Contact:
Sam Ivey
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 746-6300
June 15, 2011
The Little Susitna River is closed to fishing for king salmon effective 11:00 p.m., Friday, June 17, through the remainder of the king salmon sport fishing season. The closure prohibits sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. King salmon may not be retained or possessed; king salmon accidentally caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. The closure includes all waters of the Little Susitna River from its confluence with Cook Inlet upstream to the Parks Highway bridge. Little Susitna River anglers may continue to fish for species other than king salmon downstream of the Parks Highway bridge.
Harvest rates are below average and similar to those during the 2010 season in which the escapement goal was not achieved. Guide and angler reports also suggest the 2011 king salmon run is weak. By closing the fishery, it is anticipated harvest will be reduced by 35 percent to 40 percent, providing the greatest potential for achieving the escapement goal this season.
For more information, contact Sam Ivey at (907) 746-6300.
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