Fish and Game closes salmon fishing on Larson Creek

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has closed fishing for all salmon species on Larson Creek, effective Saturday.

According to an order issued on Thursday, a weak run of sockeye salmon is the cause for the closure.  Fish and Game Area Biologist Sam Ivey says the current count of sockeye salmon on Larson Creek is about one-fifth of the low end of the sustainable escapement goal.  He adds that, even assuming a very late run, numbers are unlikely to meet the goal.

Escapement goals are the number of fish that biologists believe will provide a stable spawning population.

The closure affects all of Larson Creek, and the area within a quarter-mile of its confluence with the Talkeetna River.  Sport fishing for non-salmon species is still allowed in the area, but salmon are not allowed to be targeted or possessed, and must be released immediately if accidentally caught.

More information is available from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.