Kasilof River Dipnetting Territory Added (Updated)
The following press release is courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:
(Soldotna) – In an effort to allow dipnetters a greater chance to harvest their household limits of sockeye salmon on the Kasilof River, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is expanding the Kasilof River personal use dipnetting area.
Personal use dipnetting from the shore will be allowed in an expanded area from ADF&G markers on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge. Dipnetting from a boat is allowed from ADF&G markers located on Cook Inlet beaches upstream to ADF&G markers at approximately river mile 3 of the Kasilof River. This regulatory change is effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 24 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019.
Dipnetting on the Kasilof River is allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use permit and a 2019 Resident Sport Fishing license are required to participate. Only Alaska residents can participate. King salmon or non-salmon species may not be kept in the Kasilof River personal use salmon fishery. Any king salmon, Dolly Varden, or rainbow/steelhead trout caught while dipnetting must be released immediately unharmed to the water.
The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 160,000-340,000 sockeye salmon. As of Sunday, July 21, 2019, a total of 231,900 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal.
In addition to expanding the area open to dipnetting on the Kasilof River, ADF&G issued emergency order number 2-RS-1-37-19 increasing the sport fishing bag and possession limits for sockeye salmon to six per day and twelve in possession effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 24 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019.
For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.
UPDATE
(Soldotna) – In an effort to allow anglers an additional harvest opportunity of Kasilof River sockeye salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon to six fish per day and twelve fish in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and two in possession may be coho salmon, in all portions of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing. These provisions are effective 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 24 through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 160,000-340,000 sockeye salmon. As of Sunday, July 21, 2019, a total of 231,900 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal.
“Increasing the limits for sockeye salmon allows anglers an opportunity to harvest additional fish to fill their freezer,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka.
In addition to increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, ADF&G issued emergency order number 2-RS-1-36-19 expanding the area open to dipnetting on the Kasilof River effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 24 through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 2019.
Alaska Salmon 2011: Not Too Shabby
Prime Time For Face Time At Sportsmen’s Shows
EPA: Potential ‘Adverse Impacts’ On Bristol Bay Salmon Fishery With Pebble Mine; Comment Period On Draft Study Open Into July
About Author
