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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Sam Cotten, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Tom Brookover, Director

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

April 07, 2015

AYAKULIK RIVER KING SALMON SPORT FISHERY RESTRICTED TO CATCH-AND-RELEASE IN 2015

King salmon fishing in the Ayakulik River will be restricted by emergency order to nonretention (catch-and-release only), beginning 12:01 a.m., Monday, June 1, through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015. King salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. As an added measure to reduce the probability of king salmon mortality, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used within the entire Ayakulik River drainage.

The biological escapement goal (BEG) for Ayakulik River king salmon is 4,000 to 7,000 fish. The BEG was not attained in 2006, 2008-09, and also in 2013-2014.  Restrictions to the sport fishery have been taken in an effort to achieve the BEG since 2006.  Expectations of poor king salmon runs and uncertainty over how quickly the run may rebound from recent poor returns, as well as poor king salmon forecasts statewide, justify starting the 2015 season conservatively. Increased fishing opportunity may be allowed by a subsequent emergency order if inseason assessment of Ayakulik River king salmon indicates the run is stronger than anticipated.

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