(Soldotna) - In an effort to allow dipnetters a greater chance to harvest their household limits of sockeye salmon on the Kasilof River, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is expanding the Kasilof River personal use dipnetting area.

Personal use dipnetting from the shore will be allowed in an expanded area from ADF&G markers on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge on the Kasilof River. Dipnetting from a boat is allowed from ADF&G markers located on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to ADF&G markers at approximately river mile 3 of the Kasilof River. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2020.

Dipnetting on the Kasilof River is allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use permit and a 2020 resident sport fishing license are required to participate. Only Alaska residents can participate. King salmon or non-salmon species may not be kept in the Kasilof River personal use salmon fishery. Any king salmon, Dolly Varden, or rainbow/steelhead trout caught while dipnetting must be released immediately unharmed to the water.

“Not only will the increased area allow dipnetters a greater chance to harvest their household limits,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka. “But it gives people more room to spread out and dipnet.”

The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 140,000 - 320,000 sockeye salmon. As of Monday, June 29, 2020, a total of 79,292 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.

#20-2982