(Palmer) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and increasing fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation closure for the Deshka River effective 6:00 a.m. Monday, June 20 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Sport fishing for king salmon in other tributaries of the Susitna River drainage remains catch-and-release only. Sport fishing gear continues to be 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 sport fishing for king salmon. Sport fishing for other species will be allowed seven days per week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. King salmon may not be targeted in the Deshka River 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 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

This sport fishing regulation closure supersedes the emergency order issued on January 26, 2022, that restricted king salmon fishing to catch-and-release only in Units 1 - 6 of the Susitna River drainage.

“King salmon fisheries throughout Cook Inlet south of the Northern Cook Inlet Management Area have been closed due to exceptionally poor runs this season, “stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “The Deshka River weir count is one of the lowest on record in 27 years of operation and it is timely to take action now conserve the remaining spawning escapement. If projected escapement on the Deshka River remains below goal as the season progresses past June 20, Eastside, Talkeetna, and Yentna stocks, which demonstrate later run timing than king salmon of the Deshka River may be closed as well.”

In conjunction with this closure, an emergency order was issued for the Little Susitna River drainage closing sport fishing for king salmon 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.

#22-3348