Contact:
Carol Kerkvliet
Area Mgmt. Biologist
Phone: 907-235-8191
June 12, 2013
Anglers are advised that in an effort to meet minimum king salmon escapement goals in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River, and to meet the Ninilchik River king salmon egg-take goal, the department is implementing the following sport fishing restrictions:
Anchor River:
• From its mouth upstream to junction of the North and South forks will close to sport fishing on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. The area will remain closed through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 15, 2013.
Ninilchik River and Deep Creek:
• From the mouth upstream approximately two miles to ADF&G regulatory markers will close to sport fishing on Monday, July 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. The area will remain closed through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 15, 2013.
Stariski Creek:
• From its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge will close to sport fishing on Monday, July 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. The area will remain closed through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 15, 2013.
The sustainable escapement goal for king salmon in the Anchor River is 3,800–10,000 fish. The Anchor River escapement of king salmon through June 10, 2013 was 657 fish. From 2004-2012, 20 to 69 percent of the Anchor River king salmon escapement was upstream of the salmon weir by June 10. At this time it is uncertain that the escapement goal for king salmon will be achieved.
The sustainable escapement goal for king salmon in the Ninilchik River is 550-1,300 naturally-produced king salmon through the weir from July 3-31. King salmon escapement was below the SEG in 2007 and 2009, but was met in 2008, and 2010–2012. In 2007¬–2009 and 2012, the egg-take goal was not achieved despite extending weir operations. In 2010, egg-takes were not needed for stocking, but if they were, the number of king salmon was insufficient to meet the egg-take goal.
To minimize the shifting of effort due to conservation actions for the Anchor and Ninilchik rivers, it is warranted to restrict sport fishing on Deep and Stariski creeks as well.
Anglers are reminded that when these streams open to sport fishing on July 16, king salmon may not be targeted, and any king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.