Early King Fishing (May & June) on the Kenai River just got a little bit more fun--as if it wasn't already one of the hottest fisheries in the world! Starting in 2008, anglers can now retain King Salmon up to 46", versus the old limit of 44" which had been in place for years. The run is healthy and stocks are getting bigger, so ADF&G has finally liberalized this fishery a little.
The bottom line? This puts you into fish during the early run approaching 50 pounds, which in the past were only retainable during the late run in July. Good news for all of us, as we release an awful lot of fish right at 44 or 45 inches each summer.
In addition, Fish & Game has increased the size on "Jack" Kings (premature returning male salmon) to anything under 28", allowing anglers to retain these 15~25 pound fish without it counting against their seasonal limit of two
Kenai River Kings. The fine print you ask? Retention in May or June of a fish between 20"~28" will require you to still put your pole down for the day, at least as far as fishing Kings from a boat on the Kenai, oh well, you can always head to the
Kasilof, Anchor River, Deep Creek, or Ninilchik River if you haven't had enough for one day!
Finally, on a related regulation note, the Kenai River late
SILVER SALMON run daily bag limit, starting September 1, 2008, has been raised to 3 fish from 2. Good news for those of us who really enjoy a peaceful day on the water in fall, fishing these incredible 10~20 pound Silvers amidst the beauty of
Alaska's Autumn. Read up on all the details for
2008 Regulation Changeson our website.
