Kenai River 2018 Complete Southcentral Regional Booklet

Home , Kenai Lake, Snow River, Soldotna Airport

Kenai River Drainage

Kenai Lake drainages 62-63 P Upper Kenai River mainstem a 59-61 and the Russian River g e Lower Kenai River mainstem s 50-57 and Skilak Lake

Kenai River Tributaries (pages 64-65) Kenai Spur Rd Lower Kenai River Mainstem Kenai Fishing from a vessel when Moose Miles River the anchor0 is1 dragging2 RM 10 is prohibited. If an anchor COOK RM 2 RM 36 RM 6 RM 12

Scout should fail to hold the vessel

INLET Warren Ames KENAI Bridge in a fixed position, fishing Loop Rd Loop RM 38 Lake must immediately stop until RM 8 RM 4 RM 40 the anchor is pulled or reset RM 14 RM 34 RM 32 to again hold the vessel in a Kalifornsky RM 16 RM 42 fixed position. Beach Morgan's STERLING HWY Hole Funny River RM 44 ! RM 30 RM 18 RM 24 RM 50 Road Soldotna RM RM 47 20 RM 22 RM 46 RIVER Lower Funny RM 28 Killey Skilak RM 26 RM 48 Sterling Hwy River Lake Bridge River Upper Slikok Creek Road Killey General Regulations - Lower Kenai River • King salmon 20 inches or longer: River • 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 61 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. The Fishing Season for all species is open year-round unless otherwise noted below. • A king salmon 20 inches or longer that is removed from salt or fresh water KING SALMON must be retained and becomes part of the bag limit of the person who originally • Kenai River—from its 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 the outlet of Skilak Lake: may, on that same day, 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 . • Anglers who keep a king salmon 20 inches or longer (except for kings measuring • January 1–July 31: No person may possess a king salmon that is filleted or 20-28 inches in length - mentioned in bold above) must immediately record that disfigured to prevent measurement until the fish has been permanently fof loaded harvest . See page 5 for 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 (see table below) . 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 • 16 inches or longer: 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination . inches in length are not included in this annual limit. • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination .

KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 51 KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 52

COHO SALMON Methods and Means - Lower Kenai • No retention of coho January 1–June 30 and November 30–December 31. • 16 inches or longer: Landing a salmon: • From 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, an angler 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 . Drift-only Mondays (downstream of Skilak Lake): • From September 1–November 30: • Downstream from the outlet of Skilak Lake: • 3 per day, 6 in possession in combination (all 3 may be coho) . • Mondays, May 1–July 31 (except Memorial Day): • Fishing for coho salmon is closed November 1–June 30 upstream of Bings Landing . • A coho salmon 16 inches or longer that is removed from fresh water must be retained and becomes part • Between the outlet of Skilak Lake and the Sterling of the bag limit of the person who originally hooked the fish. A person may not remove a coho salmon Highway bridge in Soldotna: 16 inches or longer from the water before releasing it . • Closed to fishing from any motorized vessel (a • After taking a bag limit of coho (silver) salmon from the Kenai River, a person may not fish in the motorized vessel is one that has a motor on board) . Kenai River downstream from the Soldotna Bridge on that same day . Motors may be used to transport anglers to shore • Less than 16 inches: fishing locations, but anglers may not fish from any • From July 1–November 30: vessel that has a motor on board . • 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination . • Between the Sterling Hwy bridge and the mouth of the • Fishing for coho salmon is closed November 1–June 30 upstream of Bings Landing . Kenai River: PINK SALMON • Closed to sport fishing from any motorized vessel • Fishing for pink salmon is open the entire year unless otherwise noted below . that has on board more than one single motor • 16 inches or longer: 6 per day, 6 in possession . greater than 10 hp . A motor 10 hp or less may be • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . used only downstream of an ADF&G marker at RAINBOW/STEELHEAD TROUT Cunningham Park, and only after fishing from the vessel has stopped for the day . • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN Gear Restrictions: • 1 per day, 1 in possession, must be less than 16 inches long . • In flowing waters, beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare ARCTIC GRAYLING hooks must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook or be free • 5 per day, 5 in possession . sliding on the entire length of the line or leader . LAKE TROUT • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . BURBOT Get the latest fishing info emailed to you. Sign up at: www.wefishak.alaska.gov • 2 per day, 2 in possession . OTHER FINFISH Fishing Reports News Releases Emergency Orders • No limit . General Regulations - Lower Kenai (continued) Special Regulations - Lower Kenai

The following gear restrictions are listed in upstream progression from the mouth of the Special Regulations are listed in upstream progression from the mouth of the Kenai River to Skilak Lake. Selected areas near tributary streams have special tackle and Kenai River to, and including, Skilak Lake. Refer to the map on the next page for king salmon regulations that override the gear restrictions below. See Special Regulations. locations related to these special regulations. That portion of the Kenai River between ADF&G regulatory markers located at From the mouth of the Kenai River to ADF&G regulatory marker at Skilak Lake: river mile 11 and river mile 12: • January 1–June 30: •A July 1–July 31: • Back-trolling prohibited. A person may not sport fish for any species of • Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed. fish from a vessel that is making upstream progress relative to the water From the mouth of the Kenai River to ADF&G regulatory markers located about 300 yd with the aid of a motor . downstream of the mouth of Slikok Creek: The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about 300 yd downstream of the • July 1–July 31: mouth of Slikok Creek upstream to ADF&G markers about 300 yd upstream • Bait is allowed, but anglers must still use only one, single hook lure or fly. from the mouth of Slikok Creek: The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about 300 yd downstream of the mouth of •B May 1–July 31: Slikok Creek upstream to an ADF&G marker at the outlet of Skilak Lake: • Closed to fishing for king salmon. • July 1–July 31: • Closed to fishing from boats. • Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed. • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see page 8 for definition of “artificial fly”). From the mouth of the Kenai River to an ADF&G regulatory marker at Skilak Lake: • August 1–August 31: That portion of the Kenai River between ADF&G regulatory markers 250 yd downstream from the upper breakwater at the Centennial Campground boat • Bait and multiple hooks allowed . launch upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge in Soldotna: From the mouth of the Kenai River to the Upper Killey River: • May 1-July 31: C • September 1–October 31: • Closed to fishing from boats. • Bait and multiple hooks allowed . Soldotna Centennial Campground boat launch lagoon: From the mouth of the Kenai River to Bings Landing: • July 1–August 30: D • November 1–November 30: • Closed to all fishing. • Bait and multiple hooks allowed . Funny River confluence area: From Bings Landing to an ADF&G regulatory marker at Skilak Lake: • The Kenai River from ADF&G markers about 1 mile downstream of E • November 1–December 31: the mouth of Funny River upstream to ADF&G markers about 200 yd • Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed. upstream from the mouth of the Funny River: The Kenai River from the Upper Killey River upstream to an ADF&G regulatory • May 1–July 31: marker at Skilak Lake: • Closed to fishing for king salmon. • September 1–December 31: • Closed to fishing from boats. • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see page 8 for the definition • Only one unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly is allowed. of “artificial fly”).

KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 53 KENAI RIVER - LOWER KENAI MAINSTEM 54

Fishing from a vessel when the anchor is dragging is prohibited. If an anchor should fail to hold the vessel in a fixed Kenai Spu r Rd ! position, fishing must immediately stop until the anchor is pulled or reset to again hold the vessel in a fixed position. Kenai Back-trolling Prohibited Moose P! $ P! G P! River RM 10 P! P! P! d P! COOK RM 2 $ RM 12 RM 36 P! Seasonal drift area

A R RM 6

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INLET WaP! rren Ames K The Pillars no motor use o

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u L P! P! March 15 - June 14 N P! t RM 38 P! P! P! A Lake (see page 75) P! I P! P! RM 8 P! RM 4 RM 40 P! P! and no fishing from P! RM 14 RM 34 P! RM 32 P! an anchored vessel Kalifornsky RM 16 P! RM 42 Be P! P! $ Unrestricted ! Aug. 1 - Dec. 31 HWY Morgan's P $F H a NG LI Hole P! horsepower ch STER F RM 44 unny RM 30 P! 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 B ! P! P R P! P! Lower F P! u I RM 28 Skilak n V $ P! n E Killey I y RM 26 k Sterling Hwy R P! RM 48 Lake Lower Kenai k o ± River k e Bridge P! $ i e R d J r i a Miles Upper Sl ve o River Mainstem C r R 0 1 2 Killey River

Morgan’s Hole: Lower Killey River confluence area: Skilak Lake outlet: J• The Kenai River from the swan sanctuary F• The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about H• The Kenai River from an ADF&G marker about 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: paddles or outboard motor to slow or stop • Fishing is allowed using only artificial flies (see a boat’s downstream drift . G• The Kenai River from ADF&G markers located page 8 for definition of “artificial fly”). 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 mile Skilak Lake: located approximately 100 yd upstream of the upstream from the mouth of the Lower Killey River up- • Closed to king salmon fishing. mouth of the Moose River: stream to Skilak Lake: • Except that part of the lake within ½ mile of the • May 1-July 31: •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 . • Refer to general regulations on pages 51 and 52 for seasons and limits . 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 .

R enai eys n a In areas wherei the 1 s

s r 3 idden ae u e ower Sila river bank is closed v R i hompsons ole ae Campground Campground R to fishing, anglers

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w Killey at least 10 feet from o *# Camgond

L River pper Sila (! a se the shoreline. ae Campground oat anh iean Closed Skilak Lake l thogh g. ± iles q See map to the west See on previous page

In areas where the q 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 71). 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 .

The Fishing Season is open June 11 - April 31 unless Unrestricted Horsepower otherwise noted below. Closed to all fishing May 1 - wed allo 5 mph maximum, no wake area June 10. use tor mo KING SALMON No a - • Closed to king salmon fishing. re t A rif D OTHER SALMON

• Coho salmon: See info below for bag and possession limits .

• Season: July 1–October 31 .

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

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 • Fishing for all species is closed from May 1–July 14 . K otsmans anding *# A e • From July 15–August 20, these waters are fly-fishing-only waters. n mi. a See description in map at left . i *#*# ! R IA R i B u • Sockeye or coho salmon: ve ss r ian • Season: July 15–August 20 . o Rive 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 in combination .

! • There is no retention of sockeye in this section after August 20 .

Gear in Fly-Fishing-Only waters • Coho salmon: iles ! • From August 21–October 31: 16 inches or longer: 1 per day, • 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 92. 1 in possession .

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

! Kenai mainstem outside of areas A and B !

Area A !

! !

The mainstem Kenai River, from the Powerline (downstream! The Kenai River upstream of the Powerline to ADF&G markers placed just downstream of the boundary of Area A) downstream to the waters of Skilak Lake ferry crossing: within a ½-mile radius of the river inlet: • From June 11–August 20, these waters are fly-fishing-only waters. See description in map above. • General sport fishing regulations listed on page 59 apply • Closed to all fishing from May 1–June 10. • Coho salmon: in this section . • Season: July 1–October 31 . 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 • Season: June 11–August 20 . • 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 sport fishing regulations listed on page 59 apply is not in addition to the sockeye limit . in this section . • Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . For example, an angler may retain 2 • Between markers located at the outlet of Kenai Lake down- • There is no retention of sockeye in this section sockeye and 1 coho per day . stream to river mile 80.7, a person may not sport fish from after August 20 . • Less than 16 inches:10 per day, 10 in possession a vessel during motor use or after a motor has been used to in combination . 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 •

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

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

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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 single-hook, unbaited, one Only • -round. The gap between point and shank shank and point between gap The -round.

e k a L

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 •

Closed to all fishing from May 1–June 10. 1–June May from fishing all to Closed • e n a

g n i h s i f l l a o t d e s o l C Closed to all salmon fishing. salmon all to Closed •

must be ⅜ inch or less. or inch ⅜ be must g n i h s i f n o m l a s l l a o t d e s o l C

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 •

June 11–August 20: 20: 11–August June Season: •

Sockeye salmon: salmon: Sockeye

### •

. it releasing before water the from longer or inches

s l l a of the bag limit of the person who originally hooked the fish. A person may not remove a coho salmon 16 16 salmon coho a remove not may person A fish. the hooked originally who person the of limit bag the of

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

s d e

r ##

. possession in 1 day, per 1 • C

July 1–September 30: 30: 1–September July Season: •

o Coho salmon: salmon: Coho •

page for a description of allowable gear in fly-fishing-only waters. fly-fishing-only in gear allowable of description a for page

e l i g n From June 11–August 20, these waters are fly-fishing-only waters. See inset description on map on previous previous on map on description inset See waters. fly-fishing-only are waters these 20, 11–August June From •

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

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 The Fishing Season for all species is open year-round in lakes and ponds tz C C unless otherwise noted below. k. on ns Trail Creek The Fishing Season for all species is closed from May 1 - June 10 in all oh Jerome Lake J flowing waters unless otherwise noted below. Mile 40.9 Tern Lake Upper Trail Lakes KING SALMON Cooper Landing • Closed to king salmon fishing. Grant Lake cent es C OTHER SALMON Cr k Carter Sterling Hwy D Lake • Closed to all salmon fishing. 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 (see pages 86–87 for a list of stocked lakes): 5 per day, 5 in Lake Lake possession, only 1 fish may be 20 inches or longer. 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 • Anglers who keep a rainbow/steelhead trout 20 inches or longer must im- e P n r i mediately 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 Se w General Regulations (cont.) - a Special Regulations - rd H Kenai Lake and Tributaries Kenai Lake and Tributaries w y k e y Crescent Creek drainage—including LAKE TROUT e Hw r ing C erl Crescent Lake: • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: z St rt a • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . u Q • Closed to all salmon fishing. • Less than 20 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession . • Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day/2 in r BURBOT C possession . es • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: 2 per day, 2 in av D d within ¼ mile of all inlet streams: R Kenai Lake possession . r ek C e z r • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. OTHER FINFISH rt C d t a en R u c Q s Kenai Lake outlet: • In lakes, ponds and all flowing waters: No limit. p re a C

G • Kenai Lake within ¼ mile above the n a Sterling Highway bridge at the outlet of i s Methods and Means - s the lake: u Kenai Lake and Tributaries R • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. Quartz Creek: Bait Restrictions: • Upstream of the Sterling Highway • In Kenai Lake (except within ¼ mile of all inlet bridge ( Mile 40.9): streams): C • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 D r • Bait and multiple hooks are allowed year-round . r e and September 15-October 31. y s C c r e • Within ¼ mile of all inlet streams of Kenai Lake ee n • Closed to all salmon fishing. k t and on the Kenai River from the Sterling Highway L a k • Downstream of the Sterling Highway bridge upstream approximately ¼ mile to ADF&G e bridge: markers located at the outlet of Kenai Lake: • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. • Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure or fly Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. • Closed to all salmon fishing. with a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or K less is allowed year-round . e Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 Snow River drainage: nai • In all flowing waters of the Kenai Lake drainages: and September 15-October 15. • South Fork: • Beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare hooks L ak • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook, or be and September 15-October 31. free to slide on the entire length of the line or e • Closed to all salmon fishing. leader . • Remainder of drainage: • Only one unbaited, single-hook artificial lure or fly • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. with a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or Miles less is allowed year-round . 0 1 2 • Closed to all salmon fishing.

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

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

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

Cooper Cr. S R

L i Lk.

l Soldotna . v head trout 20 inches or longer taken north of the

i e r K

o latitude of Point Adam, from the waters of the i

k l ley Skilak Lake Hidden Cr. C following areas: West Cook Inlet, Susitna River

e R

e Drainage, Knik Arm, Anchorage Bowl, Kenai i Russian River k F v u e U Cooper n r p Lake drainages, Kenai River tributaries, and n p Lk. y e R r Kenai Peninsula . i K v e i l r ley • Anglers who keep a rainbow/steelhead trout 20

R inches or longer must immediately record that iv Kenai River Tributaries e r harvest . See page 5 for recording instructions . Kasilof LAKE TROUT KING SALMON • In flowing waters: General Regulations - Tributaries • 20 inches or longer: 2 per day, 2 in possession . • Closed to king salmon fishing. 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 to all salmon fishing. • 2 per day, 2 in possession . The Fishing Season for all species is open year-round • In lakes and ponds: in lakes and ponds unless otherwise noted below. The OTHER FINFISH fishing season for all species is closed from May 1 - June • 10 per day, 10 in possession—must be less than • In flowing waters, lakes and ponds: No limit. 10 in all flowing waters unless otherwise noted below. 16 inches in length . ARCTIC CHAR/DOLLY VARDEN Methods and Means - Tributaries Upper Kenai River tributaries are those that join the • In flowing waters: Kenai River between Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake, and • 1 per day, 1 in possession—must be less than Tackle Restrictions: DOES NOT include the Russian River, the mainstem 16 inches long . • In all flowing waters of the Kenai River tributaries: Kenai River, or Skilak Lake . • In lakes and ponds: • Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure or • 2 per day, 2 in possession—only 1 fish may be fly with a gap between point and shank of 3/8 inch or less is allowed year-round . Lower Kenai River tributaries are those that join 20 inches or longer . Skilak Lake and the Kenai River between Skilak Lake and ARCTIC GRAYLING • Beads fished ahead of flies, lures, or bare hooks must be fixed within 2 inches of the hook, or be free Cook Inlet, and DOES NOT include the mainstem Kenai • In lakes, ponds and flowing waters: River or Skilak Lake . to slide on the entire length of the line or leader . • 5 per day, 5 in possession . 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 In areas where the Cooper Creek: river bank is closed • Closed to all fishing May 1-July 31. to fishing, anglers • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10 and • Closed to all salmon fishing. may fish while September 15-October 31. standing in the river • Closed to all salmon fishing. at least 10 feet from Killey River: the shoreline. Cooper Lake: • Closed to all fishing May 1-July 31. • Closed to all salmon fishing. • Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: 5 per day, 5 in possession, only 1 fish 20 inches or longer. Moose River drainage: Hidden Lake drainage: • From its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the upstream edge of the Sterling Highway • Closed to all salmon fishing. bridge: • Closed year-round to burbot fishing. • Anglers must use artificial flies in these waters • Lake trout limits: 1 per day, 1 in possession—must May 1-July 31 . See page 7 for a description of be less than 16 inches in length . allowed gear . Hidden Lake • Closed year-round to fishing for king salmon.

d e • Open to fishing for all other species following the a ila Lower Kenai River Mainstem General Seasons and Limits . Closed to salmon fishing • Remainder of drainage:

k • Closed to all fishing May 1-June 10. e e r

• Closed year-round to all salmon fishing. n e

d i

H Slikok Creek: • Closed to all fishing May 1-July 31. • Closed to all salmon fishing. ± iles Skilak Lake . Hidden Creek

KENAI RIVER - KENAI RIVER TRIBUTARIES 65