Alaska's Department of Fish and Game will maintain a two-fish bag limit for coho salmon on the Kenai River through November 30, rather than allowing the three-fish limit that normally takes effect September 1.
The limitation is due to below-average coho salmon abundance in Cook Inlet, the agency said. Based on weak overall returns to the inlet and concerns about several major coho-producing systems, the department determined that the reduced limit is necessary to ensure adequate escapement—the number of fish that reach spawning grounds—and long-term sustainability.
Fishing for Kenai River coho will be allowed from the river's mouth upstream to Bing's Landing through November 30, and upstream of Bing's Landing to Kenai Lake through October 31. Escapement monitoring for Kenai Peninsula coho salmon remains limited, adding uncertainty to forecasts for the 2026 return.