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

The use of bait and multiple hooks is prohibited in the Kasilof River from its mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway bridge, effective 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 1 through 11:59 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2015. Anglers may use only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. “Single hook” means a fish hook with only one point (with or without a barb).

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages the Kasilof River early-run king salmon sport fishery to achieve a sustainable escapement goal of 650 to 1,700 naturally-produced king salmon as monitored through a weir at the department facility located on Crooked Creek. As of June 24, the escapement was 289 naturally-produced king salmon and it is uncertain if the sustainable escapement goal will be achieved and/or broodstock will be available for egg takes in 2015. 

Emergency orders have been issued to restrict the king salmon sport fishery in the Kenai River drainage during July.  These emergency orders will likely result in an increase in the sport fishing effort and catch of king salmon in the Kasilof River during July.  Therefore, to minimize the effects of conservation actions for the Kenai River on the Kasilof River prohibiting bait and multiple hooks is warranted to ensure adequate escapement of naturally-produced Crooked Creek early-run and Kasilof River late-run king salmon.

For more information, contact Sport Fish Area Management Biologist Robert Begich at 907-262-9368.