(Soldotna) - Sport fishing will be permitted at East and West Mackey, Sevena, Union, and Derks lakes; however, the retention of all species of fish is prohibited at these lakes.

These restrictions will be in effect from 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, January 1 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

From 2014-2017, East and West Mackey, Sevena, Union, and Derks lakes were successfully treated with rotenone to eradicate nonnative northern pike. During 2015-2017, Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff captured and transported approximately 92,000 native fish from Soldotna Creek to these lakes to aid in the restoration of the native fish populations. Continued restrictions from 2018 through 2019 are needed to protect these native fish until the population is established.

#18-2688