Chuit River
General Information

The "Ordinary High Water Mark"

The Ordinary High Water Mark can usually be identified by the vegetation line along the bank or shore, or by other distinctive signs. It is defined as the mark along the bank or shore where the presence and action of water are so common and usual as to leave a natural line impressed on the bank or shore. That line may be indicated by erosion, shelving, changes in soil characteristics, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, or other distinctive physical characteristics.

Run Timing for Salmon

Run timing for adult salmon returning to freshwater to spawn will impact angler success. Approximate run timing for West Cook Inlet freshwater drainages:

• King Salmon — mid-May to early-July.
• Red Salmon — mid-June through August.
• Pink Salmon — July and August.
• Silver Salmon — mid-July through September.
• Chum Salmon — July through August.

GENERAL SPORT FISHING INFORMATION

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game maintains the Sport Fish Information Line in Palmer (907) 746-6300 from approximately April 15th through September 15th annually.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game publishes sport fishing regulations for the West Cook Inlet freshwater drainages in the Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for Southcentral Alaska. Contact either of the following ADG&G offices to obtain a copy of these regulations:

Alaska Department of Fish & Game
1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 2
Palmer, Alaska 99645-6736
(907) 486-1880

OR

Alaska Department of Fish & Game
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99518
(907) 267-2218

Field Tips

Be advised that you are in bear country. In most cases, bears are not a threat, but they deserve your respect and attention. Before traveling in bear country, pick up the brochure "Bear Facts" from any Department of Fish and Game office. There are two key regulations regarding human/bear interactions in Alaska. The first prohibits feeding bears or leaving garbage that attracts them (5 AAC 92.230). The other sets the guidelines for taking bear in defense of your life and property (5 AAC 92.410). State law allows a bear to be shot in self-defense if: ( 1 ) you did not provoke the attack by an unreasonable invasion of the bear's habitat; (2) the problem was not caused by negligent storage of food, garbage, or other attractive nuisance; and (3) there is no alternative. If a bear is killed, the hide and skull must be salvaged, and the incident must be immediately reported to the authorities.

It is recommended that river visitors carry suitable containers to dispose of human waste, since there are no facilities along the river.

Chuit River Upland Land Status

There are a number of landowners along the Chuit River: the Kenai Peninsula Borough, private individuals and corporations, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The easements across private lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. User fees may be required to use privately owned lands. Be sure to get permission from the appropriate landowners before you begin your trip.