Press Release ADF&G Logo
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Cora Campbell, Acting Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Troy Tydingco
Sitka Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 747-5379

June 17, 2014

SPORT FISHING OPPORTUNITY FOR KING SALMON INCREASED IN SILVER BAY

Sitka – Today the Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced the size limit of king salmon in Silver Bay has been eliminated for sport anglers. Beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 18th through Thursday, July 31st, king salmon harvested in Silver Bay under sport regulations may be any length. Regional bag and possession limits still apply. In addition, king salmon harvested in this area do not count towards the nonresident angler’s annual limit. 

Hatchery-produced king salmon are expected to return to Medvejie Hatchery in numbers that exceed hatchery broodstock needs. The Alaska Board of Fisheries has authorized the Department to increase bag limits and liberalize fishing methods in designated harvest areas to harvest surplus hatchery-produced king salmon. Therefore, the department is eliminating the minimum size limit and nonresident annual limit to provide recreational anglers increased opportunity to harvest surplus hatchery-produced fish in Silver Bay. The Silver Bay harvest area, near Sitka, includes the marine waters of Silver Bay east of a line from Entry Point to Silver Point. Anglers fishing in Silver Bay are reminded that all waters east of a line between the commercial fishery regulatory markers in Bear Cove are closed to snagging. Any fish hooked elsewhere than in the mouth within this area must be released immediately.

Anglers may not possess king salmon less than 28 inches in length when fishing outside of the designated Silver Bay harvest area. Therefore, anglers possessing king salmon less than 28 inches, may not fish in areas outside of Silver Bay.

For further information, contact the Sitka ADF&G office or visit:  http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSportFishingInfo.R1&year=2014

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