Sockeye salmon fishing limits on the Russian River and the Upper Kenai River have been increased to six per day and 12 in possession beginning Tuesday, according to a Monday, Aug. 1 press release from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

The change in regulations will be effective from 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 2 until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 20.

The increase will affect fishers on the Kenai River from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers that are located approximately 300 yards upstream of the boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing. Fishers at the Russian River will be able to take advantage of the increased limits from the Russian River mouth upstream to ADF&G markers approximately 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls.

ADF&G said the sockeye salmon fishing limits in these areas are being increased due to the positive projections of escapement for sockeye salmon in the Russian River. Current projections indicate that the biological escapement goals are likely to be exceeded this season. The escapement goal is 44,000-85,000 sockeye salmon. As of July 31, 42,779 sockeye salmon have passed through the Russian River weir.