Region 2-Southcentral News Release
(Released: July 31, 2009)
Contact:
Dave Rutz
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 746-6300
July 31, 2009
The Fish Creek Personal Use Dip Net Fishery will be open from 6:00 a.m., Saturday, August 1, through 11:00 p.m., Friday, August 7. Dipnetting will be allowed only between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11 p.m. each day and only sockeye salmon are allowed to be taken; all other salmon species must be released immediately. The area open to dipnetting is from ADF&G regulatory markers located on both sides of the terminus of Fish Creek, to ADF&G regulatory markers located approximately one quarter mile upstream from Knik Goose Bay Road. Dipnetting is allowed from a boat or from the shore.
More than 56,000 sockeye salmon have passed through the Fish Creek weir as of July 31. A late surge of over 13,000 sockeye salmon returning to Fish Creek on July 30 resulted in a run projection that may exceed the upper bounds of the escapement goal of 20,000-70,000 sockeye salmon.
Participants are responsible for correctly identifying sockeye salmon and coho salmon. Sockeye salmon are distinguished from coho salmon by a lack of distinct spots on the back, the dorsal fin, and the tail. Coho salmon have small black spots on the back, the dorsal fin, and the top half of the tail. Please see page 8 in the Southcentral Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary Booklet for more details.
A 2009 Upper Cook Inlet Personal Use permit is required to dipnet salmon at Fish Creek and only Alaskan residents holding a valid sport fishing license, or ADF&G Permanent Identification Card (senior license), or ADF&G Disabled Veteran's license may participate in this fishery. The permit is the same permit used in the Kenai and Kasilof dipnet fisheries. Participants are allowed to harvest up to 25 sockeye salmon per head of household with 10 additional fish for each household member. Only one permit is allowed per household and permits will not be reissued for a household that has already returned their permit to Fish and Game.
For more information, contact the Palmer Area Office at (907) 746-6300.
