(Anchorage) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is increasing the limits for sockeye salmon in the marine waters of Resurrection Bay from six per day, six in possession to twelve per day, twelve in possession. The increase is for marine waters north of a line from Caines Head to the north point of Thumb Cove, and is effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2017, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2017. The limits for sockeye salmon in the freshwaters of the Resurrection River drainage remain unchanged at three per day, three in possession. Single-hook, artificial lures remain the only legal gear in the freshwater area open to salmon fishing.

The Bear Lake sockeye salmon run is managed for an inriver goal of 5,600 - 13,200 fish. A sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 700 - 8,300 is required, while the remaining fish in the inriver goal are used for broodstock to ensure future returns. As of June 29, 2017, 11,646 sockeye have escaped into Bear Lake. As both the SEG and inriver goal are expected to be exceeded, this emergency order will allow sport anglers an opportunity to harvest the surplus sockeye salmon returning to Bear Lake.

For more information about this emergency order, contact Fisheries Biologist Jay Baumer in Anchorage at (907) 267-2265 or the Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.

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