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

The Little Susitna River is closed to fishing for king salmon effective 6:00 a.m., Friday, June 15, 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 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 lower than anticipated at the beginning of the season and appear weaker than in 2010 and 2011. Guide and angler reports also suggest few fish entering the river and a poor king salmon run. By closing the fishery, it is anticipated harvest will be reduced by as much as 75 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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