(Palmer) - Due to a strong run of coho and sockeye salmon into Fish Creek, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limits for salmon, other than king salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, to six per day and six in possession, of which no more than three salmon per day and in possession may be coho salmon, in all waters of Fish Creek open to salmon fishing. In addition, sport fishing on Fish Creek will continue to be allowed seven days per week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day. These provisions are effective 5:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020.

After taking a bag limit of salmon, a person may not sport fish that same day in any waters open to salmon fishing. Bait and multiple hooks (meaning no more than two single hooks or two treble hooks per line) will be permitted in these fisheries.

“This year’s sockeye run to Fish Creek was quite large and the coho salmon run is large enough to support an increase in harvest for the remainder of the season,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “Some bright coho are still available in this fishery and now is the time to get them.”

The Jim Creek coho salmon run is managed separately to achieve the escapement goal established for that system. Other Knik Arm waters, including the Little Susitna River, Eklutna Tailrace, and Wasilla and Cottonwood creeks remain unaffected by this emergency order.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey at (907) 746-6300.

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