Things are looking up, as salmon begin to return to the Kenai.
Present assessment of run strength indicates catch-and-release fishing for kings will not cause the number of spawning early-run king salmon to fall below the 5,300 to 9,000 escapement goal.
Department staff will continue to closely monitor the early-run king salmon return as it develops and run projections achieve a greater level of precision. If run strength continues to improve, additional restrictions may be rescinded.