Dismal Southcentral Alaska Forecast Prompts King Salmon Closures

Alaska’s rivers still sit beneath snow and ice, but state fisheries managers have already closed or restricted many areas to king salmon sport fishing in the upcoming season. A series of press releases was released February 9 to announce the closures. These came on the heels of the department’s completion of the 2026 king salmon run forecasts for the Gulf of Alaska and Cook Inlet.

The bag and possession limit for king salmon in Gulf of Alaska (GOA) salt water will be one fish of any size April 1 through September 15. This restriction includes salt waters of Prince William Sound, the Alaska Peninsula, and Kodiak. 

A press release announcing the GOA restriction stated the decision was made “In order to reduce harvest of king salmon stocks that are experiencing a period of low productivity and provide a more comprehensive and precautionary management approach for king salmon sport fisheries in the northern Gulf of Alaska.”

In a press release announcing all 2026 Cook Inlet salmon runs are forecast to be below escapement goals, Southcentral Regional Research Coordinator Nick DeCovich stated, “King salmon are experiencing a period of poor productivity and escapement goals are not likely to be achieved in 2026. These forecasts will inform preseason management actions which will be implemented to conserve king salmon in Cook Inlet in compliance with various management plans.”

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In a press release announcing Susitna and Little Susitina drainages will be closed to all sport fishing for king salmon through July 13, 2026, area management biologist Samantha Oslund stated, “Historic low escapements were experienced area wide in 2024-2025 and no king salmon goals were made in the Northern Cook Inlet management area in 2023-2025. ADF&G staff understand the frustrations and tremendous impact closing this fishery has on anglers, local businesses, and guides. However, there is every indication that the 2026 king salmon returns will not have a harvestable surplus.”

Upper Cook Inlet salt waters will be closed to king salmon fishing May 1 through August 15, and lower Cook Inlet salt waters will see bag and possession limit of one king salmon of any size April 1 through September 15. 

The Kenai River, West Cook Inlet fresh waters, Eagle River Drainage, westside Kodiak salt waters, and the Ayakulik and Karluk Rivers on Kodiak will all be closed to sport fishing for king salmon. 

A reduced season and bag limit for king salmon was announced in the Ninilchik River. Anchor River and Deep Creek will be closed to all sport fishing through July 15 and gear restricted July 16 through July 31. Kasilof River king salmon fishing will be limited to a bag limit of one hatchery produced fish May 1 through July 31, while naturally produced king salmon may not be removed from the water.