Press Release ADF&G Logo
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Cora Campbell, Acting Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Carol Kerkvliet
Assistant Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 235-1730

February 25, 2011

REGULATION CHANGES WILL AFFECT SOME LOWER COOK INLET SALT WATER FISHERIES IN 2011

During its November meeting in Homer, the Alaska Board of Fisheries approved changes to the sport fishing regulations for the Lower Cook Inlet area. The regulations will take effect on March 2, 2011. Changes affecting area king salmon fisheries in salt water are summarized below as a service to anglers, and not as a complete digest of all fishing regulations. 

Winter King Salmon Fishery (October 1 to March 31):
• The northern boundary of the winter king salmon sport fishery in Cook Inlet salt waters (formerly Bluff Point) has been extended and is now marked by the Anchor Point Light at latitude 59o 46.14’ N.
• The bag limit between Bluff Point and the Anchor Point Light is increased to two king salmon of any size with no recording requirement during this winter period.
• King salmon regulations north of the Anchor Point Light remain at one king salmon per day; king salmon 20 inches or greater in length still count toward the five king salmon annual limit, and a harvest record is required.

Early-Run King Salmon Special Harvest Areas (April 1 to June 30):
• The closed areas at the Anchor River mouth have been extended to two miles north and south from the river (four miles) and one mile from shore.
• When the Ninilchik River and Deep Creek are opened to king salmon fishing, anglers may fish from shore within the salt-water conservation zone from south of the Ninilchik River to two miles south of Deep Creek at the ADF&G marker. Ninilchik River and Deep Creek are opened to fishing for king salmon for three consecutive three-day weekends starting Memorial Day weekend.

For more information, contact Fisheries Biologist Carol Kerkvliet in Homer at (907) 235-8191 or (907) 235-1730.

END