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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Cora Campbell, Acting Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Sam Ivey
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 746-6300

May 01, 2012

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER KING SALMON FISHING RESTRICTIONS TO BEGIN TUESDAY, MAY 15

Sport fisheries within the Northern Cook Inlet Area will be managed conservatively during the 2012 season in response to low king salmon abundance over recent years, a below-average outlook for the upcoming season, and uncertainty over how quickly king salmon abundance may rebound. The Little Susitna River king salmon fishery is restricted beginning Tuesday, May 15, through Friday, July 13, as follows:

• Annual limit of two (2) king salmon 20 inches or longer. The total annual limit of king salmon 20 inches or longer taken from fresh waters of Cook Inlet remains at five (5), but no more than two may be taken from the Little Susitna River. Any king salmon recorded before Tuesday, May 15, on the harvest portion of an Alaska sport fishing license or harvest record card does not count against the two king salmon that may be harvested beginning May 15, but does count against the Cook Inlet annual limit of five king salmon.
• Only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure is allowed. Single-hook means a fish hook with only one point. Treble hooks and more than one single-hook is prohibited.
• King salmon harvest is allowed only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. King salmon harvest (of any size) is prohibited on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; only catch-and-release fishing is allowed on these days. King salmon that are intended to be released may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.
• The Eklutna Tailrace is excluded from all restrictions.

This management strategy, in addition to reducing the Northern District commercial king salmon fishing periods from 12 hours to 6 hours, is designed to provide fishing opportunity throughout the season and reduce the potential for midseason closures. Restrictions may be relaxed late in the season if escapement goals are projected to be achieved and additional harvest is available. Northern Cook Inlet king salmon stocks have been well below average since 2007.

For more information, contact Sam Ivey at (907) 746-6300.

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