(Kodiak) - The first returns of full-sized or three-ocean age king salmon will be returning to Salonie Creek any day now and returns are expected to be excellent. Run-timing should be similar to the American and Olds Rivers with peak run-timing occurring near the end of June or early July. The past two years have seen returns of one-ocean and two-ocean ‘jacks’ to Salonie, but this season three age classes of kings will be returning. Look for the very first of these fish to show up any day now!

Since 2002, king salmon have been released on the Kodiak Road System to enhance angler opportunity and provide a locally available king salmon fishery on the Kodiak Road System. In 2007, the project was expanded to include the American and Olds Rivers and in 2014 was expanded further to include smolt releases at Salonie Creek. There are currently no plans for further expansion; however, the project is fully developed and consistent returns to each of these drainages should be expected for the foreseeable future.

Anglers are reminded that Monashka Bay and Monashka Creek are closed to king salmon fishing to allow for brood-stock collection and the Monashka Creek drainage is closed to the use of bait. The freshwaters of Pillar Creek remain open, however. There is a 5 fish annual limit in all freshwaters of Kodiak Island for king salmon and all king salmon harvested in freshwater must be immediately recorded on the back of your sport fishing license or on a harvest card.

For more information contact the Division of Sport Fish office in Kodiak at (907) 486-1880.

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