Updated Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 7:53 AM AKDT
Kenai River sockeye count today
SOCKEYE UPDATE
Latest Sockeye Sonar Count
13,100
▲ Strong Run Pace · Updated 7:53 AM AKDT
Yesterday
9,637
10-year average
18,757
Season Total
120,329
Season Pace
+-30.2% vs Avg
7-Day Sockeye Trend
Full Season Escapement Curve
Where the Count is Recorded
Sonar counts are recorded at River Mile 19 of the Kenai River, located upstream of the Soldotna Bridge. This station serves as the primary gateway for estimating the total number of late-run sockeye salmon escaping into upstream spawning sections.
How ADF&G Sonar Counting Works
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) utilizes DIDSON (Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar) and ARIS (Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar) systems. These acoustic cameras emit high-frequency sound waves that produce video-like images of fish swimming upstream. Technicians monitor the feed and analyze fish silhouettes and swim behaviors to tally returns and separate species by sizes.
🎣
Sockeye Regulations & Emergency Orders
Current daily bag limit: 3 fish per day.
Emergency Order: None — Standard sport fishing bag limits apply (3 per day, 6 in possession).
View Official Emergency Orders →
Emergency Order: None — Standard sport fishing bag limits apply (3 per day, 6 in possession).
Related Resources: