Region 2-Southcentral News Release
(Released: June 16, 2005)
Contact:
Matt Miller
Matt Miller
Phone: 907-267-2415
June 16, 2005
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced today that the daily bag and possession limit for king salmon 20 inches or greater in length is increased to 2 per day, 2 in possession beginning 6:00 a.m., Saturday June 18, 2005. The bag limit for king salmon less than 20 inches remains 10 per day, 10 in possession. This increased bag limit will remain in effect until the Ship Creek king salmon fishery closes by regulation at 11:00 pm on July 13. The Ship Creek nighttime closure from 11:00 p.m.- 6:00 a.m., the annual limits, and recording requirements are still in effect for the Ship Creek fishery.
A partial stream survey conducted in Ship Creek on June 15 2005, enumerated 300 king salmon in closed waters upstream of the designated harvest area. Poor visibility and high water conditions in Ship Creek limited the survey to the first half-mile below the Elmendorf Hatchery. A comparable Ship Creek survey conducted under more favorable water conditions in 2004 estimated 343 king salmon in this same section of the creek and the complete survey enumerated total Ship Creek escapement at 1,020 king salmon. Good catch rates in the fishery suggest a strong return of king salmon this year. With the run only 40-50% complete and high tides at the end of June, it is expected the hatchery’s minimum brood stock needs of 250 fish for Ship Creek will be exceeded. Anglers at Ship Creek are still catching fresh, bright king salmon. Don’t miss this chance to get a salmon and participate in this unique Anchorage fishery.
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