(Palmer) - In an effort to increase the number of coho salmon passing through the Little Susitna River weir and Knik River drainage, Cottonwood, Fish, and Wasilla Creeks, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is closing the Little Susitna River from its mouth up to the Parks Highway and Knik River drainage, including Jim Creek, and Cottonwood, Fish, and Wasilla Creeks to sport fishing for coho salmon effective 12:01 a.m. Thursday, August 15 through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 30, 2024. The use of bait continues to be prohibited. Gear in these waters is restricted to unbaited, artificial lures, multiple hooks are allowed, meaning treble hooks or two hooks may be used. The Eklutna tailrace is not included in this closure and bait and multiple hooks are still allowed there to help anglers harvest stocked coho salmon.

“Further evaluation of run size based on daily weir counts and observations by staff indicate more stringent action must be taken to conserve coho salmon returning to the Little Susitna River, Knik River drainage, and Cottonwood, Fish, and Wasilla Creeks” stated Palmer Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund. “As of August 12, only 878 coho salmon had passed upstream of the Little Susitna River weir and the escapement is projected to be 2,154 fish. Therefore, it is warranted to conserve the remaining coho salmon returning to the Little Susitna River to ensure achievement of the escapement goal and the Knik River drainage and these other creeks to conserve returning coho salmon to that system.”

For additional information, please contact Area Management Biologist Samantha Oslund at
(907) 746-6300.

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