(Homer) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and ensuring fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restrictions in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River drainages effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 1 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2019. Sport fishing gear is restricted to only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in these three drainages.

A combined annual limit has been established to two king salmon 20 inches or greater in length for fish harvested in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River, and all marine waters south of the latitude of the mouth of the Ninilchik River (60° 03.99' N. lat.) to the latitude of Bluff Point (59° 40.00' N. lat.) from April 1 through July 15, 2019.

“With low returns of king salmon expected this season throughout Cook Inlet, these streams are being managed conservatively in response to the projected 2019 forecast, ”stated Area Management Biologist Carol Kerkvliet. “One way to protect migrating fish is implementing gear restrictions on these streams in times of projected poor king salmon returns.”

In conjunction with this closure, sport fishing Emergency Order Number 2-KS-7-11-19, closed the Anchor River to king salmon fishing on the first and fifth opening weekend and the five-Wednesday openings in May and June 2019. The closure dates are May 18-20, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 15-17, and June 19. Anglers may still fish the Anchor River during the following days; May 25-27, June 1-3, and June 8-10. In addition, sport fishing Emergency Order Number 2-KS-7-13-19, restricted the bag and possession limit in the Ninilchik River to one hatchery king salmon and implemented restrictions on the Ninilchik River Youth-Only Fishery. Lastly, sport fishing Emergency Order Number 2-KS-7-14-19, established a combined annual limit of two king salmon 20 inches or greater in length for fish harvested in the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Ninilchik River, and all marine waters south of the latitude of the mouth of the Ninilchik River (60° 03.99' N. lat.) to the latitude of Bluff Point (59° 40.00' N. lat.).

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Carol Kerkvliet at (907) 235-8191.

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