(Palmer) - In an effort to increase the number of coho salmon passing through the Little Susitna River weir, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Little Susitna River to sport fishing for coho salmon from its mouth up to the Parks Highway effective 12:01 a.m. Saturday, August 19 through 11:59 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023. The use of bait continues to be prohibited. Gear is restricted to unbaited, artificial lures, meaning treble hooks or two hooks may be used.

“Further evaluation of run size based on daily weir counts and observations by staff indicate more stringent action be taken to conserve coho salmon returning to the Little Susitna River,” stated Palmer Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “As of August 15, only 3,445 coho salmon had passed upstream of the weir and the escapement is projected to be 5,300 fish. fish. Therefore, it is warranted to conserve the remaining coho salmon returning to the Little Susitna River to ensure achievement of the escapement goal.”

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

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