Resurrection Bay/River Sockeye Limits Increasing

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

(Anchorage) – The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is liberalizing existing sport fishing regulations by increasing the sockeye salmon bag and possession limits to 12 fish per day and 12 fish in possession in the Resurrection River and adjacent saltwaters of Resurrection Bay. These regulatory changes are effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2020. The area of the bag and possession limit increase includes the freshwaters downstream from the Seward Highway and downstream from Nash Road to the ADF&G regulatory saltwater markers and in the marine waters of Resurrection Bay north of a line from Caines Head to the north point of Thumb Cove.

Anglers are reminded that snagging is not allowed in freshwater. Only unbaited, single-hook, artificial lures or flies are allowed in the freshwater area open to salmon fishing. Anglers are reminded to look for the saltwater markers that separate the fresh and saltwater fishing zones in the Resurrection River. For additional information on the Resurrection Bay saltwaters and freshwaters, please review pages 78 and 80 of the 2020 Southcentral Sport Fishing Regulation Summary booklet.

“Through June 21, 11,543 sockeye salmon have passed the Bear Creek weir and fish are still entering the river system,” stated Area Management Biologist Jay Baumer. “The Bear Lake sustainable escapement goal and the hatchery broodstock requirements are anticipated to be met. Fishing has slowed down and anglers will need to work harder to get their extra fish but for anglers that are willing to put in additional effort this is a great opportunity to get outside and stock their freezers with fresh fish.”

Anglers are reminded that commercial fishing will also be occurring in Resurrection Bay over the next few weeks. For additional information on commercial fishing periods, please visit the ADF&G Commercial Salmon Fisheries webpage.

For additional information, please contact the Anchorage Sport Fish Information Center at (907) 267-2218.