(Seward) - To provide youth anglers 15 years of age and younger additional opportunity to harvest king salmon returning to the Seward Lagoon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is extending the season of the youth-only fishery in Seward through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The Seward Lagoon and waters draining out of the Seward Lagoon (outfall stream) remain closed to anglers 16 years of age and older.

“The Seward Lagoon is stocked annually with king salmon to provide opportunity for young anglers. Over the last couple of years, king salmon have been entering the Seward Lagoon after June 30,” stated Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth. “This area serves as a terminal fishery; it is not used for hatchery broodstock and there is no natural reproduction. Our hope is for these fish to be caught by young anglers. Using a canoe or kayak is a good option as shore access can be limited at the lagoon.”

Adults can assist youth anglers, but the fish becomes part of the bag limit of the angler who hooks the fish. Each youth angler is allowed a bag limit of two fish per day. King salmon that are 20 inches or greater must be recorded on a harvest record card and count towards the Kenai Peninsula Area annual limit of five king salmon. Youth anglers can use bait or lures. Snagging is not allowed in fresh waters.

For additional information, please contact the Area Management Biologist Brittany Blain-Roth at (907) 267-2186.

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