Sockeye bag limits increase on the Kenai and Russian rivers; Kasilof dipnet fishery expands

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has increased the bag limit for sockeye salmon on the Russian River and a section of the Upper Kenai River.

Effective Thursday, the limit was raised to six fish per day and 12 in possession. The new regulation is effective through July 14.

According to Fish and Game, the “section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River includes the area that extends from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing (this includes the Russian River Sanctuary Area) and the Russian River from its mouth upstream to a ADF&G marker located approximately 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls.”

Meanwhile, a number of personal use fisheries will be active over the next week in the state. On Friday, the Kasilof River personal use dipnet fishery area will be expanded.

Dipnetting from the shore will be permitted from Fish and Game markers on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge on the Kasilof River. Dipnetting from a boat is allowed from Fish and Game markers located on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to markers at approximately river mile 3 of the Kasilof River.

The expanded zone will be available through Aug. 7 as escapement goals are projected to be exceeded.

Anglers on the Kasilof will also have a higher bag limit starting Friday. For sockeye 16 inches or more the limit is six fish per day and 12 fish in possession. The limit for coho salmon in all portions of the Kasilof River is no more than two per day and two in possession.