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

July 03, 2014

KASILOF RIVER DIPNETTING AREA EXPANDED; SPORT FISHING BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS INCREASED

Due to a strong return of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River, emergency orders have been issued to liberalize the Kasilof River personal use and sport fisheries, effective 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 4, 2014, through 11:59 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2014.

Personal use dipnetting from the shore is allowed in an expanded area from ADF&G markers on the Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge. Dipnetting from a boat is allowed from ADF&G markers located on the Cook Inlet beaches upstream to ADF&G markers at approximately river mile 3.

No king salmon may be kept in the Kasilof River personal use salmon fishery. Any king salmon, Dolly Varden, or rainbow/steelhead trout caught while dipnetting must be released immediately. Only Alaskan residents may participate in personal use fisheries.

In the Kasilof River sockeye salmon sport fishery, the bag and possession limit is increased to six (6) per day, and twelve (12) in possession, effective 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 4, 2014, through 11:59 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2014.

The optimal escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 160,000-390,000 sockeye salmon. As of July 2, a total of 155,695 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement level of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the optimal escapement goal.

For additional information on the Kasilof River personal use fishery, please consult pages 13 - 15 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary or call the Anchorage dipnetting hotline at (907) 267-2512.