Kenai River Salmon Fishing Closure

By Sally Delacruz


King Salmon fishing along Kenai River faces restrictions once again like it happened last year. The trend of restricting the sport was repeated after 50 years with the aim of retaining most of them within the ecosystem. Enthusiasts are advised to look for alternatives. The Fishery Department is confident that the measures will raise their numbers.

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.

Other rivers affected by the ban include Kaslof, Little Sustina, Sustina and Anchor rivers. Similar activity is also restricted along their tributaries. The period of the ban extends from Thursday May 1st to June 30th. Beyond July 1st restrictions similar to those that were given last year will be in place. Retentions are only allowed for kings caught past the Slikok Creek.

The closure is different since it comes before the season begins. According to the Department of Fish and Game, enthusiasts can make alternative plans to avoid disappointment. This move is bold and informed by years of observation.

The order last year allowed enthusiasts to catch and release the fish. This is not allowed this year. The authorities insist that there are no fish or those available will not be enough. They seek to ensure that balance in the ecosystem is maintained. A higher number offers the assurance that the kings will remain 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.

A repetition of what happened 50 years ago is expected to give desired results. The closure helped to rebuild stocks that have sustained the species over the years. Along the Kasilof River, anglers are limited to hatchery fish. Single hooks and baits are also not allowed along the river. There also is a bag limit for the hatchery fish.

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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