Restrictions on king salmon fishing on the Kenai River go into effect Friday, according to the AK Department of Fish & Game.
State officials say in an effort to meet early-run king salmon minimum escapement numbers, the department is restricting the sport fishery to catch-and-release/trophy king salmon fishing only beginning Friday, June 15.
In a press release, Fish and Game advised anglers on the Kenai River that the department is implementing the following sport fishing restrictions:
From 12:01 a.m., Friday, June 15, through 11:59 p.m., Saturday, June 30, 2012:
- In the Kenai River drainage, from the mouth upstream to Skilak Lake, and in the Moose
River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost edge of the
Sterling Highway bridge, only king salmon less than 20 inches in length or 55 inches or
greater in length may be retained. King salmon 20 inches or greater in length and less than 55
inches in length may not be possessed or retained, may not be removed from the water, and
must be released immediately. Harvest of king salmon less than 20 inches in length or 55
inches or greater in length is still allowed.
From 12:01 a.m., Sunday, July 1, through 11:59 p.m., Saturday, July 14, 2012:
- In the Kenai River drainage from ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately 300
yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, and
in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River upstream to the northernmost
edge of the Sterling Highway bridge, only king salmon less than 20 inches in length or 55
inches or greater in length may be retained. King salmon 20 inches or greater in length and
less than 55 inches in length may not be possessed or retained, may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Harvest of king salmon less than 20 inches in length or 55 inches or greater in length is still allowed.
- Use of bait is not allowed in the Kenai River drainage from ADF&G regulatory markers
located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek, upstream to
the outlet of Skilak Lake, and in the Moose River from its confluence with the Kenai River
upstream to the northernmost edge of the Sterling Highway bridge.
ADF&G said as of June 12th, all indices used to assess the abundance of early-run king salmon in the Kenai River indicate a run that is well below average. All department assessment methods are running below the minimum inseason management objectives at this time.
The department believes early-run king salmon that have yet to return to the Kenai River this season are needed to achieveadequate escapement for future production.
For information of inseason assessment of Kenai River king salmon visit the ADF&G website at:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/sf/FishCounts/index.cfm?ADFG=main.home.
