Eagle River Drainage Closed to King Salmon Fishing

Restrictions aimed at protecting returning king salmon stocks in Cook Inlet

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has announced the closure of sport fishing for king salmon in the Eagle River effective May 1 through July 13, 2026. This decision is in response to continued low productivity of king salmon stocks in Cook Inlet streams, including the Eagle River. In addition, fishing gear will be limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure when fishing in a specific section of the river.

Why it matters

King salmon populations in Cook Inlet have been struggling, prompting fishery managers to take conservation measures to protect the stocks and allow them to rebuild. The Eagle River closure is part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable fishing opportunities in the future.

The details

The closure applies to sport fishing for king salmon in the Eagle River. Fishing for other species will still be allowed, but king salmon caught incidentally must be released immediately. The gear restriction of one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure will be in place for the section of the river between the Route Bravo Bridge and the ADF&G regulation marker at mile 7.4 of the Eagle River Road.

  • The closure will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026.

The players

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)

The state agency responsible for managing Alaska's fish and wildlife resources, including setting fishing regulations and closures.

Brittany Blain-Roth

Area Management Biologist for ADF&G who provided the details on the Eagle River closure.

Donald Arthur

Assistant Area Management Biologist for ADF&G who can provide more information on the closure.

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What they’re saying

“King salmon stocks in Cook Inlet streams continue to experience a period of low productivity and Eagle River is no exception. A section of the river has historically been open to fishing for king salmon for four 3-day weekends but continued low returns has led to the need for closing this king salmon fishing opportunity for a second year.”

— Brittany Blain-Roth, Area Management Biologist

What’s next

Anglers should refer to the 2026 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, available in April 2026, for a complete description of the affected waters.

The takeaway

The closure of the Eagle River to king salmon fishing is a necessary conservation measure to protect the struggling king salmon populations in Cook Inlet. While it will limit fishing opportunities in the short term, it aims to ensure sustainable fishing in the future.