Contact:
Carol Kerkvliet
Assistant Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-235-8191

The Alaska Board of Fisheries approved changes to sport fishing regulations that will take effect in the Lower Cook Inlet freshwater and marine fisheries in 2014. Changes affecting various freshwater fisheries are summarized below as a service to anglers, and not as a complete digest of all fishing regulations.

Freshwater Fisheries:
• Ninilchik River – The king salmon bag and possession limit was reduced to one king salmon 20 inches or greater in length during the three weekend openings beginning Memorial Day weekend and the hatchery-only king salmon fishery that begins July 1.
• During the May and June openings, after harvesting a king salmon 20 inches or greater in length in the Ninilchik River, Deep Creek or Anchor River a person may not fish for any species of fish in any of these drainages on that same day.
• During the July Ninilchik king salmon fishery, after harvesting a king salmon 20 inches or greater in length, a person may not fish for any species of fish in the Ninilchik River on that same day.
• From July 1-15, anglers may only use one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure on the Anchor River, Deep Creek and Stariski Creek.

Marine Fisheries:
• From April 1 through June 30, the closed area marker south of the Anchor River was relocated to the Anchor Point Light (59o 46.14’N).
• During the China Poot personal use dip net fishery, both lobes of the tail fin must be clipped before concealing the fish from plain view or transporting from the area open to personal use fishing.
• Sport caught pink salmon may be used as bait in the salt water fisheries.
• The third youth-only sport fishery scheduled for the third Saturday in August at the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon was eliminated since late-run silver salmon will no longer be stocked.