(Palmer) - The 2025 Eklutna Tailrace Coho Salmon Youth-Only Fishery will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The Eklutna Tailrace is located at mile 3.5 on the Old Glenn Highway. The Youth-Only Fishery allows anglers 15 years and younger to fish from the confluence with the Knik River upstream to the pedestrian bridge. The section dedicated to this Youth-Only Fishery is closed to anglers 16 years and older, including catch-and-release fishing, but the remainder of the tailrace will be open to fishing for anglers of all ages. The bag and possession limit is three coho salmon. Use caution when fishing from shore and pay close attention to young anglers. Consider having your youth angler wear a personal floatation device while near the water.

“Eklutna is a great atmosphere to slow down and teach kids how to fish as well as watch them in action. This is a good place and opportunity for kids to learn how to fish without pressure from adults. Fishing has been great in the early morning” stated Assistant Area Management Biologist Oliver Querin.

The Youth-Only Fisheries are open to anglers 15 years and younger and were established by the Alaska State Legislature and implemented by the Alaska Board of Fisheries to provide a special opportunity for young people to get out and go fishing. Remember, youth anglers 15 years and younger do not need a sport fishing license. Anglers are allowed to use bait and multiple hooks, meaning no more than two single or two treble hooks per line. While adults may assist youth anglers with baiting a hook, casting, and landing a fish, youth anglers need to set the hook themselves.

For additional information, please review page 34 of the 2025 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet or contact the ADF&G Palmer office at (907) 746-6300.

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