Fish and Game closes Susitna drainage for king salmon fishing

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will not allow fishing for king salmon in the Susitna River drainage this year.

An emergency order issued on Monday, cites a low forecast for kings as the reason for the early closure. Area Biologist Sam Ivey says,“Last season king salmon stocks in the North Cook Inlet experienced a weak run of king salmon, as did most of Alaska. An exceptionally low run is expected again this season due to a poor showing of 5- and 6-year old fish.

The closure is a step further than the pre-season restrictions Fish and Game placed last year. In years past, Fish and Game has allowed king fishing in limited areas, as well as varying levels of catch-and-release fishing. Regulations on the Deshka and Little Susitna Rivers have been the most lax in recent years. This year, both rivers are closed to all king fishing. In addition, in areas previously open for kings, anglers may only use single, unbaited hooks when fishing for other species.