Updated August 2, 2026.

Here’s where things stand on the Kenai and Kasilof rivers right now. As always, this report is built around current conditions and the latest numbers ADF&G has posted, so you know what to expect before you book or head out.

Kasilof River

The Kasilof has continued to be the stronger of the two rivers for sockeye this season. The run built through the back half of July and has kept adding fish since, with the sonar posting some of its biggest single-day counts of the year along the way. We’re still fishing the Kasilof daily and it’s producing well, especially through the lower and middle stretches as fish stack up on their way to Tustumena Lake.

King salmon fishing on the Kasilof is now fully closed for the remainder of the season, with no retention and no catch-and-release allowed. That puts both rivers in the same boat this year. We support the call — protecting these fish now means there’s a fishery left for the next generation of anglers. Always worth double-checking current regulations with us or on ADF&G’s site before you fish.

Kenai River

The Kenai’s late-run sockeye have had a slower season than we’re used to. Fish and Game has said this year’s stock is running well below what they projected, and for a stretch in late July the in-river sonar at river mile 19 was counting in the neighborhood of 20,000 fish a day, compared to counts in the hundreds of thousands per day at the same point in 2025 — which, worth remembering, was one of the best sockeye returns this river has seen in nearly 40 years. So while this year looks slow next to last year, it’s a tough year to compare against.

Department biologists have said they’re still expecting a late run-timing pattern and haven’t ruled out the numbers picking up, calling it a “holding pattern” while they watch the counts closely. If the run stays light, ADF&G may step in with tighter bag limits or additional restrictions, so we’re keeping an eye on that. In the meantime, sport fishing for sockeye remains open on much of the river, currently at a six-fish daily limit and 12 in possession.

King salmon fishing on the Kenai’s late run remains closed by emergency order, with no retention and no catch-and-release, a restriction that’s been in place since June 20 and runs through August 15. This is part of the Board of Fisheries’ plan to rebuild the Kenai’s late-run king stock, which has come in under its escapement goal in several recent years. We know it’s a disappointment for anglers hoping to chase kings, but it’s the right call for the long-term health of the run — and there’s still plenty of good fishing to be had for sockeye on both rivers.

What This Means for Your Trip

Bottom line: the Kasilof is fishing well for sockeye and still building, the Kenai sockeye run is behind recent years but not written off yet, and king salmon is now fully closed on both systems for the rest of the season. We’re still getting people into fish every week, and we’ll keep adjusting our approach as conditions change.

Give us a call if you have questions about current conditions before you book — 907.971.1223.

— The RiverRise Crew