Contact:
Sam Ivey
Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-746-6300

The bag and possession limit for coho (silver) salmon 16 inches or greater in length is increased from two to three fish per day and in possession in those waters of Fish Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Wasilla Creek open to salmon fishing. Mondays are also added to these weekend-only fisheries, allowing fishing to occur on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. These changes go into effect 6:00 a.m., August 9, 2014. Anglers are reminded that sport fishing is only allowed in these waters from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Coho salmon runs to certain small streams within Knik Arm to date are strong. As of August 4, 1,593 coho salmon have passed the Fish Creek weir. Based on average run timing and current weir counts, the department projects a total escapement of approximately 9,400 coho salmon, which exceeds the sustainable escapement goal of 1,200 to 4,400 fish. Previous studies indicate a strong correlation in run size between coho salmon runs to Fish Creek and runs to Cottonwood and Wasilla creeks.

The Little Susitna River and Jim Creek coho salmon runs are managed to achieve escapement goals established for those systems. The Little Susitna River and Jim Creek are unaffected by this emergency order and regulations governing these fisheries and other waters of Knik Arm such as the Eklutna Tailrace remain as written in regulation.

Anglers are reminded that after taking a bag limit of salmon in all of these waters, a person may not sport fish that same day in any water open to salmon fishing.

For more information, contact Sam Ivey at (907) 746-6300.