(Released: August 08, 2019 - Expired: December 31, 2019)

Division of Sport Fish
Dave Rutz, Director
Anchorage Headquarters Office
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518


Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
www.adfg.alaska.gov


Contact: Sam Ivey, Area Management Biologist
(907) 746-6300

Fish Creek Sport Fishing Open 7 Days Per Week with Increased Sockeye Limits

(Palmer) - Due to a strong run of sockeye salmon into Fish Creek, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limits for salmon, other than king salmon, 16 inches or greater in length to six per day and six in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and in possession may be coho salmon, in all waters of Fish Creek open to salmon fishing. In addition, sport fishing on Fish Creek will be allowed seven days per week from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day. These provisions are effective 5:00 a.m. Friday, August 9 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

After taking a bag limit of salmon, a person may not sport fish that same day in any waters open to salmon fishing. Bait and multiple hooks (meaning no more than two single hooks or two treble hooks per line) will be permitted in these fisheries.

“This year’s sockeye run to Fish Creek is solid and has exceeded the escapement goal of 15,000-45,000 fish,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “After a successful dipnet fishery followed by a great weekend of youth-only fishing, it’ll be nice to finish off the season by creating additional sport fishing opportunity for rod and reel anglers wishing to put up a few more fish for the winter.”

The escapement goal for coho salmon in Fish Creek is 1,200-4,400 fish and weir counts to date indicate 1,057 coho salmon have passed the weir at about 18% of the historical run. It is not anticipated that increased sport harvest of coho salmon as a result of increased fishing time directed at sockeye salmon harvest will prevent achieving the escapement for coho salmon in Fish Creek.

The Jim Creek coho salmon run is managed separately to achieve the escapement goal established for that system. Other Knik Arm waters, including the Little Susitna River, Eklutna Tailrace, and Wasilla and Cottonwood creeks remain unaffected by this emergency order.

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

#19-2832