Fish and Game seeks comment on 2022 sport fish stocking plan

The Sport Fish Division plans to release approximately 7 million fish into the Alaska water systems over the next five years.

Sockeye salmon. (Photo via Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Sockeye salmon. (Photo via Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

The comment period for the draft of the 2022 Statewide Stocking Plan for sport fisheries is now open, the Alaska State Department of Fish and Game announced Wednesday.

The Sport Fish Division plans to release approximately 7 million fish into the Alaska water systems over the next five years.

The stocking plan states the Alaska Sport Fish Harvest Survey reported a 30% decrease in fish caught and 34% decrease in fish harvested from 2020 to 2019. The plan aims to replenish some of the salmon stock to give sport anglers more of an opportunity to bag fish.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

As written now, the draft states the objective is to release 7 million fingerling, or smolt — young salmon — at “hundreds of locations statewide.”

Among some of the factors that affect salmon populations, the stocking plan states that prior fish quantities and human population growth have an impact.

The stocking plan is divided by region. It seeks to provide more sport fishing opportunities to Southeast Alaska and the Interior, as well as Southcentral — which includes the Kenai Peninsula.

In the Kasilof River sport fishery, for example, the draft states the objectives are to return approximately 3,000 hatchery-produced, early-run kings while ensuring that a sustainable escapement goal of 700 to 1,400 naturally produced adult kings continue to spawn.

The draft of the 2022 Statewide Stocking Plan outlines all locations, numbers, and sizes or life stages of salmon that the department plans to release. The plan is available to view in full on the ADF&G Division of Sport Fish webpage.

The press release noted that only fish reared from the division’s hatchery facilities and from private, nonprofit hatcheries that partner with the ADF&G are included in the draft of the stocking.

The public comment period is open through Jan. 31, 2022. Comments should be submitted to Andrew Garry — the statewide stocking coordinator — by email at andrew.garry@alaska.gov or by mail to William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery, c/o Andrew Garry at 941 North Reeve Boulevard, Anchorage, AK, 99501.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Former KPBSD Finance Director Liz Hayes speaks during a Kenai Peninsula Borough School District budget development meeting at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
School district finance department earns national awards

The two awards are based on comprehensive reviews of the district’s budget and financial reporting.

Children leap forward to grab candy during a Fourth of July parade on South Willow Street in Kenai, Alaska, on July 4, 2025. (Photo courtesy Sarah Every)
Celebrating the 4th in the streets

Kenai comes out for annual Independence Day parade.

Fire crews respond to the Bruce Fire, July 4, 2025, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Alaska Division of Forestry)
Firefighting crews respond to wildfire outside Soldotna

The 8-acre fire and two “spot fires” of less than one acre each are located near Mile 102 and 103 of the Sterling Highway.

Robert Weaver was last seen at the Doroshin Bay public use cabin on June 25, 2025. (Photo provided by the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)
Updated: Refuge ends search efforts for missing man

Robert Weaver was last seen near Skilak Lake on June 25.

The Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team conducts a training mission in Seward, Alaska in 2024. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team
Anchor Point fundraiser to benefit Alaska rescue and recovery group

Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization established in 2016.

Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic staff (left to right) Angie Holland, RN; Jane Rohr, Sonja Martin Young, CNM; Robin Holmes, MD; and Cherie Bole, CMA provide an array of reproductive and sexual health services. (Photo provided by KBFPC)
Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic releases report on STI trends on the Kenai Peninsula

The report pulls from data gathered from 2024 to early 2025.

Pool manager and swim coach Will Hubler leads a treading water exercise at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Swimmers, parents call on Kenai to support Kenai Central pool

The KPBSD Board of Education last week said communities will need to step up and take over administration of pools within the next year.

Traffic passes by South Spruce Street in Kenai, Alaska, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kenai drops effort to rename South Spruce Street

The resolution would have changed the name to make it clear which road led to North Kenai Beach

Most Read