16 inches or longer: 6 per day, 6 in possession . fishing locations, but anglers may not fish from any • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . vessel that has a motor on board . RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT • Between the Sterling Highway bridge and the mouth of the Kenai River: • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . • Closed to sport fishing from any motorized vessel ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN that has on board more than one single motor • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . greater than 10 hp . A motor 10 hp or less may be ARCTIC GRAYLING used only downstream of an ADF&G marker at • 5 per day, 5 in possession . Cunningham Park, and only after fishing from the LAKE TROUT vessel has stopped for the day . • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . Gear Restrictions: • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . • In flowing waters, beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare BURBOT hooks must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook or be free • 2 per day, 2 in possession . sliding on the entire length of the line or leader . OTHER FINFISH • No limit .

KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 51 KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 52 Ken ai Spur Rd Kenai Back-trolling ! Fishing from a vessel on the Kenai River when the anchor is dragging is prohibited. If an anchor should Prohibited fail to hold the vessel in a fixed position, fishing must immediately stop until the anchorM iso opulledse or reset P! P! P! to again hold the vessel in a fixed position. River RM 6 RM 10 P! P! P! d P! COOK RM 2 $ RM 36 P! A R

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P! I P! P! RM 8 P! RM 4 RM 40 P! P! P! RM 14 RM 34 P! RM 32 P! Kalifornsky RM 16 P! RM 42 Unrestricted Be P! WY Morgan's P! P! NG H a LI Hole P! horsepower ch STER F RM 44 unn RM 30 P! y P! P! R P! RM 18 RM 24 iv P! er RM 50 R $ Soldotna $E o C P! a RM P! P! P! RM 46 P! d $ 20 P! RM 22 RM 47 Lower Kenai B ! P! P R P! P! Lower F P! u I RM 28 Skilak n V P! River Mainstem $ n E Killey D y RM 26 Sterling Hwy R P! RM 48 Lake ok k ± River (From the mouth to k e Bridge P! i e d r R a Miles Upper Sl ive o Funny River) C r R 0 1 2 Killey River That portion of the Kenai River between ADF&G regulatory markers 250 yards Special Regulations - Lower Kenai downstream from the upper breakwater at the Centennial Campground boat launch upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna: • May 1-July 31: That portion of the Kenai River between ADF&G regulatory markers located at C river mile 11 and river mile 12: • Closed to fishing from boats. •A July 1–July 31: Soldotna Centennial Campground boat launch lagoon: • Back-trolling prohibited. You may not sport fish for any species of fish • July 1–August 30: D from a vessel that is making upstream progress relative to the water with the • Closed to all fishing. aid of a motor . Funny River confluence area: The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about 300 yards downstream of the E The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about 1 mile downstream of the mouth of Slikok Creek upstream to ADF&G markers about 300 yards upstream mouth of Funny River upstream to ADF&G markers about 200 yards from the mouth of Slikok Creek: upstream from the mouth of the Funny River: B May 1–July 31: • May 1–July 31: • Closed to fishing for king salmon. • Closed to fishing for king salmon. • Closed to fishing from boats. • Closed to fishing from boats. • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see page 8 for definition of • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies. See page 8 for the definition of “artificial fly”). “artificial fly.” Morgan’s Hole: F• The Kenai River from an Lower Kenai River Mainstem (From Funny River upstream to Skilak Lake) ADF&G marker about 100 yards downstream from the landing at Morgan’s Hole (river mile 31) upstream to an ADF&G marker at the north section line of Section 28, T5N, R9W, Seward Meridian: • May 1-July 31: • Closed to fishing from boats.

Moose River confluence area: G• The Kenai River from ADF&G markers located approximately 100 yards downstream of the mouth of the Moose River, upstream to ADF&G markers located approximately 100 yards upstream of the mouth of the Moose River: • May 1-July 31: • Closed to fishing from boats. The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about 1 mile upstream from Skilak Lake: the mouth of the Lower Killey River upstream to Skilak Lake: Lower Killey River confluence area: • Closed to king salmon fishing. • The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about I • May 1–June 10: Closed to all fishing. H • Except that part of the lake ¾ mile downstream of the mouth of the Lower within ½ mile of the upper Kenai Skilak Lake outlet: Killey River upstream to an ADF&G marker River inlet: about 1 mile upstream from the mouth of the • The Kenai River from the swan sanctuary sign at the outlet J • Bait and multiple hooks allowed Lower Killey River: of Skilak Lake downstream approximately 3 miles to the year-round . • May 1–July 31: corresponding swan sanctuary sign near river mile 47: • August 1–December 31: • Refer to General Regulations on • Closed to fishing for king salmon. • Closed to fishing from an anchored vessel. “Anchored pages 50 and 51 for seasons and • Closed to fishing from boats. vessel” means using an anchor or any device other than limits . • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies oars, paddles or outboard motor to slow or stop a boat’s (see page 8 for definition of “artificial fly”). downstream drift .

KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 53 KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 54 Lower Kenai River Mainstem (Gear and Bait Regulations) RM = River Mile

Date Range: January 1–August 31 Date Range: September 1–December 31 From approximately River Mile 0 to River Mile 50 From approximately River Mile 0 to River Mile 46 (The mouth of the Kenai River upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Skilak Lake): (The mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the Upper Killey River):

January 1–June 30: Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly September 1–October 31: Bait and multiple hooks are allowed . is allowed . From approximately River Mile 46 to River Mile 50 From approximately River Mile 0 to River Mile 19 (The Upper Killey River upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Skilak Lake): (The mouth of the Kenai River to ADF&G markers 300 yards downstream from Slikok Creek): September 1–December 31: Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed . July 1–July 31: Bait is allowed, but anglers must still use only one single hook lure or fly. From approximately River Mile 0 to River Mile 39.5 (The mouth of the Kenai River upstream to Bings Landing): From approximately River Mile 19 to River Mile 50 (ADF&G markers 300 yards downstream from Slikok Creek to markers at Skilak Lake): November 1–November 30: Bait and multiple hooks are allowed .

July 1–July 31: Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly From approximately River Mile 39.5 to River Mile 50 is allowed . (Bings Landing upstream to ADF&G markers at Skilak Lake):

From approximately River Mile 0 to River Mile 50 November 1–December 31: Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly (The mouth of the Kenai River upstream to ADF&G markers at the outlet of Skilak Lake): is allowed . From approximately River Mile 0 to River Mile 50 August 1–August 31: Bait and multiple hooks are allowed . (The mouth of the Kenai upstream to ADF&G markers at Skilak Lake):

Selected areas near tributary streams have special tackle and king salmon regulations December 1–December 31: Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed . that override the gear restrictions in these tables. See Special Regulations. r e v i R

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r a i O!( Visitor Center o d t R n r d e e J s R *# t F Campground d u K r nny In areas where the Ln West 11 e e R Poppy n i r !( Day Use mi 95 N 13 a iv Funny River ver i 17 river bank is closed e 8 K R v Boat Launch P Campground i L to fishing, anglers R Riverbank Closed Jones O Keystone y M e 9 Drive R Q may fish while l July 1 through Aug. 15 Rd l S 12 14 16 i k k Soldotna SouthBank/ yl e 10 standing in the river K e i n dy r Visitor's Funny River r

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S u F 0 1.5 3 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 RIVERBANK CLOSURES 55 KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI RIVER RIVERBANK CLOSURES 56

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) S HANSEN RIVER RANCH South bank from river mile 31.5 to 32.5 25 Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Information Center 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 Alaska State Parks - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat U.S. Forest Service - Foot-Traffic Ferry, Boat Launch,Day-Use 19 Izaak Walton State Recreation Site 27 Russian River / Sportsman’s Landing Launch Picnic Area Alaska State Parks - Campground, Day-Use Picnic Area, Boat At the RUSSIAN RIVER FERRY/ North bank, upstream of the ferry crossing, between river 20 Bing’s Landing Y Launch SPORTSMAN’S LANDING miles 73.5 and 73.6 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 mi 1 mi 0 mi mi mi mi mi Peterson Lake teling mi mi mi 4 enai ational ildlife efuge Egumen Lake isitors nformation Center ussian ier Ferry mi 0 e ila Sportsmans anding Kelly Lake d a in e g

d n mi Jims Y Hidden Lake anding ussian ier 4 Campground .

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In areas where the river bank is closed to fishing, anglers may fish while standing in the river at least 10 feet from the shoreline. 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 - LOWER KENAI RIVER RIVERBANK CLOSURES 57 Kenai River Boat and Motor Regulations: Alaska State Parks 58

The Alaska State Legislature created the Kenai River Special Management Area in 1984 and charged Alaska State Parks with its management. Here are their boating regulations for the Kenai River, summarized for your convenience.

For more information on boat motor regulations on the Kenai River, call the Donald E. Gilman River Center at (907) 714-2470.

Horsepower Restrictions Alaska’s Boating Safety Law No one may operate a boat on the Kenai River upstream of a DNR marker located at REGISTRATION: In January 2011, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approximately river mile 4.2 (downstream of the Warren Ames Bridge) with outboard or assumed boat registration from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). combination of outboards having a total propshaft rating greater than 50 HP. Propshaft • All motorized boats must be registered, either with horsepower rating means the boat motor’s original manufacturer rated and labeled the DMV or as a vessel meeting documentation horsepower. Adding a jet drive unit to a motor does not change the propshaft horsepower requirements of the USCG. rating of the motor powerhead and driveshaft configuration. These horsepower limitations do not apply to the operation of a boat on Kenai Lake, on Skilak Lake, and on the Kenai • Registration card must be carried on board the boat. River between the Kenai Lake Bridge and river mile 80.7 (see maps on pgs. 50 and 59). SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS: State safety and equipment requirements are identical to USCG federal requirements, with the addition of the following: “All persons under 13 years of age must wear a USCG Four Stroke or Direct Fuel Inject Requirements approved life jacket while on the deck of a boat or in an open boat.” Regardless of time of year or motor horsepower, no one may operate a motorized boat Obtain a complete list of safety and equipment requirements and other on the Kenai River upstream of a DNR marker located at approximately river mile 4.2 vital boating safety information from the State Office of Boating Safety at (downstream of the Warren Ames Bridge) unless the motor is a four-stroke motor or a (907) 269-8705, or visit their website: www.alaskaboatingsafety.org. direct fuel injection motor. This includes boats operated on Kenai and Skilak Lakes.

Boat Length Requirements Passenger Limits Except on Kenai and Skilak lakes, no one may operate a motorized boat on the Kenai No more than 6 persons are allowed on board, including operator (except for guided River upstream of a DNR marker located (at approximately river mile 4.0) downstream vessels in July, below the outlet of Skilak Lake, which may have no more than 5 persons on board). of the Warren Ames bridge that exceeds overall boat size to no more than 21 feet long and 106 inches wide. Tying Up No one may tie up a boat to state land, easement, or rights-of-way for more Drift Areas, Motor Use Prohibited than 24 consecutive hours.  Operating a boat by use of a motor is prohibited year-round on the Kenai River, from Skilak Lake inlet upstream to river mile 80.7 (see maps on pages 50 and 59). Anchoring  From March 15 to June 14, operating a boat by use of a motor on the Kenai River No one may anchor a boat on the Kenai River that obstructs a primary traffic is also prohibited from river mile 47 upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake (see map channel or drift fishing channel. on page 54). General Regulations - Upper Kenai Upper Kenai River Inclusive waters: The mainstem Kenai River, from waters of Skilak Lake within a ½-mile radius of the river inlet upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge at the outlet of Kenai Lake, including the Russian River drainage . Unrestricted Horsepower Fishing is open June 11 - April 30 unless otherwise 5 mph maximum, no wake area noted below. Closed to all fishing May 1 - June 10. wed allo use KING SALMON tor mo • Closed to king salmon fishing. No a - re t A OTHER SALMON rif Methods and Means - Upper Kenai D • Coho salmon: See below for bag and possession limits .

• Season: July 1–October 31. Tackle Restrictions:

• A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is • Only one unbaited, single hook,

removed from the water must be retained and artificial lure or fly is allowed year- 0 3/8” 3/4” These are approximate becomes part of the bag limit of the person round . The gap between point and measurements. who originally hooked the fish. You must not Between markers located at the outlet of Kenai shank must be ⅜ inch or less. Lake downstream to river mile 80.7, a person may remove a coho salmon 16 inches or longer from not sport fish from a vessel during motor use or • In flowing waters, beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or the water before releasing it . after a motor has been used to propel that vessel bare hooks must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook or • Pink, chum and sockeye (red) salmon: on that same day. be free to slide on the entire length of the line or leader . • Season: June 11–April 30. River Bank Closures: • 16 inches or longer: ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN • There are special bank access regulations on the • Pink salmon: 6 per day, 6 in possession . • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . Kenai River . See pages 55–57 for public access points • Coho, Sockeye (red) and chum salmon: on the Kenai River . • 3 per day, 6 in possession, only 2 per day, ARCTIC GRAYLING Gear Restrictions: 2 in possession may be coho salmon • 5 per day, 5 in possession . through August 31 . (From September 1 • Salmon may be landed only with the aid of a landing through October 31, all 3 per day and 6 in BURBOT net or by hand . No gaffs are allowed . possession may be coho) . • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: 2 per day, 2 in • See page 58 for motorboat restrictions . • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession possession . Fishing from an anchored vessel: in combination . LAKE TROUT • Fishing from a vessel on the Kenai River when the RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . anchor is dragging is prohibited . If an anchor should • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches fail to hold the vessel in a fixed position, fishing must long . OTHER FINFISH immediately stop until the anchor is pulled or reset to • No limit . hold the vessel in a fixed position.

KENAI RIVER - UPPER KENAI RIVER 59 Closed to all fishing KENAIC RIVER - UPPER KENAI RIVER 60 en Closed to all fishing lfishingonl en

Upper Kenai River and Russianlf iRivershingon Confluencel Area B

! A section of the Kenai River upstream from ADF&G markers located

! downstream of the Kenai-Russian Ferry crossing, to ADF&G markers about

! 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing. This ! section includes the waters around the upstream end of the island in front of

! aes ! g telin the Russian River mouth. The section also includes the Russian River, from

*# its mouth upstream about 100 yards to ADF&G markers: ! IA • May 1–July 14: Closed to fishing for all species. K otsmans anding *# A e • July 15–August 20: Only artificial flies are allowed in these waters. n mi. a See description in map at left . i *#*# ! R IA R i B u • Sockeye or coho salmon: v ss er ian o Rive • July 15–August 20: Open to fishing. e enai ssian r ! ie e • 16 inches or longer: 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination . i ne Only 1 per day, 1 in possession may be coho salmon . • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . ! • There is no retention of sockeye in this section after August 20 .

Gear in Fly-Fishing-Only waters • Coho salmon:

iles ! • August 21–October 31: 16 inches or longer: 1 per day, 1 in • One unweighted,. single. hook, unbaited fly with gap between point and shank of3 �8” or less is allowed. The fly must weigh less than ¼ oz. Artificial flies are defined on page 8. 0 3/8” 3/4” possession . These are approximate

• If weights are used, they must be at least 18” ahead of the fly. measurements. • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession .

! Kenai mainstem outside of areas A and B !

Area A !

! ! The Kenai River upstream of the Powerline to ADF&G markers placed just downstream of the The mainstem Kenai River, from the Powerline (downstream! ferry crossing: boundary of Area A) downstream to the waters of Skilak Lake • June 11–August 20: Only artificial flies are allowed in these waters. See description in map above . within a ½-mile radius of the river inlet: • General Regulations listed on page 59 apply in this section . • May 1–June 10: Closed to all fishing. • Coho salmon: • July 1–October 31: Open to fishing. Kenai River upstream from ADF&G markers about 300 yards • Sockeye salmon: • 16 inches or longer: 1 per day, 1 in possession . upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing to • June 11–August 20: Open to fishing. • From July 1–August 20 when sockeye the Sterling Highway Bridge at the outlet of Kenai Lake: • 16 inches or longer: 3 per day, 6 in possession . and coho can be retained, the coho limit • General Regulations listed on page 59 apply in this section . is not in addition to the sockeye limit . • Between markers located at the outlet of Kenai Lake • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . For example, an angler may retain 2 • There is no retention of sockeye in this section sockeye and 1 coho per day . downstream to river mile 80.7, a person may not sport fish from a vessel during motor use or after a motor has been used after August 20 . • Less than 16 inches:10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . to propel that vessel on that same day . See map on page 59 .

KENAI RIVER - - RIVER KENAI

UPPER KENAI RIVER KENAI UPPER 61

. 59 page on shown are species other for limits Daily •

k e e r C

Closed to all salmon fishing. fishing. salmon all to Closed •

t a o G

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. 31 1–August August from and 10 1–June May from closed is species all for Fishing •

s d ±

must be ⅜ inch or less. or inch ⅜ be must

Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed year allowed is fly or lure artificial hook, single unbaited, one Only • -round. The gap between point and shank shank and point between gap The -round.

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with Upper Russian Lake: Lake: Russian Upper with n a i s s u R r e p p U

— — Upper Russian/Goat Creek Russian/Goat Upper • upstream from ADF&G markers about 300 yards upstream from its confluence confluence its from upstream yards 300 about markers ADF&G from upstream

Dolly Varden limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 may be 20 inches or longer or inches 20 be may 1 only possession, in 2 day, per 2 limits: Varden Dolly • .

Rainbow/steelhead trout limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 may be 20 inches or longer. longer. or inches 20 be may 1 only possession, in 2 day, per 2 limits: trout Rainbow/steelhead •

. year-round is Lakes Russian Upper and Lower in species other all for season Open • R

Lower and Upper Russian Lakes are closed year-round to all salmon fishing. fishing. salmon all to year-round closed are Lakes Russian Upper and Lower •

l s

must be ⅜ inch or less. or inch ⅜ be must u

i Lower and Upper Russian Lakes: Russian Upper and Lower •

. 59 page on shown are species other for limits Daily •

must be ⅜ inch or less. or inch ⅜ be must e n a

Open to fishing for species other than salmon. salmon. than other species for fishing to Open 30: 11–April June • g n i h s i f n o m l a s l l a o t d e s o l C

Closed to all salmon fishing. salmon all to Closed •

s e a

#* The Russian River Upstream from an ADF&G marker about 600 yards downstream of the falls: the of downstream yards 600 about marker ADF&G an from Upstream River Russian The •

e k a L . 59 page on shown are species other for limits Daily •

n a i s s u R r e w o L . possession in 6 day, per 3 •

Open to fishing for sockeye. sockeye. for fishing to Open 20: 11–August June •

Sockeye salmon: salmon: Sockeye

### •

. it releasing before water the from longer or

s l l a the bag limit of the person who originally hooked the fish. You must not remove a coho salmon 16 inches inches 16 salmon coho a remove not must You fish. the hooked originally who person the of limit bag the

e A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is removed from the water must be retained and becomes part of of part becomes and retained be must water the from removed is that longer or inches 16 salmon coho A •

s d e

r ##

. possession in 1 day, per 1 • C

Open to fishing for coho. coho. for fishing to Open 30: 1–September July •

o Coho salmon: salmon: Coho •

description of allowable gear in fly-fishing-only waters. fly-fishing-only in gear allowable of description

e l i g n Only artificial flies are allowed. See inset description on map on previous page for a for page previous on map on description inset See allowed. are flies artificial Only 20: 11–August June •

Closed to all fishing. fishing. all to Closed 10: 1–June May •

marker located 600 yards downstream of the falls: the of downstream yards 600 located marker

Russian River Drainage River Russian The Russian River from an ADF&G marker located 100 yards upstream of its mouth to an ADF&G ADF&G an to mouth its of upstream yards 100 located marker ADF&G an from River Russian The • Russian River: Russian KENAI LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES 62

y w H General Regulations - Kenai Lake and Tributaries rd a w Se Inclusive waters: Kenai Lake and all other lakes of the Kenai Lake drainage, and all flowing waters tributary to Kenai Lake. Johnson k Q e uar e Lake r Fishing for all species is open year-round in lakes and ponds unless tz C C otherwise noted below. k. on ns Trail Creek Fishing for all species is closed from May 1 - June 10 in all flowing waters oh Jerome Lake J unless otherwise noted below. Mile 40.9 Tern Lake Upper Trail Lakes KING SALMON Cooper Landing • Closed year-round to fishing for king salmon. Grant Lake cent es C OTHER SALMON Cr k Carter Sterling Hwy D Lake • Closed year-round to fishing for salmon. ry Crescent C C RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT KEN AI RI V ER oo k. Lake Vagt Lake pe r Lower Trail Lake • In flowing waters: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long.

C K k e • In unstocked lakes: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer. Lower . na a i Ptarmigan Russian i • In stocked lakes: 5 per day, 5 in possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or Lake Lake longer . See pages 88–89 for a list of stocked lakes in this section . Cooper LLaakkee • 20 inches or longer: Lake Para• disTheree is a total annual limit of 2 rainbow/steelhead trout 20 inches or Lakeslonger taken north of the latitude of Point Adam, from the waters of the Upper Victor Ck. following areas: West Cook Inlet, Susitna River Drainage, Knik Arm, Ru Russian Anchorage Bowl, Kenai Lake drainages, Kenai River tributaries, and Kenai ss . ia Lake k . n e C k Peninsula . R s C o i r v rim e • If you retain a rainbow/steelhead trout 20 inches or longer must e P n r i immediately record that harvest . See page 5 for recording instructions . up iver c Snow R or ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN P Kenai Lake Tributaries • In flowing waters: 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long. • In lakes and ponds: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer. Kenai Lake Sou th ARCTIC GRAYLING For k Sn • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: 5 per day, 5 in possession. ow Miles See Quartz Creek open R seasons page 63 . 0 3 6 ...continued General Regulations (cont.) - Special Regulations - Kenai Lake and Tributaries Kenai Lake and Tributaries Kenai Lake and Tributaries LAKE TROUT Crescent Creek drainage—including Crescent Lake: • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: • June 11–April 30: Open to fishing for species • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . other than salmon . • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . • Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession . BURBOT Kenai Lake within ¼ mile of all inlet streams: • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: 2 per day, 2 in • June 11–April 30: Open to fishing for species possession . other than salmon . OTHER FINFISH • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: No limit. Kenai Lake outlet: • Kenai Lake within ¼ mile above the Sterling Methods and Means - Highway bridge at the outlet of the lake: Kenai Lake and Tributaries • June 11–April 30: Open to fishing for species other than salmon . Bait Restrictions: Quartz Creek: • In Kenai Lake (except within ¼ mile of all inlet • Upstream of the Sterling Hwy. bridge (Mile 40.9): streams): • June 11–September 14: Open to fishing for • Bait and multiple hooks are allowed year-round . species other than salmon . • Within ¼ mile of all inlet streams of Kenai Lake • November 1–April 30: Open to fishing for and on the Kenai River from the Sterling Highway species other than salmon . bridge upstream approximately ¼ mile to ADF&G markers located at the outlet of Kenai Lake: • Downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge: • Only one unbaited, single hook artificial lure or fly • June 11–April 30: Open to fishing for species with a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or other than salmon . less is allowed year-round . Snow River drainage: • In all flowing waters of the Kenai Lake drainages: • South Fork: • Beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare hooks • June 11–September 14: Open to fishing for must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook, or be free species other than salmon . to slide on the entire length of the line or leader . • November 1–April 30: Open to fishing for • Only one unbaited, single species other than salmon . Kenai Lake (except within ¼ mile of all inlet streams): hook artificial lure or • Remainder of drainage: • Open year-round to fishing for species other than fly with a gap between 0 3/8” 3/4” salmon . point and shank of 3/8 inch or These are approximate • June 11–April 30: Open to fishing for species measurements. • Bait and multiple hooks are allowed year-round . less is allowed year-round . other than salmon .

KENAI LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES 63 KENAI RIVER - KENAI RIVER TRIBUTARIES 64

RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT k ee • In flowing waters: r Miles C 0 2.5 5 r • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than e v

a 16 inches long . e B er Kenai • In lakes and ponds: Salamatof Riv se Lake o • 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 fish may be o Sterling Hwy 20 inches or longer . M Cooper Kenai Sterling J e Landing • 20 inches or longer: Jean an . r K C a C n e t r. o d n l Lk. o • There is a total annual limit of 2 rainbow/ S ai Hidden

Cooper Cr. S R

L i Lk. steelhead trout 20 inches or longer taken north

l Soldotna . v

i e r K of the latitude of Point Adam, from the waters k

o i k l of the following areas: West Cook Inlet, Susitna ley Skilak Lake Hidden Cr. C

r River Drainage, Knik Arm, Anchorage Bowl, e R

e iv Russian River k F U Kenai Lake drainages, Kenai River tributaries, u e Cooper n r p n p Lk. and Kenai Peninsula . y e R r i K v • If you retain a rainbow/steelhead trout 20 e i l r ley inches or longer, you must immediately R record that harvest . See page 5 for recording iv Kenai River Tributaries e r instructions . Kasilof LAKE TROUT KING SALMON • In flowing waters: General Regulations - Tributaries • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . • Closed year-round to fishing for king salmon. Inclusive waters: Tributaries of the Kenai River between • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . the outlet of Kenai Lake and the mouth of the Kenai OTHER SALMON BURBOT River (except those noted below): • In flowing waters: • In flowing waters, lakes and ponds: • Closed year-round to fishing for all salmon. • 2 per day, 2 in possession . Fishing for all species is open year-round in lakes and ponds unless otherwise noted below. Fishing for all • In lakes and ponds: OTHER FINFISH species is closed from May 1 - June 10 in all flowing • 10 per day, 10 in possession—must be less than • In flowing waters, lakes and ponds: No limit. waters unless otherwise noted below. 16 inches in length . Methods and Means - Tributaries ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN Upper Kenai River tributaries are those that join the • In flowing waters: Tackle Restrictions: Kenai River between Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, and • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than • In all flowing waters of the Kenai River tributaries: DOES NOT include the Russian River, the mainstem 16 inches long . • Only one unbaited, single hook, Kenai River, or Skilak Lake . • In lakes and ponds: artificial lure or fly with a gap between point and shank of 3/8 0 3/8” 3/4” • 2 per day, 2 in possession, only 1 fish may be inch or less is allowed year-round . These are approximate 20 inches or longer . measurements. Lower Kenai River tributaries are those that join • Beads fished ahead of flies, Skilak Lake and the Kenai River between Skilak Lake and ARCTIC GRAYLING lures, or bare hooks must be Cook Inlet, and DOES NOT include the mainstem Kenai • In lakes, ponds and flowing waters: fixed within 2 inches of the hook, or be free to slide River or Skilak Lake . • 5 per day, 5 in possession . on the entire length of the line or leader . Special Regulations - Special Regulations - Lower Kenai River Tributaries Upper Kenai River Tributaries

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 Skilak Lake and Kenai Lake, and and Cook Inlet, and DOES NOT include the mainstem DOES NOT include the Russian River, the mainstem Kenai River or Skilak Lake . Moose River & Confluence Area Kenai River, or Skilak Lake . Funny River Cooper Creek: • May 1-July 31: Closed to all fishing . In areas where the river bank is closed • June 11 -September 14: Open to fishing for all • August 1 - April 30: Open to fishing for all species to fishing, anglers species except salmon . except salmon . may fish while • November 1-April 30: Open to fishing for all standing in the river at least 10 feet from species except salmon . Killey River: the shoreline. • May 1-June 10 and September 15-October 31: • May 1-July 31: Closed to all fishing . Closed to all fishing . • August 1 - April 30: Open to fishing for all species except salmon . Cooper Lake: • Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: 5 per day, 5 in Moose River drainage: possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer. • From its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the upstream edge of the Sterling Highway bridge: Hidden Lake drainage: • May 1-July 31: Only artificial flies are allowed • Lake trout limits: 1 per day, 1 in possession— in these waters . See page 8 for a description of must be less than 16 inches in length . allowable gear . • Closed year-round to salmon fishing . • Closed year-round to fishing for king salmon. • Closed year-round to burbot fishing . • Open to fishing for all other species following the Lower Kenai River Mainstem General Regulations . Hidden Lake

• Remainder of drainage: d e a ila • May 1-July 31: Closed to all fishing . • August 1 - April 30: Open to fishing for all species except salmon . Closed to salmon fishing

e r

Slikok Creek: C

d • May 1-July 31: Closed to all fishing . i

H • August 1 - April 30: Open to fishing for all species except salmon . Hidden± Creek iles Skilak Lake . KENAI RIVER - KENAI RIVER TRIBUTARIES 65