Anglers Prohibited From Fishing Little Susitna River With Bait

The following is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

(Palmer) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is prohibiting the use of bait in the Little Susitna River from its mouth upstream to the Parks Highway effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Only unbaited, artificial lures may be used. A person who takes a bag limit of salmon 16 inches long or longer from the Little Susitna River may not fish for any species of fish in the Little Susitna River downstream of the Parks Highway that same day.

The Little Susitna River coho salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) is 9,200 – 17,700 fish. Recent daily weir counts are well below average. As of August 3, 2020, only 1,047 coho salmon had passed upstream of the weir and the escapement is currently projected to be 6,582 fish. At this time, it is justified to slow the harvest of coho salmon at the Little Susitna River until the run can be further assessed to ensure the SEG is met.

ADF&G will continue to monitor the Little Susitna River coho salmon run as it develops. If run strength improves to a level that can support a larger harvest, restrictions to the sport fishery may be rescinded. However, additional restrictions are possible if the run does not improve.

For additional information, please contact Assistant Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund at (907) 746-6300.