Susitna River Drainages To Close For King Fishing

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

Susitna River Drainages Closed to King Salmon Fishing

(Palmer) – To protect returning king salmon and increase fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation closure. In Units 1-6 of the Susitna River drainage and for the Little Susitna River effective 6:00 a.m. Thursday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2025, sport fishing for king salmon is closed. In addition, sport fishing gear is limited to one unbaited, single-hook, artificial lure with a gap between the point and shank of the hook of half-inch or less when fishing in Units 1-6 of the Susitna River drainage and on the Little Susitna River in those waters normally open to king salmon fishing. Sport fishing for other species will be allowed seven days per week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. King salmon may not be targeted and those incidentally caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Bait may be used when sport fishing for burbot, for a complete description of these waters, anglers should refer to the 2025 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations booklet, set to be released in April 2025.

King salmon stocks in Northern Cook Inlet, like other areas of the state, continue to experience a period of low productivity, and the forecast for the Deshka River is historically low. An exceptionally low run is expected this year due to an expected poor showing of 4 and 5-year old fish. “Historic low escapements were experienced area wide in 2023-2024 and no king salmon goals were made in our management area in 2023-2024,” stated Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund. “ADF&G staff understands the frustrations and tremendous impact closing this fishery down has on anglers, local businesses, and guides. Nonetheless, ADF&G has a duty to protect, maintain, and improve our sport fisheries and without these restrictions we more than likely will not meet our escapement goals.”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund at (907) 746-6300.