(Released: August 07, 2018 - Expired: December 31, 2018)

Division of Sport Fish
Tom Brookover, Director
Anchorage Headquarters Office
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518


Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Sam Cotten, Commissioner
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
www.adfg.alaska.gov


Contact: Sam Ivey, Area Management Biologist
(907) 746-6300

Fish Creek Open 7 Days per Week for Sport Fishing and Sockeye Salmon Limits Are Liberalized

(Palmer) - Due to a great run of sockeye salmon into Fish Creek, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limits for salmon, other than king salmon, 16 inches or greater in length to six per day and six in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and in possession may be coho salmon, in all waters of Fish Creek open to salmon fishing. In addition, sport fishing on Fish Creek will be allowed seven days per week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day. These provisions are effective 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 8 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 31, 2018.

After taking a bag limit of salmon, a person may not sport fish that same day in any waters open to salmon fishing. Bait and multiple hooks, meaning no more than two single hooks or two treble hooks per line, will be permitted in these fisheries.

“Over 43,000 sockeye salmon have been counted at the Fish Creek weir with an escapement goal of 15,000-45,000 fish,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “The projected escapement is expected to be over 47,000 fish; therefore, it is warranted to increase the open fishing period, and bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon and allow sport anglers an additional sport fishing opportunity.”

The SEG for coho salmon in Fish Creek is 1,200-4,400 fish and weir counts to date indicate more than 550 coho salmon have passed the weir at about 18% of the historical run. It is not anticipated that increased sport harvest of coho salmon, because of increased fishing time directed at sockeye salmon harvest will lower the escapement of coho salmon below desired escapement levels in Fish Creek.

The Jim Creek coho salmon run is managed separately to achieve the escapement goal established for that system. Other Knik Arm waters, including the Little Susitna River, Eklutna Tailrace, and Wasilla and Cottonwood creeks remain unaffected by this emergency order.

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

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