Region 2-Southcentral News Release
(Released: May 24, 2005)
Contact:
Dave Rutz
Area Management Biologist
Phone: (907) 746-6300
May 24, 2005
Effective 6:00 a.m., Friday, May 27, through 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2005, the bag and possession limit for Deshka River king salmon will be increased from one (1) per day and two (2) in possession to two (2) per day and four (4) in possession in that part of the Deshka River open to king salmon sport fishing.
Also, downstream of the weir on the Deshka, fishing will be allowed 24 hours per day on the same effective dates.
The area affected by the increased bag and possession limit is the Deshka River from its mouth upstream to an ADF&G marker near Chijuk Creek, and all waters of the Susitna River within a one-half mile radius of the Deshka River confluence.
The area affected by the increase in fishing hours is the Deshka River from its mouth upstream to ADF&G markers 300 feet downstream of the weir, and all waters of the Susitna River within a one-half mile radius of the Deshka River confluence. The Deshka River 300 feet upstream and downstream of the weir at River Mile 7 remains closed to all fishing.
King salmon returns to the Deshka River have been above the escapement goal range for the past six years, and the 2005 king salmon return should also be well above the goal. The average yearly Deshka River king salmon sport harvest is about 7,000 fish, and even with a 3,000 – 5,000 fish increase, the escapement should be above the goal.
