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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Sam Cotten, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Tom Brookover, Director

Contact:
Samantha Oslund
Assistant Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 746-6300

August 31, 2015

JIM CREEK CLOSED TO SPORT FISHING FOR SALMON

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, the Jim Creek drainage is closed to sport fishing for salmon; salmon may not be retained or possessed and any salmon caught while fishing for resident species must be released immediately 

The coho salmon fishery at Jim Creek has become one of the largest fisheries in Knik Arm.  Jim Creek experienced below average run strength in 2010-2012, and 2014 and failed to attain the sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 450 – 700 fish as indexed by an annual foot survey of McRoberts Creek, a tributary within the Jim Creek drainage.  The 2015 run of coho salmon to Jim Creek appears to be tracking below years the weir was operated (1993, 1994) and the goal was achieved.  While angler reports of fishing success have improved recently on other Knik Arm streams, fishing success has been sporadic and below average for this time of the season at Jim Creek.  Staff surveys conducted late last week indicated fewer fish than needed for achieving the escapement goal.  Given the weak showing of coho salmon in Jim Creek, it is warranted to restrict recreational fishing activity at this time. Fish, Cottonwood, and Wasilla creeks are excluded from this restriction because the coho salmon escapement goal has been achieved at Fish Creek and run strength at Cottonwood and Wasilla creeks typically mirrors that of Fish Creek. 

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