Press Release ADF&G Logo
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
Sam Cotten, Commissioner

DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
Tom Brookover, Director

Contact:
Robert Begich
Area Management Biologist
Phone: 907-262-9368

June 30, 2015

KASILOF RIVER DIPNETTING AREA EXPANDED; SPORT FISHING BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS INCREASED

Due to a strong return of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River, emergency orders have been issued to liberalize the Kasilof River personal use and sport fisheries, effective 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2015, through 11:59 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2015. 

In the Kasilof River sockeye salmon sport fishery, the bag and possession limit is increased to six (6) per day, and twelve (12) in possession, effective 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 1 through 11:59 p.m., Friday, August 7, 2015.

Personal use dipnetting from the shore is allowed in an expanded area from ADF&G markers on the Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge.  Dipnetting from a boat is allowed from ADF&G markers located on the Cook Inlet beaches upstream to ADF&G markers at approximately river mile 3.

No king salmon may be kept in the Kasilof River personal use salmon fishery.  Any king salmon, Dolly Varden, or rainbow/steelhead trout caught while dipnetting must be released immediately. Only Alaskan residents who hold a valid sport fishing license, PID or DAV and a dipnet permit may participate in personal use fisheries.

The optimal escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 160,000-390,000 sockeye salmon. As of June 29, a total of 139,266 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement level of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the optimal escapement goal.

For additional information on the Kasilof River personal use fishery, please read pages 14 - 17 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary or call the Anchorage dipnetting hotline at (907) 267-2512.