2026 Kenai River Salmon Limits: What Are the Limits for Salmon on the Kenai River?
If you’re planning to fish Alaska’s legendary Kenai River this season, knowing the 2026 Kenai River salmon limits is absolutely essential. Regulations vary by species and time of year, and misunderstandings—especially around aggregate limits—can lead to costly mistakes.
Below is a clear, up-to-date breakdown of Kenai River salmon limits for 2026, including sockeye, coho (silver), pink, and king salmon, plus an easy explanation of how aggregate limits work.
What Are the Limits of Salmon on the Kenai River in 2026?
Salmon limits on the Kenai River are set to protect fish populations while still allowing anglers excellent fishing opportunities. Limits depend on species and season, so it’s important to know exactly what applies during your trip.
Sockeye (Red) Salmon Limits – Kenai River 2026
Sockeye salmon are the backbone of the Kenai River fishery and have different limits depending on the time of year.
- June 20 – August 15:
6 sockeye salmon per day - Rest of the year:
3 sockeye salmon per day
Sockeye are often managed under aggregate limits with coho salmon, which is explained later in this article.
Coho (Silver) Salmon Limits – Kenai River 2026
Coho salmon limits change as the season progresses:
- July & August:
2 coho salmon per day - September & October:
3 coho salmon per day
Coho are also part of the aggregate limit system, meaning your total retained salmon may be capped even if individual species limits haven’t been reached.
Pink Salmon Limits – Kenai River 2026
Pink salmon (humpies) have a straightforward limit:
- 6 pink salmon per day
Pink salmon are not included in aggregate limits with sockeye and coho, making them a popular option during strong runs.
King (Chinook) Salmon – Kenai River 2026
- King salmon fishing is closed on the Kenai River
No retention is allowed. Any king salmon caught must be released immediately according to regulations.
How Aggregate Limits Work on the Kenai River
One of the most confusing parts of Kenai River regulations is the aggregate limit for sockeye and coho salmon.
What Is an Aggregate Limit?
An aggregate limit means you can keep a combined total of sockeye and coho salmon up to the highest single-species limit in effect, not the sum of both limits.
Example Scenarios
July Example:
- Sockeye limit: 6
- Coho limit: 2
Even though those numbers add up to 8, your aggregate limit is 6 total salmon between sockeye and coho.
That means you could keep:
- 6 sockeye and 0 coho
- 4 sockeye and 2 coho
- 5 sockeye and 1 coho
But not:
- 6 sockeye and 2 coho (this would exceed the aggregate limit)
September Example:
- Sockeye limit: 3
- Coho limit: 3
Your aggregate limit is 3 total fish, not 6.
You could keep:
- 3 sockeye
- 3 coho
- 2 sockeye and 1 coho
Why Kenai River Salmon Limits Matter
The Kenai River is one of the most heavily fished salmon rivers in the world. These limits help:
- Protect long-term salmon populations
- Ensure future fishing opportunities
- Prevent overharvest during weaker runs
Understanding the rules—especially aggregate limits—keeps you legal and helps conserve the fishery.
Final Thoughts on 2026 Kenai River Salmon Limits
Before heading out, always double-check current regulations and emergency orders, but this guide gives you a solid foundation for what are the limits for salmon on the Kenai River in 2026.
Quick recap:
- Sockeye: 6 (June 20–Aug 15), 3 rest of year
- Coho: 2 (July–Aug), 3 (Sept–Oct)
- Pink: 6
- King: Closed
- Aggregate limits apply to sockeye and coho
