(Palmer) - To protect returning king salmon and ensure fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation for the Little Susitna River drainage effective 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023. Sport fishing for king salmon is restricted to catch-and-release in the Little Susitna River drainage from its mouth upstream to the Parks Highway. In addition, sport fishing gear is restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. A single-hook is defined as a hook with only one point. Any king salmon caught must be released immediately. A person may not remove a king salmon from the water before releasing the fish.

“The Little Susitna River achieved its escapement goal over the past several years with the majority of the fishing season being restricted to catch-and-release fishing,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “The escapement goal is likely to be achieved through non-retention if this year’s run size compares to the recent 3-year average. A weir will be used to evaluate run strength in season on a daily basis should additional actions be necessary to either close the fishery or relax restrictions during the season.”

This management strategy is designed to provide sport fishing opportunity on the Little Susitna River and achieve the king salmon escapement goal during 2023.

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

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