Emergency Order Tracker
Active Emergency Orders (EOs)
KENAI RIVER CLOSURE
EO 2-KS-1-7-26
Effective: June 20 – August 15, 2026
Affected Waters: Kenai River mouth upstream to Skilak Lake outlet.
Details: King salmon fishing is fully closed. Do not target king salmon, including catch-and-release. Incidentally caught king salmon must remain in the water and be released immediately.
Details: King salmon fishing is fully closed. Do not target king salmon, including catch-and-release. Incidentally caught king salmon must remain in the water and be released immediately.
KASILOF RIVER LIBERALIZATION
EO 2-RS-1-31-26
Effective: July 1 – December 31, 2026
Affected Waters: Kasilof River mainstem.
Details: Daily bag limit increased to 6 sockeye salmon (possession limit 12) through December 31, 2026.
Details: Daily bag limit increased to 6 sockeye salmon (possession limit 12) through December 31, 2026.
ANCHOR RIVER CLOSURE
EO 2-KS-7-4-26
Effective: May 15 – July 31, 2026
Affected Waters: Anchor River and Deep Creek.
Details: King salmon fishing is closed. Reopened for species other than king salmon on July 1, 2026. Single-hook, no-bait gear restrictions apply.
Details: King salmon fishing is closed. Reopened for species other than king salmon on July 1, 2026. Single-hook, no-bait gear restrictions apply.
NINILCHIK RIVER CLOSURE
EO 2-KS-7-3-26
Effective: May 15 – July 15, 2026
Affected Waters: Ninilchik River.
Details: Closed to all sport fishing through July 15, 2026. Single-hook, no-bait gear restrictions apply afterward.
Details: Closed to all sport fishing through July 15, 2026. Single-hook, no-bait gear restrictions apply afterward.
Understanding Emergency Orders
Emergency Orders (EOs) are regulatory changes issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to manage fisheries in real-time. On the Kenai Peninsula, these are most common for King Salmon conservation and Sockeye bag limit increases.
Typical EO Scenarios
- Liberalization: If a sockeye run is exceptionally strong, ADF&G may increase the daily limit from 3 to 6 fish.
- Restriction: If King salmon counts are low, retention may be prohibited or bait may be banned.
- Closure: Full closure of a specific section of the river to protect spawning fish.
How to Read an EO Number
Example: 2-KS-1-07-26
2: Region (Southcentral Alaska)
KS: Species (King Salmon)
1: Management Area (Kenai Peninsula)
07-26: Unique sequence number (07) and year (2026).