(Seward) - To provide youth anglers 15 years of age and younger additional opportunity to harvest king salmon returning to the Seward Lagoon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is extending the season of the Youth-Only fishery in Seward through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 16, 2023. The Seward Lagoon and waters draining out of the Seward Lagoon (outfall stream) remain closed to anglers 16 years of age and older.

The Seward Lagoon is stocked annually with king salmon to provide opportunity for young anglers. King salmon are trickling into the lagoon and extending the season is warranted so young anglers can continue to have the opportunity to fish for them. Try using a canoe or kayak as shore access can be limited at the lagoon,” stated Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth. “This location is a terminal fishery, and it is not used for hatchery broodstock, nor is there any natural reproduction and we would like to see these fish caught by youth anglers.”

Adults can assist youth anglers, but the fish becomes part of the bag limit of the angler who hooks the fish. Each youth angler is allowed a bag limit of two fish per day. King salmon that are 20 inches or greater must be recorded on a harvest record card and count towards the Kenai Peninsula Area annual limit of five king salmon. Youth anglers can use bait or lures. Snagging is not allowed in fresh waters.

For additional information, please contact the Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth at (907) 267-2186.

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