(Palmer) - In an effort to increase the number of coho salmon passing through the Little Susitna River weir, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Little Susitna River to fishing for coho salmon, including catch-and-release, from its mouth up to the Parks Highway effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, August 21 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2019. The use of bait continues to be prohibited. Gear used for other species is restricted to unbaited, artificial lures, meaning treble hooks or two hooks may be used.

“Extremely low water conditions has stalled upstream migration of coho salmon,” stated Palmer Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “It can be difficult to assess run strength by weir under these conditions. Reports from guides and anglers also indicate below average numbers of fish holding in the lower 30 miles of the river. It is prudent to conserve the remaining coho salmon until environmental conditions change and the indications of run strength improve.”

The Little Susitna River coho salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) is 10,100–17,700 fish. To date, only 3,841 coho salmon have passed upstream of the weir.

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

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