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ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Sam Cotten, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Tom Brookover, Director

Contact:
Klaus Wuttig
Tanana River Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-459-7344

June 29, 2016

BAIT PROHIBITED IN THE TANANA RIVER TRIBUTARIES

The Division of Sport Fish is prohibiting the use of bait in all flowing waters of the tributaries of the Tanana River. This bait restriction will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 2 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

This action is intended to reduce sport harvests of king salmon to ensure adequate escapement is achieved drainage-wide, and in particular, to meet escapement goals for the Chena and Salcha rivers. Prohibiting the use of bait is expected to reduce king salmon catch rates by approximately 50%.

The use of bait is still permitted in the mainstem portions of the Tanana River, which will allow fishing for other species such as burbot. All other regulations (e.g. bag and possession limits) related to salmon, including king salmon, remain unchanged.

As of June 27, 134,000 fish were counted at Pilot Station, which is below the average of 174,000 for years with early run timing. The magnitude of the 2016 run should be sufficient to ensure escapements goals are met in the Tanana River drainage due in part to conservative in-season management practices implemented in Yukon and Tanana river subsistence and commercial fisheries. Conservative management within the sport fishery is also warranted to ensure adequate escapement.

Counting towers on the Chena and Salcha rivers were operational on June 26 and the first king salmon were observed that day. Projected escapements based on king salmon counts at the Chena and Salcha rivers will be used in consideration of future regulatory actions.

For additional information contact Klaus Wuttig, Tanana River Area Management Biologist, 907-459-7344.