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

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Robert Begich
Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-262-9368

June 23, 2014

RUSSIAN RIVER SANCTUARY TO OPEN TO FISHING AND RUSSIAN/UPPER KENAI RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS TO INCREASE, TUESDAY, JUNE 24

The Russian River Sanctuary area will be open to sockeye salmon sport fishing beginning at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 24th. There is a map of the area on page 51 of the 2014 Southcentral regulation booklet.

Also, beginning at 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, June 24, the daily bag limit will increase to six (6) sockeye salmon and the possession limit will increase to twelve (12) sockeye salmon in the Russian River and a section of the mainstem Upper Kenai River. This area extends from Skilak Lake upstream to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300 yards upstream of the public boat launch at Sportsman’s Landing and the Russian River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker located approximately 600 yards downstream from the Russian River Falls. Anglers are reminded that they may possess only the limit allowed for the waters they are actively fishing. If a Russian River angler has more than six sockeye salmon in possession, then that angler may not fish in waters with a possession limit of six.

Through noon on Monday, June 23, over 26,000 sockeye salmon have passed the Russian River weir. Using early and average run-timing to project out the run through July 14, the Department has determined that the early-run sockeye salmon biological escapement goal (BEG) of 22,000 – 42,000 sockeye salmon will likely be exceeded.

Anglers are reminded to remove fish carcasses whole, or gutted/gilled from the Russian River clear water. If you clean your catch, take fish to the mainstem Kenai River cleaning tables located at the confluence and ferry crossing to fillet and chop-up sockeye salmon carcasses into small pieces and throw the pieces into deep, flowing waters. Please keep all personal belongings, including stringers of fish closely attended. Please respect the riverbank restoration projects and stay on the established pathways in the Sanctuary area, campground areas, and Russian River ferry area.