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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Cora Campbell, Acting Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

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

August 15, 2014

LITTLE SUSITNA RIVER COHO SALMON BAG AND POSSESSION LIMIT INCREASED BEGINNING 12:01 A.M., SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

The bag and possession limit for coho (silver) salmon 16 inches or greater in length is increased from two to three fish per day and in possession in the waters of the Little Susitna River from its mouth upstream to the Parks Highways Bridge. The coho salmon bag limit is in combination with current limits for pink, chum and sockeye salmon; three salmon, other than king salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, can be taken per day and in possession.  

This bag and possession limit increase goes into effect 12.01 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2014. Anglers are reminded that after taking a bag limit of salmon in these waters, a person may not sport fish that same day for any species of fish in the Little Susitna River in waters open to sport fishing for salmon, and anglers may not remove a coho salmon from the water before releasing the fish.

The sustainable escapement goal (SEG) for coho salmon in the Little Susitna River is 10,100-17,700 fish. As of August 14, 10,048 coho salmon have passed the Little Susitna weir. Based on average run timing and current weir counts, the department is projecting to exceed the SEG. By August 6, as much as 50 percent of the harvest has typically taken place in the sport fishery.  It is not anticipated that increased sport harvest from this emergency order will lower escapement below the goal. Therefore it is warranted to provide additional sport fish harvest opportunity. 

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

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