The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced today the king salmon sport fishing regulations for the marine waters adjacent to the Stikine River (District 8) near Petersburg and Wrangell (see attached map).

In the waters of District 8 from Monday, May 1 through Saturday, July 15, 2017:

• The king salmon bag and possession limit is one king salmon, 28 inches or greater in length for all anglers.

Anglers are reminded:

• Only one rod may be used when fishing for king salmon after March 31, 2017;
• The Southeast Alaska nonresident annual limit of three king salmon continues to apply in this area.
• 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.

The 2017 preseason forecast for Stikine River king salmon terminal run is 18,300 large fish. This level of abundance is on the low end of the spawning escapement goal range (14,000–28,000) and below the preseason management target of 21,000 (the midpoint of the spawning escapement goal range). Given the projected low abundance of Stikine River king salmon, this action is being taken to conserve Stikine River king salmon by restricting sport fisheries in the marine waters adjacent to the mouth of the Stikine River (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.

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