(Homer) – To protect returning king salmon and fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing restriction effective 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 16 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Sport fishing gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure on the Anchor River, Deep Creek, Stariski Creek, and the Ninilchik River drainages.

“With the current low king salmon returns, gear restrictions are necessary to protect upstream migrating king salmon needed for escapement needs,” stated Area Management Biologist Carol Kerkvliet. “To minimize the shifting effort due to conservation actions for the Anchor River and Ninilchik River, it is warranted to restrict gear on Deep Creek and Stariski Creek, as well. Anglers are still allowed to fish for hatchery king salmon on the Ninilchik River using one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure. All wild king salmon caught may not be removed from the water and must be immediately released.”

In conjunction with this restriction, a sport fishing regulation closure was issued closing king salmon fishing within the conservation zones surrounding the Anchor River, Stariski Creek, Deep Creek, and Ninilchik River. King salmon incidentally caught while fishing for other fish may not be removed from the water and must be immediately released. Anglers can review page 74 of the 2018 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet for additional information on the conservation zones.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Carol Kerkvliet or Assistant Area Management Biologist Mike Booz at (907) 235-8191.

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