State Biologists Impose New King Salmon Fishing Restrictions

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — State biologists are imposing new restrictions on Chignik and Ninilchik River king salmon fishing set to take effect over the next few days, and extending an existing restriction on retaining kings caught in much of Cook Inlet as low salmon runs continue statewide.

An Alaska Department of Fish and Game order for the Chignik River sport fishery bars retaining kings 20 inches and over effective Sunday, restricting fishing to catch-and-release using single unbaited hooks. Bag and possession limits for kings under 20 inches remain at 10 each, with no annual limit.

A separate order for Ninilchik River kings completely closes the sport fishery for hatchery kings from Monday through Oct. 31, in an effort to protect hatchery runs in the area. The Ninilchik and Anchor Rivers have already been closed to all sport fishing until Monday. From Monday through July 31, fishing will be restricted to single unbaited hooks; kings may not be targeted.

A third no-retention order for kings caught in the salt waters of Cook Inlet, from the latitude of the Ninilchik River’s mouth to the latitude of Bluff Point, extends the ban on keeping fish from Monday through 11:59 p.m. on July 31. Catch-and-release fishing is permitted, but fish may not be removed from the water.