Contact:
Carol Kerkvliet
Assistant Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 235-1730

Anglers are advised that, in an effort to meet the Ninilchik River king salmon escapement and egg-take goals, the department is closing the sport fishery on hatchery king salmon beginning Monday, July 16, through Wednesday, October 31, 2012. This closure prohibits all sport fishing for king salmon, including catch-and-release fishing. King salmon may not be retained or possessed; king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

The sustainable escapement goal for king salmon in the Ninilchik River is 550-1,300 wild king salmon through the weir from July 3-31. The egg take goal is 111 king salmon pairs. In 2007 and 2009, escapement was below the goal; and near the lower end in 2008, 2010, and 2011. Egg take goals were not reached in 2007-2009. The egg take goal was reached in 2011 by operating the weir additional days.

The Ninilchik River escapement of from July 3-10, 2012 was 38 wild king salmon; only two hatchery-reared king salmon had been counted through the weir and held for brood stock. As of July 10, approximately 19% of the escapement has been counted through the weir on average. The composition of king salmon from the mouth to approximately 2 miles upstream was estimated to be 79% wild and 21% hatchery-reared king salmon based on a July 10, 2012 beach seine survey. Additionally, king salmon restrictions on the Kenai and Kasilof river drainages may result in an increase of sport fishing effort and catch of Ninilchik River king salmon. Therefore, this restriction is necessary to achieve the Ninilchik River king salmon escapement and eggtake goal.

Anglers are reminded that the Ninilchik and Anchor rivers will remain closed to all sport fishing through July 15, 2012. From July 16-31, 2012, sport fishing in the Ninilchik River, Deep Creek, Stariski Creek and Anchor River are restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure or fly, and king salmon may not be targeted. In these streams all king salmon caught while fishing for other species may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

END