The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released multiple fishing regulation changes early this week.
Kasilof River early-run king sport fishing
The sport fishing bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or longer in the Kasilof is now set at two hatchery-produced fish, which have healed adipose fin-clip scars.
Naturally produced king salmon of any size cannot be possessed or retained. Natural kings have an intact adipose fin and a smaller fleshy fin on the back of the fish just ahead of the tail.
This is to protect the returning king salmon and ensure fishing opportunities in the future, according to the Fish and Game press release.
This restriction will be effective starting at 12:01 a.m. on June 17 through 11:59 p.m. on June 30.
Kenai River early-run king sport fishing
King salmon of any size are restricted to catch and release from the mouth of the Kenai River upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake, effective 12:01 a.m. from June 17 through June 30. Kings caught may not be taken from the water and must be released immediately.
The restriction will also continue July 1 through July 31 from an ADF&G marker located approximately 300 yards downstream from the mouth of Slikok Creek upstream to the outlet of Skilak Lake.
The release stated that in addition to these restrictions, only one unbaited single-hook artificial lure is permitted in catch and release waters.
Resurrection Bay sockeye sport fishing
The sockeye salmon bag and possession limits are being increased to 12 fish per day in the Resurrection River and adjacent salt waters of Resurrection Bay.
This includes the fresh waters downstream from the Seward Highway and downstream from Nash Road to the ADF&G regulatory salt water markers and in the marine waters of Resurrection Bay north of a line from Caines Head to the north point of Thumb Cove.
The bag and possession increase will be effective starting at 12:01 on June 17 through 11:59 p.m. on July 31.
Slightly over 9,500 sockeye salmon have made their run through the Bear Creek weir, according to ADF&G. Bear Lake has already achieved its escapement goal and the hatchery broodstock requirements are also expected to be met.
Kasilof early king personal-use setnet
The ADF&G is restricting personal-use setnet time by three hours in the personal-use gillnet fishery at the mouth of the Kasilof River.
Currently the fishery is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., but effective June 17 through June 24 setnetting will be restricted from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information about ADF&G restrictions and regulations, contact Colton Lipka at 907-262-9368 or Brian Marston 907-262-9368.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
