Kasilof River Sockeye, King Salmon Updates

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

Division of Sport Fish
Dave Rutz, Director

Anchorage Headquarters Office
333 Raspberry Road
Anchorage, AK 99518
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner

P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811-5526
www.adfg.alaska.gov
Advisory Announcement
(Released: July 13, 2020 – Expires: December 31, 2020)
CONTACTColton Lipka
Area Management Biologist
(907) 262-9368

Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

(Soldotna) – In an effort to allow anglers 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 15 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2020.

The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 140,000 – 320,000 sockeye salmon. Through July 12, 2020, a total of 188,596 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 sport fish bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, ADF&G issued Emergency Order 2-RS-1-27-20 on July 1, 2020, expanding the area open to personal use dipnetting on the Kasilof River effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2020.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.

Kasilof River King Salmon Limited to Catch-and-Release 

(Soldotna) – In favor of protecting returning king salmon and increased fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is restricting the king salmon fishery on the Kasilof River to catch-and release only effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 15 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2020. The retention of king salmon is prohibited while sport fishing on the Kasilof River downstream of the Sterling Highway Bridge. In addition, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used when fishing for king salmon in these waters. King salmon may not be retained or possessed, may not be removed from the water, and must be released immediately.

“King salmon runs across the Kenai Peninsula have consistently and significantly underperformed preseason expectations,” stated Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka. “Regulatory restrictions and closures have been issued for the Kenai River king salmon sport fishery during July. These emergency orders will likely result in an increase in the sport fishing effort and catch of king salmon in the Kasilof River. Therefore, to minimize the effects of conservation actions for the Kenai River, it is warranted to prohibit retention of king salmon on the Kasilof River to ensure adequate escapement of Kasilof River late-run king salmon.”

In conjunction with this restriction, a sport fishing regulation restriction was issued prohibiting the retention of king salmon while sport fishing on the Kenai River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G regulatory marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek. In addition, only one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure may be used when sport fishing in these waters.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Colton Lipka at (907) 262-9368.