ADFG Announces Youth-Only Gear Restrictions For Campbell Creek Catch-And-Release Kings

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

A boy fishes next to a beaver dam across part of the Tangle River as his father and friend watch. BLM Alaska photo by Craig McCaa.

Campbell Creek Youth-Only Fishery Gear Restrictions and Catch-and-Release Only for King Salmon

(Anchorage) – In favor of protecting king salmon and future fishing opportunities, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is prohibiting the retention of king salmon (catch-and-release only) in the Campbell Creek youth fishery that takes place June 29 and 30, 2024 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. King salmon may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Additionally, gear will be restricted to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure.

“Youth anglers will have the opportunity to fish for king salmon in the designated youth-only area from the Dimond Boulevard Bridge to the Old Seward Highway during the upcoming weekend; however (youth) anglers may not retain king salmon as in previous years,” stated Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth. “With poor king salmon returns and a below average brood year for fish returning this year, it is necessary to protect this small run of king salmon. ADF&G values youth fishing opportunities for young anglers and to maintain these opportunities now and into the future, and restricting to catch-and-release is necessary based on current run assessment.”

Youth anglers still have this section of the creek to themselves to sport fish during this one weekend per year opportunity. Coho salmon fishing on Campbell Creek opens up to all anglers on July 14 and local Anchorage lakes have been stocked with catchable rainbow trout for all anglers to enjoy.

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