Press Release ADF&G Logo
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Cora Campbell, Acting Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Donn Tracy
Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-486-1880

June 26, 2014

MONASHKA CREEK AND MONASHKA BAY CLOSED TO SPORT FISHING FOR KING SALMON

Effective Saturday, June 28, sport fishing for king salmon is closed in the entire Monashka Creek drainage and in the waters of Monashka Bay shoreward of a straight line extending from Miller Point to Termination Point. This closure prohibits all sport fishing, including catch-and-release fishing, for king salmon. King salmon may not be possessed or retained; king salmon caught incidentally while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. In addition, only one unbaited, single hook artificial lure may be used in the waters of Monashka Creek which otherwise remain open to sport fishing.

The Monashka Creek drainage supports an enhanced run of king salmon. King salmon returning to Monashka Creek are used by the department as a brood source to provide annual releases of hatchery king salmon in Monashka Creek and two other streams located on the Kodiak road system. The department’s annual broodstock goal is a minimum of 50 spawning female and 50 spawning male king salmon; this level of broodstock is needed to sustain current production levels and sport fishing opportunities on the Kodiak road system.

Each year since 2004, at least 50% of the broodstock collection goal has been met as of June 25. So far this year, no adult king salmon are available from Monashka Creek for broodstock collection. In order to ensure brood stock needs are met, it is necessary to close the 2014 sport fishery in the Monashka Creek drainage and in Monashka Bay. Harvest opportunity may be restored by subsequent emergency order if king salmon returns to Monashka Creek indicate that brood source collection goals will be achieved.

For more information contact the Division of Sport Fish office in Kodiak at (907) 486-1880.