(Palmer) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and increase fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation closure for Units 1-6 of the Susitna River drainages effective 6:00 a.m., Friday, June 22 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 13, 2018. In addition, sport fishing gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure when fishing in Units 1-6 of the Susitna River drainages in those waters normally open to king salmon fishing. Sport fishing for other species will be allowed seven days per week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. this includes the waters within Unit 2 that are normally closed on certain days during the king salmon season. King salmon may not be targeted and those caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. For a complete description of these waters, anglers should refer to the 2018 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.

This sport fishing regulation closure supersedes the restriction issued on March 13, 2018, that closed king salmon fishing in Units 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the Susitna River drainage and restricted the Deshka River and Yentna River drainage, Unit 4, to catch-and-release only for king salmon.

“King salmon stocks throughout Cook Inlet, including the Susitna River drainages, are experiencing a period of low productivity. This was not an easy decision,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “ADF&G staff understands the frustrations and tremendous impact closing this fishery down has on anglers, local businesses, and guides, as we are also fishermen and women. Nonetheless, ADF&G has a duty to protect, maintain, and improve our sport fisheries and without these further restrictions we more than likely will not meet our escapement goals.”

In conjunction with this closure, a sport fishing regulation closure was issued on the Little Susitna River drainage closing king salmon fishing in all waters of the Little Susitna River from its confluences with Cook Inlet upstream to the Parks Highway Bridge.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey at (907) 746-6300.

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