The Ninilchik River sport fishery harvested an estimated 1,389 stocked chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in 1994. While the total harvest in 1994 declined from previous years, the percent of the harvest that was hatchery fish (45%) was very similar to that of 1992 and 1993. The total 1994 recreational harvest estimated by the Statewide Harvest Survey was 3,108 chinook salmon. An estimated 5,482 chinook salmon were caught during the 1994 season, with a total effort (inclusive of all species) of 21,827 angler-days. Angler participation and harvest of chinook salmon from the three Lower Kenai Peninsula streams (Anchor River, Deep Creek and Ninilchik River) has increased markedly since 1991. The average total harvest at the Ninilchik River for 1991-1994, years when the fishery harvested stocked chinook salmon, is more than seven times the long-term (1966-1990) historical average of 630 fish. While the initial increase in harvest during 1991 was predominately stocked chinook salmon, the average harvest of non-stocked chinook salmon for 1991-1994 is currently more than three times the 1966-1990 average harvest. Weather and water conditions during 1994 were favorable to obtain an escapement index of 859 chinook salmon from the Ninilchik River.