(Palmer) - The use of bait will be prohibited in the Little Susitna River from its mouth upstream to the Parks Highway and in the Jim Creek drainage. The bag limit is reduced to one coho, effective 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 6, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2024. Only unbaited, artificial lures may be used. A person who takes a bag limit of salmon, other than king salmon, 16 inches long or longer from the Little Susitna River or Jim Creek may not fish for any species of fish in the Little Susitna River downstream of the Parks Highway or Jim Creek drainage that same day. These restrictions do not include the Eklutna Tailrace fishery.

"The Little Susitna River coho salmon sustainable escapement goal (SEG) is 9,200 - 17,700 fish. While still early in the run, projections of escapement are trending down and the SEG may not be achieved." stated Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund. “As of August 1, an estimated 585 coho salmon had passed upstream of the Little Susitna River weir with an on time escapement projection of 5,291 fish. Coho salmon counts at the Jim Creek weir are also below average. At this time, it is justified to reduce catch efficiency of coho salmon at the Little Susitna River and Jim Creek in order to reduce mortality of coho salmon until it can be determined the run size is sufficient to support additional harvest.”

The department will continue to monitor the Little Susitna River and Jim Creek coho salmon runs as they develop. If run strength improves to a level that can support a larger harvest, restrictions to the sport fishery may be rescinded. However, additional restrictions are possible if the run does not improve.

For more information, contact Samantha Oslund at (907) 746-6300.

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