Youth-Only King Salmon Fisheries Opening June 18 At Eklutna Tailrace, Ship Creek

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

Eklutna and Ship Creek Youth-Only King Salmon Fisheries on Saturday, June 18

(Anchorage) – Two Youth-Only fisheries will take place on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the Eklutna Tailrace and Ship Creek. All anglers 15 years of age or younger are encouraged to come out and take a shot at catching a king salmon. These Youth-Only Fisheries are open to anglers 15 years and younger and were established by the Alaska State Legislature and implemented by the Alaska Board of Fisheries to provide a special opportunity for young people to get out and go fishing.

The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater is one per day. As with all fisheries in Alaska, the fish belongs to the angler that sets the hook. Adults may assist youth anglers with other aspects of fishing, such as help with casting and landing a fish, and helping them record their catch. These king salmon count toward the Cook Inlet annual limit of five king salmon, 20 inches or longer. The bag and possession limit for king salmon less than 20 inches is five per day. Bait is allowed during this time. Snagging is not allowed. Youth anglers do not need a sport fishing license or king salmon stamp but do need a Harvest Record Card. Any king salmon harvested must be recorded immediately on the Harvest Record Card. While adults can assist youth anglers with fishing, sections dedicated to Youth-Only fishing are closed to anglers 16 years and up, including catch-and-release, during that time.

Eklutna Tailrace – The Youth-Only fishery at the Eklutna Tailrace will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. The Youth-Only zone will be on both sides of the Eklutna Tailrace from the mouth upstream to the walking bridge. The remainder of the Eklutna Tailrace will be open to fishing for anglers of all ages.

Ship Creek – The Youth-Only fishery at the Ship Creek will take place from 6:00 a.m. to
11:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 18. The Youth-Only zone will be on both sides of the creek from the C street bridge upstream to the Bridge Restaurant. Water levels on Ship Creek are currently high and water clarity is poor, but a few fish are still being caught throughout the fishery. The remainder of the Ship Creek will be open to fishing for anglers of all ages.

For additional information, please see page 40 and page 46 of the 2022 Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary booklet.