Due to a strong return of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has issued emergency orders to liberalize the Kasilof River personal-use and sport fisheries, effective 12:01 a.m., Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. Aug. 7.

In the Kasilof River sockeye salmon sport fishery, the bag and possession limit is increased to six per day, and 12 in possession.

Personal-use dipnetting from the shore is allowed in an expanded area from Fish and Game markers on the Cook Inlet beaches upstream to the Sterling Highway Bridge. Dipnetting from a boat is allowed from Fish and Game markers located on the Cook Inlet beaches upstream to Fish and Game markers at approximately river mile 3.

No king salmon may be kept in the Kasilof River personal-use salmon fishery. Any king salmon, Dolly Varden, or rainbow/steelhead trout caught while dipnetting must be released immediately. Only Alaskan residents who hold a valid sport fishing license, PID or DAV and a dipnet permit may participate in personal-use fisheries.

For additional information on the Kasilof River personal use fishery, see pages 14 – 17 of the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summary or call the Anchorage dipnetting hotline at 907-267-2512.

— Staff report