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

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Robert Begich
Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-262-9368

July 24, 2014

KASILOF RIVER KING SALMON FISHING RESTRICTED TO CATCH-AND-RELEASE

The Kasilof River will be restricted to catch-and-release fishing for king salmon, effective 12:01 am, Saturday, July 26, through 11:59 p.m., Thursday, July 31.

King salmon runs to Cook Inlet and throughout Alaska, are experiencing a period of low productivity and low run strength. The department’s information, including data from inriver assessment programs, indicates that the Kenai River late-run is experiencing low run strength. The department has no inseason stock assessment data for late-run Kasilof River king salmon. However, based on the similarities in the low run strength of king salmon stocks to both the Kasilof and Kenai rivers in 2014, it is likely the Kasilof late run of king salmon is also experiencing a well below average run. An emergency order was issued today to close the late-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kenai River drainage. This would likely result in an increase in the sport fishing effort and catch of king salmon in the Kasilof River during the remainder of July without further restrictions. Therefore, to minimize the effects of conservation actions for the Kenai River on the Kasilof River, this restriction is warranted to conserve Kasilof River late-run king salmon.

Anglers are reminded that bait/scent and multiple hooks are still prohibited on the Kasilof River from the mouth upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge.