Kenai River Salmon Fishing Orders

By Sally Delacruz


For another year, there will be restricted Salmon fishing On Kenai River. The ban is repeated 50 years after the first such action in 1964 and 1965. Authorities seek to protect the number of kings along the network. The alert has been issued in good time so that sporting enthusiasts can find alternatives. The department concerned with fishing wants to boost the number of kings in order to guarantee survival.

50 years after the first Kenai River Salmon fishing ban for two years in a row in 1964 and 1965, a slight change has been introduced. The runs take effect before the beginning of the season. This gives room for enthusiasts to look for alternatives and avoid disruptions when emergency orders are issued.

The ban extends to Little Sustina, Kaslof, Anchor and Sustina rivers. Their tributaries are also covered by the restricting order. This ban took effect from Thursday 1st and extends to 30th June. The restrictions change from 1st July to accommodate people fishing past Slikok Creek. These are the same restrictions put in place last year.

The dates when the restrictions take effect have been pushed forward. It should be taken as good news to fishing enthusiasts since they can plan accordingly. The department has been observing trends and found it prudent to take such measures.

Last year, the rules allowed sporting fans to catch and later release the fish. The provision is not there anymore. This is because of declining numbers. Allowing the trend to continue endangers the population of this species in the area.

The normal flow brings around 5,300 to 9,000 kings to the area during the early run. Authorities are not expecting the same number this year. They estimate that it will plummet around 2,200. The survival of the kings can only be assured through such measures. This will prevent depletion beyond a limit that would lead to extinction.

Closure before the beginning of the season was also witnessed in 1965. A repetition of this trend is informed by the strong numbers reported then. Orders for the late run are yet to be issued as authorities want to observe if the trend will change.

Kasilof river offers an option if they are from hatcheries. There is a way to distinguish the two types of fish. Authorities have banned the use of single hooks and baits along this river. The hatchery bag has also been restricted.

Anchor River offers a limit of two salmons in a year. Their size is restricted to 20 inches and beyond. Sport fishing is not allowed on Wednesdays. Un-baited and single hooks are not allowed as well. Similar restrictions apply to drainage areas for these rivers.

The arrival of kings and fishermen later than usual during the last season is blamed on the chilly weather. The date for affecting the ban has been pushed to 1st from 15th May. This will increase the survival rate for the early run. The restrictions are relaxed with time if the situation changes.




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