Contact:
Samantha Oslund
Assistant Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-746-6300

The Little Susitna River is open to fishing for king salmon effective 6:00 a.m., Friday, July 4, through the remainder of the king salmon sport fishing season which closes at 11:00 p.m. July 13. Harvest in the Little Susitna River is allowed seven days per week with a bag and possession limit of one king salmon 20 inches or greater in length. The combined annual limit of two king salmon 20 inches or greater in length for fish harvested in the Susitna River drainage and the Little Susitna River remains in effect. Only unbaited, artificial lures (which may have multiple hooks) are allowed. The area open to king salmon fishing includes all waters of the Little Susitna River from its confluence with Cook Inlet upstream to the Parks Highway Bridge. All standard regulations (except the annual limit reduction) on page 35 of the Southcentral Regulation Summary Booklet apply.

To date, 2,367 king salmon have passed the Little Susitna weir, which is located at approximately river mile 32.5 and four miles upstream of the Little Susitna Public Use Facility (LSPUF). The sustainable escapement goal (SEG) for the Little Susitna River is 900-1,800 king salmon based on a post season aerial survey. Comparisons of weir counts and aerial survey estimates in 2013 indicate aerial survey estimates account for 40-60% of the fish counted through the weir. At this time it is justified to allow harvest on the Little Susitna River king salmon fishery. As the Little Susitna king salmon run approaches its end, the anticipated harvest from this action is not expected to reduce the spawning escapement below the SEG.

For more information, contact Samantha Oslund at (907) 746-6300.