Kenai Report

July 3, 2026

With the closure of Ship Creek until July 14, head to the Kenai Peninsula. Sockeye fishing continues to be excellent on the Russian and Kasilof Rivers, and rainbow trout fishing on the Kenai River remains productive between salmon runs.  Flossing is the technique to use on those rivers and we give you a lesson when you rent your gear.  

This Week's Highlights from Alaska Fish and Game

• Russian River: Sockeye fishing remains excellent. Trout fishing has also been productive using beads, flesh flies, nymphs, epoxy fry, and dry flies.
• Kasilof River: Sockeye fishing continues to improve, with anglers regularly catching limits. King salmon fishing is now closed.
• Kenai River: Rainbow trout fishing has been very good. Leeches, flesh flies, and beads continue to produce fish.
• Russian River Sanctuary: The sanctuary area is now open.
• Sockeye Limits: Increased sockeye limits on the Russian River and Upper Kenai River remain in effect through July 14.

Local Stocked Lakes

If you're looking for an easier day of fishing or introducing someone new to the sport, local stocked lakes continue to fish well.

• Sport Lake (Soldotna)
• Johnson Lake (Kasilof)
• Summit Lake (Turnagain Pass)
• Crescent Lake for Arctic Grayling

Seward Report

The Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon king salmon run has slowed, but anglers continue to catch fish both inside the lagoon and along the outside shoreline during incoming tides.

Best Baits:

• Salmon roe under a bobber
• Herring
• Spinners

⚠️ Closures & Emergency Orders

Before heading out, be sure to review the latest Alaska Department of Fish & Game emergency orders.

• Anchor River and Deep Creek sport fishing restrictions
• Cook Inlet king salmon restrictions
• Ninilchik River king salmon restrictions
• Cook Inlet razor clam permit requirements

We'll update this report every Friday throughout the fishing season with the latest conditions from the Kenai Peninsula.