(Palmer) - In an effort to increase coho salmon escapement in the Deshka River, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is reducing coho salmon limits to one per day and one in possession and prohibiting the use of bait in the Deska River including all waters within a one-half mile radius of its confluence with the Susitna River effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 15 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025. Sport fishing tackle is limited to unbaited, artificial lures and treble hooks or two hooks may be used. The limits for salmon other than king salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, will remain at three per day and three in possession but only one per day and one in possession may be coho salmon.

“Extremely low water levels coupled with high stream temperatures has stalled upstream migration of coho salmon,” stated Palmer Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund. “This has created some uncertainty with our projections based on historical run timing. It’s prudent to be conservative and reduce the harvest of coho salmon until environmental conditions change and the run can be better assessed.”

The Deshka River coho salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) is 10,200–24,100 fish. To date, only 347 coho salmon have passed upstream of the weir. Based on these counts, the run is projected to be well below the lower end of the SEG. The department will continue to monitor weir counts and restrictions on the sport fishery may be rescinded if counts improve or may be further restricted if counts remain low.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Sam Oslund at (907) 746-6300.

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