(Palmer/Anchorage) - Two Youth-Only fisheries will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Eklutna Tailrace and Ship Creek. All anglers 15 years of age or younger are encouraged to come out and take a shot at catching a king salmon. These Youth-Only Fisheries are open to anglers 15 years and younger and were established by the Alaska State Legislature and implemented by the Alaska Board of Fisheries to provide a special opportunity for young people to get out and go fishing.

The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater is one per day. As with all fisheries in Alaska, the fish belongs to the angler that sets the hook. Adults may assist youngsters with other aspects of fishing, such as helping with casting and landing a fish, and helping them record their catch. These king salmon count toward the Cook Inlet annual limit of five king salmon, 20 inches or longer. The bag and possession limit for king salmon less than 20 inches is ten per day. Bait is allowed during this time. Snagging is not allowed. Youth anglers do not need a sport fishing license or king salmon stamp but do need a Harvest Record Card. Any king salmon harvested must be recorded immediately on the Harvest Record Card. While adults can assist youth anglers with fishing, sections dedicated to Youth-Only fishing are closed to anglers 16 years and older, including catch-and-release, during that time.

Eklutna Tailrace

The Youth-Only fishery at the Eklutna Tailrace will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The Youth-Only zone will be on both sides of the Eklutna Tailrace from the mouth upstream to the walking bridge. The section upstream of the walking bridge and downstream of the mouth in the side channel of the Knik River open to king fishing will remain open to fishing for anglers of all ages.

Ship Creek

The Youth-Only fishery at Ship Creek will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The Youth-Only zone will be on both sides of the creek from the C street bridge upstream to the Bridge Restaurant. The remainder of Ship Creek will be open to fishing for anglers of all ages. ADF&G will be onsite at Ship Creek during portions of the day to provide youth anglers sport fishing information.

For additional information, please see pages 40 and 49 of the 2023 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.

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