(Soldotna) – To protect returning king salmon and ensure fishing opportunities in the future, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is implementing the following sport fishing regulation restrictions for early-run king salmon in the Kasilof River drainage effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2024. The bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is two hatchery-produced fish. Hatchery-produced king salmon are recognizable by a healed adipose fin-clip scar. Naturally-produced king salmon of any size may not be possessed or retained and are distinguishable by an intact adipose fin, a small fleshy fin on the back of the fish just ahead of the tail. Naturally-produced king salmon that are caught may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately. Additionally, only one single-hook may be used either baited, unbaited, or on an artificial lure during this time. Single-hook means a fish hook with only one point.

ADF&G manages the Kasilof River early-run king salmon sport fishery to achieve a sustainable escapement goal (SEG) of 700–1,400 naturally-produced king salmon as monitored through an ADF&G weir located on Crooked Creek. Crooked Creek king salmon are used to supplement king salmon stocking programs in the Kasilof River and across Southcentral Alaska.

“To achieve an escapement within the current SEG and provide collection of naturally-produced king salmon broodstock, as well as increasing opportunity for anglers targeting Kasilof River hatchery-produced king salmon returning to Crooked Creek, ADF&G has determined restrictions to the early-run king salmon sport fishery in the Kasilof River are necessary to achieve these goals in 2024,” stated Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey.

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Phill Stacey at (907) 260-2920 or (907) 267-2324.

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