Contact:
Patrick Fowler
Petersburg-Wrangell Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 772-5231

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced today that the projected returns of Stikine River King salmon will allow for increased sport fishing opportunity in the marine waters of District 8 near Petersburg and Wrangell (see map).

The following sport fishing regulations for the marine waters of District 8 will be in effect as of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, May 1, through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2016:

• Sport fishing for king salmon may be conducted with the use of 2 rods per angler with no more than six lines fished from a vessel.
• Resident anglers will have a bag limit of three king salmon 28 inches or greater in length, and a possession limit of six king salmon.
• Nonresident anglers will have a bag and possession limit of two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length, and an annual limit of six king salmon.

Anglers are reminded:
• Sport fishing for king salmon will remain closed in fresh waters of the Stikine River and its tributaries, upstream of a line between Point Rothsay on the Stikine Flats, and Indian Point in LeConte Bay.
• Charter operators and crew members may not retain king salmon when clients are onboard.

The Stikine River King Salmon Management Plan includes provisions to allow additional sport fishing opportunity in years when the projected returns of Stikine River king salmon are surplus to escapement needs and an allowable catch is present under the terms of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The 2016 preseason forecast of returning Stikine River king salmon is 33,900 fish, allowing for increased sport fishing opportunity within marine waters of District 8. For king salmon regulations outside of District 8 please see current news releases posted at local boat harbors and launches or on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

For further information concerning this announcement please contact Petersburg/Wrangell Area Management Biologist, Patrick Fowler at (907) 772-5231.