(Anchorage) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reducing the bag and possession limits for coho salmon to one per day and two in possession in the Copper River Highway streams effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, September 25 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019. The Copper River Highway streams include all freshwaters drainages crossed by the Copper River Highway from and including Eyak River to the Million Dollar Bridge, including Clear Creek at mile 42 downstream of the Carbon Mountain Road Bridge.

This sport fishing restriction is in conjunction with the sport fishing restriction prohibiting bait in the Copper River Highway streams issued September 16, 2019.

“Biologists have been unable to conduct an aerial survey since September 17. Without additional information to support sufficient escapement to meet escapement needs for the area, a further reduction in harvest is necessary,” stated Jay Baumer Sport Fish Area Management Biologist.

On September 17, 2019, the Copper River Delta drainage aerial survey count for coho salmon was estimated at 7,725 coho salmon versus an anticipated range of 16,908 - 35,401. To help increase escapement in the Copper River Delta drainage reducing the bag and possession limit and eliminating bait from the sport fishery is warranted.

For additional information, please contact the Area Management Biologist Jay Baumer at (907) 267-2265.

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