Fish Creek Increases Sockeye Limits; Now Open Every Day

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

Fish Creek Sport Fishing Open 7 Days Per Week with Increased Sockeye Salmon Limits

(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 salmon, 16 inches or greater in length to six per day and six in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and in possession may be coho salmon, in all waters of Fish Creek open to salmon fishing. 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. These provisions are effective 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 4 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020.

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 continues to be strong into August and is projected to exceed the escapement goal of 15,000-45,000 fish,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “After a successful dipnet fishery followed by a great weekend of youth-only fishing, it’ll be nice to finish off the season by creating additional sport fishing opportunity for rod and reel anglers wishing to put up a few more sockeye for the winter.”

The Jim Creek coho salmon run is managed separately to achieve the escapement goal established for that system. Other Knik Arm waters, including the Little Susitna River, Eklutna Tailrace, and Wasilla and Cottonwood creeks remain unaffected by this emergency order.

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