(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 and coho salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, to six per day and six in possession in all waters of Fish Creek open to salmon fishing effective 5:00 a.m. Monday, August 1 through 10:00 p.m. Friday, August 12, 2022. 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. Retention of coho salmon is not allowed, except in the youth-only fishery, which occurs Saturday – Sunday, August 6 – 7. In the youth-only fishery, six salmon (other than king salmon) may be retained per day and in possession, of which no more than two fish may be a coho salmon. Weekend only fishing for all ages resumes per regulation (three salmon over 16 inches per day and in possession, of which only two may be a coho salmon), beginning 5 a.m. Saturday, August 13 after this emergency order expires.

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 quite large,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “Many more sockeye are expected to migrate up Fish Creek after the conclusion of the personal use dipnet fishery. This is a great opportunity for sport anglers to catch these fish by hook and line during the final two weeks of the sockeye run”.

Other Knik Arm waters, including the Little Susitna River, Eklutna Tailrace, Jim, Wasilla and Cottonwood Creeks remain unaffected by this emergency order.

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

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