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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Sam Cotten, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Tom Brookover, Director

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

June 26, 2015

DESHKA RIVER AND LITTLE SUSITNA KING SALMON ANNUAL HARVEST LIMIT RESTORED TO FIVE

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is restoring the annual limit to five king salmon 20 inches or greater in length harvested in the Deshka River or Little Susitna River. King salmon harvested in the Deshka and Little Susitna rivers apply to the combined Cook Inlet annual limit of five fish. The emergency order is effective at 6 a.m., Saturday, June 27 through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 13. 

The Sustainable Escapement Goal (SEG) for the Deshka River is 13,000 – 28,000 king salmon. Through June 25, cumulative king salmon passage through the weir located at river mile 7 was 20,654 fish and run timing models project the escapement should be attained even with additional harvest from restoring the annual limit.

The SEG for the Little Susitna River is 900 – 1,800 king salmon based on a post season aerial survey. To date 4,057 king salmon have passed the Little Susitna weir. 

Anglers may use bait and multiple hooks in the Deshka River. While bait is not allowed in the Little Susitna River, anglers can use multiple hooks. 

Restrictions remain in effect for Unit 4, including Lake Creek, for an annual limit of two king salmon. Harvest of kings is allowed Friday-Monday and anglers may use only single-hook artificial lures and no bait. A staff survey of Lake Creek indicated a run size that is likely to meet the escapement goal with the current restrictions; therefore Unit 4 of the Susitna drainage is not included in this emergency order.

All other emergency orders for units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 remain in effect.

For more information please contact Assistant Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund at 907-746-6300.