(Palmer) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the number of lines allowed for each angler ice fishing for northern pike in Kings Lake from two lines to five lines. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2019, through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

This liberalization aims to increase the harvest of invasive northern pike by anglers prior to their planned eradication from Kings and Anderson lakes in the fall of 2020. These are the only two lakes in the Cottonwood Creek drainage with an established population of northern pike. Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, the Cottonwood Creek drainage provides the greatest potential for this invasive species to have a negative impact on salmon, rainbow trout, and other fish species, because of its optimal northern pike habitat found throughout much of the drainage.

“Not only does this maximize harvest opportunities for anglers’ ice fishing for northern pike but it allows anglers to help decrease the numbers of this invasive species prior to eradication and restoration of the lakes,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “It is the responsibility of ADF&G to remove northern pike from the Cottonwood Creek drainage to reduce the chance of them spreading further into uninfested surrounding waters.”

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

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