King Salmon Harvest Opening On Deshka River

From the Alaska Department of Fish and Game:

(Palmer) – The Deshka River king salmon escapement goal is projected to be achieved for the 2021 fishing season and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is opening the Deshka River to harvest opportunity effective 6:00 a.m. Friday, June 18 through 11:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Bait and multiple hooks are also allowed, and anglers may keep one king salmon per day and two in possession 20 inches or greater in length in the Deshka River. Fishing is allowed 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. The Cook Inlet annual limit of five king salmon over 20 inches in length still applies.

Anglers are reminded that all other restrictions taken in Emergency Order 2-KS-2-14-21 remain in effect, except for the Deshka River. Units 1 – 6 of the Susitna River drainage remain restricted to catch-and-release (except for the Deshka River). Unit 2 is open to catch-and-release fishing on Sundays and Mondays only for the next consecutive weeks starting June 20 for the following dates: (June 20-21, June 27-28, and July 4-5). Sportfishing gear is restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure in all waters of the Susitna River drainage open to king salmon fishing (except Deshka River). Please review the emergency order in its entirety.

The biological escapement goal (BEG) for king salmon in the Deshka River is 9,000 to 18,000 fish. As of June 15, 2021, a cumulative king salmon passage through the weir located at river mile 7 was 7,788 fish with a projected escapement of 23,747 fish nearing the 40% point of the historical run. Therefore, it is warranted to open the Deshka River king salmon fishery to harvest. An estimated harvest of about 900 fish due to this action is not expected to result in the final escapement being below the lower end of the escapement goal.

“The 2021 run on Deshka River appears to be performing better than forecast with a lot of 5-year old kings returning this season,” stated Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey. “Half the season remains and by the way, don’t forget to take your father fishing this weekend or put one on the grill for Father’s Day!”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Sam Ivey at (907) 746-6300 or Cook Inlet Management Coordinator Matt Miller at (907) 267-2415.