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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Cora Campbell, Acting Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Charles O. Swanton, Director

Contact:
Patrick Fowler
Petersburg-Wrangell Area Biologist
Phone: (907) 772-5228

July 29, 2014

SPORT FISHING CLOSED IN BLIND SLOUGH

Petersburg – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish today announced a closure to sport fishing in Blind Slough due to broodstock concerns at the Crystal Lake Hatchery. Fishing is prohibited in all waters of Blind Slough upstream of a line between Blind Point and Anchor Point from August 1st through August 31st, 2014.

Monitoring of king salmon returning to Crystal Lake Hatchery indicates that the hatchery broodstock goal for king salmon will not be met. The broodstock goal is 500 female and 500 male king salmon. On July 27th, an aerial survey observed approximately 150 live king salmon and between 200 and 300 dead king salmon. Egg takes are typically conducted within a week of this date. Closing the sport fishery in Blind Slough is necessary at this time to protect remaining king salmon for broodstock.

This closure will be rescinded if broodstock goals are achieved.

Anyone needing further information concerning this announcement should contact Petersburg/Wrangell Area Management Biologist, Patrick Fowler at (907) 747-5355 or the Division of Sport Fish office in Petersburg at (907) 772-5228.