(Palmer) - In favor of protecting returning king salmon and increasing fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing sport fishing for king salmon in Units 1-6 of the Susitna River drainage and in the Little Susitna River effective 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024. In addition, sport fishing gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure with a gap between the point and shank of the hook of 1/2 inch or less when fishing in Units 1-6 of the Susitna River drainage and the Little Susitna River in those waters normally open to king salmon fishing. Sport fishing for other species will be allowed seven days per week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. King salmon may not be targeted and those caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. For a complete description of these waters, anglers should refer to the current Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations booklet.

“King salmon stocks in Northern Cook Inlet, like other areas of the state, continue to experience a period of low productivity. The Deshka River forecast is predicting an exceptionally low run this year due to an expected poor showing of 4- and 5-year old fish. Historic low escapements were experienced areawide in 2023 and no king salmon goals were made in the management area in 2023,” stated Acting Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund. “ADF&G has a duty to protect, maintain, and improve our sport fisheries and without these restrictions we more than likely will not meet our escapement goals.”

For additional information, please contact Acting Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund at (907) 746-6300.

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