(Soldotna) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restrictions for early-run king salmon in the Kasilof River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2024. The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is two hatchery-produced fish. Hatchery-produced king salmon are recognizable by a healed adipose fin-clip scar. Naturally-produced king salmon of any size may not be possessed or retained and are distinguishable by an intact adipose fin, a small fleshy fin on the back of the fish just ahead of the tail. Naturally-produced king salmon that are caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Additionally, beginning 12:01 a.m. Thursday, May 16, bait may only be used on one single hook or on a single-hook, artificial lure during this time. Single hook means a fish hook with only one point.

Emergency Order No. 2-KS-1-14-24, was issued March 14, 2024 and prohibits the retention of naturally-produced king salmon, the use of multiple hooks, and allows the use of bait in the Kasilof River beginning May 1, 2024. The Department did not intend to liberalize the use of bait in the suite of actions for Kasilof River king salmon. Allowing bait May 1 would increase mortality of early-run king salmon and steelhead returning to the Kasilof River in early May. This emergency order changes the date bait is allowed back to Thursday, May 16 as described in regulation while keeping the actions for king salmon.

“To achieve an escapement within the current SEG and provide for collection of naturally-produced king salmon broodstock, as well as increasing opportunity for anglers targeting Kasilof River hatchery-produced king salmon returning to Crooked Creek, ADF&G has determined restrictions to the early-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kasilof River are necessary to achieve these goals in 2024,” stated Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey at (907) 260-2920 or (907) 267-2324.

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