(Kodiak) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing closure for the entire Monashka Creek drainage and the waters of Monashka Bay shoreward of a straight line from Miller Point to Termination Point for king salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2018. This closure prohibits sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release. During the closure, king salmon may not be targeted, possessed, or retained; king salmon that are caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used in the waters of Monashka Creek which otherwise remains open to sport fishing. The freshwaters of Pillar Creek remain open to fishing for king salmon; however, this does not include the saltwater’s immediately adjacent to Pillar Creek.

“The Monashka Creek drainage supports an enhanced run of king salmon that ADF&G uses as a broodstock source for its annual hatchery king salmon release into Monashka Creek and three other streams located on the Kodiak Road System,” stated Area Management Biologist Tyler Polum. “Since 2011, there have been inadequate numbers of adult king salmon available from Monashka Creek for an egg take. Therefore, to ensure broodstock needs are met and to help sustain future king salmon runs and fishing opportunities for anglers on the Kodiak Road System, ADF&G determined it necessary to close the king salmon fishery for the entire Monashka Creek drainage and the waters of Monashka Bay.”

King salmon angling may be restored for the Monashka Creek drainage and the waters of Monashka Bay by a subsequent emergency order, if king salmon returns to Monashka Creek indicate that broodstock collection goals will be achieved. ADF&G staff will monitor these fisheries closely as the season progresses. Anglers can still fish and retain king salmon in the Olds River, American River, Salonie Creek, and Kalsin Bay.

For additional information, please contact the Division of Sport Fish Kodiak Office at (907) 486-1880.

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